Improving the Fender blues jr reverb

bluez

Joined: Jul 11, 2010
Posts: 135
Norway

Posted on Aug 30 2011 04:03 PM

Does anyone have a tip about improving the reverb om the Fender jr amp (2007)? I know it want be like a separate reverb tank, but i was hoping for a deeper reverb. There is space for a much bigger spring unit so i am hoping that it's suffient to just change the unit.

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RobbieReverb

Joined: Feb 28, 2006
Posts: 2384
San Jose, Ca.
3 News Pins

Posted on Aug 30 2011 04:27 PM

In my opinion,

You've got a solid state reverb circuit in that amp, so it's unlikely that you'd be satisfied with changing to a larger pan. And a NOS tube upgrade is not an option because there is no tube for the reverb. If you can't afford a reverb tank, you probably ought to start trying out reverb pedals. There are a number of threads here on reverb pedals. Sorry!

Bob

—

Bob

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bluez

Joined: Jul 11, 2010
Posts: 135
Norway

Posted on Aug 30 2011 04:45 PM

RobbieReverb wrote:

In my opinion,

You've got a solid state reverb circuit in that amp, so
it's unlikely that you'd be satisfied with changing to
a larger pan. And a NOS tube upgrade is not an option
because there is no tube for the reverb. If you can't
afford a reverb tank, you probably ought to start
trying out reverb pedals. There are a number of threads
here on reverb pedals. Sorry!

Bob

I am using the jr as a lightweight backup amp. I was hoping for a little deeper reverb. But perhaps it's not worth the effort, and reverb pedals doesn't take up much space.

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RobbieReverb

Joined: Feb 28, 2006
Posts: 2384
San Jose, Ca.
3 News Pins

Posted on Aug 30 2011 06:56 PM

In my opinion, it isn't worth the effort. Go with pedal.

—

Bob

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Ariel

Joined: Aug 29, 2009
Posts: 1556
Israel
Israel

Posted on Aug 30 2011 08:14 PM

RobbieReverb wrote:

In my opinion, it isn't worth the effort. Go with
pedal.

^^^ Agreed.
But if you insist on tinkering- THIS is the holy asylum of BJr mods. Some relevant
comments down the page.

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the_Vista_IV

Joined: Sep 11, 2009
Posts: 3
Out West
1 News Pin

Posted on Sep 01 2011 12:53 AM

I got a very good tone from my Blues jr. when I was playing guitar in the Vista IV. It's a great surf amp with a couple of simple mods. First - the verb will never be as deep as an outboard reverb, that being said, the reverb tanks in the BJ are down a step in reverberation. The tank itself can be replaced with one that has a higher 'verb rating. I don't have the part number with me right now but if you're interested I can post it. The tanks themselves are built with varying degrees of reverbability due to the electrical gizmos connected to the springs. Then make a vinyl bag like the ones that came on twins and stuff the tank into it. They isolate the tank and help the reverb. Change tubes to RCA NOS with black bases tubes if you can find them. True there isn't a separate verb tube but it flows through the pin disposition so a tube change helps a gnats hair. Finally, a Weber California with aluminum voice coil cover should replace the stocker, or better a JBL D120F. All these changes are retro and work to improve the tone for surf music. I play a Jag and this combo flat out spanks!This won't give you a deep reverb but unless you're going for that Astronauts tone, it's an improvement. But you're better to buy an outboard tank - don't even consider a pedal; just my opinion - pedals don't sound like the Fender outboard tank to my ears. - Skater j

Last edited: Sep 01, 2011 01:01:10

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bluez

Joined: Jul 11, 2010
Posts: 135
Norway

Posted on Sep 01 2011 07:50 AM

the_Vista_IV wrote:

