What is Blackface conversion of a Silverface Fender amp?
After CBS bought Fender in 1965 they initially changed the cosmetics of Fender amps from “Blackface” (having a black front panel) to “Silverface” (silver front panel). Early Silverface amps from around 1968 are electrically identical to Blackface amps, and can be recognized by the aluminium trim around the grille cloth. Unfortunately, CBS soon started to introduce a number of “improvements” to most of the Fender amp range, usually with the aim of making the amps distort less: perfectly timed to coincide with the advent of heavy rock! We can rectify these “improvements” by converting the circuit in your Silverface amp back to the Blackface circuit. As Silverface Fenders are still relatively inexpensive, even with the cost of the conversion and a re-valve, you will end up spending less than the price of a re-issue Blackface, if Fender make one that is.
