Fender Amplifiers: The Brown Panel Years (1960-1963)

[@MMGUITARBAR]

Whoops, we made one small error: in the portion of the script where we talk about the one type of reverb unit that didn't match any available amp, we said it was a smooth blonde Tolex with gold sparkle cloth and a raised Fender logo. It should be smooth ***BROWN*** Tolex instead! Can't believe we didn't catch that in the script, but hey, we rattled off a lot of colors all at once in a such a quick segment. The responsible parties have been sacked.

[@MY-qx3gd]

No Twins??

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

Don't sack em, teach em, really though not even funny.

[@honkytonkinson9787]

Not sure why but I’ve become obsessed with Fender amps, especially the later tweed and brown panel amps. Appreciate the video!

[@XxXHardcoreshredderxXXxxxxxxxx]

Browns are my fav

[@scottjua]

Same… I now own two… a 61 Vibrolux, and a 61 Super. Lovely things

[@Tonetwisters]

I learned a LOT playing through my older brother's brand new1960 PRO with a 15" speaker. And today, I am blessed to own a 1962 Bandmaster head, which is also a great sounding amplifier. What an incredible tremolo!! The browns are a bit warmer than the blacks, with an increased mid-range.

[@ziccuj]

Thank you for your excellent and informative video! For me the Brown/Blonde era is the absolute pinnacle of Fender amps. It is - like you mentioned - the perfect blend between Tweed and Blackface amps: just the right amount of breakup, definition and tightness - and so much tone! Also the looks are stunning all across the board. I have quite a few of them in my collection and I'm glad to share my view on them below. The 6G2 Princeton is a killer studio / session / recording amp with the most pleasant tube overdrive and a hypnotizing tremolo and can actually act as the single main amp on pretty much every gig if properly miked - been there quite a few times. At higher gain settings the tremolo - if engaged - actually steps out of the way when playing hard and it only creeps in the moment you stop hitting your strings. It's like having a compressor with a slow attack controlling the effect - very musical indeed! The 6G3 Deluxe on the other hand is a true mini-Marshall with ridiculous amounts (relatively speaking, of course) of gain on tap, and as I've read, the key factor in early ZZ Top tones. Paired with a Marshall 4x12" cab (or two!) it's a ridiculously fun rock'n'roll amp. It's funny that both 6G2 and 6G3 have a 2x6V6 output stage yet the latter really feels much more powerful. It has to do with slightly larger transformers and the fact that the Princeton is a 1x10" by design whereas the Deluxe uses a 1x12" configuration. Some Princeton owners actually have swapped their 10-inchers out for a 12" speaker. As for the bigger units, the 6G6 Bassman and its later -A and -B revisions have so much punch that it's just ridiculous. Especially the 6G6-B has that super snappy attack and delicious midrange roar that's been good enough for The Beatles, Brian Setzer and The Cardigans, just to name a few. It can stay reasonably clean for quite some time - and even when it breaks up, it's very very musical indeed. Because the Bassman has larger transformers, it seems to have more authority and bottom end than the Bandmaster even though they both share a 2x5881 power tube section. And speaking of the 6G7-A Bandmaster, albeit being slightly less powerful than the Bassman (40 watts vs. 50 watts), it is a ridiculously fine sounding amp with the lush Harmonic Vibrato circuit that's a cross between a chorus, a phaser and a Univibe - it's psychedelic, it's mesmerizing and just downright beautiful. Some might think it is a high-gain amp since there are 6 (yes, six!) preamp tubes. You'll have to remember though that three of them are dedicated to the Harmonic Vibrato circuit. Actually, if you're only using the normal channel, you can remove three of the preamp tubes. I also have a "Tuxedo" or "BFWK" (Black Face White Knob) 6G2 Princeton from 1963 that's a Brownface on the inside but a Blackface on the outside: black tolex and all. It's one of the later units from the time Fender was already transitioning to the Blackface era. You have to remember: Leo Fender never threw anything away, so while there were parts left, they built whatever they could from the remaining components - this is why you will find these interesting units, some better and some not-so-well documented. Actually the BFWK Princetons were produced for about a year. All the best from Finland and take care!

[@fusionsnackyam]

Pixies and Weezer through million-year-old Fenders-I love it! Seriously, you have immaculate taste.

[@MMGUITARBAR]

Ha, thanks! Pretty much running through the limited number of tunes I know😅

[@RoscoFORCollective-Ameri-tw3wd]

I sold that 1960 Super to M&M. Yes, the 'vibrato' is beautiful, but I wish the video had showed the creamy saturation you get when you turn it up. Best sounding guitar amp I ever heard, and a great harp amp, too.

