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Getting a Fender Reverb Tank
Joined: Feb 26, 2019 Posts: 16 Oregon 
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Posted on Mar 07 2019 02:28 PM
Hey everyone, I'm gonna be getting myself a vintage Fender tank some time down the line soon, and I'm going for something like a 1964 or a 1965 blackface type, just cause I like that style Can I play the tank by itself or do I need to plug it into a tube amp? The only tube amp I have is a Fender Custom '57 Twin, can I plug a tank into that? I'm new to like all this surf stuff and learning. Thanks everyone. |
Joined: Nov 03, 2011 Posts: 658 |
Posted on Mar 07 2019 02:34 PM
I had a 1964 Fender Reverb Tank (blackface) that sounded great. (some don't) I, unfortunately, sold it and regret that to this day. Since I sold it (around 15 yrs ago) I've been chasing that sound. I've had 3 different reissue tanks, tons of diff pedals (topanga x3, Boss FRV x3, flint, holy grail x3, reverberator, etc) - NOW I'm using a Source Audio True Spring pedal and just accept the True Spring for what it is and it seems to work ok. Last edited: Mar 07, 2019 14:34:38 |
Joined: Nov 30, 2017 Posts: 12 Fort Wayne, IN
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Posted on Mar 07 2019 02:47 PM
Hey Highroller, I've been using one of the '63 Reissues so I can't speak to the '64 or '65. But I wanted to pass along a tidbit that I came across frequently when researching these tanks — I've been told often that the specific spring pan in the tank does make a big difference, and that you could buy multiple spring pans of the same make/model and they may well sound different (just like guitars). Said another way, if you get an outboard reverb unit, and it doesn't sound good, it's worth trying a new spring pan before ditching the unit. You can't play the tank by itself — look at it like a big reverb pedal. It's meant to be plugged into the front end of the amp — it would probably sound sweet through your Custom '57 Twin. Hope you find something you like, I went through about seven different reverb pedals before deciding to go with the tank, won't go back now (but I would definitely use the True Spring if I didn't have the tank, derekirving!) —Mark Brody — Strange Waters Last edited: Mar 07, 2019 14:48:05 |
Joined: Mar 02, 2006 Posts: 11010 Berkeley, CA
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Posted on Mar 07 2019 03:02 PM
Hi Hightroller, Danny Snyder Latest project - Now That's What I Call SURF I'm back playing keys and guitar with Combo Tezeta |
Joined: Dec 27, 2012 Posts: 110 Ex SoCal -> Gainesville VA
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Posted on Mar 07 2019 03:34 PM
If you can get a good quality real vintage tank affordably, more power to you, and in addition to the advice above (plus what will follow I'm sure) be aware that vintage units require some care and feeding, as well as a risk of maybe some "remedial" attention being needed in case any well-meaning but uninformed amp tech has had access to it. Case in point: I've owned a '65 unit since the early 80's but it was never really "right" (other than the price at the time), so although it did the job, I had little to compare it to and only just recently was able to pinpoint some longstanding issues and correct them with the sage advice of some great amp techs thanks to the innernet... here's the story of what that entailed, with the caveat that if you aren't comfortable working with this kind of antiquated higher voltage tube circuitry, find a good trustworthy amp tech nearby to check it out for you: https://forums.fender.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=105550 —Member in good standing, Mentone Beach Syncopation Reverberation Association |
Joined: Jul 14, 2015 Posts: 472 Near Atlanta, GA
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Posted on Mar 07 2019 05:04 PM
Stoopy wrote:
That was EPIC!! What a great read, a real nail biter. Thanks for sharing. Not to give the ending away, but congratulations on a job well done. —-Tim |
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Joined: Dec 27, 2012 Posts: 110 Ex SoCal -> Gainesville VA
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Posted on Mar 07 2019 06:47 PM
Thanks Tim - not to steal any attention from the OP's thread, just saying this could be the kind of stuff you (or your amp tech) might have to deal with, HighRoller, if you get a unit with a checkered past. But is it worth it? HELL YEAH!!!!!! But, But.. I should also mention that while all that was going on, I was also building a Surfy Bear kit as a backup and reference platform. Was that worth it? HELL YEAH TOO!!! —Member in good standing, Mentone Beach Syncopation Reverberation Association Last edited: Mar 07, 2019 18:48:19 |
Joined: Mar 11, 2011 Posts: 819 Semass
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Posted on Mar 08 2019 04:33 AM
There are also options for new 6g15’s too. Kits, or a couple manufacturers (a couple of the good ones are out the game) making faithful, spot on replicas of the 60’s units. So you can have the exact thing, without the headaches of owning something old that may require more knowledge to care for or maintain. |
Joined: Jan 02, 2009 Posts: 1299 The original Plymouth, UK. 
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Posted on Mar 08 2019 08:25 AM
Reverb tanks are a worm hole you can disappear down for a long time. Make sure you leave a trail of crumbs so you can find your way back to your loved ones. Someone will mention a Surfy Bear soon. It's a worthwhile consideration. — |
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Joined: Dec 27, 2012 Posts: 110 Ex SoCal -> Gainesville VA
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Posted on Mar 08 2019 09:20 AM
da-ron wrote:
^^ Member in good standing, Mentone Beach Syncopation Reverberation Association Last edited: Mar 08, 2019 09:23:08 |
Joined: Apr 05, 2006 Posts: 1532 Bethlehem, GA
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Posted on Mar 08 2019 10:42 AM
My first tank (in 1965) was a brown '62 that I eventually sold in the '80's at a time when I was no longer playing surf music. It did what it was supposed to do, no issues. In 1995 I bought a new reissue tank that I used a lot and still have. It works and sounds just as good as the old one did and after replacing the el cheapo tubes that it came with to quality EHX ones a couple years ago, the difference really was noticeable in a good way. And it has been 100% reliable for the past 24 years. My point is, unless you insist on having vintage gear, a well-kept used reissue with good tubes will save you some $$ and should perform up to or beyond your expectations. —Jack The Mariners (1964-68, 1996-2005) |
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Joined: Feb 26, 2019 Posts: 16 Oregon
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Posted on Mar 10 2019 11:37 AM
Okay everyone, I went and got myself an original 1965 tank. Thank you all so much for the recommendations and suggestions. I'm gonna have tons of fun playing the tank with my twin amp once it arrives! I'll stay posted. |
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Joined: Dec 27, 2012 Posts: 110 Ex SoCal -> Gainesville VA
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Posted on Mar 10 2019 01:05 PM
Congrats! That was quick! Would love to see & hear what ya got! —Member in good standing, Mentone Beach Syncopation Reverberation Association |
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Thanks to all the surf bands, past and present. And thanks to all the fans who care about and keep surf music alive.
. Have any of you here got a tank type like that? What are they like? Super drippy?
