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Post subject: Help Buying a Silverface
Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 6:02 pm
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Help.... I'm going to check out a couple of different 70s Silverface amps tomorrow. I hope to come home with one of them. I demoed a DRR Sat night and loved it but from all my research it seems like a better investment to buy a silverface (since I can't afford a blackface). I have also listened to some youtube demos and I love the vintage tone. Looking for opinions on Vibrolux vs Pro Reverb vs Deluxe. The VB is a 78 and is $999. Deluxe is a 79 and $1250, and the Pro reverb is $750. I've listened to them all online and they sound similar. The Pro sounds great and seems like a bargain. Help...


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Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 8:46 pm
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Not easy choices ! Guess a lot depends on what use these amps will see. The Vib and Pro are kind of in the same camp, suitable for lead and rhythm on the bandstand. The Deluxe IMO excells more in the lead niche on stage. But it really depends on the circumstances, and your own preference. About all you can do is play them(with your guitar) using every input and control until they are plenty warm( don't be afraid to push these amps). If the transformers aren't rusted and all seems well, I'd get some kind of grace period, in writing, to insure your satisfaction with the purshase. Art

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Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 11:05 pm
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Beware of that Pro Reverb. If it's a '77 or later it's no Pro Reverb at all.

That year, Fender introduced a basically all-new chassis known as the "ultra-linear 70". This circuit was used as the basis for three amps with old names but all-new innards -- the Super Reverb, the Pro Reverb, and the Bandmaster Reverb. They were 2 x 6L6 platforms with solid-state rectifiers, tone stacks similar to a Twin Reverb (with an added middle control in the "normal" channel), and a claimed max output of 70 watts RMS.

If the Pro Reverb you're interested in is one of these variants, it will never sound like a true Pro Reverb. It may not sound bad but they lack the grime and grit that the original PR possessed and really don't have a "sweet spot" as favored by fans of the original design. The ultra-linear Super Reverb of this era was equally sterile and disappointing.

The best silverfaces are those made no later than 1970 -- that's when the quality of the cabinetry went into the crapper with rabbet-joint corners, glue-in baffles, and velcro-affixed grill frames. They really aren't durable enough to withstand routine abuse like the older solid-pine finger-jointed enclosures as designed and engineered during Leo's ownership of the company.

And yes, I own one of these ultra-linear amps (a Twin Reverb bought new in 1978) so I know of whence I speak.

HTH

Arjay

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Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2010 8:16 pm
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As a general rule the SF amps don't hold the value of the BF amps. But don't let that hold you back, their well built and despite what you may hear are some of the best deals out there. Much better built than a reissue. Where else can you get a Point-to-Point wired amp for a grand or less? I had the same '75 Twin Reverb for over 35 years and never had any problems with it. Only reason I sold it was because I'm at that age where I'm sizing down (see my Super Champ post, it's my replacement amp). My Twin was easy on tubes and had all the power I ever needed, and with the P/P Master and a 12AX7 in the driver, you would have thought I was using a Marshall stack, no kidding. 1000's of gigs and never a break down. If you ask me, I'd play all those amp and go for the one you like best. I always wanted a Vibrolux because they seem kind of in the middle size wise, and there is kind of a cool vibe associated with them. BTW there is nothing wrong with SS rectifiers in those amps, in fact most Fender amps over 40 watts don't/didn't use rectifier tubes, better reliability, it's just one less thing to deal with. As far as the cabinets I think they are Plywood, and finger jointed, very strong and road worthy. Retroverbial is right, they are a tad different and not to the spec. of the originals. But if you like an amp does it matter?


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Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 4:26 am
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I love my pro-reverb. I gig with it often. I was told its a 74, but think it may be a 78. Great amp with great tone. I get compliments all the time on my tone with that amp. My newest addition is a 91 Vibro King custom. Good luck with your investment. :)

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