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Post subject: Deluxe Reverb Silver Face vs Black Face
Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 10:32 am
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I know we have some knowledgeable folk out there, can someone tell me what the differences are between the black face and the silver face beside the obvious.
Hope the hear.
Cheers :?: 8)


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Post subject: Re: Deluxe Reverb Silver Face vs Black Face
Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2012 2:42 pm
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Start with this:

http://ampwares.com/amplifiers/fender-b ... xe-reverb/

http://ampwares.com/amplifiers/fender-s ... xe-reverb/

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Post subject: Re: Deluxe Reverb Silver Face vs Black Face
Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 5:52 am
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knotanother1 wrote:
I know we have some knowledgeable folk out there, can someone tell me what the differences are between the black face and the silver face beside the obvious.
Hope the hear.
Cheers :?: 8)


I think if you were more specific in your inquiry, you might get a focused response. CBS didn't really dink with the circuits for the lower end models. Not that the DR was a lower end model, but it is sort of that bridge between the student models (Champ and Princeton) and the professional models (Pro, Super, Vibroxlux, Twin). I don't know what mods were made to the DR thru the 70's other than the pull boost in 1977. There are much more knowledge guys here that can address the specifics.

If you are looking to purchase a SF DR, I would recommend trying to find one of the drip-edge models (1968 - 1969) or one of the early 1970's models. Those are the ones on my want list. :D

If you have a specific amp in mind.... post some photos and I think you get the help you seek. :D


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Post subject: Re: Deluxe Reverb Silver Face vs Black Face
Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 1:04 pm
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Really, the biggest difference I've seen in the circuitry of the BF and SF DR is the rectifier. The AA763 using the GZ34/5AR4 and the SF AB868 (and later) going to the 5U4GB.

The tonal difference is remarkable. The earlier BF GZ34 driven amps having a stouter Reverb and Vibrato tone. More "surf tone" than the later 5U4GB powered amps. All else being the same. Including the speaker used.

Of course, you can sub a GZ34 for the 5U4GB and see (or hear) for yourself.

One other slight change. The later SF often had 6V6GTAs. These make a bit more power --- but more imporantly have a slightly cleaner tone and later break-up of OD than the earlier RCA 6V6GT.


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Post subject: Re: Deluxe Reverb Silver Face vs Black Face
Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 1:24 pm
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BMW2002Ti wrote:
Really, the biggest difference I've seen in the circuitry of the BF and SF DR is the rectifier. The AA763 using the GZ34/5AR4 and the SF AB868 (and later) going to the 5U4GB.

The tonal difference is remarkable. The earlier BF GZ34 driven amps having a stouter Reverb and Vibrato tone. More "surf tone" than the later 5U4GB powered amps. All else being the same. Including the speaker used.

Of course, you can sub a GZ34 for the 5U4GB and see (or hear) for yourself.


As the owner of both an AB763 version and a late CBS silverface, I'd have to take exception to this generalization. All other factors being equal, I discern a minimal sonic change at best between the two rectifier types.

BMW2002Ti wrote:
One other slight change. The later SF often had 6V6GTAs. These make a bit more power --- but more imporantly have a slightly cleaner tone and later break-up of OD than the earlier RCA 6V6GT.


The specified power tube for the Deluxe Reverb never changed throughout the entire production run, even for those models with the pull-boost volume control. It was always the 6V6GT, with 415 VDC to the plates. The silverfaces may have a skosh more perceived clean headroom but precison bench-test measurements do not support the assertion as fact.

HTH

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Deluxe Reverb Silver Face vs Black Face
Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 2:23 pm
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Arjay, yeah you are prolly more correct (correcter? :lol: ) than me. I've only owned two DRs. One BF a LONG time ago. And a SF 5 years ago. So, I'm going on long term memory. I did like the AB763 with the GZ34 better. Not that the 5U4GB was a dog (it was a 1950s made GE). They both sounded very good. In any event you can sub a GZ34 for a 5U4GB and test the theory for yourself.

Both amps are gone now, so I have no way of really testing my opinions. At the moment. :(

I've worked on DRs. But, never had the chance to really air them out for any length of time.


I was looking for a good SFDR, when I snatched that Vibrolux Reverb. Good used DR are so $$$, these days. And that VLR seems to fit the bill, for the moment.


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Post subject: Re: Deluxe Reverb Silver Face vs Black Face
Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 3:02 pm
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BMW2002Ti wrote:
I was looking for a good SFDR, when I snatched that Vibrolux Reverb. Good used DR are so $$$, these days. And that VLR seems to fit the bill, for the moment.


And what a righteous example it is!

Neat and clean......like it was owned by a little old lady who only played it at worship services the third Sunday of every month but only in those years ending with a "0" or a "5".

:mrgreen:

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Deluxe Reverb Silver Face vs Black Face
Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 5:43 pm
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Arjay, that VLR is one heck of an amp. Good tones outta single pups and humbuckers. Very nice response to touch (think a LOT has to do with those CTS alnico 10-inch speakers). And nice response to pedals.

Fun amp, for sure! :D


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Post subject: Re: Deluxe Reverb Silver Face vs Black Face
Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 5:53 pm
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Retroverbial wrote:
As the owner of both an AB763 version and a late CBS silverface, I'd have to take exception to this generalization. All other factors being equal, I discern a minimal sonic change at best between the two rectifier types.

I have to agree there... the SFDR sounds just as good IMO. In fact my 75 sounds better than my 68! For me at least :)

Speaking of VLR... there's a drip-edge listed on ebay right now, I want!


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Post subject: Re: Deluxe Reverb Silver Face vs Black Face
Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 6:44 pm
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BMW2002Ti wrote:
Arjay, that VLR is one heck of an amp. Good tones outta single pups and humbuckers. Very nice response to touch (think a LOT has to do with those CTS alnico 10-inch speakers). And nice response to pedals.


+1

And it seems the older those CTS alnico's get, the sweeter they sound. Excepting possibly the Chicago-made Jensens, I've never heard a better-sounding ten -- vintage or contemporary.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Deluxe Reverb Silver Face vs Black Face
Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 9:28 pm
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Would it be safe to assume that either performance wise would be a good choice, I am looking at late 60's maybe early 70's.
Thanks for the information
:D 8)


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Post subject: Re: Deluxe Reverb Silver Face vs Black Face
Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 10:43 pm
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That would be my opinion.

I own a '68 and a '78 (plus a '93 re-issue).

All of them are solid dependable amps and if they weren't possessed of the requisite "legendary Fender tone" I wouldn't have bought them in the first place.

There isn't a damn thing wrong with any of them and if you buy one (of whichever persuasion) I think you'll agree.

HTH

Arjay

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