I got a very good tone from my Blues jr. when I was
playing guitar in the Vista IV. It's a great surf amp
with a couple of simple mods. First - the verb will
never be as deep as an outboard reverb, that being
said, the reverb tanks in the BJ are down a step in
reverberation. The tank itself can be replaced with one
that has a higher 'verb rating. I don't have the part
number with me right now but if you're interested I can
post it. The tanks themselves are built with varying
degrees of reverbability due to the electrical gizmos
connected to the springs. Then make a vinyl bag like
the ones that came on twins and stuff the tank into it.
They isolate the tank and help the reverb. Change tubes
to RCA NOS with black bases tubes if you can find them.
True there isn't a separate verb tube but it flows
through the pin disposition so a tube change helps a
gnats hair. Finally, a Weber California with aluminum
voice coil cover should replace the stocker, or better
a JBL D120F. All these changes are retro and work to
improve the tone for surf music. I play a Jag and this
combo flat out spanks!This won't give you a deep reverb
but unless you're going for that Astronauts tone, it's
an improvement. But you're better to buy an outboard
tank - don't even consider a pedal; just my opinion -
pedals don't sound like the Fender outboard tank to my
ears. - Skater j

I found this :
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ruby-reverb-tank-3EB2C1B-/250881336029?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a69b162dd

Is this the one you meant?

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elreydlp

Joined: Sep 04, 2009
Posts: 1800
Temecula, CA
11 Calendar Pins

Posted on Sep 01 2011 12:31 PM

bluez wrote:

RobbieReverb wrote:

In my opinion,

You've got a solid state reverb circuit in that amp,
so
it's unlikely that you'd be satisfied with changing
to
a larger pan. And a NOS tube upgrade is not an
option
because there is no tube for the reverb. If you
can't
afford a reverb tank, you probably ought to start
trying out reverb pedals. There are a number of
threads
here on reverb pedals. Sorry!

Bob

I am using the jr as a lightweight backup amp. I was
hoping for a little deeper reverb. But perhaps it's not
worth the effort, and reverb pedals doesn't take up
much space.

I used a Blues Jr. for several years as my small-venue amp. If you use a reverb pedal, dial in a bit of the onboard reverb to give a natural "tail" to the 'verb.

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the_Vista_IV

Joined: Sep 11, 2009
Posts: 3
Out West
1 News Pin

Posted on Sep 01 2011 04:24 PM

Here's the number on the longer delay replacement tank that bolts right into the Blues jr. Accutronics 8EB3C1B. It has a little more 'verb, but not enough to knock your socks off, but it's better then the stocker - Skater j

Last edited: Sep 01, 2011 16:26:47

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TyPierce

Joined: Oct 26, 2007
Posts: 542
1 Security Pin

Posted on Sep 03 2011 03:18 AM

For around $30 you can upgrade the reverb tank to one by Ruby Tubes or MOD. I've done the Ruby upgrade and it makes a HUGE difference. Drops the bottom right out of the 'verb, and warms it up a bit, too.

What used to be 12 became 6 or 7 on the Reverb knob after the tank swap.

Also, with only 4 screws to undo it's a 5 minute swap, tops.

—

Join Australosurfecus on: The Web | Facebook

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the_Vista_IV

Joined: Sep 11, 2009
Posts: 3
Out West
1 News Pin

Posted on Sep 05 2011 11:56 AM

A friend was playing out with his vintage Fender and the reverb went out. I thought it would be a good idea to get something to back up my tube 'verb. If you want to go the pedal route I tried a few and settled on the electro-harmonix holy grail after one of thee Swank Bastards recommended it to me. Good back up or budget surf setup with a Blues jr. - Skater j

Last edited: Sep 05, 2011 11:57:43

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tubesNtweed

Joined: Sep 07, 2011
Posts: 507

Posted on Sep 22 2011 02:47 PM

I couldn't find the Ruby Tubes tank, but the MOD 8EB2C1B Reverb Tank is for sale for $16.50, and that sounds pretty cheap, so is it a good upgrade or is there not much extra 'verb? I'm lookin for a close match of a '63 tank without having to buy an outboard unit. Is there a way to use a larger tank on a BJ or it won't work?

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elreydlp

Joined: Sep 04, 2009
Posts: 1800
Temecula, CA
11 Calendar Pins

Posted on Sep 22 2011 03:45 PM

tubesNtweed wrote:

I couldn't find the Ruby Tubes tank, but the MOD
8EB2C1B Reverb Tank is for sale for $16.50, and that
sounds pretty cheap, so is it a good upgrade or is
there not much extra 'verb? I'm lookin for a close
match of a '63 tank without having to buy an outboard
unit. Is there a way to use a larger tank on a BJ or it
won't work?

