1967 Fender Bandmaster: FINALLY.....A Cooperative Patient

After a long run of nightmarish repair challenges, I finally encounter an amp that responds well to my efforts: a beautiful, completely original 1967 Fender Bandmaster. After routine replacement of electrolytic caps and several carbon comp resistors, rewiring of the primary circuit, tremolo and bias supply tune ups, and output tube biasing, it sounds like a million bucks. No previous botching, continuous disasters, failing tubes and transformers, inexplicable hums and crackles, smoke or explosions......it simply emerges from surgery in perfect shape, ready for many more years of service to its lucky owner.
In addition, we will visit Jack and KC during their "cat naps", and take a ride in a 1934 Ford pickup with newly installed tunnel ram and dual Holley carbs.
If you enjoy advertising-free vintage amp videos like this one, please subscribe to our channel and consider becoming a Patreon patron at: / uncledougsvintageamps or making a PayPal contribution to: [e-mail]. We would really appreciate it. Thanks for watching :)

[@michaelogden5958]

UNCLE DOUG!!! What a treat!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Mike :)

[@SevenPillarOfFolly]

Hooray! Just when I was wondering if everything was ok over there.

[@UncleDoug]

We're doing just fine, Daniel. Thanks for your concern :)

[@julesl6910]

What an absolutely sweet sounding amp. You did it justice, and it honored us with its Presence :)

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Jules. That was definitely our goal :)

[@georgekrabs6948]

Thanks for the ride in the purple monster uncle Doug I needed to get out a bit What a machine

[@lewisgeyer1440]

Always good to see Jack and Casey. Oh, you too Uncle Doug. ;-)

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Lewis :)

[@PETECAROLAN]

Wow Uncle Doug. Valve amps and Hot Rods. Looks like your'e living the dream. How cool.

[@josephtravers777]

One of the best amps Fender made. I owned a '68 SF w/ the AB763 circuit and it was a jewel but had some issues. Sold it to buy my wife a Christmas present. Things we do for love. :)

[@UncleDoug]

Amen, Joseph ;)

[@stevenkimsey7039]

Your the Man, all of us gear people love your work

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Steve :)

[@kickinvideo333]

Warning! Watching UD and sipping a drink can be both hilarious and hazardous 🤣

[@UncleDoug]

Also for anyone sitting in front of you :)

[@kickinvideo333]

Uncle Doug 😆

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

Keyboard-killing coffee spray is a real danger.

[@Tonetwisters]

Fender amps are incredibly tough ... And this one is beautiful.

[@UncleDoug]

Agreed....twice :) Thanks, TT.

[@movinginstereo40]

Fender Vibrato and Paul Westerberg is pure bliss. Just like cruising in a VW 36hp Low Light Ghia.

[@UncleDoug]

Life is good :)

[@dougakers7974]

Nice to see you back

[@2000bhoy]

Glad you are keeping well and thanks for another interesting repair of a marvellous vintage Fender. Stay well!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, you too!

[@gearheadted9210]

Uncle Doug and a cuppa great way to start the day! thanks again for imparting more pearls of wisdom to the masses!

[@gregdd57]

Very happy and relieved to see another video from you, UD! Hope all is well with you and yours!!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Greg. Never better.

[@josephsichting8162]

Thanks for all you do. You have helped me out so much with all your videos . Please don't stop. Keep on truckin.

[@UncleDoug]

Will do, Joseph.

[@jeffmansfield914]

Thanks for the drive. I could just hear Marty Robbins singing out loud and clear along the way.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks for joining Marty and me, Jeff :)

[@suomi35]

Spirits lifted again with a new Uncle Doug video. My favorite type of oxygen.

[@billdyke9745]

A really sweet sound. Thanks, Jack & Ollie. (I don't get Unc's tremolo thing, but, hey. Keep the ol' fella amused, guys, the world's a better place...)

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Bill :)

[@Kilovolver]

The sound of this one ended up Superb. great vid UD, thanks!

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you liked it, K. Thanks !!

