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Post subject: Re: Taming a Custom Vibrolux Reverb
Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2011 7:58 am
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steelerkid wrote:
Thats a valid question and I understand you asking. I cannot speak for everyone but in my case I SPECIFICALLY bought the amp to get it modded. I did not buy it new, however. I got a good deal on a used one and bought it for the sole purpose of modding it. The reason is because it uses the same basic circuit as a '63 and it's a very inexpensive alternative to get closer to that vintage amp. That being said, I'm kind of a DIY enthusiast anyway. The "mod" market for pedals is kinda big and I recently stopped buying them and started building my own. You can tweak cap and resistor values based off of classic circuits until you get a fully customized sound. Kind of the same idea with the amp. Regarding guitars... I dont think I've ever played one where I didnt want something changed/modded/or customized... and then once I think I've got it right, it's time for a change again. Kind of an endless cycle in my case. :)


Fair enough. In your case, you knew what it was and got one for the expressed purpose of modding.

What I'm talking about is the large number of discussions I've found about the CVR where they start out with the owner complaining about all the things that make it the CVR and they can't understand why. My reaction is a total facepalm because I just think, "well why did you buy it then?" I liken it to someone who would buy a TRRI and then post and complain about how they can't get a good OD sound out of it at low volume. Most of us would say, 'then why did you buy a TRRI?'

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Post subject: Re: Taming a Custom Vibrolux Reverb
Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2011 10:56 pm
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A '63 Vibroverb is what I was referring to, although the circuit may be "similar" to many different models. My understanding is that this newer CVR I have isnt a reissue of anything. It is it's own creation but uses a similar circuit as the '63 Vibroverb... and possibly many others. That's my understanding based on reading and talking with people on forums like this one... not 100% sure that is entirely correct. I have read about the mods and the reason for doing the mods so thats why I wanted to try it. I know a lot of people think the hiss is overrated, which may be true in many cases, but mine definately had a noticeable hiss. My technical knowledge is amateur/hobbyist grade at best, but again, the reason I did it is because its far cheaper then getting just about any 60s models or even the 65 reissue. It can be a great amp without the mods or with them... just depends on personal tastes and preferences. I bought it from a guy who LOVED it for the early breakup, he played a lot of small clubs and it worked great for him. The mod kit I bought was only $40. So for the cost of the amp and the mods it was a bargain to get a really nice sound... IMO.... even if my understanding of the technicalities are all out of whack!! :oops:


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Post subject: Re: Taming a Custom Vibrolux Reverb
Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2011 11:14 pm
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Powdered Toast Man wrote:
steelerkid wrote:
:)


Fair enough. In your case, you knew what it was and got one for the expressed purpose of modding.

What I'm talking about is the large number of discussions I've found about the CVR where they start out with the owner complaining about all the things that make it the CVR and they can't understand why. My reaction is a total facepalm because I just think, "well why did you buy it then?" I liken it to someone who would buy a TRRI and then post and complain about how they can't get a good OD sound out of it at low volume. Most of us would say, 'then why did you buy a TRRI?'


Oh right, I see. For me and my financial situation there's no way I'd drop that amount of coin for an amp unless I was reasonably certain that I'd love it. I've heard the modded versions of the CVR's and like them a lot for the price. I'd actually prefer maybe the 65 reissue but I cant find them for what I paid. The CVR modded by no means is a replacement for a twin... but a cheaper alternative to getting a decent amp IMO. But yeah, you should know what you're getting into before taking a plunge.


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Post subject: Re: Taming a Custom Vibrolux Reverb
Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2011 11:29 pm
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steelerkid wrote:
But yeah, you should know what you're getting into before taking a plunge.


+1!

"Forewarned is forearmed."

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Taming a Custom Vibrolux Reverb
Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 11:16 am
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steelerkid wrote:
A '63 Vibroverb is what I was referring to, although the circuit may be "similar" to many different models. My understanding is that this newer CVR I have isnt a reissue of anything. It is it's own creation but uses a similar circuit as the '63 Vibroverb... and possibly many others. That's my understanding based on reading and talking with people on forums like this one... not 100% sure that is entirely correct. I have read about the mods and the reason for doing the mods so thats why I wanted to try it. I know a lot of people think the hiss is overrated, which may be true in many cases, but mine definately had a noticeable hiss. My technical knowledge is amateur/hobbyist grade at best, but again, the reason I did it is because its far cheaper then getting just about any 60s models or even the 65 reissue. It can be a great amp without the mods or with them... just depends on personal tastes and preferences. I bought it from a guy who LOVED it for the early breakup, he played a lot of small clubs and it worked great for him. The mod kit I bought was only $40. So for the cost of the amp and the mods it was a bargain to get a really nice sound... IMO.... even if my understanding of the technicalities are all out of whack!! :oops:




+1 cheaper to mod, then to pay for a vintage original. I love mine as is and gig with it alot. I play classic rock and blues and use the vibrolux at med. sized venues. I use my vibro king for larger venues and outdoor, and the princeton for small blues jams. Your right, The custom vibrolux is not a reissue. Its a modern interpretation. I keep my amp volume up and turn my guitar volume down to play clean. :)

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Post subject: Re: Taming a Custom Vibrolux Reverb
Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2012 1:59 pm
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The CVR does have a rather weak & noisy reverb. Putting reverb in both channels ? 99% of Fender players only play the "Bright". I am glad that other CVR owners are describe the reverb as almost nonexistent & sounding like bumble bees flying by. The best thing about my CVR is that I knew for not a bunch of money, this amp would be a headroom beauty and a single volume amp that will break up when jacked. Sweet, Sweet, amp to mod. Look for 'em cheap and play with 'em. "And Then Play On"


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Post subject: Re: Taming a Custom Vibrolux Reverb
Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 8:25 am
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I just picked one of these used and I really like it (usually can't stand playing 10's).

Very interesting reading about the mods, that may be something to consider in the future.


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Post subject: Re: Taming a Custom Vibrolux Reverb
Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2012 10:29 am
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I've been enjoying my CVR for 6 years now. But, now its time for a change. I like the sounds coming out of the Frommel mods. I don't have the cash for a new amp. So I have a couple questions for the forum.

Is Frommel's kit the same changes as the Mark Moyer mods?

I presume switching to a Hoffman board will completely change the character of the amp. Comments?

Are there any other Mods out there for a CVR.

And yes, I've enjoyed the amp for years, just want a change :shock:

Jim


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Post subject: Re: Taming a Custom Vibrolux Reverb
Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 12:10 pm
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I had a 65 Vibrolux Reverb. Wonderful amp. I wish Fender would have reissued the original and not "customized" it.

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Post subject: Re: Taming a Custom Vibrolux Reverb
Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 12:59 pm
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63supro wrote:
I had a 65 Vibrolux Reverb. Wonderful amp. I wish Fender would have reissued the original and not "customized" it.

Amen, brother. Preach it.


I had a thought when I first began reading this thread which I figured might be helpful but then I realised it would be of no help because we're talking about the CVR and not a real VR or a reissue. When I had my Silver Face Vibrolux Reverb I took it too my amp tech and asked if there were any way he could give me a little more clean headroom. He removed the 5U4G and replaced it with a 5AR4 (or maybe it was visa-versa) and did a re-bias. It helped noticably. Where it used to begin breaking up at around 3¾ it now began to break up around 4½. It was just the right amount of clean volume increase I was looking for. Is there any way to stiffen or soften a solid state rectifier?

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