5E7 Bandmaster

TOPOLOGY
Two independent 12AY7 channels, each with high and low sensitivity inputs. A second gain stage consisting of one half of a 12AX7, leading to a 12AX7 cathode follower that drives a tone stack with independent treble and bass controls and local negative feedback. One 12AX7 recovery stage connected to global negative feedback with Presence control. 12AX7 cathodyne phase inverter. Two fixed bias 6L6 power tubes drive three 10″ speakers at about 30 watts.

DESCRIPTION
The Bandmaster is part of a trio amps that were all based on the same basic circuit with small differences supporting different speaker configurations: The Super, Pro, and Bandmaster. The 5E7 Bandmaster combines this circuit with an unusual 3 x 10″ speaker configuration. Leo re-used this design over and over for a good reason, and the Bandmaster is pretty close to tweed perfection; delivering warmth, punch, beautiful cleans, and a satisfying grind when cranked up.

The tweed Bandmaster is one of the holy grail amps among collectors, in part because of its rarity. But regular players owe it to themselves to give this amp a try. Something special happens with that oddball 3×10″ speaker configuration. Maybe it’s the output transformer, maybe it’s the unusual impedance, maybe it’s the way those three 10″ speakers interact, but in the end the Bandmaster is a very special amp.

BASE CONFIGURATION
Weber 10A125 speakers, Mercury Magnetics transformers, Jupiter Yellow capacitors, carbon composition resistors.

Base Price $1750