Fender '63 Vibroverb Reissue

I believe this to be a '91. Pretty basic and true to the '63 Vibroverb with the exception of the SS rectifier. Has 2x10" ceramic speakers. I bought this because it was similar to our other guitar player's '70 Vibrolux. Sounds almost identical. It's a bit harsher, which I believe to be attributable to the ceramic, rather than alnico magnets.

I play mostly blues and a little country rock through a whole bunch of guitars - a '60 strat, '63 Firebird, Jerry Jones, '80s Les Paul Standard, '60 ES175 with PAFs. Sounds great with all of them. The strat quacks, the bird will tear your head off, the Les Paul is thick and creamy, The 175 has an almost acoustic quality and the Jones is twangy enough for the little bit of country we do. I bought this used and once I found the microphonic 12ax7 and replaced it, the annoying noise that occurred every time I hit a g-note disappeared and the amp is now very quiet. I haven't had it more than a month, but it's become my main amp for a number of reasons. I've always liked 10" speakers, tube amps and it's fairly light for an old fart to carry around. I usually play it at about: vol 6, treble 8, bass 4 and reverb on 2. I use the bright channel because the reverb doesn't work with the normal (true to the '63 verb)

Aside from the microphonic tube, have played it every day for a month with no trouble.

Don't know, don't care. I use a local tech for my other tube amps and would use him for this one, if I needed to.

I've been playing about 20 years. I also own a bunch of other amps, including 2 1959 Fender Deluxes, 1957 Harvard, 1974 Music Man 65-410, and early '60s Supro (same circuit as a champ). I had been playing one of the Deluxes almost exclusively and I still love it's saturated sound for blues, but the sound of the 2x10s in the 'verb is what I'm looking for now, along with the extra power. If any of my stuff got stolen I'd hunt the bastard down and sell his organs to replace what he took.

My 'Verb reissue was made in '90. Two channels no switching, reverb, tremelo, about 40 watts tube power with SS rectifier. Except for the SS rectifier, these are the features I look for in an amp. Surprisingly warm for a SS rectifier. I use it mostly for roots and progressive rock, occasionally a blue or two. For me this amp has all the features I want, as I much prefer to manipulate effects (tube screamer, wah, delay) outboard as not to corrupt the amp tone. This amp is a gem in the small & mid sized clubs. Great sound and plenty of power. This amp gets its share of compliments. Large clubs and outdoor festivals were miked, but the tone was great. I'm going to give it a 10 for versatility because I can do (and have done) everything with it without much effort, from bell toned blues, progrssive chiming to power chord blasting.

Mostly I use a '69 Strat and a '69 tele. But sometimes the Les Paul, ASAT, Ric, and ES345 come out to play. Any combination works great with this amp. About the only thing is the Fender single coils sound better rolling off the treble a bit. I play many styles but mainly a roots and progressive rock style. The amp's tone is great, but from the semi-hollows (Ric,345 and ASAT) they are incredible. This amp has been quiet for the two years I've had it. The distorion is nicely compressed as you get louder, really sweet. But everyone needs to drive the tubes they like. My favorite is to set the vol at "5" or so, and use a screamer to get it right at that touch sensitive "sweet spot". That is is spot where you can play with a light touch to stay clean and dig in to drive it hard.

This amp has been going two years with no problems or even the hint of one yet. It makes about two gigs a week. I originally bought this as a backup to my '67 Vibrolux, but now it is the only one I carry. The 'Lux does studio work.

I tried to deal with Fender support way before I bought this amp. Support Service was invisible then so I haven't acknowleged them (support) since.

I have been playing for 25 years and have owned/played every major amp brand on the market. Many are good, but I prefer the Black & Brown Fender Amps. This is the only reissue I own, but it has been a pleasure. There are two weak spots on this amp from the factory, tubes and speakers. Although the speakers have never given out on me, they begin to sound thin at high volumes. Just about every other speaker I've used sounds better when driven. The Fender guy who made the decision on factory brand tubes for this amp, especially the output tubes should be fired. But this is very easily resolved, and almost any other tube put in will be better. I tried Mesa tubes and they are doing a wonderful job.