[@joemcgraw5529]

Allways a treat for a new video from Uncle Doug!!! The Ratrod is very nice !!! glad you are healthy and doing well ,awesome amp thankgod it made it with no damage

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, Joe :)

[@kwsailer1]

What a beautiful amplifier! Thank you for sharing!

[@UncleDoug]

The pleasure was ours, KW.

[@weschilton]

I'm re-watching this video after recently buying a 1967 Deluxe Reverb. I really appreciate your thorough explanation of how the screen resistors and grid stoppers function. My brand-new to me amp had the v8 power tube fail in the first half hour of playing it, frying something inside and releasing gray smoke! At first, I was mortified that I had somehow killed the power transformer, until I opened up the chassis and saw the roasted screen resistor (which was already pretty dark). I remembered that you had talked about these before so I went back to find this video. After watching this video explanation again, I know understand much better what happened. Thanks!

[@UncleDoug]

A burned screen resistor generally indicates a short within the tube, Wes. Replace the screen resistor and the tube.....and see if the problem doesn't disappear.

[@jpalberthoward9]

I was just given a free AB763 Bandmaster head this past Monday. It had been left out in the shed for over 30 years, and there was enough dirt on it to grow potatoes! It's the early silverface with the little aluminum trim around the grill cloth. The tube chart says AB763, and sure enough, it checks out with the schematic to a "T" . No CBS silliness anywhere! thanks to your excellent presentation on your video, I was able to get this thing running, and blow out all of the gremlins (noise, crackling, hum, etc) in record time. For about $15 worth of parts and a few hours time, I am now the owner of a righteous Bandmaster that sounds like God shouting from the mountain top! Your advice and expertise are far advanced from what I know, and I must thank you a thousand times. Much respect and admiration to you sir!

[@UncleDoug]

It's great to hear that you put the video knowledge to good use, JP. Congratulations on a successful restoration :)

[@jpalberthoward9]

@@UncleDoug Thank you again, and I have to say that you had a hand in the process. My new old Bandmaster rocks the house.

[@SandersAmps]

Thanks Uncle Doug! I always learn something good.

[@UncleDoug]

That's our goal, Shaun.

[@deanmesserer3554]

I used to play through the exact same type of amp in the late 70s. The fuse holder used to get bumped and the end would fall off into the back of the cabinet. Beginning of the night I would reach around with bass in one hand to turn it on and my fingers would brush by the live fuse poking out the back. Zapped me many times!

[@UncleDoug]

You're lucky you weren't touching the bass strings at the same time, Dean. Glad you survived :)

[@spud2go]

Always a treat to see a new Uncle Doug video - hope lockdown hasen't been too much of a trial for you & your loved ones.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Spud. It's actually not much of a change. I generally spend several hours in the workshop daily and then take a spin in a hot rod for some fresh air.......pre and post quarantine ;)

[@petaks01]

Wow, she was a real beauty on the inside.

[@UncleDoug]

Yes, indeed :)

[@kerrybayton8356]

That was a really great show.. I've missed your content. Glad your all well..

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Kerry. You too, I hope.

[@thomaswagner1761]

I miss Texas every time you take us for a drive. Beautiful pickup truck! This video came to my attention at the perfect time. I just bought a 66 Bandmaster online and am expecting to replace caps and so forth. I don't use vibrato so I usually ignore it but your walk through on this circuit has enticed me to check it on the new amp when it arrives. Thank you for your excellent videos!

[@UncleDoug]

You're quite welcome, Thomas. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@heentlasaa9974]

Thank you Doug. I have 2 Fender Bandmaster Heads that more than like need Recapping, It's amazing how much Techs charge for shop time on Tube Amps, Seems if they'd lower Service charges it'd equate to more business Thank you Uncle Doug. I love the sound of tube Amps.

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Heen. Keep watching and maybe you'll be ready to perform your own basic maintenance.

[@chakathewolf]

Glad to hear you're doing well!

[@UncleDoug]

Thank you! Same for you, I hope.

[@jeffmitchell9214]

It's good that you're ok. We were worried sick.

[@UncleDoug]

I'm sorry, Jeff, and I really appreciate your concern.