The length of the tank you can use is limited by the size of the cab.

Top

bluez Joined: Jul 11, 2010 Posts: 135 Norway	Posted on Aug 30 2011 04:03 PM Does anyone have a tip about improving the reverb om the Fender jr amp (2007)? I know it want be like a separate reverb tank, but i was hoping for a deeper reverb. There is space for a much bigger spring unit so i am hoping that it's suffient to just change the unit. Top
RobbieReverb Joined: Feb 28, 2006 Posts: 2384 San Jose, Ca.	Posted on Aug 30 2011 04:27 PM In my opinion, You've got a solid state reverb circuit in that amp, so it's unlikely that you'd be satisfied with changing to a larger pan. And a NOS tube upgrade is not an option because there is no tube for the reverb. If you can't afford a reverb tank, you probably ought to start trying out reverb pedals. There are a number of threads here on reverb pedals. Sorry! Bob — Bob Top
bluez Joined: Jul 11, 2010 Posts: 135 Norway	Posted on Aug 30 2011 04:45 PM RobbieReverb wrote: In my opinion, You've got a solid state reverb circuit in that amp, so it's unlikely that you'd be satisfied with changing to a larger pan. And a NOS tube upgrade is not an option because there is no tube for the reverb. If you can't afford a reverb tank, you probably ought to start trying out reverb pedals. There are a number of threads here on reverb pedals. Sorry! Bob I am using the jr as a lightweight backup amp. I was hoping for a little deeper reverb. But perhaps it's not worth the effort, and reverb pedals doesn't take up much space. Top
RobbieReverb Joined: Feb 28, 2006 Posts: 2384 San Jose, Ca.	Posted on Aug 30 2011 06:56 PM In my opinion, it isn't worth the effort. Go with pedal. — Bob Top
Ariel Joined: Aug 29, 2009 Posts: 1556 Israel	Posted on Aug 30 2011 08:14 PM RobbieReverb wrote: In my opinion, it isn't worth the effort. Go with pedal. ^^^ Agreed. But if you insist on tinkering- THIS is the holy asylum of BJr mods. Some relevant comments down the page. Top
the_Vista_IV Joined: Sep 11, 2009 Posts: 3 Out West	Posted on Sep 01 2011 12:53 AM I got a very good tone from my Blues jr. when I was playing guitar in the Vista IV. It's a great surf amp with a couple of simple mods. First - the verb will never be as deep as an outboard reverb, that being said, the reverb tanks in the BJ are down a step in reverberation. The tank itself can be replaced with one that has a higher 'verb rating. I don't have the part number with me right now but if you're interested I can post it. The tanks themselves are built with varying degrees of reverbability due to the electrical gizmos connected to the springs. Then make a vinyl bag like the ones that came on twins and stuff the tank into it. They isolate the tank and help the reverb. Change tubes to RCA NOS with black bases tubes if you can find them. True there isn't a separate verb tube but it flows through the pin disposition so a tube change helps a gnats hair. Finally, a Weber California with aluminum voice coil cover should replace the stocker, or better a JBL D120F. All these changes are retro and work to improve the tone for surf music. I play a Jag and this combo flat out spanks!This won't give you a deep reverb but unless you're going for that Astronauts tone, it's an improvement. But you're better to buy an outboard tank - don't even consider a pedal; just my opinion - pedals don't sound like the Fender outboard tank to my ears. - Skater j Last edited: Sep 01, 2011 01:01:10 Top
bluez Joined: Jul 11, 2010 Posts: 135 Norway	Posted on Sep 01 2011 07:50 AM the_Vista_IV wrote: I got a very good tone from my Blues jr. when I was playing guitar in the Vista IV. It's a great surf amp with a couple of simple mods. First - the verb will never be as deep as an outboard reverb, that being said, the reverb tanks in the BJ are down a step in reverberation. The tank itself can be replaced with one that has a higher 'verb rating. I don't have the part number with me right now but if you're interested I can post it. The tanks themselves are built with varying degrees of reverbability due to the electrical gizmos connected to the springs. Then