How to find a good vintage reverb tank?

Hexabuzz

Joined: Apr 05, 2015
Posts: 32
United States

Posted on Apr 14 2015 08:17 PM

So I've decided to track down an actual vintage Fender reverb tank...

I'm a complete noob when it comes to this kind of gear, so what do I look for to find a good one, or to decide which ones I should steer clear of?

Thanks in advance!

Dave

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JakeDobner

Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 12159
Seattle
5 News Pins

Posted on Apr 14 2015 08:26 PM

Buying on the internet, look at the seller's feedback and the quality/detail of the photos. It takes a lot of research and hands on experience to be able to evaluate an online reverb unit by photos only.

Buying in person, make sure you like the sound! The tanks vary greatly.

I would recommend tracking down a Gomez unit, more consistent, reliable, and cheaper.

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Hexabuzz

Joined: Apr 05, 2015
Posts: 32
United States

Posted on Apr 14 2015 08:31 PM

Thanks, Jake.

I've also found the G Spring quite interesting, and certainly wouldn't mind having one.

I'm after the best sound, and real springs, not digital - It doesn't have to actually be vintage, but that was where I thought I would start my search, anyway. I'm definitely clueless in evaluating photos.

The Gomez tanks aren't being made new anymore, right?

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JakeDobner

Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 12159
Seattle
5 News Pins

Posted on Apr 14 2015 08:35 PM

No, not made anymore. But they do pop up used.

The Gomez unit, they are 100% vintage in construction. Just way more consistent as values haven't floated over 50 years. This is why I think they deliver the best sound. The best vintage Fender is going to sound as good as a Gomez unit but an okay vintage Fender isn't going to sound as good as a Gomez.

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Hexabuzz

Joined: Apr 05, 2015
Posts: 32
United States

Posted on Apr 14 2015 08:41 PM

Cool...

I'll keep my eyes open.

Thanks!

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D22

Joined: Apr 20, 2006
Posts: 2056
1 Link Pin

Posted on Apr 14 2015 09:02 PM

Here's a used one owned by our beloved Proton.
Buy it fast!

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/msd/4956804285.html

—

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D22

Joined: Apr 20, 2006
Posts: 2056
1 Link Pin

Posted on Apr 14 2015 09:04 PM

Regarding new tanks, not building them unless I get a minimum of 10 orders.

I only have 1 person at this time.
9 more orders gets the batch started.

I will build so long as I have orders.

DGG

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Last edited: Apr 14, 2015 21:04:28

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Hexabuzz

Joined: Apr 05, 2015
Posts: 32
United States

Posted on Apr 14 2015 09:55 PM

Thanks for the info!

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alphaking

Joined: Jan 02, 2013
Posts: 214
United States

Posted on Apr 15 2015 05:43 AM

JakeDobner wrote:

Buying on the internet, look at the seller's feedback and the quality/detail of the photos. It takes a lot of research and hands on experience to be able to evaluate an online reverb unit by photos only.

Buying in person, make sure you like the sound! The tanks vary greatly.

I would recommend tracking down a Gomez unit, more consistent, reliable, and cheaper.

+1. Gomez for sure!

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SanchoPansen

Joined: Jan 04, 2011
Posts: 1588
Berlin L-Berg
Germany

Posted on Apr 15 2015 07:43 AM

+1 for the Gomez!

—

The Hicadoolas

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Hexabuzz

Joined: Apr 05, 2015
Posts: 32
United States

Posted on Apr 15 2015 08:34 PM

Thanks to Dario, as well as the rest, for the enthusiastic thumbs up on the G Spring!

I guess I know what I'll be looking to buy!

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Hexabuzz Joined: Apr 05, 2015 Posts: 32	Posted on Apr 14 2015 08:17 PM So I've decided to track down an actual vintage Fender reverb tank... I'm a complete noob when it comes to this kind of gear, so what do I look for to find a good one, or to decide which ones I should steer clear of? Thanks in advance! Dave Top
JakeDobner Joined: Feb 26, 2006 Posts: 12159 Seattle	Posted on Apr 14 2015 08:26 PM Buying on the internet, look at the seller's feedback and the quality/detail of the photos. It takes a lot of research and hands on experience to be able to evaluate an online reverb unit by photos only. Buying in person, make sure you like the sound! The tanks vary greatly. I would recommend tracking down a Gomez unit, more consistent, reliable, and cheaper. Top
Hexabuzz Joined: Apr 05, 2015 Posts: 32	Posted on Apr 14 2015 08:31 PM Thanks, Jake. I've also found the G Spring quite interesting, and certainly wouldn't mind having one. I'm after the best sound, and real springs, not digital - It doesn't have to actually be vintage, but that was where I thought I would start my search, anyway. I'm definitely clueless in evaluating photos. The Gomez tanks aren't being made new anymore, right? Top
JakeDobner Joined: Feb 26, 2006 Posts: 12159 Seattle	Posted on Apr 14 2015 08:35 PM No, not made anymore. But they do pop up used. The Gomez unit, they are 100% vintage in construction. Just way more consistent as values haven't floated over 50 years. This is why I think they deliver the best sound. The best vintage Fender is going to sound as good as a Gomez unit but an okay vintage Fender isn't going to sound as good as a Gomez. Top
Hexabuzz Joined: Apr 05, 2015 Posts: 32	Posted on Apr 14 2015 08:41 PM Cool... I'll keep my eyes open. Thanks! Top
D22 Joined: Apr 20, 2006 Posts: 2056	Posted on Apr 14 2015 09:02 PM Here's a used one owned by our beloved Proton. Buy it fast! http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/msd/4956804285.html — Top
D22 Joined: Apr 20, 2006 Posts: 2056	Posted on Apr 14 2015 09:04 PM Regarding new tanks, not building them unless I get a minimum of 10 orders. I only have 1 person at this time. 9 more orders gets the batch started. I will build so long as I have orders. DGG — Last edited: Apr 14, 2015 21:04:28 Top
Hexabuzz Joined: Apr 05, 2015 Posts: 32	Posted on Apr 14 2015 09:55 PM Thanks for the info! Top
alphaking Joined: Jan 02, 2013 Posts: 214	Posted on Apr 15 2015 05:43 AM JakeDobner wrote: Buying on the internet, look at the seller's feedback and the quality/detail of the photos. It takes a lot of research and hands on experience to be able to evaluate an online reverb unit by photos only. Buying in person, make sure you like the sound! The tanks vary greatly. I would recommend tracking down a Gomez unit, more consistent, reliable, and cheaper. +1. Gomez for sure! Top
SanchoPansen Joined: Jan 04, 2011 Posts: 1588 Berlin L-Berg	Posted on Apr 15 2015 07:43 AM +1 for the Gomez! — The Hicadoolas Top
Hexabuzz Joined: Apr 05, 2015 Posts: 32	Posted on Apr 15 2015 08:34 PM Thanks to Dario, as well as the rest, for the enthusiastic thumbs up on the G Spring! I guess I know what I'll be looking to buy! Top

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How to find a good vintage reverb tank?