[@chalecoflash]

Your videos are the best content one can find on youtube. Greetings from Argentina.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Nixo :)

[@charlesmatthias9459]

Anther great video,'Uncle Doug'! I always' learn something from your videos',every time that I watch one!Glad you are doing well!Enjoyed the 'hot-rod' ride!Take Care!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks for joining us, Charles :)

[@moodyga40]

we all love uncle doug

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Ian. Jack & I are flattered :)

[@MrMeik1970]

Thank you for the trip with your car 👍very nice 👌I enjoy your videos. Greetings to the Cats!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks for watching!

[@pyrotas]

Doug, your playing gets better almost by the day!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Fabio. It's all due to the gracious assistance of Ollie & Jack.

[@slyfoxx2973]

UD can magically make new parts appear in an instant. Guess that's gotta come in handy!

[@UncleDoug]

Indeed. Now if I could only make that happen with my stimulus check ;)

[@OakKnobFarm]

I wasn't "worried".... but that CERTAINLY doesn't mean I wasn't desperate for a new Uncle Doug Video :)

[@jamesunderhill1603]

Glad to hear your all OK, sweet amp, sweet ride, cool dude.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, James.

[@richardworkman5416]

I've never been much of a fan of KZbin'sters that include their pets in the video. But, in your case Uncle Doug, I've always been more accepting and never known quite why. I think today I finally have figured it out. I think Jack is much more relaxed and entirely more helpful than most pets. Other pets always seem to talk too much. But, Jack seems to know when it's best to hold his tongue and when it's time to express his humble opinion with less words and more action! I tip my hat to you, Sir. Not only for having raised a fine companion; but, also for providing another thorough, instructive and easy to follow video! Thank you for the service you provide mankind.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks from both of us, Richard. I agree that other people's kids and pets are generally a nuisance and distraction.....but Jack was raised to be "seen and not heard", and thus is a trusted confidante :)

[@freelancevt]

That's so evident! LOL!!

[@michaelkesti3917]

Your guitar playing has really come along nicely.

[@UncleDoug]

All praise goes to Jack & Ollie ;)

[@billklement2492]

@@UncleDoug , the cats play better than I do!

[@misteramx1]

I was just thinking the same thing.

[@UncleDoug]

@@billklement2492 Think how I feel when they outplay me too ;)

[@waskele.wabbit717]

Got one just like that that needs your attention Uncle Doug

[@UncleDoug]

I hope it's as easy to repair, WE.

[@racpa5]

The Bandmaster looks so pristine, I thought it was a reissue.

[@UncleDoug]

It was a nice one, R5.

[@marcuscarrozza732]

I was worried about you Uncle Doug , glad you are all ok there . Love the Truck . It was funny you said damn it and a cop rolled up on the other side of the high way at the light. I know you said that about the light changing. Was funny.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks. The camera doesn't miss anything, Marcus ;)

[@charleshensley2018]

I like your chassis stand rig. Tall and adjustable its cool.

[@UncleDoug]

It was a gift from a generous viewer, Charles.

[@thomaswagner1761]

Yeah, that thing is really clever.

[@bretthibbs6083]

The amp sounds great uncle doug

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Brett :)

[@bretthibbs6083]

@@UncleDoug you're welcome

[@tonyevans9999]

The BF Bandmaster and it's combo version The Pro ab763 are my faves. Such a versatile amp Keen to watch this one

[@hpelisr]

Nice work on the amp, and a great hot rod. Good to hear from you again.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Hack.

[@raycochrane3971]

Thanks Uncle Doug, that was great as usual: love the test tunes.

[@mamutcat]

"Optimize what you got, and make it work like it used to." Wise words as I approach my dotage. Good to have you back, Uncle Doug. We missed you.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Allan. It's good to be back.

[@nandouy]

Nice to hear from you Doug! a nice ride after another fine job!

[@hestheMaster]

At 13:25 if only shipping was that fast! LOL Great repair to make like new once again!🔊🎵🎵🎵

[@UncleDoug]

They do offer good service, HM. Thanks !!

