Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue

Just want to follow up my lukewarm review with new data. The speaker intermittancy was traced to a mechanical problem with the speaker jack. The shorting feature on this jack needed to be tweaked. Amp is rock solid, now. The harsh/brittle sound was due to an overbias condition. A word to the wise, make sure the electrics work before taking on a search for the holy grail speaker.

A strange mix of old and new. The two channels, vibrato and normal, take different paths through the amplifier ending up mixing out of phase, just like the original. This means its difficult to accomodate two users or a patch cord. This is a trivial fix that certainly doesn't affect either the sound or authenticity of the reproduction. The amp has a three prong AC cord and a polarity switch. This is a very cynical reissue.

The reverb channel is very bright. I believe this is intentional, avoiding low frequency acoustic coupling (feedback) with the reverb tank. Maxing the bass control scoops the midrange. As you probably already know, this audio spectrum is very complementary to traditional Gibson humbucking pickups. The bass control must be rolled off as the volume increases or the amp starts making sounds like speaker breakup.
The speaker has an overly bright, (non-authentic), edge to it which combined with the reverb channel and your Fender Stratocaster at high volume will yield a marvelous nails on blackboard sound guaranteed to annoy parents and rid the neighborhood of cats. Warning: may even annoy yourself.
I replaced the Eminence speaker with a fabled 1959 Jensen P12N. The difference was more subtle than I expected. So my respect for Eminence has increased. The bass response with the Jensen is not as good as the Eminence, however, the mid-range harshness is gone. Overall, the modification was a success, though hardly worth the epic proportions search/research.

Eminence speaker power capacity looks much larger than the original. In fact, the speaker more resembles those found twins of the era. This is a good thing. Anybody could bust the speakers out of the original Deluxe Reverbs.
Either the speaker jack or cord developed an intermittant short that hit me in mid-gig. Wiggling the connection fixed it. I have not had time to investigate this in detail.

There is no reason to select a new reissue over a used original. The sound is not very versatile, but there is no more convenient or cheaper way to achieve this sound.

22w, 12" speaker, 2 channels, Normal and Reverb, with 2 inputs each. The #2 input is a low-imped. input on both channels, reducing sound by about 3 db, but does not affect tone at all. This is not an incredibly versatile amp, just a great amp that does its job perfectly. Built to the same specs as the original, just plug in and play. No channel switching, no master volume, just great sound all the way up. Absolutely clean at low volumes, tremendous warmth and body at middle level, and classic grind above 8. Great flexibility in tone controls, don't even miss a mid. The reverb sounds perfect at 2, goes to a cavernous depth at 10

I use this amp for its perfect clean sound. But that doesn't mean sterile. With my archtop, it's warm and woody, with my Strat it's got punch and twang, and with a Les Paul its got sting and bite. So I use it for jazz workshops, for rock and funk sessions, and for bluesy evenings at home. Works great at all volume levels, but each level has its own personality.

No problems ever with this amp. Get a cover to keep it looking good. Expect to replace tubes every 6 months if you play an hour or so a day, or once a month if you're gigging every weekend. But in every situation, I just plug it in and take off.

1 yr warranty, and haven't needed it. If I did, I'd take it to a private amp tech, not back to the dealer. I'm leery of the repair guys at dealers. Most guitar techs know a good amp tech, but make sure he's certified by Fender. You'll pay less, get it back sooner, and establish a nice relationship with a craftsman.

This is a desert-island amp, that is, with it you may never need another. I've been through 6 other amps, including two other Fenders, and this is easily the cream of the crop for me. I also have a Marshall JTM-30, but while I might sell the Marshall some day, I'll always keep this Fender. If I ever need more volume, I'd get a Twin Reverb reissue.

Some might say this amp is limited in features(22 watts,all-tube,two non-switchable channels,no effects loop, no master volume, one 12" speaker) have but it has exactly what I need...tube-generated reverb and vibrato!

This jewell has an absolutely awesome reverb,shimmering vibrato, and stunning tone! At only 22 watts, I thought clean volume might be a problem, but this beauty is loud and clean at 3, and smooth and creamy at 6 (too loud for my needs here!) For low volume distortion a foot pedal or equivalent is a must, but that's my preference in this situation anyway. This amp runs very quietly, and the bass and treble controls (no mid here) actually work. I don't miss a mid control at all, and I was sure I would.

This is a very recent purchase, so no problems so far (touch wood) I have a backup but I won't carry it once I'm absolutely sure.

No need yet, but I have always received excellent service from my local Fender outlet. I also have an excellent tech for non-warranty work.

I would most definitely buy it again! I tried a Custom Vibrolux before buying this, but I found it had too much power for my needs and besides, the Deluxe sounds as good to me, maybe slightly better. (You can probably tell I've fallen in love!) Like most others, I think I've owned 'em all (most recent, loaded Mk IV) and this one has that certain something. There's something I've finally learned, if you want a Fender sound, buy a Fender...nothing else sounds like it! (And vice-versa)

Great reverb and trem. Two channels.

The 6V6 tubes really start sounding nice and liquid around 3. A lovely sound, especially for the price. No gain channel.

So far, so good.

It's a Fender.

I love this amp. I got rid of a Mesa Boogie Mk. IV for this one and have never looked back.