Made between 1990-1995. Amp is versatile but by no means a heavy metal amp. 2 channels with two inputs per channel. One Normal and one Bright channel. One input on each channel is 6db higher gain. No channel switching, no effect loop, no headphone jack. Since this is a reproduction of the 1963 amp the features are minimal. It has vibrato and reverb, bass, trebble and volume controls. 35 watts that will do well in most band situations. 8 tubes total. 2 Power tubes. 6/12ax7's & 2/6L6GC's. Solid state rectifier. I like the sound but may convert it to a tube rectifier in the future. Tubes are original Fender which I intend to change to Svetlana's. 2X10 Oxford speakers which have been replaced with Weber Alnico VST's. Has dual foot switch for reverb/tremolo. Brown tolex, wheat grill cloth and tilt legs. Weight is aprox. 50 pounds. Mostly PCB circuitry. Looks true to original with the exception of having a 3 wire power chord and not having a convenience outlet.

I use several guitars. Rickenbacker 370, Fender Stratocaster, US Fat Telecaster and an SG doubleneck. Also a 1965 Fender Malibu acoustic w/Seymour Duncan woodie humbucking sound hole pickup. I play various styles from jazz & blues to classic & hard rock. The amp does well on each style mentioned. I use an 808 tubescreamer for heavy stuff. It is not noisy but you can hear the vibrato slightly when not playing. but it does not click like many Fender amps do. Reverb is lush and surfy. It will distort at volumes over 5 which is quite loud. The distortion is surprisingly warm for a solid state rectifier. Clean tones have very nice bass and midrange at all volumes. I will credit the good tone to the Weber speakers.

I have not used it long enough to rate it's dependability but it is a Fender amp and they are noted for being quite rugged. Tubes are original and at least 5 years old. No problems but I intend to change them in the near future to prevent failure.

I bought the amp used with no warranty and have no reason to contact Fender.

I have been playing for over 35 years. I played through the original Vibroverb amps long ago and I find that this re-issue sounds better than the original but again I believe that the Weber speakers are a big compliment to its tone. I have 5 guitars, a bass and 3 amps which include a Marshall JCM and a DSP Crate. I am not a purist and was not looking for an exact duplicate of the original Vibroverb. To my surprise this amp looks like the original and sounds even better. I chose this amp because I like the old Vibroverbs and Vibrolux amps from the Pre-CBS era. The original Vibroverbs, if you can find one in nice shape, are selling for the price of a new car. This is the closest I can get in a reasonable price range. This amp is a time machine for me and I enjoy every second of playing through it. If you are reading this I assume that you are interested in buying one. Since they were a limited re-issue and no longer made they are getting hard to find. If you find one in good shape for a reasonable price I suggest that you buy it. Remember that it is a Fender tube amp so if you don't like the sound just change tubes and/or speakers. I compared specs between the original 1963 amp and the re-issue and found it to be very close to the original.

-This is a RI amp, what do you expect? 2 channels, normal and bright. Reverb for bright only. Has vibrato also. -2x10, 40W, tubes, SS Rect. I bought it used, came with Eminence. Replaced them with Webers P10R. Why R? It was for sale,used, for quite cheap, and I didn't wanna wait. Also, my main guitar is pretty trebly, so i wanna tame it down a bit on this factor. - Strictly bedroom. Haven't had time (college) to take it out, not that I gig hehe...well, maybe when I'm real confident I don't get booed offstage...

- Guitars: `91 Strat Plus with Fralins,`96 Lonestar (Tex Specials, Pearly Gates + bridge), with Klon Centaur pedal. - I play mostly blues, in the hope of at least to decently play SRV, Collins, Hendrix etc. I'd say the Plus, with Blues Special Fralins, would be SRVish in the veins of songs like Dirty Pool, So Excited. Also, very nice clean. The amp gives clean tones until about 6, and the breakup's real nice. I just got the Klon Centaur, and it does make a difference. For some reason, my tone is more meaty, as well as the usual overdrive duty.
The Lonestar is kinda dirtier, and janglier. Both guitars have their own places, I guess. But they both sound dreat with the amp. Prolly this is the best thing: you'd have to spend 1000+ for Supers and 2000+ for the real Vibroverb. This has the legendary Fender clean, and the overdriven tube sound as well. It's a shame they stopped making these. About reverb: As others have said, it is real fine. Not too much though, or you'll be swimming. Tremolo: I don't use it much. Too much does produce the ticking sound (not that noticeable). Prolly the real ones had this too; I am comparing teh amp to an old SF Vibrochamp that I sold to get this amp :( Mine, as I said, came used. Tubes are all Sovteks, so I cannot comment on original ones. I plan to replace these with NOS Phillips power tubes. I am looking to more breakup, at lower volumes. And, I think the Webers did help the tone. More mids, more bass, but still enough treble. Maybe I should have changed preamp tubes, well I'm still learning about tube amps, and it's all good fun.

