SixStringSurfer
Joined: Sep 23, 2014
Posts: 1401
Memphis, TN
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Posted on Feb 20 2024 11:08 AM
Update See post from August 1, 2024.
I am in the market for a second Showman, and would love your advice on one that is currently for sale. I am a little concerned about this one, as the cosmetics have been turned into a black panel style head. I am worried that if the cosmetics have been changed to black, is it possible that the circuitry has been altered as well? Anyway, if anyone knows of a Brown Showman or Gomez Surfer for sale, please let me know. Link to the amp I am referring to below:
https://www.williesguitars.com/product/1961-fender-showman/
— MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New Singles "Finish Line" and "Paradiso" on Bandcamp and website.
Last edited: Aug 03, 2024 08:32:58
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Pyronauts
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 1129
Northern CA
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Posted on Feb 20 2024 12:10 PM
I reached out to this seller because I believe the amp is a 1963, not a 61 as it is listed. The serial number is hard to read in the pics, but clearly not early enough to be a 61.
He sent me pics of transformers and codes and whatnot… all pointing towards 63.
I’m concerned that they still have it listed as a 61.
It was modified at some point with a line out, but it looks like that was undone?
Paul
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SixStringSurfer
Joined: Sep 23, 2014
Posts: 1401
Memphis, TN
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Posted on Feb 20 2024 02:09 PM
Thanks for the reply. I already have a 6G14, so I actually prefer a 6G14-A right now. I’m worried the guts have been altered, and it will sound more like a black panel or a totally different amp. I want that 6G14-A sound. I am ready to buy, I am just a little reluctant for the reasons stated above.
— MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New Singles "Finish Line" and "Paradiso" on Bandcamp and website.
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SixStringSurfer
Joined: Sep 23, 2014
Posts: 1401
Memphis, TN
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Posted on Feb 20 2024 02:29 PM
Update He is pulling the chassis for me, and will send me some photos. It’s all spaghetti to me, but can I ask you guys to tell me if it’s in original/good shape or not? I want it to be as close to original as possible. Thank you!!
— MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New Singles "Finish Line" and "Paradiso" on Bandcamp and website.
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SixStringSurfer
Joined: Sep 23, 2014
Posts: 1401
Memphis, TN
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Posted on Feb 20 2024 03:26 PM
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DeathTide
Joined: Apr 13, 2018
Posts: 1374
New Orleans
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Posted on Feb 21 2024 10:03 AM
I think 1961 is still 6g14-A and that the 6g14 was only in the 1960 Showmans? I bet Paul's correct about the year, the dates on the iron is '63. Still it is a legit 6g14-A, the one you want. Best price I've seen in years. A '61 probably wouldn't have those awesome blue molded caps; I'd rather have a '62 or '63 just because of those blue caps. I have a '61 Tremolux that's stock and is filled with the less-awesome yellow Astrons. Plus if you buy on Reverb, they let you return anything for any reason haha!
— Daniel Deathtide
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DaveMudgett
Joined: Mar 17, 2019
Posts: 162
Central PA
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Posted on Feb 21 2024 12:15 PM
It's definitely not a '61. As noted, transformers date to '63. I can't make out the two-digit date code on the tube chart. '61 would be KX, where X is the month code A-L for Jan-Dec. '63 would be MX. Actually, if the tube chart code is KX, then that means you have a '61 cabinet with a '63 chassis. That would be less desirable than one with the original cabinet.
There has obviously been some work done on it, but I don't see evidence that the circuit was changed to the blackface circuit.
Personally, I think that is a lot for one painted black. Not that it affects the sound any. But the monetary value of old Fender amps is primarily determined by their collector value, and being painted black strongly affects that value. I had a '61 Tremolux head and cab painted black. One of the best amps I ever had, and like a fool, I sold or traded it away. This is 25+ years ago, stuff was cheap then and I figured I'd find a better one reasonable. I had originally planned to use some solvent (probably acetone, or maybe would have tried xylene on a small spot - the worry is that the solvent might eat the tolex too) to remove the paint, but never got around to it. But I have seen it done on cabs. In the cases I've seen, it didn't get all the paint off - you could tell it had been painted. But at least they wound up looking like blonde cabs again.