[@koonsickgreen6272]

wow. to pack such a jem so poorly.. thank god it arrived fine. I appreciate the new video Uncle Doug!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, KG :)

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Hey Doug, I'm finally a round to it. Thanks for video. BTW, I laughed out loud at the orange hand towels on your amp service rack. I grew up with the same set, can't forget what I wiped my hands on for decades.

[@UncleDoug]

Our pleasure, Craig. Watch our latest video to see your volt-amp monitor in action :)

[@CraigHollabaugh]

@@UncleDoug Spoiler! I haven't watched the Magnatone rework video yet. Glad it help out in your tone restore quest.

[@andrewjmcgee]

it is good to hear you are ok, Uncle Doug!

[@EddieLeeFunn]

As usual, well done, sir!

[@MehrdadGivehchi]

Welcome back and certainly missed your informative videos.

[@antonix_81]

That amp sound amazing! Great video as always ,thanks for all your videos ,i'm fixing an old italian tube amp and i've learned a lot just watching you work! 👍🏻

[@UncleDoug]

Great to hear, A81. Good luck with your project.

[@antonix_81]

@@UncleDoug thank you ! Hopefully i will finish it soon👍🏻

[@bertrodriguez3087]

Cactus and car are both beautiful !!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Bert :)

[@MrAnxious0123]

Oh happy new year! I was wondering how you were, thanks for everything. from France

[@AROSFC]

Tks for another amazing video with two of my favorite stuff....valve amps and engines...that engine sound it's just a dream...stay safe!

[@themusicshopct]

My favorite channel is back with another fantastic video. So glad you are doing ok.

[@UncleDoug]

Thank you so much!

[@blkjckgtr3075]

Cool amp Doug you do nice work!and thanks for the ride!Cheers

[@MichaelLee-tv5ih]

You are a great and genorus man for sharing your knowledge we appreciate it very much

[@richreid7098]

Thank you. I enjoy all your videos. I appreciate the work that goes into each one.

[@UncleDoug]

We appreciate your kind words, Rich.

[@raymondheath7668]

I love your adjustable wooden test stand! Another great video

[@davidkieltyka9]

That truck looks & sounds fantastic! The amp isn’t bad either. ☺️ Nice part of the US to take a drive in too…been fortunate to spend some time in the general area.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, David. Yes, there are lots of open spaces to "stretch your legs" in a hot rod :)

[@JohnCarey1963Jag]

Welcome back Doug. I missed watching your videos. Can't wait for the next one.

[@KB_Joys]

Glad to see you back uncle Doug! Nice video btw, amp and rod...

[@rohankhemraj]

Glad to hear that you're feeling well. I always love to see a Bandmaster. Great playing at the end. Thanks Uncle Doug.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Rohan.......glad you enjoyed it.

[@juanblanco3187]

That Engine is some of the best music I've heard lately. Thanks Uncle!

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you liked it, Juan.

[@ronniepirtlejr2606]

Good job Uncle Doug! I hope your doing good, staying safe and healthy!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Ronnie. You too, I hope.

[@SMITHII_]

Uncle Doug is the hickok45 of tube amps. Good video partner.

[@UncleDoug]

High praise indeed, Smithii. Thanks :)

[@giovanni5558]

Hey Uncle Doug, great to see new stuff from you! I wanna thank you for your informative and entertaining videos. Thank to you I gathered the courage and the knowledge needed to build my first amp, which brought me great joy and pride. Keep up the great work!

[@UncleDoug]

That's great news, Giovanni. We're glad to hear that your first project went well.

[@giovanni5558]

@@UncleDoug Cheers!

[@andycristea]

Great job on both the amp and the car, as always! Loved the ride along, thank you!

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you enjoyed it, Andy :)

[@vhm14u2c]

Hi uncle Doug, great seeing you sharing your knowledge and vids again, and stay safe.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Vince. Will do.

[@Tonetwisters]

Your truck! I want! First vehicle I ever rode in, was a 1944 or '45 Ford truck, in 1947. Saw one JUST like it a couple years ago, with no improvements to it at all ... holes, rust, same interior, no improvements ... I loved that thing.

