I've been a longtime reader but this is my first topic post. Before getting into it, I just wanted to say what a pleasure it is to be part of this forum. It's been one of my all-time favorite places on the internet for quite a few years now. I've learned so much about the guitars I love here and have genuinely enjoyed all the other bits and bobs and real life that happens here in between the guitar and music talk.
So, I'm hoping to tap into the hive here about opinions from those with knowledge of vintage amps and restoration projects. I've been thinking about getting a head/cab setup to replace a Twin Reverb (65 RI) combo lately. I do love the sound of my Twin so I want something similar but could probably do with lower wattage as I'm not concerned about perfectly clean headroom at super loud volumes and actually would maybe prefer a bit of breakup. I'm currently running it in stereo with a Deluxe Reverb (68 RI) which is also great but I love the fullness of the Twin with the two 12s. But I'm afraid it's the same old story of the Twin being entirely too heavy proving completely true for me. So that's led me to look at the Showman, Bandmaster, and Bassman. I know the sounds vary between them but not having experience with any of them, I'm feeling open to trying any of them out and not ready to fork over dreamin' money for a specific model or year. I' have been thinking maybe it's time to try out a more vintage type amp as both my current amps are reissues and although I'm happy with mine for the most part, I've heard they don't compare to non-master volume hand-wired amps. I've considered the Bandmaster Reverb because I do like the onboard reverb and they seem to usually be a bit more affordable but I also most always use pedals for reverb anyway so I don't think that's a dealbreaker. I've also considered a Twin in head form, or even switching it all up and trying a VOX AC30 in head form. The Bassman is intriguing because of all the lore and the natural breakup at lower volume. I'm all ears if anybody has a passionate recommendation on any to start with or to avoid. Or even other brands in the same vein. Divided by 13 and Benson are on my radar but the prices start to jump considerably.
However, here's where it gets a little interesting. A local posting listed a bunch of gear including a number of Bassman amps for sale for parts that look like they've been subject to some sort of mad scientist. There are three Blackface and two Silverface amps removed from their cabinets and set up in one large rack. It looks like they've maybe been modified with master volume switches. The poster says he's inherited them and doesn't know much more than they were modified (he says by a "genius"). There are only three photos and it's hard to tell what's really going on but they don't look massively destroyed or anything. I know it's not a lot to go on but was curious if anyone here would think this would be worth a shot to pick up one of these to restore. I feel confident I could build the head cabinet but would outsource the amp repair/restoration as that would definitely be above my abilities. I go back and forth between thinking this might be a way to learn more about amp circuits as well as maybe getting a good deal on a vintage head OR it could be a complete waste of time and money, buying somebody else's junked-up project that would end up costing more than a working unit.
TLDR: Great to be a part of the OSG family. What head would you rec? Does this look like a terrible idea?
Thanks in advance for any opinions or insight!
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