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Pete’s Gear: Fender Showman amps and 2×15 cabinets

Pete Townshend’s use of blackface Fender Showman amplifiers and Fender 2×15 cabinets on the American tour in August–September 1967.

It is likely that these amps were borrowed from headliners Herman’s Hermits on the first American tour in 1967. The Hermits were sponsored by Fender, and as the Who were transitioning from Vox Super Beatles to Sunn in while on the tour in 1967, it is likely that these Fender Showman amps were borrowed from the Hermits during the tour.

Photo Gallery

Ca. 1967, with Gibson double-neck and Fender Showman amps with 2×15 cabinets.

Ca. 1967, with Gibson double-neck and Fender Showman amps with 2×15 cabinets.

25 Aug. 1967, Kiel Opera House, St. Louis, Mo., with Fender Showman amps with 2×15 cabinets. Guitar appears to be a Rickenbacker 330, likely borrowed from the Herman’s Hermits. Photo courtesy Paula Wills, stlbook.com.

Click to view larger version. 25 Aug. 1967, Kiel Opera House, St. Louis, Mo., with Fender Showman amps with 2×15 cabinets, likely borrowed from the Herman’s Hermits. Guitar appears to be a Rickenbacker 330Fireglo 360-12, also likely borrowed from the Herman’s Hermits. Photo courtesy Paula Wills, stlbook.com.

25 Aug. 1967, Kiel Opera House, St. Louis, Mo., with Fender Showman amps with 2×15 cabinets. Guitar appears to be a Rickenbacker 330, likely borrowed from the Herman’s Hermits.

Click to view larger version. 25 Aug. 1967, Kiel Opera House, St. Louis, Mo., with Fender Showman amps with 2×15 cabinets, likely borrowed from the Herman’s Hermits. Guitar appears to be a Rickenbacker 330Fireglo 360-12, also likely borrowed from the Herman’s Hermits. Effects pedal appears to be Marshall Supa Fuzz.

25 Aug. 1967, Kiel Opera House, St. Louis, Mo., with Fender Showman amps with 2×15 cabinets. Guitar appears to be a Rickenbacker 330, likely borrowed from the Herman’s Hermits.

Click to view larger version. 25 Aug. 1967, Kiel Opera House, St. Louis, Mo., with Fender Showman amps with 2×15 cabinets, likely borrowed from the Herman’s Hermits. Guitar appears to be a Rickenbacker 330Fireglo 360-12, also likely borrowed from the Herman’s Hermits. Effects pedal appears to be Marshall Supa Fuzz. And Bobby Pridden is visible behind Pete’s amplifiers.

Ca. 1967, with Gibson double-neck and Fender Showman amps with 2×15 cabinets.

31 Aug., 1967, with Gibson double-neck and Fender Showman amps with 2×15 cabinets. Effects pedal appears to be Marshall Supa Fuzz.

Resources and Information

Acknowledgments

  • Andreas Swan
  • Max the Mod

Manufacturer

More information

This page last updated 29 February, 2020