Personally, if I was just looking for a pure player, and wasn't worried about collectibility, I'd be looking for something more in this line, which sold 2 years ago on reverb - https://reverb.com/item/43832860-1963-fender-showman - for half the money. I think prices were actually higher two years ago than now. Of course, if time is of the essence, that often comes at a cost and that is a personal choice.
— The Delverados - surf, punk, trash, twang - Facebook
Chicken Tractor Deluxe - hardcore Americana - Facebook and Website
The Telegrassers - semi-electric bluegrass/Americana - Facebook
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DeathTide
Joined: Apr 13, 2018
Posts: 1374
New Orleans
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Posted on Feb 21 2024 12:44 PM
I'm dead wrong about acetate. I have read accounts of amateurs successfully removing paint from tall ask. But stupid me, they definitely would not have used acetate! Acetate is what you used to get stuff off of paint and leave the paint intact! I retract my ignorant statement.
— Daniel Deathtide
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SixStringSurfer
Joined: Sep 23, 2014
Posts: 1401
Memphis, TN
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Posted on Feb 22 2024 04:12 PM
Thanks to the feedback here on SG101, and also to the guy who built my 6G14 amp for me, I am going to pass on this amp. I think they are asking too much money for it, considering the color scheme. I don't want to spend another $400 for a period correct cab to be built. Not to mention, it wouldn't be ready until the end of July. I'll keep searching for a Showman or Gomez Surfer head.
— MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New Singles "Finish Line" and "Paradiso" on Bandcamp and website.
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SixStringSurfer
Joined: Sep 23, 2014
Posts: 1401
Memphis, TN
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Posted on Jul 27 2024 05:31 PM
Was hoping to get a few more sets of eyes on the guts of this amp. It has been up for sale for a long time now, I may make them a reasonable offer. Would love some more thoughts on the interior components though. We all know the exterior cabinet looks awful!
— MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New Singles "Finish Line" and "Paradiso" on Bandcamp and website.
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SixStringSurfer
Joined: Sep 23, 2014
Posts: 1401
Memphis, TN
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Posted on Aug 01 2024 08:13 PM
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DeathTide
Joined: Apr 13, 2018
Posts: 1374
New Orleans
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Posted on Aug 03 2024 10:44 AM
Whoa dude!!! I'd looooove to hear that rig live! Now you and I both have real '62 6g14-A Showmans + a 6g14 clone! How are you using em? Two 1x15" tone ring cabs? Wet / dry? I've been playing upstairs on other blonde amps, but when I go downstairs and fire up the two showmans MAN they sound amazing. I use the 6g14 clone as the dry tone, and the '62 6g14-A for wet. (Thanks again for all eternity Jack!!)
— Daniel Deathtide
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SixStringSurfer
Joined: Sep 23, 2014
Posts: 1401
Memphis, TN
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Posted on Aug 11 2024 11:30 AM
Hi DT, I couldn’t be happier with my setup now. The “new” 1962 Fender Showman has exceeded my expectations. It has a certain “pop” to it that I can’t get in any other amp. It’s hard to describe, but it’s very addicting.
Let me say, I am pleasantly surprised with my handmade 6G14 replica amp. Now that I can A/B them side by side, that amp gets 95% of the way there (I realize the 6G14 and the A are slightly different). Jim at Lil’ Dawg amps did an amazing job of nailing the tone.
Anyway, I am playing through bit of them at the same time now. I have a 1x15 speaker cabinet on each side of the stage. I have truly nailed the Dick Dale tone, and it’s not just wishful thinking. I have had several people tell me that’s the closest they have ever heard. Thank you guys for all your help and advice, I really appreciate it!
— MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New Singles "Finish Line" and "Paradiso" on Bandcamp and website.
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