[@cactus-mcjacktus]

including The Pixies was a nice touch, and as always, an incredibly well made video.

[@asharpbflat7179]

"Hey!"

[@ginoames]

I don't usually comment until I've watched the entire video but here I am halfway through to say this is fantastic! Great info, tones, and production. This vid is fantastic. Great job to all involved.

[@ginoames]

Oh, and that Bassman sounds rad!

[@enricopallazzoofficial]

That sound of the Jaguar with the Super was amazing. I don't know why those Fender Brown/Blonde panel are so under the radar. I Like them a ton more than the black panel.

[@jonathanhorne6503]

My primary amp is a 62 brown Bandmaster. I put it into a 2-10 combo cabinet. Wonderful amp. A previous owner replaced the output transformer with a period correct one from a Twin amp. Its output is now 8 Ω. It’s loaded with a pair of 16 Ω AlNiCo Celestion 10” speakers in parallel.

[@brucedelaney9606]

Awesome video. There were 5 styles of Fender amps. Tweed, brown face, black face, silver face. But the first were the Woodies. Not to mention all the ones that came after the 60s. keep up the good work

[@ZachariahConnor]

Delicious tones, tasteful playing, informative narration

[@jegr3398]

The brown amps really are fascinating. So ugly but such incredible tone. I was lucky enough to aquire one years ago, a 63 Concert. Wonderful amp, one of my prized possessions.

[@damianjoseph9222]

Wow, I loved this video. Thank you!

[@darwinsaye]

Harmonic tremolo isn’t really proper “Vibrato”. It doesn’t raise and lower the pitch like moving a vibrato bar on a guitar; what it does is split the signal into two signals, then it dials one to be more bass and the other to be more treble, then it alternates the volume of each. It’s like having someone turning up the bass knob while they turn down the treble knob, and then turning up the treble knob while they turn down the bass knob on the amp while you play.

[@richardbspeck147]

Wow.! Thanx 4 that up-date on Brown Panel Fender amps.! I recently noticed some @ my guitar shop "Derringers" here in Adelaide, South Australia.

[@dylanclay5267]

This was a great video! The brown panel era is probably my favorite fender era. I have a 62 bandmaster with just the most beautiful harmonic tremolo I’ve heard

[@MMGUITARBAR]

A '62 Bandmaster was my first introduction to Brown Panel amps! They're such beasts, and next to the Concert, possibly the most overlooked gem in the range. Something about that particular circuitry/wattage/cabinet really makes the Harmonic Vibrato shine. -Mike B

[@Tonetwisters]

I think that was, "General Tire and Rubber." My brother figured out where to buy Tolex in Jacksonville FL in 1964 and made (2) 2X10 PA cabinets in gray. I paid for the 10" Jensen Concert speakers and he made the cabs. We used big Atlas stands and paired them with a Bell PA amp and carried around our own PA system. Back then, my brother played a Jazzmaster through a Fender PRO amp that were both brand new in 1960; and I played a 1954 Stratocaster through a brand new, 1964 Super Reverb, blackface amp. I still have that amp PLUS a 1962 Fender Bandmaster amp. The tremolo (12AX7 driven ... the Tremolux was 5881 driven) is fabulous! And back in the day, it was "ALnico" speakers.

[@rodrockmixing1817]

Great video! Thanks so much! Please make more interesting videos for us. 🎸

[@jerrywatt6813]

Great show that pro amp looks like new unbelievable thanks !

[@davidwonpu353]

Because we all care about aesthetics, the brown tolex cases with gold interior are my favorite too!

[@NewPraetorianBlues]

That Deluxe is in such immaculate condition. I see brand new amps in Guitar Center that look more beat than that.

[@Corporations8MyBaby]

Great episode! I have a 63 Concert with a lush AF harmonic Vibrato and a 6G3 Deluxe made in 1962 just like Tommy Tedesco's. My concert has 4 original Oxfords but my Deluxe does not *yet*... but the Eminence I am using sounds amazing. I will offer that my Brown Panel deluxe reads as putting out 20 watts (each 6V6 reading 10 w) - so moving from this to my friends Black Panel non reverb Deluxe might sound different in the clarity and highs, but the power feels identical. 20.

[@jeffroq]

Great video. I always wanted a tweed amp but the reality is the brown faced amps are much more versatile. I bought Suhr hombre and that's now my do it all amp with a couple of pedals it does the lot.

[@nedmoff1]

I never comment, but this video is really tasteful and informative. Well done!

[@colmkelly5524]

It’s a shame you can only give one like to a video on KZbin.

[@ellisfarrier]

Thank you for such an informative video!

