Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,200

High-end/Boutique

$300

$701+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Fender Custom Series '57 Bandmaster Tube Hand-Wired Guitar Combo Amplifier is a tribute to the golden age of rock and blues. This amp is a sonic powerhouse that combines vintage authenticity with modern craftsmanship. It’s built around the classic 5E7 circuit, a design revered by musicians for its rich, harmonic tones and dynamic response. With 26 watts of tube-driven power, you'll be enveloped by warm, lush sound that captures every nuance of your performance.

Equipped with three 10" Jensen P10R-F speakers, this amplifier delivers a punchy, articulate sound that cuts through the mix with ease. Whether you're playing in a small venue or jamming in the studio, the '57 Bandmaster offers a versatile range of tones that cater to both clean and overdriven styles. The amp features two instrument and two mic inputs, allowing for versatile connectivity and adaptability for any gig or session.

The hand-wired design ensures durability and reliability, making it a worthy companion for any serious guitarist looking to invest in timeless quality. The '57 Bandmaster isn’t just an amplifier; it's a piece of musical history ready to inspire your next masterpiece.

Key Features:

  • Classic 5E7 circuit for vintage tonal quality
  • 26 watts of tube power
  • Three 10" Jensen P10R-F speakers
  • Hand-wired design for enhanced durability
  • Two instrument and two mic inputs for versatile connectivity

FAQs

What kind of tubes does the Fender Custom Series '57 Bandmaster use?

The Fender Custom Series '57 Bandmaster features three 12AX7 preamp tubes, two 6L6 power tubes, and one 5AR4 rectifier tube, providing a classic tube-driven sound.

How many channels does the Fender '57 Bandmaster have?

The Fender '57 Bandmaster has two channels, each with its own volume control, allowing for versatile sound shaping.

Is the Fender '57 Bandmaster suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its 40-watt output and robust tube configuration, the Fender '57 Bandmaster is capable of delivering powerful sound suitable for live performances.

What are the main tonal controls on the Fender '57 Bandmaster?

The Fender '57 Bandmaster features Presence, Bass, and Treble controls, allowing musicians to finely tune their tonal output.

Does the Fender '57 Bandmaster come with any additional accessories?

Yes, the Fender '57 Bandmaster comes with a fitted cover to protect the amplifier when not in use.

Fender

Fender

Fender® '57 Bandmaster™ Demo | Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender® '57 Bandmaster™ Demo | Fender by Fender

Fender® '57 Bandmaster™ Demo | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender '57 Bandmaster Guitar Amplifier by N Stuff Music

Fender '57 Bandmaster Guitar Amplifier

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender '57 Bandmaster by Johan Segeborn

Fender '57 Bandmaster

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Video thumbnail for DEMO of Fender 57 CUSTOM SERIES Amplifiers - Summer NAMM 2016 by The Tone King

DEMO of Fender 57 CUSTOM SERIES Amplifiers - Summer NAMM 2016

The Tone King

The Tone King

Video thumbnail for Fender '57 Bandmaster Amplifier Demo (Custom Shop) by intheblues

Fender '57 Bandmaster Amplifier Demo (Custom Shop)

intheblues

intheblues

Video thumbnail for Fender '57 Bandmaster Tube Combo Amplifier Demo - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Fender '57 Bandmaster Tube Combo Amplifier Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Lucas Miles: Vintage 57 5E7 Bandmaster Amplifier. Full Demo. by Brett Kingman

Lucas Miles: Vintage 57 5E7 Bandmaster Amplifier. Full Demo.

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Custom Series '57 Bandmaster Tube Hand-Wired Guitar Combo Amplifier.

Comparisons

  • The '57 Bandmaster's solid state rectifier provides tighter bass and more clean headroom compared to tube rectified models like the Vibrolux with more breakup.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Vibrolux has a lower negative feedback circuit, particularly in the '68 custom model, leading to earlier saturation and more character at lower volumes.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users report that switching to input 2 on the Vibrolux can reduce gain by 6 db, and swapping tubes or speakers may offer cleaner tones.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The '57 Bandmaster is preferred for its clean sound at manageable volumes, making it ideal for small venues and gigs that require clean tones.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners of vintage Bandmasters appreciate their affordability compared to Deluxes and Princetons, often using them with reverb pedals for added versatility.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender '57 Bandmaster review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender Custom Series '57 Bandmaster Amp is a vintage lover's dream, offering rich, dynamic tweed tones that are perfect for smaller gigs. With its hand-wired circuitry and pine cabinet, it not only looks but sounds like a classic. The amp shines with its authentic overdrive and responsiveness, making it a joy for those seeking a vintage experience. However, its high price may deter some, and it's not the most versatile option compared to modern amps. Yet, for those chasing that pure, undiluted vintage sound, it's an irresistible choice.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
donerrussell

