1968 Fender Dual showman suggestions

[AtomCap]

Picked up a 1968 Fender Dual showman, its currently modded. The previous owner combined both channels and installed a boost on the amp, so it has 3 Volume knobs and only 1 input, chassis is drilled for an effects loop and it has a few extra toggle switches on the back, 1 for half power and the 2nd switch seems to be a "more' power switch, as when it runs the bias goes absolute max and the tubes redplate.

Mod suggestions?

[Bob-I]

Mod suggestions?

Gut it, rebuild either as a dclone or back to showman spec JMO

[Structo]

........ the 2nd switch seems to be a "more' power switch, as when it runs the bias goes absolute max and the tubes redplate.

Ahh, the old "Self Destruct Switch".

(Done with my best Maxwell Smart voice)

[LeftyStrat]

I'd put it back to stock. If you don't fall in love with it, you could probably sell it for more than you bought it for.

[RevD]

I'd agree, depending on what you have into the thing, I'd be tempted to put it back to stock. Prices are getting silly on old Fender gear even silverface stuff (depending on the model some 68's were'nt necessarily touched by CBS yet or very badly yet). You'd have to weigh your cost to restore into your price you bought it for and decide I suppose, its a shame to see some of the old gear turned into something less than cool (i.e. a self destruct lets max out the bias for whatever reason mod). You very well as mentioned could come out ahead on the deal. Otherwise its cut and paste in something that IS cool. Good luck with it!

Regards,

Don

[Luthierwnc]

I'd go 40/60 as a mod platform. On the plus side, you have the right iron for a 4R cab, tubes, sockets and lots of real estate to work with. Drop a new board in, rework the caps and you have a cool amp for not a big outlay.

On the flip side, I'd agree with other posters that even silverfaces command decent prices so if it is close to stock (modded is OK but not lots of extra holes) you could use the proceeds to get all new parts with accurate faceplates and a multi-tap OT. That style Fender chassis is shallow and the slanted face makes using push-pull pots a problem. You can cram the caps in but you'll need another transformer (more holes) for the relays.

My all-time favorite amp is a '65 Bassman that has been a lot of things in its life and is currently a 5E5-A Pro over a Jensen P15N. Lotsa extra holes in that one. It has no value but it is in the permanent collection.

Good luck with the project, sh

[AtomCap]

paid a whole $350 for the amp....

Thinking Stock with the light addition of an effects loop for verb..

[Structo]

Was that just for the head or did you get a speaker cab with it?

[AtomCap]

just the head.