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Post subject: Custom Vibrolux
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2014 7:32 pm
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I never knew about this amp until a couple of days ago.
It uses 2 6L6 power tubes for 40 watts.
Comes with 2x10 speakers.
Where does this amp fit tonally in the Fender family?

With 6L6's at 40 watts is it more like a TRRI?


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Post subject: Re: Custom Vibrolux
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2014 7:39 pm
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Rverb wrote:
With 6L6's at 40 watts is it more like a TRRI?


More like a HRD, which has 2 6L6's at 40 watts. :shock: Although, HRD's are not 'custom' like the CV or come with tremolo.

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Post subject: Re: Custom Vibrolux
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2014 8:19 pm
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Google is your friend. Tone wise they are a modern interpretation of the Vibrolux, but don't really sound much like a vintage one. It has a classic Fender Clean to it as well as some nice crunchiness. They can be a bit noisey, but they have some nice honk to em. Here is a link for the specs.

http://ampwares.com/?s=custom+vibrolux

T2

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Post subject: Re: Custom Vibrolux
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2014 9:35 pm
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modwiz wrote:
Rverb wrote:
With 6L6's at 40 watts is it more like a TRRI?


More like a HRD, which has 2 6L6's at 40 watts. :shock: Although, HRD's are not 'custom' like the CV or come with tremolo.


Interesting.
The CR sells for $1200 and the HRD DXL3 for $750.
Surprising that the CR would cost so much more.

Looks like Fender no longer makes the CR.
I found a couple of new ones, must be left over stock.


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Post subject: Re: Custom Vibrolux
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2014 9:38 pm
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T2Stratman wrote:
Google is your friend. Tone wise they are a modern interpretation of the Vibrolux, but don't really sound much like a vintage one. It has a classic Fender Clean to it as well as some nice crunchiness. They can be a bit noisey, but they have some nice honk to em. Here is a link for the specs.

http://ampwares.com/?s=custom+vibrolux

T2


Thanks for the link.
However, it didn't tell me more than what I've found already.

I am hoping to read some owners comments as to how it sounds and plays in comparison to other Fender amps.


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Post subject: Re: Custom Vibrolux
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2014 10:57 pm
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Crap amp, in brief ..


.. sorry, but that was my impression when gigged once with it.


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Post subject: Re: Custom Vibrolux
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2014 11:08 pm
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Nikola Tesla wrote:
Crap amp, in brief ..


.. sorry, but that was my impression when gigged once with it.


+1

The concept looked good on paper but deliberate shortcuts transformed the amp into an also-ran. Folks can't seem to give them away on Ebay now. The forthcoming silverface re-issue will likely succumb to a similar fate, as with the CTR and CDR.

A pity, really......

:(

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Custom Vibrolux
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2014 11:27 pm
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Wonder how much of the lack of tone issue is due to the re-issued Jensen speakers? Esp, the alnico models. The ones I've heard aren't close to the originals.


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Post subject: Re: Custom Vibrolux
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2014 11:35 pm
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Those were among the "deliberate shortcuts" though not the primary offender.

Basically, the NFB loop was modified with the intent to provide more break-up at lower volume levels. However, the S/N ratio got hosed in the process along with any semblance of Fender's heretofore outstanding built-in reverb (sound familiar?). And marginal components throughout the circuit board all but guaranteed periodic trips to a repair tech.

Not even close enough to rate a Cohiba's ashes let alone the entire cigar.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Custom Vibrolux
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 10:21 am
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Thanks gents.

I'll cross it off my list. :)

TRRI is still on the list both the 2x12 and single 15".

I've seen some interesting real vintage Fender amps, and some of them are not too bad price wise.
There is a '73 silver face with this. "biased to Blackface specs, new spring reverb tank, recapped & all pots cleaned or replaced, original Pyle Driver speakers."

I didn't know Pyle was an OEM in Fenders.
Anyone confirm this?
Do they sound good in this amp?
Price is $900.


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Post subject: Re: Custom Vibrolux
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 10:31 am
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I believe that Pyle bought out Utah Speakers. So, the TR may have the original Utah 12-inch speakers (dunno model number).

" biased to Blackface specs "

I suppose this means that the amp was biased to original 85 watts. And not later versions at 100 watts and more.

There seems to be nice SF vintage TR's for a good price. If you can do the R&R maintenance, you can have a very reliable amp with vintage Fender TR tone.


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Post subject: Re: Custom Vibrolux
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 2:04 pm
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BMW2002Ti wrote:
I believe that Pyle bought out Utah Speakers. So, the TR may have the original Utah 12-inch speakers (dunno model number).


Correct. However I seem to recollect that this "blessed event" did not occur until 1976 or thereabouts and the Pyle's became standard fare in Twin Reverb's only when the ultra-linear model was developed and released in late '77. I would check that amp's pedigree closely before purchase. Save for gutting the entire chassis, I know of no practical method to "blackface" an ultra-linear Twin Reverb. They're good amps (I own one) but they are significantly louder than an AB763 and remain cleaner throughout the volume envelope.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Custom Vibrolux
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 6:40 pm
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Retroverbial wrote:
BMW2002Ti wrote:
I believe that Pyle bought out Utah Speakers. So, the TR may have the original Utah 12-inch speakers (dunno model number).


Correct. However I seem to recollect that this "blessed event" did not occur until 1976 or thereabouts and the Pyle's became standard fare in Twin Reverb's only when the ultra-linear model was developed and released in late '77. I would check that amp's pedigree closely before purchase. Save for gutting the entire chassis, I know of no practical method to "blackface" an ultra-linear Twin Reverb. They're good amps (I own one) but they are significantly louder than an AB763 and remain cleaner throughout the volume envelope.

Arjay


Seller claims it's a '73.
I think the Pyles are after market from what I can discern from the description.
He say it's been recapped, and all the pots have been cleaned or replaced, meaning they are in good working order.
Spring reverb is new, so not the OEM.

Would the non original reverb and after markety Pyles lower the value?
The price seems good and it's looks to be in really good cosmetic condition given it's age.


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Post subject: Re: Custom Vibrolux
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 6:48 pm
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To find serial number, looking at the back of amp, right portion of chassis. It would also be nice if you can get stamped numbers on trannies.

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