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Post subject: Blackfacing a Silverface Bassman 100
Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 5:53 am
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Has anyone here blackfaced their Bassman 100. From what I've read it's a great mod but wondering what people here have experienced.


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Post subject: Re: Blackfacing a Silverface Bassman 100
Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 7:16 am
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Seeing as how there never was a blackface version of that amp, I'd be curious to know what "voodoo" your amp tech can use to transform it. The closest blackface relative to any silverface 4 x 6L6 Fender platform is the AB763 Showman or Twin Reverb. That's the logical starting point for any modding.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Blackfacing a Silverface Bassman 100
Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 10:49 am
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Would the first step be to pull two of the 6L6s?

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Post subject: Re: Blackfacing a Silverface Bassman 100
Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 11:09 am
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Retroverbial wrote:
...4 x 6L6 Fender platform...

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Post subject: Re: Blackfacing a Silverface Bassman 100
Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 4:36 pm
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Yeah Shay, concur with Arjay. After a cursory schemo view, the 763 Showman design would be my choice to emmulate. It would require a total rebuild starting at the phase inverter input all the way through the power amp section, including the bias supply. I don't have any first-hand experience with the 100, but have worked on the 50 of the same era. The good news is that there is alot of open room in this chassis(no vibrato, no reverb,& in this case only two pre amp tubes). Whether you or your tech take on the project, this chassis is a pleasure to work on! JMO Art

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Post subject: Re: Blackfacing a Silverface Bassman 100
Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 4:43 pm
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aclempoppi wrote:
The good news is that there is alot of open room in this chassis(no vibrato, no reverb,& in this case only two pre amp tubes).


+1

The Bassman 100 shares its chassis dimensions with the Twin Reverb -- plenty of room for mods. I'd punch another pair of holes, add two 12AX7's, and wire them up for additional pre-amp stages (a la the AA864 Bassman).

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Blackfacing a Silverface Bassman 100
Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 5:46 am
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Thanks for the replies.

I'm not sure if the forum allows external links to a commercial site so this is how the ad reads

[i][quote]This blackface kit is designed for your silverface Bassman 100 amp.

This kit basically converts the output section of your silverface Bassman 100 to the "standard" blackface output section used in most blackface Fender amplifiers. The Bassman heads went through many circuit changes over the years, from the blackface AA864, AA165 & AB165 circuits to the silverface Bassman 50 & 100 amps, each with very different preamp circuits & output circuits. While there is no standard blackface bassman circuit, this conversion kit "mods" your amp to the standard blackface output circuit used in most blackface Fender amps, just like the infamous AA864 Bassman circuit.

This kit includes all of the electrical components, diagrams & written directions you need to perform a full blackface conversion on your silverface Fender amplifier. (Sorry! Tools, solder & wire NOT included).

Complete, detailed, easy to follow instructions with “before & after” diagrams are included.

Only the highest quality Sprague Atom electrolytic capacitors are included in this kit.

Only the highest quality carbon comp resistors are used in the signal path. Flameproof 1W metal oxide resistors are used for the high voltage applications in the power supply & bias supply. Instructions for reading color codes on resistors included.

BONUS: Certain resistors, vital to optimum performance of the driver & phase inverter have been measured & matched by tolerance percentage!! You are getting a completely matched set for your output section! This ensures maximum efficiency, optimum performance and the best possible tone from your Fender!

The tolerance normally associated with resistors makes it almost impossible to find matched sets unless you have hundreds & hundreds to choose from, & the time to sort through them all.

I have taken readings on literally thousands of resistors and spent countless hours putting these matched sets together. Why? Because matched sets sound SO MUCH better than unmatched! Most kits on the market today do not take the time to provide this important service.

As a bonus, the necessary resistors & detailed instructions on how to properly set the bias of your newly blackfaced amp (using only a multimeter & calculator) are included.


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Post subject: Re: Blackfacing a Silverface Bassman 100
Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 6:58 am
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The description of the kit's contents does sound as if it contains "the right stuff".

What's the asking price?

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Blackfacing a Silverface Bassman 100
Posted: Fri May 25, 2012 4:27 am
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$55 US.

It would be a bit of a gamble and wonder if it would be any good for bass.


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Post subject: Re: Blackfacing a Silverface Bassman 100
Posted: Fri May 25, 2012 6:23 am
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If you're using this amp as intended (for a bass instrument) I see nothing to be gained by any attempt at a pseudo-blackface conversion. Unless you prefer the heavily fuzzed-out bass tones of say, Felix Pappalardi or Jack Bruce.

JMOOC......

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Blackfacing a Silverface Bassman 100
Posted: Fri May 25, 2012 8:04 pm
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Didn't know you're using the amp for bass. My choice would to save up for a matched quad of 7581 power tubes, maybe a stout phase inverter tube. Have the bias checked, and call it a good day. Art

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Post subject: Re: Blackfacing a Silverface Bassman 100
Posted: Sat May 26, 2012 3:31 am
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I don't use this for bass anymore. It's OK at low volume but really does not cut the mustard with a band. Our guitarist uses it at the moment. So considering i don't use it for bass much I thought maybe I should do it.


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Post subject: Re: Blackfacing a Silverface Bassman 100
Posted: Sat May 26, 2012 3:59 pm
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OK Shay,I think it's coming into focus. Yeah for guitar; I'd go with the power amp kit. For bass; I'd go with the 7581's. JMO Art

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