make a vinyl bag like the ones that came on twins and stuff the tank into it. They isolate the tank and help the reverb. Change tubes to RCA NOS with black bases tubes if you can find them. True there isn't a separate verb tube but it flows through the pin disposition so a tube change helps a gnats hair. Finally, a Weber California with aluminum voice coil cover should replace the stocker, or better a JBL D120F. All these changes are retro and work to improve the tone for surf music. I play a Jag and this combo flat out spanks!This won't give you a deep reverb but unless you're going for that Astronauts tone, it's an improvement. But you're better to buy an outboard tank - don't even consider a pedal; just my opinion - pedals don't sound like the Fender outboard tank to my ears. - Skater j I found this : http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ruby-reverb-tank-3EB2C1B-/250881336029?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a69b162dd Is this the one you meant? Top
elreydlp Joined: Sep 04, 2009 Posts: 1800 Temecula, CA	Posted on Sep 01 2011 12:31 PM bluez wrote: RobbieReverb wrote: In my opinion, You've got a solid state reverb circuit in that amp, so it's unlikely that you'd be satisfied with changing to a larger pan. And a NOS tube upgrade is not an option because there is no tube for the reverb. If you can't afford a reverb tank, you probably ought to start trying out reverb pedals. There are a number of threads here on reverb pedals. Sorry! Bob I am using the jr as a lightweight backup amp. I was hoping for a little deeper reverb. But perhaps it's not worth the effort, and reverb pedals doesn't take up much space. I used a Blues Jr. for several years as my small-venue amp. If you use a reverb pedal, dial in a bit of the onboard reverb to give a natural "tail" to the 'verb. Top
the_Vista_IV Joined: Sep 11, 2009 Posts: 3 Out West	Posted on Sep 01 2011 04:24 PM Here's the number on the longer delay replacement tank that bolts right into the Blues jr. Accutronics 8EB3C1B. It has a little more 'verb, but not enough to knock your socks off, but it's better then the stocker - Skater j Last edited: Sep 01, 2011 16:26:47 Top
TyPierce Joined: Oct 26, 2007 Posts: 542	Posted on Sep 03 2011 03:18 AM For around $30 you can upgrade the reverb tank to one by Ruby Tubes or MOD. I've done the Ruby upgrade and it makes a HUGE difference. Drops the bottom right out of the 'verb, and warms it up a bit, too. What used to be 12 became 6 or 7 on the Reverb knob after the tank swap. Also, with only 4 screws to undo it's a 5 minute swap, tops. — Join Australosurfecus on: The Web \| Facebook Top
the_Vista_IV Joined: Sep 11, 2009 Posts: 3 Out West	Posted on Sep 05 2011 11:56 AM A friend was playing out with his vintage Fender and the reverb went out. I thought it would be a good idea to get something to back up my tube 'verb. If you want to go the pedal route I tried a few and settled on the electro-harmonix holy grail after one of thee Swank Bastards recommended it to me. Good back up or budget surf setup with a Blues jr. - Skater j Last edited: Sep 05, 2011 11:57:43 Top
tubesNtweed Joined: Sep 07, 2011 Posts: 507	Posted on Sep 22 2011 02:47 PM I couldn't find the Ruby Tubes tank, but the MOD 8EB2C1B Reverb Tank is for sale for $16.50, and that sounds pretty cheap, so is it a good upgrade or is there not much extra 'verb? I'm lookin for a close match of a '63 tank without having to buy an outboard unit. Is there a way to use a larger tank on a BJ or it won't work? Top
elreydlp Joined: Sep 04, 2009 Posts: 1800 Temecula, CA	Posted on Sep 22 2011 03:45 PM tubesNtweed wrote: I couldn't find the Ruby Tubes tank, but the MOD 8EB2C1B Reverb Tank is for sale for $16.50, and that sounds pretty cheap, so is it a good upgrade or is there not much extra 'verb? I'm lookin for a close match of a '63 tank without having to buy an outboard unit. Is there a way to use a larger tank on a BJ or it won't work? The length of the tank you can use is limited by the size of the cab. Top

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Improving the Fender blues jr reverb