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Post subject: 1969 Vibrolux Reverb Silverface
Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2012 9:30 pm
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Hi everyone,

I am new to the forum and was hoping to get some help. I have played guitar off and on for around 9 years. I picked up this amp about 7 years ago from a news paper classified ad. Not until this week did I actuall do any research about what I had. I checked the serial #13211 which is a 1969 Vibrolux Reverb Silverface. As far as I can tell its all original and in great cosmetic and mechanical condition. From my research I can see that this is a very rare amp. Does anyone know what this thing is worth? Would it be worth keeping as a collectible?

Any information would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Ryan


Last edited by TheCanadian on Tue Feb 28, 2012 10:50 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Post subject: Re: 1969 Vibrolux Reverb
Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2012 10:20 pm
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Rock Star
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Joined: Mon Apr 05, 2010 2:37 pm
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Photos?

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Post subject: Re: 1969 Vibrolux Reverb Silverface
Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2012 11:06 pm
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I could not figure out how to attach the photos to the forum.

Below is a link to photobucket:

http://s696.photobucket.com/albums/vv32 ... ilverface/


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Post subject: Re: 1969 Vibrolux Reverb Silverface
Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2012 11:27 pm
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In PhotoBucket, scan over the image with your mouse (pointing finger icon). You'll see a list drop down below the photo. Place the finger over IMG Code (for this Forum) and left click your mouse. It'll will say "COPIED." Now, paste that link to this page:

" [image]http://i696.photobucket.com/albums/vv322/terminator123/1969%20Vibrolux%20Reverb%20Silverface/103_0133.jpg[/image] "

Where [image] = [img]

EQUALS:

Image

Thanks, to Arjay for this tip. Some Forum need the HTML Code to paste photos.


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Post subject: Re: 1969 Vibrolux Reverb Silverface
Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2012 11:35 pm
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Great, Thanks!!!


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Post subject: Re: 1969 Vibrolux Reverb Silverface
Posted: Wed Feb 29, 2012 1:13 pm
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I'm curious as to why you think the amp is very rare,the drip edge was only around for a couple of years but the amp isn't rare,but it is a great amp. :D


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Post subject: Re: 1969 Vibrolux Reverb Silverface
Posted: Wed Feb 29, 2012 2:41 pm
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Dealers seem to want between $1,200 and $1,500 for these amps.

The 2011 Vintage Guitar Price Guide has them listed in Exc. Condition between $1,400 - $1,700.


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Post subject: Re: 1969 Vibrolux Reverb Silverface
Posted: Wed Feb 29, 2012 4:25 pm
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http://ampwares.com/amplifiers/751/

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Post subject: Re: 1969 Vibrolux Reverb Silverface
Posted: Wed Feb 29, 2012 4:46 pm
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bluesky636 wrote:
http://ampwares.com/amplifiers/751/


The Field Guide was a good source for tracking ebay sales. However the person who did that stop tracking sales in early 2010. So you need to take those numbers with a grain of salt. Furthermore, the market has rebounded from the recession and the prices on vintage gear have been climbing. You would be extremely lucky to get a drip edge Vibrolux Reverb south of $1,200.


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Post subject: Re: 1969 Vibrolux Reverb Silverface
Posted: Wed Feb 29, 2012 5:22 pm
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Last edited by bluesky636 on Thu Mar 01, 2012 2:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Post subject: Re: 1969 Vibrolux Reverb Silverface
Posted: Wed Feb 29, 2012 6:00 pm
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Thanks for the responses and the information! From what I researched I thought it was a rare amp. With me being a musician who only plays as a hobby at home. Would this be something you guys think is worth keeping? It's original and doesn't have a ground on the Plug. If I was to keep it what should I do to make sure I'm not causing any damage? As far as value I have seen these listed online anywhere from $1200 upto $2700. I do understand it's only worth what someone is willing to pay. I appreciate everyone's help!


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Post subject: Re: 1969 Vibrolux Reverb Silverface
Posted: Wed Feb 29, 2012 6:19 pm
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TheCanadian wrote:
Thanks for the responses and the information! From what I researched I thought it was a rare amp. With me being a musician who only plays as a hobby at home. Would this be something you guys think is worth keeping? It's original and doesn't have a ground on the Plug. If I was to keep it what should I do to make sure I'm not causing any damage? As far as value I have seen these listed online anywhere from $1200 upto $2700. I do understand it's only worth what someone is willing to pay. I appreciate everyone's help!


Take it to a good amp tech and have the old power cord replaced with a proper 3-prong plug. Then keep it and play it like you stole it! 8)

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Post subject: Re: 1969 Vibrolux Reverb Silverface
Posted: Wed Feb 29, 2012 6:41 pm
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Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2007 1:29 pm
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Location: SW Ohio
bluesky636 wrote:
I wasn't posting that site for the price info, but for the technical info.


You might make a comment next time rather than just posting a link. The discussion was about value.

bluesky636 wrote:
Mojotone owns the site now.


