Page 1 of 3

Re: Converting Fender head to combo (COMPLETED)

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 5:13 pm
by andy
I have a Fender Bandmaster Reverb head and am thinking about having a combo cabinet made for it. I am think a 2x10 like a Vibrolux with a mid control. I think I recall seeing some folks do the same kind of thing with Bassmans (Bassmen??) on here before. I am looking for advice and insight. Any help is appreciated!

Re: Converting Fender head to combo

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 7:44 pm
by mackerelmint
It's a neat idea. I do see empty combo cabinets premade for fender amps, so maybe you can get something off the rack? Mojotone carries that kind of thing.

Seems like the only real practical issue is that the guts go in upside down, and that you might need a new faceplate.

Re: Converting Fender head to combo

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 9:15 pm
by andy
I’ve seen a few cab makers on the web (Mather Cabs) and am looking local as well. I don’t understand the upside down thing, though.

Re: Converting Fender head to combo

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 9:30 pm
by andy_tchp
Yeah as far as Bandmasters go the guts go in the same direction whether it's a head or a combo. Same as (Dual) Showmans and Twin/Vibrasonic Reverbs.

Bandmaster Reverb chassis are the same dimensions as the Super Reverb, any of the regular known builders (Mojotone/Newell/Mather) should be able to make something to suit.

Just make sure you're prepared for how heavy a Fender combo amp is.

Re: Converting Fender head to combo

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2020 11:13 pm
by mackerelmint
andy_tchp wrote:
Tue Jun 16, 2020 9:30 pm
Yeah as far as Bandmasters go the guts go in the same direction whether it's a head or a combo. Same as (Dual) Showmans and Twin/Vibrasonic Reverbs.
Oh, really? That's handy. Nevermind what I said, then.

Re: Converting Fender head to combo

Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2020 12:38 am
by Embenny
andy_tchp wrote:
Tue Jun 16, 2020 9:30 pm
Just make sure you're prepared for how heavy a Fender combo amp is.
This is what I don't get. Having a cabinet made with your preference of speakers seems 100% easier and more practical to me. The only situation i can envision where a combo is more convenient is in a scenario where you absolutely have to take everything from the car in one trip, and are capable of carrying 80lbs in one hand.

Otherwise, a head and cab just splits up the weight of the tube amp with the giant transformers, and the large wooden cabinet full of heavy speaker magnets. It's...delightful.

Re: Converting Fender head to combo

Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2020 2:05 am
by StevenO
I've long thought of putting my Fender Showman head into a Blonde 1x15" combo cab with a JBL that I have. I know having a head and a cab is lighter, easier to carry, but I love the ideas of combos.

Re: Converting Fender head to combo

Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2020 3:43 am
by øøøøøøø
If you wanted to go 2x8", you could probably fit both speakers in that enormous head itself!

Re: Converting Fender head to combo

Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2020 4:01 am
by Embenny
øøøøøøø wrote:
Wed Jun 17, 2020 3:43 am
If you wanted to go 2x8", you could probably fit both speakers in that enormous head itself!
The man ain't lying. Apparently it's been done before.

Image

Image

Re: Converting Fender head to combo

Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2020 9:39 pm
by andy
I am a little torn! Obviously a combo version of the amp will be heavier but really how much heavier would it be? The head by itself is 40 pounds! Jensen speakers weigh almost nothing and the combo would have a pine cab. Where as the head is in a heavy MDF cab. Plus I prefer the sound of open-back combos. BUT! I also see the advantage of using different speaker cabs and breaking up the weight in that way. I've priced it out and it looks like it will cost ~$700 :derp: :-X

Re: Converting Fender head to combo

Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2020 9:49 pm
by andy_tchp
'A bit' heavier, bit also 'quite a bit' more awkward to carry.

You basically have to pick it up from underneath and carry like a bear hug with both arms - the handles on top are nearly useless; mostly useful as a way to strain your neck/shoulder/side/back muscles should you attempt to pick the thing up with one hand.


Source: SF Fender Vibrosonic Reverb* owner.


* (advertised weight: 85lbs)

Re: Converting Fender head to combo

Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 8:38 am
by andy
Good point, Andy! Thanks for he insight. I am now considering the 2x8 mod so I can still use it as a head and a lower volume combo.

Re: Converting Fender head to combo

Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 12:50 pm
by StevenO
Putting two 8" speakers in there would be a great option! I bet you'd love it. I have a 2x8" cab that I made out of an old kitchen drawer and it's one of my favourite speaker cabs I own. Everything sounds tight and punchy through it. Loud too!

Re: Converting Fender head to combo

Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2020 2:30 pm
by Larsongs
andy wrote:
Wed Jun 17, 2020 9:39 pm
I am a little torn! Obviously a combo version of the amp will be heavier but really how much heavier would it be? The head by itself is 40 pounds! Jensen speakers weigh almost nothing and the combo would have a pine cab. Where as the head is in a heavy MDF cab. Plus I prefer the sound of open-back combos. BUT! I also see the advantage of using different speaker cabs and breaking up the weight in that way. I've priced it out and it looks like it will cost ~$700 :derp: :-X
My Twin weighs between 80-90 lbs... I don't lug it around anymore.. Besides, it's too loud for most applications...

I use my DRRI or Princeton...

Yours will weigh about the same...

Re: Converting Fender head to combo

Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2020 7:42 pm
by N0_Camping4U
If it fits into a Studio bass amp, and you're interested in a studio bass amp cab... either loaded with a 1x15 or blank cab, PM me. It's about the size of a super reverb.