One of the best blues combo amps ever produced

I love this 3x10 combo. The Jensen p10r-f's are amazing. set every knob to about 7, presence to taste, and let her rip! Guitar volume designates the amount of clean/dirty ratio. Solid pine cab with lacquered tweed. The manual states you can add an 8ohm extension, and that is all this amp needs to come up to band volume.

jimmarchi1

ooooh.... do you find yourself playing "who's next" every time you plug into her? I think I would, but I have to play "Tommy" whenever I get a chance to crank up my Hiwatt-alike. But I find it hard to believe that the solid 30 watts or "rock n roll" cleanish tone the bandmaster produces at about 5 won't keep up with most drummers for rhythm playing. I've heard a tweed pro hold it down fine with a drummer, and if you don't need a clean sound even a tweed deluxe can handle stage duty.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Eric Clapton uses Fender Custom Series '57 Bandmaster Tube Hand-Wired Guitar Combo Amplifier

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

Eric Clapton's main amplifier today is the Fender Custom Series '57 Bandmaster combo. It is a 26 watt amp that features tube circuitry based on the '50s 5E7 circuit and three 10" Jensen P10R-F speakers. Clapton tours with two of these amps, using one as a spare. The amps were built by Alexander Dumble specifically for Clapton, as mentioned in this interview with his guitar tech.

See how Johnny Marr uses Fender Custom Series '57 Bandmaster Tube Hand-Wired Guitar Combo Amplifier

Johnny Marr

Singer, Guitarist

Modest Mouse

...
Verified via Smithsonguitar

"Live on the Whistle Test, May 20 1986. Fender Bandmaster, Roland JC-120 and Mesa Boogie Mk III."

See how Ed O'Brien uses Fender Custom Series '57 Bandmaster Tube Hand-Wired Guitar Combo Amplifier

Ed O'Brien

Singer, Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

Ed O'Brien can be seen using the Fender Custom Series '57 Bandmaster Tube Hand-Wired Guitar Combo Amplifier while playing his Fender EOB Signature Strat on That Pedal Show, with the amplifier mic'd up behind him as shown in the source image.

See how Francisco Durán uses Fender Custom Series '57 Bandmaster Tube Hand-Wired Guitar Combo Amplifier

Francisco Durán

Singer, Guitarist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via YouTube

Francisco Durán is confirmed to have used the Fender Custom Series '57 Bandmaster Tube Hand-Wired Guitar Combo Amplifier during Los Bunkers' performance at Teatro Caupolicán on September 1, 2011. This is evidenced by the full show video uploaded by Cristian on YouTube, titled "Los Bunkers - Teatro Caupolican HD - Show Completo."

See how Álvaro Henriquez uses Fender Custom Series '57 Bandmaster Tube Hand-Wired Guitar Combo Amplifier

Álvaro Henriquez

Composer, Music Producer

Los Tres

...
Verified via Photo

Álvaro Henriquez frequently uses the Fender Custom Series '57 Bandmaster Tube Hand-Wired Guitar Combo Amplifier, as evidenced by this photo from the soundcheck at La Yein Fonda 2024, posted on his Instagram. The photo was taken by @nivazq and shared with the caption: "Ayer en la prueba de sonido con @lostres_oficial en @layeinfonda. Muchos saludos a todos uds, buen Domingo y gracias por los comentarios."

See how Brian Ray uses Fender Custom Series '57 Bandmaster Tube Hand-Wired Guitar Combo Amplifier

Brian Ray

Singer, Guitarist

Paul McCartney (Live Band)

...
Verified via Photo

Rays writes on the pic, "The rare and awesome 57 3x10 Fender Tweed Bandmaster. Not a reissue- all original. Welcome home, baby."

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 Custom Series '57 Bandmaster Tube Hand-Wired Guitar Combo Amplifier, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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egondemil

egondemil

Gear IQ 144

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