Hello everyone, I recently purchased a vintage amp from an estate sale that I suspect may be a hidden gem... What opted me to bid initially was the 5E7 and "Bandmaster" displayed on the partial ID label in the background of a picture.. The next was the painted area around the ID label and amateur at best Tolex job.. I am venturing to say that some time in the 60's or 70's someone tried to make this amp "cooler" by wrapping and painting it?? Could it be?? Also, at some point a speaker was replaced. All of this info I knew before bidding, the auction house would not allow pre-sale inspections so I just crossed my fingers and went for it..... I picked up the amp this morning and my discoveries have me excited a little.... I will include some pictures that I just took.. The dates on the 2 remaining Jensen p10R speakers and the pots (137926) do in fact put this at 1959, it does look like 1 capacitor was replaced?? The carry handle was for sure Brown at one point in its history but was painted black and I can see traces of a tweed material where the tolex is peeling back. The tolex job although not hateful does not look factory at all, the person could not figure how to make sharp interior bends (teenager??) so they just touched up areas they couldnt wrap with black paint.. What do you guys think?? Did i actually stumble across something here ???
** UPDATE ** I spent the night researching and learning. After taking a deeper dive, this tolex job is much better than I first thought (while taking a glance in my rear view as she was seat belted in the back seat of my pickup). I think it was done by a pro and where I thought corners were cut is just due to shrinkage. Taking my time and going slow and careful I did a pretty in depth dust removal. Then visually checked all visible solder points. I used a vacuum and my shop compressor on low pressure (yes I have an air dryer). Anyway, I couldnt resist plugging it in after I found no obvious faults or missing components. IT WORKS !!! Once the old Gal warmed up she's smooth as silk. No weird cracks, pops, phase noises or anything like that.. I only went to about 4 on the inst volume, used my old STRAT and even a Fender cable, LOL.. Next mission is finding a 59 Jensen P10R in teal without the bell. Thanks for everyones input so far, its much appreciated !! And for the guys who suggested i not plug it in, Im sorry, I just couldnt resist......