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Post subject: 77-79 Pro Reverb
Posted: Thu May 21, 2015 4:07 pm
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I just purchased a 78??? Pro Reverb. The seller was the original owner and it has been sitting for years and years. He replaced the tubes and speakers about 20yrs ago. So it has all kinds of hissing, cracking and popping.
I would like to build the "ultimate blues" amp.

I'm hoping someone can guild me into the what would be the best tubes and speakers to install. Plus any other changes I should make. I was told I should bring it in to a tech and have a "blackface mod" done. Can someone tell what that mod entails?

Right now, speakers are EV Force 12 (8ohms).
Pwr tubes are Ruby (made in China)
other tubes are a mix of OEM Fender and no name.


Thanks


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Post subject: Re: 77-79 Pro Reverb
Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 1:37 am
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" So it has all kinds of hissing, cracking and popping. "

First thing to do

Need to clean *and tensioning all tubes socket's contacts

Clean* with a burnishing tool all input jacks ground switching contacts

* Use good contact cleaner not Radio Shack .......
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Second thing to do ;

Check tubes and all filter caps and replace if needed.

I have a a Vibrolux Reverb on these year and I mod it to Blackface ; much better amp .

Find a know qualified tech ; it is the hardest , he must know what to do and how more than changing resistors and capacitors


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Post subject: Re: 77-79 Pro Reverb
Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 1:49 am
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Does your Pro Reverb have a tube rectifier?

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: 77-79 Pro Reverb
Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 2:29 am
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No tube rectifier.


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Post subject: Re: 77-79 Pro Reverb
Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 3:02 am
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armandodiaz wrote:
No tube rectifier.


This one ?

http://el34world.com/charts/Schematics/ ... tr_rev.pdf


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Post subject: Re: 77-79 Pro Reverb
Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 3:04 am
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armandodiaz wrote:
No tube rectifier.


In that case, what you have is a Pro Reverb in name only. It's what's known as an "ultra-linear" model, with 70 watts RMS, solid-state rectifier, and tone stacks identical to the Twin Reverb. It bears very little, if any, relationship to a real Pro Reverb and as such, there is no paradigm to follow in order to "blackface" it back to AB165 specs. Better to have it repaired/reconditioned and play it as is than to try and make something out of it that it clearly is not. The ultra-linear versions are known for being loud and clean -- use appropriate pedals for overdrive, compression, and distortion.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: 77-79 Pro Reverb
Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 4:22 am
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Thanks
In that case I'll have it reconditioned to stock. I'll have them change the tubes, bias and replace caps.

Any recommendations on tube brand?
How about the speakers? For now I'll keep using the EV, but should I be planning on replacing them? To what?


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Post subject: Re: 77-79 Pro Reverb
Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 10:17 am
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Speaker preference, like tube brands, is extremely subjective.

The EV is a very fine speaker though the enormous magnet structure exacts a toll on one's knees and back when transporting the amp. If you're cool with that and like the current tone, you should leave them in situ. If not, there are many modern ceramics that may interest you such as those from WGS, Kendrick, and Eminence.

As for tubes, replace any that check marginally on a tube tester. The power tubes should be sturdy enough to handle very high plate voltages. For these ultra-linear amps (I own two of them) I prefer the Tung-Sol re-issue STR's. As with any brand, buy them in matched pairs for best results.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: 77-79 Pro Reverb
Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 10:59 am
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I know this question can also be suggestive, but how close am I going to be able to get this amp to be "the perfect blues amp"?


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Post subject: Re: 77-79 Pro Reverb
Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 11:20 am
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Just found this link on Youtube.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojLt4EfVTOU

It's exactly what I got and the sound I'm looking for (so I guess that answers my previous question). Now I need to figure out how to get there.


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Post subject: Re: 77-79 Pro Reverb
Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 11:41 am
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Just did a little research. My amp is 1980....

F0+5--digits - 1980


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Post subject: Re: 77-79 Pro Reverb
Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 11:54 am
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armandodiaz wrote:
"the perfect blues amp"?


That's just about the most specious phrase I've read regarding the topic of electric-guitar amplification.

I've heard truly great blues played on a 5-watt, single-ended Alamo practice amp with a 6-inch loudspeaker. Conversely, I've heard really crappy blues through a vintage JTM45 combo. The key to a great blues tone lies primarily with the skill, technique, and inspiration of the guitarist.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: 77-79 Pro Reverb
Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 12:17 pm
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OK thanks,

Just not trying to spend a fortune trying different tubes. I was hoping to gain from other's experience.

I did that looking for my classic rock sound and after many months and boxes of tubes, I ended up replacing the complete amp.


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Post subject: Re: 77-79 Pro Reverb
Posted: Fri May 22, 2015 12:25 pm
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I can appreciate your position.

As for a "blues tone" from your amp, ignore the master volume and pull-boost switch -- the effect from both is as lame as it gets. Play the amp as a clean platform and rely on a few carefully-selected OD pedals to develop and shape your sonic signature. That's the method I use for any high-power Fender amp (Twin Reverb, Dual Showman, etc). Your amp should actually be a bit easier to tame since its 2 x 6L6 output stage generates a more sensible 70 watts max. A compressor device will also be helpful.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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