66 fender blackface bassman as steel amp

Instruments, mechanical issues, copedents, techniques, etc.

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Nick Anderson
Posts: 104
Joined: 20 Jan 2000 1:01 am
Location: IL

66 fender blackface bassman as steel amp

Post by Nick Anderson »

Any one else use one of these?
Rick Abbott
Posts: 2175
Joined: 20 Feb 2007 4:10 pm
Location: Indiana, USA

Post by Rick Abbott »

I have a '67 and have used it quite a lot. It's easy to overdrive, so you can't expect a bunch of volume. It's enough for most of what I do.

Use a matching devise like a black box or goodrich. Cool the bias a tiny bit on the output tubes and be sure it's electronically up to date: electrolytics and a good inverter tube.

They can sound really phat!
RICK ABBOTT
Sho~Bud D-10 Professional #7962
Remington T-8, Wakarusa 5e3 clone
1953 Stromberg-Carlson AU-35
Nick Anderson
Posts: 104
Joined: 20 Jan 2000 1:01 am
Location: IL

Post by Nick Anderson »

Yes, I get really breakup with regular guitar, so that makes sense. Thanks!
Rick Abbott
Posts: 2175
Joined: 20 Feb 2007 4:10 pm
Location: Indiana, USA

Post by Rick Abbott »

I tried a 5751 preamp tube in the guitar channel to cool it off. I liked it, on one hand, and not so much the other. Ears vary.

I think it might be cool to mod the bass channel into a steel channel.
RICK ABBOTT
Sho~Bud D-10 Professional #7962
Remington T-8, Wakarusa 5e3 clone
1953 Stromberg-Carlson AU-35
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Jack Hanson
Posts: 5024
Joined: 19 Jun 2012 3:42 pm
Location: San Luis Valley, USA

Post by Jack Hanson »

Mine is from June, 1964 (NF), model 6G6-B with solid-state rectifier, black tolex, and white knobs.

My opinion:

Great guitar amp, adequate for loud lap steel (not so great at low volume), not enough headroom for pedal steel when playing out. Okay for practice or recording.
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