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

That room is what I imagine Santas Grotto is like. I found a blonde Tremolux when I was a nipper but thought it was too wimpy sounding so I swapped it for a 100watt Hiwatt which blew up when the bass player used it when I was at school. I shoulda kept the weedy Fender.

[@adamyoung7999]

Excellent presentation. I learned a lot, mainly that you have a YT channel! Seriously, fantastic stuff, bro.

[@GATOR202]

Pretty good summary.The one big exception that you left out is the sixty two vibrant reverb two ten. Stevie and I both considered it the greatest amp finder ever made. Gator

[@MMGUITARBAR]

Just hitting a few of the Brown Panel high points, and by no means intended to be comprehensive! I think you're referring to the Vibroverb, which was released in '63. Lovely amp, but not one we had on-hand, given the tiny production totals.

[@JordanSeal]

Loved your version of one of my favorite Pixies songs. Just one highlight in a really great video.

[@nahknahk]

Awesome video Mike! That blue Jazzmaster stole the show for me though

[@punkmusiclessons]

"Hey" solo!! recognized immediately 😊

[@DKentization]

diggin the 60 Jazzmaster with factory gold hardware. NICE!

[@maxpeck4154]

Thank you for pointing out the difference between vibrato and tremolo. Like nails on a chalkboard to hear things like "My Jazzmaster has a smooth tremolo on it...". However, at 5:50 you mention that vibrato = pitch but the sound clip sounds like harmonic tremolo. In other words, a slightly dreamier variation in volume than bias tremolo and not a variation in pitch

[@MMGUITARBAR]

This is all in the context of the available on-board effects of Brown Panel amps, not a general overview of the concepts themselves

[@maxpeck4154]

@@MMGUITARBAR gotcha. Excellent video!!!

[@nevermorehollows]

You get extra credit for the Yuri space race comment! Clever.

[@petemccarry2326]

I have a ‘62 Super. It doesn’t have much headroom, but it has great breakup around 3 on the volume knob.

[@markstowe9011]

HEY - been tryin’… to get a brown amp 😩 Nice little Pixies jam. I’m really wanting a brown panel Super - it’s the sound I’ve been after without realizing it for years. My search for a more affordable clone or alternative is never ending I think

[@kellygrant3074]

That special into deluxe is pretty cool tone.

[@TwangThang57]

The only amp I truly regret selling is a June ''61 6G6 Bassman - Tube Rectifier - ToneRing cab with original speaker. It was purchased from the original owner in all original condition. I traded it for a Dreadnought from a boutique builder, as I was playing way more acoustic at the time. I currently own an early '64 6G6-B "Tuxedo" Bassman. Great amp, but I just don't connect with it the way I did with the 6G6.

[@davidsalzman6677]

Nice video! As pleasing as the harmonic vibrato circuit is, it is not "vibrato". It doesn't change the pitch of a note. Luv the brown era!

[@ash-alder]

Fantastic Demo! What was the song played to demo the Fender Super? That Jaguar/Super combo is a match made in gear heaven.

[@colmkelly5524]

Killer content as always

[@telecasterbear]

Even my recent Fender Champion 40 now has fender tilt legs on it.

[@nick16754]

What would be the 60s period "correct" grill cloth to get for a '63 Vibroverb reissue? Would that be the Wheat cloth that it originally came with, or would it be that Oxblood cloth we see on the Pro here?

[@adamyoung7999]

I’m a Fender guy, but that green Les Paul sound blew my mind. Curious what mic you’re using and where you place it in relation to the amp.

[@MMGUITARBAR]

Adam, believe it or not we used the mic on the Zoom H8 for this one. Had another audio issue and subbed it in last-minute, and honestly we loved it. It's just a few feet from the amp catching a little bit of the room. Worked really well we think!

[@fatbackfunk]

Outstanding video, both presentation and demonstration of all that to die for gear! I'm infatuated with my 62' Deluxe, glorious tone and mojo for days, as you know. And that green special is gorgeous and sounds fantastic. Oh and BTW, what's that song at 9:53 ? I recognize it but for some reason, I can't remember what it is. Anyway, thanks for sharing!

[@kbirridia]

Is it just the lighting, or is that EH 6V6 starting to red-plate at 9:48? Good timing on this, I happen to have my 6G4/6G4-A transition Super on my bench. :) Great amps.

[@mothroyale9076]

Wow, glad I've seen your channel. That's a subscribe and like from me.

[@shckltnebay]

Better get that Deluxe to the shop, one tube was red plating!!!