I had it for about 2 months now. No problem so far. Well, there is one. The original owner, when he replaced the speakers, left the screws jutting out too much, and this pressed against the grillcloth. So, it kinda tears a bit from the inside. Not much though - not Fender' fault. Other than this, I don't think I got no reason to worry about.

I don't think warranty applies. Never contacted Fender, so cannot comment. However, for the amp, I think I can find, if I need to, local amp techs.

Playing for nearly 3 years, so my gear buying isn't really justified. Help I got GAS real bad. Oh shut up...hehhe. I just love guitars...If it was stolen, I'd get real mad. I saved hard for guitar stuff, so keep off ;) Seriously, I prolly would get some vintage stuff, like a SR, VR, etc, as long as the price is not ridiculous. Also, I'd like to note the Klon pedal. Man, this thing is awesome. I had a TS9/808, and it's nothing like it. Other than quiet, not coloring the tone, it gives more meat to your sound. Prolly I'm not putting it clearly...well, go give it a try. You spent thousands on your vintage/boutique amps, why not spend $300 more and get something that'll make you smile...
oh well...

A sterling reissue of a ferocious two channel tone monster: 40 watts through six 12AX7 and two 6L6 tubes driving two 10-inch speakers with footswitchable spring reverb and tremolo (speed and intensity controls included). This amp has the standard Fender channels, "Normal" and "Bright," independent from one another, each with a volume, treble, and bass control. Each channel has two inputs: "1" for full power, and "2" for reduced power (a bit more practical for bedroom practice volume levels). The Bright channel has access to reverb and tremolo, Normal is tremolo only. I would've liked to see Fender implement master reverb and normal to bright channel switching, but they're being faithful to the original Vibroverb so c'est la vie. It's not a problem.

Audiophiles and guitar amp purists are cringing everywhere as I write this, but I'm using this guitar with a Carvin DC127, a two humbucker vintage '80s shred machine, and a truckload of Boss effects in series the first of which is a Metal Zone. See the "Thrash" section below ...
Overall: This amp is a little on the loud side for bedroom levels, but sounds great for a variety of musical styles. There is a bit more vintage Fender quack in the "Bright" channel, but both normal and bright channels have similar sounds and equally responsive volume and tone controls.
On the clean sound: Imagine the vintage clean tones of years gone by that we've come to know and love. Now better it and add reverb and trem. Absolutely UNREAL bass thump when playing at "3" or above, but the amp doesn't get really gritty until you reach some of the higher volume settings (at least "5" or "6"). All the while your friendly treble knob is providing the perfect amount of cut-through to balance everything nicely. Even with the treble on "1" and the bass on "10" you're able to get a jazzy sound to the amp where the notes have virtually no high end but can be made out clear as day because of the amp's natural mids and huge amount of headroom.
Reverb: Sick. Sick sick sick. On "10" it sounds like you're underwater, I usually keep it parked at "4" so my sound doesn't get drowned out. Although, maxing it out could make for some intertesting effects ...
Tremolo: Gorgeous but a little overbearing on some volume settings. Not as staccato as I would have liked on the more intense "intensity" settings but very smooth and a great effect when used sparingly. The Johnny Marr "How Soon is Now" vibe is easily achieved with this amp.
Thrash: I'm not sure if this fits into this amp's description, but it's a great metal amp. It truly is. I get the clarity of Fender clean channels and the flexibility of a stomp box when using the Metal Zone. This amp's preamp tubes, when smacked with a heavy duty amount of gain, respond in ways only a VHT Pittbull or Mesa Dual Rectifier can. Amazing clarity and character to the notes, even when slammed with distorted chords involving four or more strings. I highly recommend this amp and a Metal Zone to anyone looking for an alternative to forking over their life savings for a Dual/Triple Rectifier or similar amp. You will be pleasantly surprised. Remember, you can't play metal all the time though ...

