Blackface Mod Kits

THESE KITS INCLUDE:

All of the electrical components, diagrams & written directions you need to perform a full blackface conversion on your silverface Fender amplifier.  Most other blackface instructions & articles out there overlook many of the smaller details, such as the reverb circuit! 

Going beyond just the blackface mod, these kits also balance and optimize your phase inverter/output section using measured & matched carbon resistors.

*tools, solder & wire NOT included

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the current supply chain issues, and the announcement of planned obsolesce of carbon comp resistors by at least one of the few remaining manufacturers, we will be phasing in a high quality carbon film resistor in certain places in our kits as necessary.  These specific CF resistors are now considered to be NOS, made in Japan (the company has since relocated manufacturing to another country), and the best sounding modern CF resistor available (not to be found on any of the standard amp parts suppliers websites).  

We have stocked up on some absolutely VITAL carbon comp values, so we will be able to offer carbon comp in key places for a while yet, but the phasing out of these iconic components has begun.  We will use all of the carbon comps we have and buy more until no longer available.  Carbon film resistors will now be phased into out kits as availability dictates.  

WHAT IS A BLACKFACE MOD KIT?

You’ve all heard the term “blackfacing”.  To put it simply, “blackfacing” means that you convert the circuit of a silverface Fender amp back to blackface specs.  These blackface specs were the designs used by Fender from 1963 – 1967, and are widely considered to be the best sounding amps ever made.  The term “blackface” comes from the amp’s black control panel with white lettering.  The AB763 circuits (for example) are synonymous with the blackface sound.  

A few years after CBS bought Fender in 1965, they started changing the circuits in an attempt to give them more clean headroom and make the amps cheaper to produce.  Unfortunately, these changes were not for the better.

Blackfacing is a relatively simple procedure, requiring the removal of some parts, the replacement of others, and the relocation of a few wires.  This can be done by any competent tech or do-it-yourselfer.  These changes make a HUGE difference in the tone and performance of your amp.  This is a recommended procedure on most silverface Fenders.

THESE KITS ALSO INCLUDE:

• Complete, detailed, easy to follow instructions with “before & after” diagrams are included.
• Copies of the original blackface Fender schematic & layout diagram for your amp are included (when available, not available for all amp models). These are invaluable tools for reference & learning about your amp!
• Complete instructions for removing the master volume & push/pull gain boost are included.
• Only the highest quality Nichicon electrolytic capacitors are included in this kit.
• Only the highest quality carbon comp resistors are used in key locations
• Flameproof 2W metal oxide resistors are used for the high voltage applications in the power supply & bias supply.
• Instructions for reading color codes on resistors included!

BONUS!

• Certain resistors, vital to optimum performance of the driver & phase inverter have been measured & matched by tolerance percentage.
  You are getting a custom matched set for your output section! This ensures maximum efficiency, optimum performance and the best possible tone from your Fender!The tolerance normally associated with resistors makes it almost impossible to find matched sets unless you have hundreds & hundreds to choose from & the time to sort through them all.
  I have taken readings on literally thousands of resistors and spent countless hours putting these matched sets together. Why? Because matched sets sound and perform better than unmatched! Other kits on the market today do not take the time to provide this important service.
• The necessary resistors & detailed instructions on how to properly set the bias of your newly blackfaced amp (using only a multimeter & calculator) are included.
  
  

  Please note:  These kits are designed for the “standard” Fender silverface amplifiers.  If your amp is “ultralinear”, these kits are not intended for your amp.  You can tell if your amp is ultralinear by looking under the speaker jack on the back panel.  ALL 70 watt & 135 watt models are ultralinear!!  

  For UL amps, please check out out '1/2 blackface mod'