Fender Blackface Showman Guitar Amp main image

Fender Blackface Showman Guitar Amp

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4.5 (5)

1 Critic Review

2 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Fender Showman

1 community setup

6 wishlisted

16 saved

Page last updated Jun 24, 2026

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Description

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Step back into the golden era of rock 'n' roll with the Fender Blackface Showman Guitar Amp, a true icon among guitar amplifiers. Revered for its legendary clean tones, this amp stack is a staple for musicians seeking that classic '60s sound, characterized by rich, sparkling highs and robust lows. The Blackface Showman isn't just about nostalgia; it's a powerhouse that continues to meet the demands of modern players.

Equipped with a robust tube-driven design, this amplifier delivers a warm, dynamic sound that is both punchy and articulate. Its extraordinary headroom makes it ideal for large venues, allowing you to maintain clarity and depth even at high volumes. Whether you’re crafting intricate solos or laying down a solid rhythm, the Showman ensures that every note is expressed with precision.

The amp's signature Blackface panel offers intuitive controls for customizing your sound. With separate bass, middle, treble, and presence controls, you're in full command of your tonal palette. The addition of vibrato and reverb channels gives you the versatility to dial in everything from lush, atmospheric effects to tight, focused tones. Built with rugged durability in mind, the Showman is ready to withstand the rigors of both studio sessions and live performances.

Key Features:

Legendary clean tones with remarkable headroom
Tube-driven design for warm, dynamic sound
Signature Blackface panel with intuitive controls
Vibrato and reverb channels for versatile effects
Ideal for both studio and live performance settings

Videos

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Johan Segeborn

The amp JIMI HENDRIX recorded with also nails ZEPPELIN 1 - Fender Showman Amp!

Johan Segeborn

I was wrong BUT NOW it sounds like JIMI HENDRIX - UP TO SPECS Fender Showman Half Stack

Johan Segeborn

Bassman Vs Showman - Blackface Fender Comparison!

Johan Segeborn

1965 Fender Showman Amp - PLAY DEMO

Granville Guitars

Dirtiest Vs Cleanest Vintage 100W Guitar Amp!

Johan Segeborn

Mad Professor Silver Spring Reverb into a blackface Fender Showman amp

Mad Professor Pedals

Under Your Bed Live- Love Slut

brainuyb

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Blackface Showman Guitar Amp.

Features and functionality

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The Showman is an amplifier head without built-in speakers; it originally came with a 2x15 cab loaded with JBLs for optimal sound.
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The Showman's normal channel is similar to a Bassman, offering some grit when pushed hard.
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Comparisons

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Owners compare the Showman to a Twin Reverb head, noting its 85 watts from 4x6L6 tubes, which offers a loud, clean tone before distortion.
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Use cases and applications

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The amp's powerful output and clean tone make it suitable for large venues, but it requires a separate cabinet for full functionality.
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User experience

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Some users report that the amp is louder than necessary for most needs and suggest using ear protection during use.
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Reverb is not built-in; owners consider adding a separate Fender reverb unit for enhanced sound.
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Mods and upgrades

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Due to its late 70s design with different transformers and circuit layouts, it cannot be modded to early blackface specs, affecting its tonal character.
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Owners recommend using an attenuator to achieve overdrive tones at lower volumes without hearing damage.
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Value and pricing

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While priced at $900, some suggest looking for a Deluxe Reverb for a more manageable size and similar sound profile.
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Build quality

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The amp's cab often features a JBL 15" speaker, noted for its authentic vintage sound.
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Other

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Retolexing is common among vintage Showman amps, with owners noting variations in color and finish.
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Critic Reviews

What the Funk? A ’64 – ’66 Blackface Fender Showman - Fretboard Journal

fretboardjournal.com

The Fender Blackface Showman is a powerhouse amp built to endure the rigors of gig life, exemplifying the term "workhorse." Its robust construction and clean, yet dynamic tone make it a versatile choice for guitarists, with 85 watts of muscle to handle any venue size. While it lacks reverb, the luxurious faceplate and effective vibrato offer a touch of elegance. Ideal for use with pedals, its ample headroom ensures the sound remains lush and full. Notably, it can double as a bass amp or small PA, showcasing its adaptability. Overall, a reliable and enduring amp with a compelling tonal character.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings

5 star

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1 star

jimmarchi1

41029

about 11 years ago

the cleaner showman

Single speaker Showman model, used 8 ohm iron versus the dual showman's 4 ohm twin output tranformer. This was my cleaner of the 2 showmans and it was pretty much stock versus the hacked one but I preferred the dual for some reason although when recording one particular album the single saw a whole lot of use on guitar while the dual did a lot of bass through an SVT 8x10. I feel like this one really only saw heavy use because with 2 tubes pulled it would overdrive at double impedance thus it could puh a vintage marshall cab at 16 ohms or soemthing like that. Live I really always used the older dual, I just thought it sounded better even though it wasn't as original.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Orchestra Alternative rock

From Gear Setup

jimmarchi1

41029

11 years ago about 11 years ago

I forgot to mention that this amp was a road warrior. Made it thru 4 years of constant gigging and touring without a hiccup.

stephen_vessenmeyer

almost 9 years ago

1966 Vintage

Whats not to like? Has all the classic Fender mojo.

jimmarchi1

41029

9 years ago almost 9 years ago

I've owned many of these, a twin without the dynamics sucking reverb on channel 2! too loud for home use though

Artist usage

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John Lennon

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

Verified via Photo

In the picture you can see John Lennon's Fender blackface Showman amp during their revolver sessions.

Josh Klinghoffer

Singer, Guitarist

Pearl Jam

Verified via YouTube

On the current tour for their newest album 'the Getaway' Josh uses a Fender Blackface Showman amp on stage. The amp can be seen at 21:23.

Jerry Garcia

Guitarist, Singer

Grateful Dead

Verified via Wald-electronics

In 1967, Jerry switches to 2 amps, a fender twin and showman head which fed a 2-15" speaker cabinet.

Mike Campbell

Guitarist

Fleetwood Mac

Verified via reverb.com

A transitional blond tolex stack was listed for sale on Reverb.com on July 21, 2017.

This Fender Showman Head and 1x15 Cab is owned by Mike Campbell

Serial: A 00824 The head and cabinet both have a decent amount of dirt on them. The tolex on the cabinet is ripped in several places. The grill cloth on the head is also slightly ripped and worn. Aside from cosmetic flaws the amp functions and sounds great! This head requires a vintage style foot switch to control the vibrato which we did not have so it is uncertain if the vibrato works. A foot switch will need to be purchased separately. The cabinet comes in a road case that has "TB & HB" stenciled on the side. The head does not come with a road case. Super cool relic of the road!

All items in The Official Mike Campbell Reverb Shop ship fully insured with delivery confirmation and a signed and embossed Certificate Of Authenticity from Mike.

Brian Jones

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Rolling Stones

Verified via Pinterest

Brian can be seen playing through a Showman in this photo. It could easily be mistaken for a Bassman, but he is plugged into the first channel, which is the bass channel on the Bassman.