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Description

When it comes to achieving that classic, versatile sound, the Fender Band-Master VM 40W Tube Guitar Amp Head stands out as a modern twist on a legendary lineage. Marrying the iconic tube-driven warmth with vintage modified performance, this amp head is a dream for musicians who crave both tradition and innovation. The 40-watt power platform is more than capable of delivering robust, dynamic tones that range from the pristine clarity of Blackface Fender cleans to the gritty punch of overdriven bliss.

What sets this amp apart is its high-quality DSP effects. These embedded effects—reverb, chorus/vibrato, and delay—offer a seamless and intuitive experience that lets you refine your sound with the ease of stompbox pedals, minus the clutter of extra cables or power sources. Whether you're dialing in lush, ambient soundscapes or tight, aggressive riffs, the Band-Master VM ensures that your performance is rich and expressive. Pair it with its companion 212 VM enclosure for a complete rig that promises onstage versatility and that big, fat Fender tone musicians have cherished for generations.

Key Features:

  • 40-watt tube amp head with vintage modified performance
  • Versatile tube preamp with a range from clean to aggressive overdrive
  • Built-in DSP effects: reverb, chorus/vibrato, and delay
  • Easy integration with 212 VM enclosure for enhanced stage performance
  • Perfect blend of classic tube warmth and modern effects versatility

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Band-Master VM Vintage Modified 2-Channel 40-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Year 2009 - 2012
Made In Mexico
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Impedance 4 ohms
Model Family Fender Bandmaster
Model Sub-Family Fender Band Master VM
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 40
Power Tube Type 6L6
Reverb Digital Reverb
Series Fender Vintage Modified Amp

FAQs

What type of power tubes does the Fender Band-Master VM 40W Tube Guitar Amp Head use?

The Fender Band-Master VM 40W Tube Guitar Amp Head uses 6L6 power tubes, which are known for delivering a warm, full-bodied sound with a strong midrange punch.

Does the Fender Band-Master VM 40W Tube Guitar Amp Head have built-in effects?

Yes, the Fender Band-Master VM 40W Tube Guitar Amp Head features built-in effects, including digital reverb, which enhances the versatility and tonal options available to the player.

How many channels does the Fender Band-Master VM 40W Tube Guitar Amp Head have?

The Fender Band-Master VM 40W Tube Guitar Amp Head has two channels, allowing for a range of tones from clean to overdriven sounds, suitable for various music styles.

Is the Fender Band-Master VM 40W Tube Guitar Amp Head suitable for live performances?

With its 40 watts of power, the Fender Band-Master VM 40W Tube Guitar Amp Head is capable of handling small to medium-sized venues, making it suitable for live performances.

What is the impedance of the Fender Band-Master VM 40W Tube Guitar Amp Head?

The Fender Band-Master VM 40W Tube Guitar Amp Head has an impedance of 4 ohms, which should be matched with compatible speaker cabinets for optimal performance.

Fender

Fender

GREG KOCH AND THE BAND-MASTER™ VM amplifier | Fender

Video thumbnail for GREG KOCH AND THE BAND-MASTER™ VM amplifier | Fender by Fender

GREG KOCH AND THE BAND-MASTER™ VM amplifier | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender Band-Master VM Demo - Sweetwater by Sweetwater

Fender Band-Master VM Demo - Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Fender Band Master (vintage modified) by james Cooper

Fender Band Master (vintage modified)

james Cooper

james Cooper

Video thumbnail for Fender Band-Master Vintage Modified: A Winter NAMM 2009 Soundcheck by gearwire

Fender Band-Master Vintage Modified: A Winter NAMM 2009 Soundcheck

gearwire

gearwire

Video thumbnail for Fender BandMaster VM Amp Demo from JL by JL JL

Fender BandMaster VM Amp Demo from JL

JL JL

JL JL

Video thumbnail for Marshall & Fender Part1 by はたけん

Marshall & Fender Part1

はたけん

はたけん

Reviews

Critic Reviews

Fender Bandmaster VM Head review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender Band-Master VM 40W Tube Guitar Amp Head is a versatile hybrid amp that impresses with its range of clean and overdrive sounds, quality effects, and good value for money. Its dual 6L6 valve power stage and solid-state preamplifier provide a modern twist on classic Fender tones. However, it struggles with heavy distortion, and the dynamic response can feel stiff. The design could benefit from better cabinet handling features, and the back panel material is disappointingly flimsy. Despite these drawbacks, it remains a strong contender for musicians seeking an affordable, rugged, and stylish amp.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
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1 star
yessicayeti

My weapon of choice. Best of both worlds.

The Fender Bandmaster VM is my Fender of choice. Why? I searched my life for what we are all searching for: The clean Fender sound and a rocking driven rhythm and lead sound in ONE amp. This amp is one of the rare Fender models with a cool sounding lead channel. I don't like the usual fuzzy and brittle Fender sounds when they are cranked up. They work well with blues and soloing in these fields. But they do not rock. This one sounds more like a Marshall. It sounds like a Hot Rod DeLuxe on one side and The Who & Pixies on the other. Why do they not build them anymore? Because the Fender puritans and only-vintage-is-cool-guys hate Bandmasters VMs because of their digital effect section. The reverb, delay and Chorus are really good an fun but ... they are digital. Thats the reason why nobody bought it. So if you are religious with amps and guitars, you will may have a problem. If you prefer 300$ "boutique" pedals instead of a simple Boss Pedal or a tube screamer you may will not get warm with the Bandmaster. This amp want to be used, not to be polished and displayed. This is the best of both worlds amp i ever played. I have two of them and i'll keep them till Leo grabs me to lift me upwards. Get yourself one!

jimmarchi1

I think people's hatred of digital effects In tube amps is the lack of road-worthiness. Putting a DSP chip that wants to be cold in a tube amp chassis that gets hot is a bad idea. Maybe its fine for hour-long bar sets every month, but take a summer van tour and you'll wish you had invested 600 smackers in a beat up vintage bandmaster and got your echo from a pedal.

jrzeszowski

Amaizing !

Real vintage sound ! Tube head... what to say... ;)

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Mayer uses Fender Band-Master VM 40W Tube Guitar Amp Head

John Mayer

Guitarist

John Mayer Trio

...
Verified via YouTube

"The legendary Fendera amplifier, the Band-Master, has that beautiful Fender sound. It's known for its very clean sound, it always has, but different models were meant for different reasons. This one has a remarkable tone to it," explains Rene Martinez, the leading guitar technician for blues guitarist John Mayer.

See how Deryck Whibley uses Fender Band-Master VM 40W Tube Guitar Amp Head

Deryck Whibley

Singer, Guitarist

Sum 41

...
Verified via reverb.com

Deryck Whibley, of Sum 41, is confirmed to own a Fender Band-Master VM 40W Tube Guitar Amp Head with the serial number B491266, as verified by the source on Reverb.

See how Johnny Nicholas uses Fender Band-Master VM 40W Tube Guitar Amp Head

Johnny Nicholas

Guitarist

Asleep at the Wheel

...
Verified via Swaves

Johnny Nicholas recalled in an interview that he played his first guitar - a Guild Starfire IV - through a through a "Fender bandmaster piggy back amplifier".

See how Paul Moak uses Fender Band-Master VM 40W Tube Guitar Amp Head

Paul Moak

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Heart

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

At 42:42, a Fender Bandmaster can be spotted as a part of Paul Moak's amp collection.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Band-Master VM 40W Tube Guitar Amp Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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