1st of all, forgive me if I'm re-visiting a previously rehashed topic.

I'm looking at purchasing one of the lower-wattage Fender tube amps. Likely, either a Deluxe, Pro, or Super Reverb. (Unless a TR throws itself at me.)

Is a SF markedly better than a reissue, other than from an investment perspective? Or, for a newbie's (but in it for the long haul) purposes, are they just about the same?

I can afford a SF. In fact, got a local Pro Reverb SF available. But I don't know how to compare one vs the capabilities of current RI's. (BTW, No aspirations of headlining down at The Pier.)

Thanks for any input. I soak this stuff up like a sponge.

JohnM

Dave Wronski of Slacktone (who also works for Fender) once said that the Silverface amps are closer to the originals than the reissues. I think the early silverface amps are great - underrated. But, you take a risk with any old electronic device. Make sure you have it thoroughly checked out and always have a backup for gigs!

Read my article on VintageSound amps if you want to find out about blackfaced 70s-era Fender amps that are really done well...

Good luck!

Gavin

While the potential is there for a nice point-to-point wired amp on da cheap, some of the silverface fender amps can be real dogs (see previous ultralinear post). I've owned my share and while most can be converted to blackface spec without too much work, CBS did make some circuit changes in the mid 70s that would require transformer changes to blackface the amp which can add up to a lot of cash. Generally, the earlier Silverfaces have less significant changes to the circuits and will be the easiest to change over. What year is the SF Pro you're looking at?

Most folks generally poo-poo reissues, but if you are looking at a Deluxe Reverb even the silver faces have gone up in price enough to take a big chunk outta yer wallet. The reissue DRs aren't that bad, and if you can find one used a few simple things like swapping out the awful stock speaker and subbing in some decent quality tubes will go a long way to making it sound better. We're talking about bang for the buck here - I've seen these amps selling for $500 used, with new tubes 'n speaker you could have a decent sounding amp for under $700. Not bad, and you don't have to worry about someone running off with your $2500+ Deluxe while you're ordering a beer at the bar!

I haven't had a chance to play through a Pro reissue, but from what I've seen they are a lot different from the original (Fender markets 'em as "3 amps-in-one") - the fact it runs a sinle 12" speaker instead of 2x12's is gonna make a big difference right outta the gate!

Also keep in mind the deluxe is a lot different than the Pro and Super - the jump from 6V6 to 6L6 accounts for a big change in tone and wattage (22ish to 40 watts). What kinda stuff do you play, and what do you want from your amp? I've owned a '65 Deluxe Reverb and '66 Super Reverb before settling on my '66 Pro, so if I can help you out with any info.

This shold be an interesting thread to follow. Best o' luck on your amp hunt!

btw - I avoid buying ANY guitar or amp new because of the initial depreciation (re: Bong-o's post) - you can expect a new git or amp value to drop at least 10-15% as soon as you walk out of the store!

Could be quite the opposite, and harder to maintain because of the construction method and the low quality components. It's true that an SF will probably require an initial expense of overhauling, but then it will be good for years. If the RI doesn't get moved too much it could be fine, though.

Good luck whatever you end up with,
Ran

The Scimitars

Don't you hate it when you ask for advice, then you make a decision, and people then advise you against your decision? I've had both SF and reissue amps - I can say, my blackfaced '73 Fender Twin Reverb kicks ass compared to my reissue '65 Twin Reverb Special 15. I A/B tested the two, switching speakers to hear how both would sound through both the twin 12" and the single 15" in the reissue. To my ears, the SF Twin sounds way better than the reissue, no matter which speakers.

That said, I have heard many, many good DRRI amps. It's funny, because they do vary greatly in tone and in depth of reverb. But, of the reissues, I think you can't go wrong with a little DRRI! And if you do, you can sell it for what you paid a year later and not look back.

So, good luck with the DRRI - I think you will be satisfied. And, for surf, it is much better than the Hot Rod Deluxe or other contemporary Fender amps!

I bought a RI Super Reverb a couple of years ago. I tried all of the Fender tube amps in the store and the SR sounded WAY better to me than all the rest. Then I spent a few hundred dollars on NOS tubes and had a tech bias it. According to the tech, who had no problem with the sound, the main drawback of the reissues is that the circuit boards will simply not last as long as hand wiring. The heat takes it toll on the plastic boards. I do love the amp though, even though it weighs a ton. I'm looking for a SF Deluxe now.

Richard,
If you indeed picked up a Vibrosonic Reverb you should have plenty of power. It's really a SF Twin Reverb with a 15" so I doubt you're choked on volume. I still have a twin of SF TReverbs at home from years past and when I did some "restoration" of them they were ever so loud. I could only play with at 5 or six before the band yelled "Stop!"

WillyT, I'm undoubtedly ovesimplifying it, but as I see it,
would you rather have a point-to-point wired, built-like-a-
tank tone machine that is easy for any competent amp tech
to diagnose and work-on, rising in resale value, often easilly
converted to a blackface circuit, and that would cost in the
boutique amp range if built today...

or would you rather have a mass-produced good sounding
amp that will lose resale value, and if breaking down, often
is difficult to diagnose and often requires costly complete
replacment of a damaged circuit board???

I'll take the Silverface (except for some of those tone-sucking
versions from the 70's) every time.

The reissues are very popular and good sounding amps, and
certainly can't fault anybody for playing through one. I just think
that a lot of silverfaces are a much better option.

.

Bob

Bob

FlowmasterG_
Sorry, but that's simply not true. Everyone and their grandma knows that the Master Volume SF's sound completely different than non master volume SF's and WAY differnt than any BF amp. I'm not an amp tech but I'm sure that several on here can explain WHY your master volume SF is very different from non-MV amps and why it's considered quite inferior as well in terms of tone.

They work differently, are made differently and sound quite different as well. Sometimes people are posting the wildest claims here that someone new to tube amps will read and actually BELIEVE.

Puh-leez.
g

G,

I agree with you, but I really don't think you need to be quite so insulting. Let's try to keep it respectful, shall we?

Thanks,

Danny Snyder

"With great reverb comes great responsibility" - Uncle Leo

I am now playing trumpet with Prince Buster tribute band 'Balzac'

Playing keys and guitar with Combo Tezeta

Formerly a guitarist in The TomorrowMen and Meshugga Beach Party

Latest surf project - Now That's What I Call SURF

Master volumes can be taken out. Caps can be replaced... I have heard late silver bassman heads that sounded great and blackface amps that were turds...

I like point to point because they can be worked on. so you really never have to throw them away. People buy re-issues and take out the printed boards and put in a Point to point board. That would be a cool way to get one.

just a couple of thoughts.

THe NEpTuNeS