I would depend on this amp for any gig, but it must be miked for proper effect. It simply isn't loud enough to play over a full band on its own (then again, who doesn't go through a PA today?). Fender amps are renowned for their reliability and durability, just see your local music shop for the going price on a vintage Super Reverb. I expect to get years of service out of this amp and do the usual tube maintenance/repair/etc.

Never had to deal with Fender customer support, I've heard mixed reviews but realistically I could probably service everything myself.

I've been playing for 10 years and this amp is the culmination of a lot of different amp sounds I've tried to re-create. There was the solid-state phase in the beginning (gotta love those Peavey Envoys with "tube emulation" circuit boards), a flirtation with power amps and rack units, a small tube amp (Fender Blues Junior, 15 watts) and floor pedals, and now the Vibroverb.
Going for me: It's a Fender, it has gorgeous tone and reverb, it's capable of handling the machinations of a weirdo insane enough to call it a great metal amp.
Going against me: It'll probably be around longer than me, which means I've got to give it up at some point. Lucky is the person who gets this amp ...
If you find one, buy one. I got mine for $450 because I traded in my Blues Junior for $150. It was on consignment in this hole in the wall music store for $600. Good deal on my part, though I think these amps (if you can find them) typically go for around $750 - $800.

Nothing to add beyond what you've already read or know. Intended for the '60s blues, surf, and rock sounds and does them perfectly. Features are right for the intent of the amp.

Using various Strats, ES335, Blueshawk, and '57 LP Special, even the Strats send it into sweet overdrive. The reverb and tremolo/vibrato are PERFECT. I played a MIDI synth thru it and ripped up the Oxford reissue speakers. I successfully repaired them, but replaced them with Eminence 50 watt 10's. A bit louder by pretty edgy at higher volumes. I replaced them with Reissue Blue Alnico's. That's the sound to die for. Not nearly as loud but SWEET and PHAT. Tried Svetlana and NOS RCA 6L6's and they overheat. Would need to add a bias adjust circuit to cool them off. I did this successfully with my Deville 212--big improvement.
Note that with the speakers in it now you can't get a clean sound above volume 3, and that's not very loud. Even with the original speakers in it dirtied up before getting really loud. That's the way I like it and it's perfect for my style--electric blues--warm and not too hard (usually).

I've used it on and off since I traded my '67 Blackface Twin Reverb for it new in 1990. Other than frying up the Chinese 6L6's within a year, no trouble whatsoever. My fault the speakers blew with the synth--DUH!

Fender is no fun since they moved to Arizona--they don't really want to talk to us consumers about details anymore. Find a good amp tech! They do have a good warranty though.

Great amp for what it was intended and a super replica of the original.

Very basic features-typical Fender two channels-normal and bright: the bright channel has reverb; both utilize the built-in vibrato; both channels have volume, bass and treble, and two inputs, the number 1 input 6db hotter than number 2 input; the vibrato has speed and intensity controls. This is plenty enough for me!

I play harp. Blues harp. I prefer dynamic element mics over crystal, and crystal over ceramics, in that order. Right now I use and old E.V 630, and a Universal Model 308. I've recently switched from Hohner Special 20s to Lee Oskars. To be honest, this was the first amp I bought to use exclusively for harmonica, and I didn't particularly like it in the beginning-but I was using an Astatic JT-30 (reissue) at the time and the stock tubes that came with the amp. Since then I've replaced the cheap-ass Chinese 6L6s with Tung-Sol-made RCA 5881s (brown base) and replaced the crappy preamp tubes with Amperex Bugleboys and Telefunkens. Man-o-man, what a sound! And to think I almost sold it! I can get a tone and volume out of this amp without feedback standing almost in front of it that I can't get out of any other amp.(I have seven others, including two Harmonys, a couple old Bogen P.A.s, a '47 Masco P.A., and a Sonny Jr. I and II). I had thought about replacing the speakers with Webers, or something like that, but I can't see why-for harp, these just sing. I did find some '65 Oxford 10L6's in an old Fender cab and ran them out of the main speaker jack to see if they would be any better, but the Oxford reissues that came in the amp sounded almost exactly the same. I replaced the 12AT7 reverb driver with a 12AU7 for a little more control over the "surf". I can get some good honkin' and smooth playing out of this sucka, and playing my Martin tenor guitar with DeArmond P/U through the amp with the reverb and vibrato gives me a perfect Magic Sam "All Of Your Love" sound. Ahhhhhh......

