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Post subject: '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb-Weak Reverb
Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2015 7:40 pm
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Recently traded for a '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb. Love the amp, with one exception, very weak reverb. On 10 the reverb is about the same level as my old late 1970's Deluxe Reverb was on 3-4. Is this normal for this amp?

So far, I have checked the RCA connections, inspected the tank (springs aren't broken), tried it with tank inside and outside of the cabinet, and with open side up and down. It seems to have a very slight increase in reverb while out of the cabinet with the open side up, but I may be imagining that. It does make the expected clang sound if tapped. As luck would have it, there is a hook for routing the RCA cables over the sticker on the tank, but it is a Ruby Reverb tank with a model number ending in "BV3", the serial number is completely covered.

Any tips for troubleshooting this further or does this series/amp have a decreased reverb effect?


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Post subject: Re: '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb-Weak Reverb
Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2015 3:11 am
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Try new reverb tubes ( 2 ) but I suspect reverb tank . Can you read ohms with a meter at the input and output , reverb tank ?


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Post subject: Re: '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb-Weak Reverb
Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2015 9:48 am
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I don't have any spare tubes, but looking at the schematic V3(reverb driver) and V6(phase inverter) are both 12AT7. So, I should be able to just switch those around right?

I don't have a multimeter, but may be able to pick one up today.


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Post subject: Re: '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb-Weak Reverb
Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2015 10:00 am
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I would check the cable connections at the reverb tank and confirm that they are correctly wired. The plugs and jacks are color-coded so make sure they're configured red to red and white to white.

If the tank is properly wired then it's time to examine V3 and V4 for an issue there. Installing a 12AX7 in the V4 socket in lieu of the specified 12AT7 would provide more gain at the recovery stage.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb-Weak Reverb
Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2015 5:43 pm
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It may be normal. I have the same amp. I was surprised the reverb wasn't as good as my hot rod. Still has plenty though on the vibrolux so I shrugged it off. Play that beast.


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Post subject: Re: '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb-Weak Reverb
Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2015 1:25 pm
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Follow Arjays advice on this. He knows what he is talking about.

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Post subject: Re: '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb-Weak Reverb
Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2015 4:32 pm
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Check reverb cable it should read no resistance , few ohms may reduce reverb . Its happened to me on a Traynor amp few years old .
You can try a good stereo cables


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Post subject: Re: '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb-Weak Reverb
Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2015 8:20 pm
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Good news. A new 12AT7 in V3 had no change, but a 12AX7 in V3 definitely increased the reverb. Not a ridiculous level of reverb, but very usable.

The tank itself tested within limits 10 Ohm input, 2,200 output. Called Fender to verify the type of tank since my sticker was covered. It is 4AB3C1B, but no specified manufacturer.

Couple of questions before I button her back up.

1. Am I risking any further problems keeping the 12AX7 in V3, when a 12AT7 is specified?

2. Would I get any benefit from a "better" tank of the same model?

Thanks everyone for the help!


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Post subject: Re: '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb-Weak Reverb
Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2015 10:50 pm
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There is no risk whatsoever when using a 12AX7 in the V3 socket.

A better-quality tank *might* prove sonically beneficial but you must heed the caveats regarding input/output impedances and the type of grounding scheme required for the specific circuit.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb-Weak Reverb
Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2015 2:55 am
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WFMAH wrote:

The tank itself tested within limits 10 Ohm input, 2,200 output. Called Fender to verify the type of tank since my sticker was covered. It is 4AB3C1B, but no specified manufacturer.

!


I have few 4AB3C1B ,most Fender amps use this tank .

Mine read 1 ohms and 243 ohms . Fluke meter.
Your tank is defective or you add "0" at your readings :lol:


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Post subject: Re: '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb-Weak Reverb
Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2015 3:51 am
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Retroverbial - Thanks for the help on this, and for all the other great posts on this forum!

stratele52 - It appears I don't know how to setup and read my new meter. 1.1 Ohm input, 223 Ohm output on a new reading.


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Post subject: Re: '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb-Weak Reverb
Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2015 4:13 am
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WFMAH wrote:


stratele52 - It appears I don't know how to setup and read my new meter. 1.1 Ohm input, 223 Ohm output on a new reading.



Reverb tank look good . This do not mean this brand ( wich ? ) will give you the best reverb like a Accutronics tank do .

Is the reverb circuit in 68 Custom Vibrolux is not the same as other Fender ? I don't know , I did not look at the shematic


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Post subject: Re: '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb-Weak Reverb
Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2015 4:08 pm
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stratele52 wrote:
Reverb tank look good . This do not mean this brand ( wich ? ) will give you the best reverb like a Accutronics tank do .


The tank may in fact be an Accutronics unit.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb-Weak Reverb
Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2015 4:35 pm
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Retroverbial wrote:
stratele52 wrote:
Reverb tank look good . This do not mean this brand ( wich ? ) will give you the best reverb like a Accutronics tank do .


The tank may in fact be an Accutronics unit.

Arjay



So why a "weak" reverb ?


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