Fender Dual Showman (1963–1967)

At 52 pounds, it’s not coming along for a casual gig — but plug in, and that weight makes sense.

Overview

The Fender Dual Showman is a high-powered tube guitar amplifier head produced by Fender during the mid-1960s, primarily from 1963 to 1967, with later silverface variants appearing into the 1970s. Marketed as a professional-grade instrument amplifier, it was designed for the piggyback configuration — a standalone head intended to be paired with one or more external speaker cabinets. While often compared to the Twin Reverb, the Dual Showman carved its own identity as a louder, more road-ready alternative, especially favored by touring musicians who needed volume and headroom without the bulk of multiple combo amps.

Owners report it delivering 100 watts of clean, dynamic tube power, making it one of the most powerful amplifiers in Fender’s lineup at the time. It was available in both reverb and non-reverb versions, with the Dual Showman Reverb becoming particularly iconic. The amplifier features a twin-channel design, allowing players to switch between normal and vibrato channels, and houses a ten-tube circuit, including four 6L6GC output tubes. Its construction prioritizes durability and serviceability, with a chassis built to withstand the rigors of touring — a necessity given its typical pairing with large, high-efficiency speaker enclosures.

Despite its power, the Dual Showman includes a practical low-power mode: by removing the two inner 6L6-GC tubes, players can run the amp on just two output tubes, reducing output to approximately 25 watts. This feature, documented in official Fender service literature, offers tonal flexibility for studio or smaller venue use, though it comes at the cost of reduced headroom and bass response.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Fender
Model	Dual Showman
Type	Guitar amplifier (head)
Power output	100w
Output tubes	4 × 6L6GC
Tube complement	ten tube
Channels	twin channel head
Output impedance	4 Ohm output transformer for two 8 Ohm speakers
Low power option	can be run with only two output tubes instead of four. This is done by removing the two inner 6L6-GC tubes
Intended speaker enclosure	designed to be used with one or two Fender 412 'The Wedge' speaker enclosures
Construction	piggyback

Key Features

100-Watt Twin-Channel Tube Platform

The Dual Showman’s 100-watt output was a significant leap over Fender’s 40- and 85-watt offerings, positioning it as a flagship head for players demanding clean headroom at high volumes. The twin-channel configuration — normal and vibrato — allows for tonal variety without external switching, though both channels share the same basic preamp topology found in other blackface-era Fenders. The ten-tube circuit includes four 6L6GC power tubes, which were known for their headroom, clarity, and reliability when properly biased. Collectors note that the amp’s power section is robust, though like all tube amps of the era, it requires periodic maintenance and tube replacement.

4-Ohm Output Impedance with Flexible Cabinet Matching

Unlike the Twin Reverb, which uses a 2-ohm output transformer, the Dual Showman features a 4-ohm output, a design choice that better matches common high-impedance speaker cabinets of the time. This impedance shift reflects its intended use with larger, more efficient speaker systems. The amplifier was specifically designed to drive one or two Fender 412 "The Wedge" cabinets, each housing four 12-inch speakers. However, players also commonly paired it with 2×15" cabinets, especially in the late 1960s, as confirmed by accounts of Jimi Hendrix’s rig.

Low-Power Mode via Output Tube Removal

A practical feature for studio and stage use is the ability to reduce power by removing the two inner 6L6-GC tubes. This effectively converts the amplifier into a two-tube push-pull configuration, lowering output to approximately 25 watts. While not a true variable power attenuator, this method allows players to achieve power tube saturation at lower volumes. However, owners report that this mode sacrifices bass response and overall headroom, and the amp’s tone becomes noticeably softer and less defined.

Historical Context

The Dual Showman emerged during a pivotal era in electric guitar amplification, when volume demands from large venues and rock acts pushed manufacturers to develop higher-powered systems. It was part of Fender’s blackface series from 1963 to 1967, later continuing into the silverface era of the 1970s. The amplifier was used by several high-profile guitarists: Jeff Beck employed blackface Dual Showman heads with 2×15" cabinets during his time with The Yardbirds in 1967, and Jimi Hendrix acquired new Dual Showman amps in 1968, often running three of them in tandem with 2×15" cabs. David Gilmour was documented using a 1972 Dual Showman Reverb during recordings at Abbey Road in 1975, underscoring its longevity and tonal appeal across generations.

Collectibility & Value

Original pricing data exists for the 1965 model, listed at $915 in December of that year. This placed it among the most expensive amplifiers in Fender’s catalog, reflecting its professional target market. Today, the Dual Showman is considered a desirable vintage piece, particularly blackface models in original condition. A 1962 model (potentially an early or misdated unit) was listed for sale in "excellent condition" by MM Guitar Bar, though no sale price was disclosed. Modifications are not uncommon; one owner reportedly converted a 1967 non-reverb head into a combo amp by housing it in a custom cabinet, a testament to its modular design. Some players express preference for the non-reverb version, arguing that the reverb circuit, while sonically pleasing, can degrade the clean signal path when disengaged.