I've had this amp for over three years with no problems to date, except for the lousy tubes that came with it (one of the 6L6s was loose from the tube base)-although they sounded like garbage, they still were functional.

Don't know- I bought the amp used.

Although I'd wished Fender gave us the option of a tube rectifier, like they did with the '59 bassman reissue, I'd definitely buy another, given the chance!

This amp isn't the most versatile, but it does what it was designed to do flawlessly. This thing nails the SRV - strat tone. One of the few Fenders whose tremolo doesn't tick, and the reverb is astounding! Nice speakers as well. Only nagging thing is that they are still loading their high-end amps with Chinese power tubes. Yuck!

Again, this amp is dripping with strat-quack. The reverb boings when you hit it hard (as it should). I bought mine used, and the first thing I did was replace the Chinese power tubes with MOJO/Sovtek 5881's. Major tone and volume improvement here. Nice bluesy break-up at around half power. Best sounding amp I have.

Bought mine used...I've never had a problem. Seems like it'll hold up for quite some time.

Never had a problem. N/A

This is definitely my favorite amp. It's always a pleasure plugging into this box. I would recommend to anyone reading this that if you happen to come across a used Vibroverb Reissue, snag it...they don't make em' anymore! If you want something comparable now, you've gotta get a Custom Shop Vibrolux (over $2000 list!)

This amp, like most old amps is versatile in that they were made to play many styles of music when they were made. There are two channels-one dry, the other w/ trem and reverb. They are not switchable. It's @ 40 watts pushing two tens. Mine was modified when I got it w/ two JBLs. This defintely cranks up the gravity of the amp (i.e. it's heavy), but the speakers make it @ 1/3 again louder than the uninspiring Fender speakers. The tube for the dry channel was missing when I got it too. It seems to have better tone and response without it as well (maybe due to increased plate voltages???).

I usually use a tele or Les Paul Sp. and occaisionally a Dano. The Dano sounds a bit muddy w/ this amp-but I did dime it once and got a good Link Wray sound. The amp seems to have a flat response to it, unlike most amps, which seem to have a midrange dip. It makes it very nice for swing, country, blues and roots rock. It doesn't have much distortion when cranked, a very "grown up" amp in a good way. It responds well w/ a good overdrive pedal (like a TS-808) but pedals that diminish bass response will have that characteristic become quite obvious than if tried on a very bright amp. The reverb and tremelo make me cream myself.

I've had it for five years and it keeps on workin'-no problems at all.

Bought it used-n/a

I've had several amps and currently have this 'verb, a '65 Twin reish, and an AC30. The Vibroverb continues to be my main amp (though sometimes simply ecause the AC30 is sooo daaang heavy). I'd kill for it. ;}

Amazing tone!! There are not too many controls on this amp, and I consider that a breath of relief. I am so tired of amps that have so many controls, all these push/pull pots, and the sort. It just is awful, but this amp is very basic in its controls. There are two channels, each with a volume, treble and bass. Then the bright channel has a reverb control, and there are two vibrato controls that affect both channels. It is so nice to have so few controls. It is like a step back into yesteryear. I have to admit, this amp isn't extremely versatile, but if you are looking for a blues kind of sound, this amp can not be beat.

This is the best sounding amp I have ever played. It has tone to die for. I have been playing this with a '90 Fender Tele Plus, and a '94 Fender Strat plus. Both of these guitars have Fender Lace Sensors, and the Tele has a rather untraditional tele sound. The strat sounds like a vintage strat, though. I have been looking for a Stevie Ray kind of sound, and using these two guitars I can get so close, it is scary. This is a beautiful amp, and just what I have been looking for. If you are someone who wants a heavy metal/distortion sound, look elsewhere. This amp can not do that without some kind of pedal in front. This is not a grunge amp. This is a blues amp, and the tube breakup is sweeet. One of the first things that I have done, though, is replace the stock Fender Chinese tubes with Mesa/Boogie tubes. The Mesa tubes give it outstanding warmth.

I would certainly depend on this amp. It is several years old, and still in mint condition.

I have dealt with Fender, but not over customer support. I just wanted to get a manual that I lost, but they were very responsive, and I got the manual within a week. They seem to be dependable.

This is an ideal amp for blues. It has tone to die for, and simply can not be beat. If you have the chance of getting one, definately go for it. The brown tolex is a nice touch, but this amp really has a legendary sound. I am ecstatic about it, it is just incredible!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!