[@butchlauer]

One good looking Bandmaster there I must say, great job Uncle Doug!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Phil.

[@dkovorik409]

YES! Thanks Uncle Doug! Now I feel better! Glad you are safe and sound!

[@UncleDoug]

We appreciate your concern, DK.

[@keithcarter9396]

Geez uncle Doug you have a fun life. Fixing great amps and driving classics across the Rio Grande. You are blessed, thanks for your great video uploads.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Keith. The best part is hearing from all our great viewers :)

[@mobicus1]

Love the video! Both the Fender and the fenderless sound amazing!! Cheers!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks twice, Rick.

[@madDadMusic]

Glad to see you well. Awesome video and lovely scenery around you.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks twice, Tim :)

[@GL64]

Glad you're doing well. Great job on the amp and the hot rod. That engine purrs very nicely!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, GL. It learned the purring from Jack :)

[@jamesbruno5896]

Another awesome repair & damn that rod runs sweet! Thanks Uncle Doug! Stay safe!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, James. You too :)

[@joseceraia]

Hi UD, great job and... a very wise idea to bias at 60% . IMHO 1967 was the golden year for the Fender amps. Amp sounds very good. Woaaww that truck ! At the first corner is was like a 747 waiting for lift off :-) Keep healthy Sir, Joseph ( Spain )

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Jose. I tend to be conservative with bias. It feels like a 747 once launched ;)

[@Justplast]

good to see back Uncle . Go the rod.

[@Finom1]

Hi Uncle Doug, God Bless and Protect you and your family. Thank you for Blessing us with your Tube Amp Wisdom!!!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks so much, F1. Likewise on all the good wishes.

[@agentjake13]

Hot rod looks great Uncle Doug! Fantastic work on the Bandmaster as well.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks twice, Jake.

[@Strongholle]

New Uncle Doug videos always make my day - really glad to see everything’s OK around there. Rewatching the old video made my quarantine time much, much easier to live with, but it did have the side effect that I’m now compulsively looking for cheap amp project to get my hands (or chopsticks) onto.

[@UncleDoug]

That's great to hear, S. This hobby needs all the new recruits we can get :)

[@Bigjoedo66]

Another excellent Video Uncle Doug!!

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Big Joe.

[@ima640]

Another great video Doug. You've got that amp sounding absolutley perfect.{Its nice to get one that dosen't fight you}. keep puting smiles on viewers faces and stay safe. Thanks for entertaining us with your expertise.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Ima :)

[@bluesteel48]

Uncle Doug, so glad to see that you’re safe and well. Thanks for the video. Love the exhaust note on the truck !

[@UncleDoug]

Our pleasure, Stephen. Thanks !!

[@breconmerthyrgwr9250]

Almost a full hour of uncle Doug, my evening just got a whole lot better lol😀😀😀

[@UncleDoug]

We hope you enjoy it, B&M.

[@johnpierson8398]

I really loved seeing inside this great amp! Your discussion of the circuitry, component details and repair strategy/philosophy is really helpful. Jack and KC ripped it up and reminded us of what this amp sounded like when it was new. As much as I like the amp's tone, you saved your special micing and audio Mastering skills for the tunnel ram with dual Holley carbs tone!

[@UncleDoug]

Glad you enjoyed it, John. The car noises are hard to get wrong ;)

[@waynemarc77]

Thanks Uncle Doug for another GREAT VIDEO! Glad your OK...

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Wayne. Thanks !!

[@stavrost6559]

I actually enjoyed the tone of that engine in the end as well. Thanks for the video. Cheers!

[@UncleDoug]

You're welcome, Stav.

[@thenonebadh]

Im glad youre back and well. Neat Job on the Amp and what a nice pickup:).

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Heinrich :)

[@spazimdam]

As to the output transformer being loose: "flappin in the breeze as we say in the amp biz". Too much Uncle Doug. You're a gem.

[@UncleDoug]

Thanks, Monte :)