Please weigh in on this '63 Jazzmaster

[mezcalhead]

I agree with Gill that it's obviously a blackface. I guess the term "blonde" amp is misleading as they can be either brownface or blackface blondes around that time. FWIW mine's a brownface, Zhiv's is a blackface .. the blackfaces are cleaner and less middy but both varieties sound great.

[Jazzprod]

It's a blackface, but it's an early one. All the date codes on the transformers tells you it's a 63'.

And on the tube chart it says "ML" witch means "1963 December"

Anyway, congrats! 

It's a beautyful couple!!! 

[mezcalhead]

I guess it doesn't matter how early it was, since I think there was only one blackface Tremolux circuit (AA763?), unlike the Bassman.

It only had a short run .. perhaps they were already thinking that they might discontinue it so there wasn't any point in reworking the circuit?

[holy-reverb!!]

Congrats!

You know, the only issue I see with that auction is that the amp is not a '63, it's a '64.  Either that or the knobs have been replaced...but, if it were a '63 it would have the white knobs on it...It looks to me like a transitional, aka, early-mid 1964 Tremolux...which is actually a blackface circuit in a blonde cab.  Value wise, not a big difference if any...but, tonally, it will be different from a '63.  It's essentially a BF Tremolux in a blonde Tremolux cab.

Actually, I'm positive that's a '64...an early '64, but it's an AA763 circuit, I'll bet you.

Gill

the code on the tube chart is ML, December of 1963. The output tranny is also from 63. Blonde-blackfaces were made is 64 as well as 63. White knobs came from brownface amps which ended in 63, and they had rought tolex, and wheat cloth. This one has smooth tolex and gold cloth. Blackface blonde amps look different from brownface blonde amps, and that one is in no way has brownface cosmetics. the only amp that came with smooth tolex, gold grill-cloth, blackface panel and white knobs is the 64 6G6-B bassman. Blackfaces started production in 1963. To me at least, this amp is more 1963 than 1964. But it could have ended production in 1964.

[Jay]

A very clean 65 JM sold on ebay for $6100!   

$6500 for this pair already looks better doesn't it. 

[Double-0-Diablo]

Thanks again for the commentary, and information on the amp.

I knew going in that the amp was the AA763 blackface circuit instead of the possibly more desirable 6G9 brownface, but I didn't know the transformer and date codes nail it down to Dec. 63 or early '64 production - thanks for the info!

The seller takes really good pictures, and the inside of that amp looks so clean and original I'm going to have a hard time justifying getting it serviced. I'll have to see how it goes before making a decision on that.

I was more concerned about the guitar, as I'm not enough of an expert to know if the innards are all legit - pot's, switches, wiring, etc.

Jay, I'm actually based in the Bay Area. I was already planning a road trip passing near the LA area before I won the auction, so I'll be making a pit stop to pick up the gear next Saturday to avoid shipping hassles and costs - can't wait!

[holy-reverb!!]

I dont know how people can think this is over priced! great amp and guitar at a truly great price.  Also, the tubes that come with it are original and some of the best sounding for the amp. By the way. the speakers also date to 1963. Its safe to say that this amp 1963. I would look into a cap job. It will not lower the value if you keep them. I got a cap job my 64 bandmaster and kept all the originals. This includes the filter caps, bias cap, etc.

[holy-reverb!!]

I forgot to say that the filter caps date to 1963 as well.

[StevenO]

If I had the money, I would have definitely snatched this one up. Great price for the pair.

[blacktiger]

=
The seller takes really good pictures, and the inside of that amp looks so clean and original I'm going to have a hard time justifying getting it serviced. I'll have to see how it goes before making a decision on that.

Get a cap job, minimum.  Bad/old caps can blow and possibly take your output transformer with them.  If everything else is on good order, then leave it at that. 

Nice score.

[dltinter]

I have a set like that except I have a 1965 Jazzmaster and a Blackface Princeton Reverb both in Mint condition will lots of Case Candy. I was hoping that the set would be worth 7500.00 when I decide to sell.

[Double-0-Diablo]

Thought I'd give an update:

The seller responded to some specific questions I had about any operational issues with the amp, and as it turns out, apparently the vibrato quit working while he was testing it.

It is now in at his amp tech's for rush service. I realize it's inevitable a vintage amp with original parts might need some servicing, but I'm starting to get some mixed feelings about this.

I'll let you guys know what happens. Thanks for the input.

[Double-0-Diablo]

Oh, and by the way, dltinter:

From the crazy prices I've seen Princeton Reverbs go for lately, I bet you're already pretty close to your $7500 goal.