[@piggycity]

Hey…Nice Pixies ❤ cover

[@drewhbend]

" melt faces and destroy worlds" Mike

[@CaptainRon1913]

Dick Dale was the artist who perhaps worked closest with Leo Fender and engineers, to make Fender what they became. Dick blew up many amps for Leo to improve on.

[@MMGUITARBAR]

If you hear Dick Dale tell it, he invented Leo Fender

[@reverendg5937]

Hell Yeah!!! I'll take a dozen of them!!!! 😂😂😂 🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@MichaelSmith-rn1qw]

While the statement that Fender shifted from Alnico speakers to ceramic magnet speakers beginning in 1962 is "mostly" correct, I have a 1979 Vibro Champ that I bought new that has an Oxford alnico speaker. Speaker code 4657909. I don't know if this was a one-off where they found an alnico in the warehouse or got a good deal on a batch of them. Not a very good speaker.

[@ronchorivera]

Where are the mics?

[@bradruhfel4883]

Does the 100w Tonemaster from the custom shop fit in here? Have you played one?

[@michaelwoods9005]

Was it made from 60-63?

[@bradruhfel4883]

@@michaelwoods9005 nope. 1990s but it has the same look.

[@charlesbolton8471]

@@bradruhfel4883 The Custom Shop Rumble Bass Head/Cabinet from the 90s also has the same “look”, but it doesn’t fit in with these amps either. However, the Custom Shop amp introduced in the 90s that actually DOES fit in with these (other than NOT being produced in that era) is the Vibro King. It is a 63 Vibroverb with a extra speaker and more power. Fender also reissued both the 63 Vibroverb and the Reverb Unit in the 90s, but they don’t fit in either because they aren’t 100% faithful to the originals (and obviously not made in that era).

[@snörre23]

I wonder why there was no Brown Champ.

[@maxpeck4154]

I apologize for having to be the 70th like

[@stephanekerihuel4608]

yeaaaaaaaaaaah !!!!!!

[@createlovehappy]

was there a princeton in that family of amps back then?

[@MMGUITARBAR]

Yes indeed! Princetons existed in the Tweed era too. Funnily enough, we took in an extremely early example of the Brown Panel era Princeton the week after we made this video.

[@charlesbolton8471]

The only amps from the Tweed Era that didn’t transition to Brown Panel are the Champ that stayed Tweed until 1964 when it transitioned to Black Panel and the Harvard which in its original version ended in 1961, but in 62-63 was built to use up inventory of Tweed Princeton cabinets.

[@georgejetson1923]

Brownface

[@evanlundgren3039]

Weezer! Bassman riff at 13:16! Nice

[@BlackDogOriginal]

Brown face fenders are under appreciated.

[@kevmac1230]

No bass?

[@sandvarch2789]

Are they called brown panel and black panel Fenders, or brownface and blackface Fenders? I always heard vintage Fender amps described as blackface, brownface or silverface. I hope this isn’t because there are actually people that might find it offensive. Which would be ridiculous…

[@darwinsaye]

Fender didn’t call them either names. Those were nicknames later applied by the public, so it doesn’t matter. Both are accurate descriptions to differentiate them, but neither is the “correct” name, because neither is official.

[@sempercompellis]

its odd; ive never heard them called "brown panel amps"- I wonder if it is a regional thing??? I am sure there is a non-cringy explaination.

[@MMGUITARBAR]

"Brown Panel," while relatively recent, is becoming the default descriptor for this era of Fender amp production (not regional!), following suit with "Black Panel" as the default terminology for the amps Fender produced from late 1963-67.

[@bryanlemeilleurtexas]

It's a response somehow connecting blackface theatrics to blackface as a descriptor of a piece of musical equipment. You can't make this stuff up. I'm still gonna use "face" because I have a brain and can differentiate between shared verbiage as it applies to separate topics.

[@sempercompellis]

@@bryanlemeilleurtexas Oh I know bud- i fully well know- I was trying to embarass this soft titted couch gladiator- Imagine,18 year olds braved the beaches of normandy yet this coward can't even bring himself to use the word "brown".

[@sempercompellis]

Are you trying to suggest this guy is a spineless coward....? no way..i just don't believe it. I mean even for just consistency's sake...why stop there...why not just delete the word black from your vocabulary??? HOw about all words beginning with "B".....COme on people get on board...we need to be the change we want to see in the world. @@bryanlemeilleurtexas

[@Rhythmicons]

You said "And a blondemassman" like it isn't special haha 1:02.

[@MrTL666]

Brown and Black Face you mean....

[@Aeidotronics]

Familiar mannerisms to other Mike.

[@MMGUITARBAR]

We're just like the Olsen Twin. One Mike and a spare fake beard. Been foolin you all for years!