I think that's common knowledge for about 99.99% of us.


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Post subject: Re: 1969 Vibrolux Reverb Silverface
Posted: Wed Feb 29, 2012 7:08 pm
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If you want to keep this puppy. Gig with it & not have to worry about funny noises or smells..And still have a primo (read $$$) amp after you have had your fun, perhaps 5 years from now. Some yaddy-yaddy, strictly from my experience. I am sure many here have other good ideas. :!: :?: :!:

Just concerning the circuitry reliability...

First off, I bring all electrolytic caps to quality modern day items. This includes the main power supply, bias supply, and bypass caps. If I am going to keep the amp for a while, I try to change all 'lytics at the same time. Then I know just how old the complete cap job is, even several years down the road.

I use Sprague Atoms and F&T 'lytics. You may need to change the resistors in the PS rail (HV dropping resistors in the power supply, for taps off to the input/gain/EFX/phase inverter; as well as any going to the 6L6GC anode & screen grid. Measure and change any more than 15% out-of-spec.

In the PS line, I like good metal oxide or WW-low inductance resistors. Make for a nice stable PS, under extreme heat and prolonged performance ("me love you a long time!") :shock:

This amp maybe an AB568 circuit amp. You would need to pull the chassis out of the cab and look at the parts layout. If you like the tone of this {fixed-bias: cathode-bias} arrangement, then just be sure the resistors and caps around this 6L6GC output tubes are within 15% tolerance.

Esp the 100K grid-to-ground resistors off the 6L6GC grids. I like to use 1% tolerance ones here. Plus the 47k-ohm anode network to the phase inverter. Try to use at least 5% or tighter tolerance here. You may want to change the 2000 pico-farad snubber cap to silver mica. These will still prevent high frequency oscillations, but not muddy up the mid to mid-high range as much as the OEM ceramic disc. Easy fix for $2.50/each. I get them here.


http://www.partsconnexion.com/capacitor ... rmica.html
Part number: SMICA-75089

Likewise, you may wish to upgrade the 150ohm, 7 watt cathode-tied "sandbox" resistor tied to each 6L6GC to ground. Very low-inductance, high temp WW Mills are the way to go. I'd go to 12-watt rated ones. This grid-to-ground, anode load to phase inverter, and cathode-tied to 6L6GC resistors and the snubbers upgraded will help to not only improve the tone, but make the amp more stable, esp during heavy use (playing past 6-7 for hours. Or during heavy transient runs). In other words, help keep the 6L6GC from going ballistic.

(AB568. No bias pot. Balanced pot. Hybrid fixed-bias + cathode biased output tubes)
http://www.webphix.com/schematic%20heav ... _schem.pdf

NOW, If you do not like the tone of this amp. You wish to revert it back to say, a (AA964) or more "Leo" circuit. You or a tech would need to do more work. I would find a tech who knows the two circuits and their primary differences. Someone who has done this conversion before would be nice.

I like the earlier circuits, with the adjusting pot = bias pot. NOT being a balance pot, as in some of these later SF model amps. Plus, no cathode-tied resistor on the 6L6GC. Get rid of the short-lived (in Fender’s era) mixed-biasing circuit (fixed plus cathode-bias).


AA964 (without cathode-tied resistors--pure fixed bias-- bias pot):
http://www.webphix.com/schematic%20heav ... _schem.pdf

Once you get the amp rock-steady stable, keep an eye out for USED good testing, low noise RCA, GE, Sylvania 6L6GC, Philip-ECG 7581A, Mullard made GZ34 (could have many other manufacturer labels), Sylvania 12AT7WA or Philips 12ATWC and modern made TSRI or Mullard RI 12AX7. Alternatively, Philips-ECG 5751.

A note about that Mullard GZ34. I have been using that mil-spec 5V4GA labeled Philips made 5AR4 in my PR and a friend’s Dynaco ST-70 hi-fi amp for nearly a year now. These amps show B+, bias voltages, and the transient & bass response just like the Sylvania made big bottle 5AR4/GZ34. A very good deal for a very good tube, if they are still available. ** *Dang, just checked EBay. No go. These were one of the best buys going for NOS mil spec 5AR4, too. *** :(

From my stash:
Mullard Blackburn UK made GZ34 on left. Two Sylvania 5AR4 (1970's issue). Two Philips-ECG 5V4GA labeled 5AR4. Note, the jigging and glassworks are identical to the Syl 5AR4.
And a real 5V4GA as comparison.

Image

RCA 5V4GA
Image


Good luck! Keep us informed of which direction you may head. I hope another mislabeled mil spec 5V4GA NOS bid comes up. Great tubes.


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Post subject: Re: 1969 Vibrolux Reverb Silverface
Posted: Wed Feb 29, 2012 10:21 pm
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Last edited by bluesky636 on Thu Mar 01, 2012 2:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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