Fender '65 Super Reverb Reissue

This is a 2004 model bought on Ebay from a guy who had upgraded to a mega-bucks boutique amp. You know the features of this amp already. Mine is a USA market model imported to the UK and had a transformer fitted for UK voltage by non-other than Denis Cornell, Mr Clapton's amp guru. The standard Fender Groove Tube valves are still installed. The main reason for buying this amp was sound quality - see below, but the two things I had to have were the fabulous tube reverb and tube vibrato - so because that's the features I absolutely wanted I have to give top marks.

I play in a 50s rock & roll band and I use an Ibanez Artcore semi-acoustic fitted with low output humbuckers. My effects are pretty stripped down, Boss Tuner, Keeley modified TS9DX Tubescreamer for added warmth and solo boosts and a Carl Martin Red Repeat for those beautifully warm slap-back echo moments. The amp has a lush reverb which I use in the band situation to go between ambient room reverb right through to reverb-drenched surf, think of The Ventures and you'll be in the right ball-park.

I have only had the amp for a few weeks and I wanted to try it at a band rehearsal and a gig before writing a review. I always buy on the strength of my own ears and the more discerning comments in Harmony Central Reviews, so I alwayus make the effort to put my own opinion in too. At rehearsal I got brilliant comments from every member of the band. My first gig with the Super Reverb coincided with half of my company's workforce turning up. I've had no end of e-mails saying about the fabulous sound. You have to take into account that they turned up halfway through the gig as they had gone out for a meal first, so they missed the bits with me tweaking settings to get things balanced out. Still it's great to get such positive things said about the quality of your sound by the people that count - the audience.

Too soon to tell. This is not a cheap amp, it retails in the UK for ??1250.00 and is Fender's 3rd most expensive amp so far as I am aware. So why the hell they put such a flimsy piece of particle board to protect the vulnerable valves beats the crap out of me. Surely an amp of this quality deserves something better than that. Shame on you Fender. My Laney amp costs considerably less and is built like a steam train - rock solid. I did over 200 gigs with it and it still lokks brand new and has a strong metal mesh cage over the vulnerable bits - Fender please take note and do something about this because you have a wonderful product other than this one weak area. I have a back up amp because valves are unreliable by their very nature - in my experience anything beautiful, fast or desirable is almost invariably apt to let you down somewhere along the line.

The back-up amp is a Fender FM212R and it's just about as fab as a solid state amp can be and is probably the best value for money on the planet.

Never dealt with them, but hey why don't we petition them to stop saving the costs on the cabinet making in an otherwise perfect example of the amp manufacturers craft?

Other than the cabinet building it's just such a wonderful sounding beast. I've made up some dolly wheels to move the amp around, it's lighter than my Laney but it's a bigger cabinet so it feels huge if you try to carry it - one sheet of MDF, 4 holes and 4 wheels, job done.

I have pro gear and all the usual Fender and Gibson guitars, recording gear, effects pedals etc. I have been playing for around 36 years. The one thing I didn't mention is that although the amp is rated at 40 watts or 45 watts depending on who you believe, it is relatively quiet compared to other Class A amps, not a big issue for me becuase it is loud enough to compete with the drummer in full flight, but worth mentioning for anyone thinking about buying a Super Reverb that needs LOUD, so you might consider some sort of pre-amp pedal to boost it.

I checked this amp against a Twin Reverb and was quite disappointed. I couldn't get the sound I wanted. I went back on to Fender's own website and checked the video feeds on there for both amps. Check out the first one where the guy plays a Rory Gallagher Strat with SRV's signature tone and I challenge you to tell me that you don't want one of these amps!

I'm totally besotted with this amp now and if I lost it then I would replace it with the same model in a heartbeat. I have a theory that once you sort your tone out then the extra boost that sound gives to your confidence increases your enthusiasm for playing, makes you sound a better player and you become a better player. It's just my theory. But I believe that if you put as much effort into your tone as you do into your technique then you will be rewarded by being a better player, but what do I know?

You know what it does..

Here's the real question, isn't it? About a year ago, after 15 years of living with craptacular hybrids, and being a less-serious guitarist, I decided to become a man and get a real amp.

I thought back to my favorite that I'd ever played through, and it was a 70's era Super.

I thought (mistakenly) that this reissue was just the same amp again.

Well, it's made with a printed circuit board, not a point-to-point handwired one. Also, apparently, the transformers are cheapo. But, all that is only academic compared to the sound.

Basically, it's really close to pretty cool. But if you're after one of these, you want "Warm, natural, musical" right? Well, it's just QUITE what you know it should be.

It took me about 4 months of playing it to really mentally go "Yeah, this isn't as warm and musical as it should be." Then, I looked into the Mercury Magnetics tranny swaps. There's another review on here about 2 or 3 years ago from a guy who swears it "resolved" the tone issue, and now he has no concern about it any more. That's about a $300 swap! Geez, I paid $700 used for the thing!

I did a JJ tube swap, and that was the end of it for me. $150 for tubes plus labor, and it was a little warmer, but for some reason quieter. (the power tubes WERE going out, and this was a big improvement over THAT)

But I love the 4x10 thing, and I'm trying to figure out how to get "the real deal" My concern with upgrading the reissue was that it I was going to be investing in something that wasn't going to be able to go "all the way up to true '65 form." But, apparently, now guys sell the circuit board for $150, and so, I could get that dropped in there, and I could've. Had I known that, I might have stuck with it.

Anyway, it simply is NOT the real deal in stock form. It's good, you could go into an amp store and play one, and you'd think it was cool. But I've definitely learned that the "gee whiz" factor that you get in the first 15 minutes of playing something doesn't tell you much compared to playing for hours and hours at home.

What you want, or at least what I want, is pleasing, wholesome tone.

This was a little too harsh, but it was close to pretty darn good.

Since bumping up my standards on amps, I feel like the Hot Rod Deluxe is the lowest fender tube amp that qualifies as one. Next is this SR Reissue. I actually got a HRD to replace the SRRI - it was a step down, but I sort knew that going in. The HRD is a little more user-friendly, I did feel that the SRRI only work when I had the knobs (especially volume) just right. The HRD is pretty good at all volumes (except way distorted and loud.)

And, yes, as all the forums will tell ya - the HRD's distortion channel is worthless. It really, really is.

Seemed fine.

No opinion. I think it was a five year warranty, but I bought it when it was 5 years old.

Decent

Bought just a few months ago (Feb 09 to be exact) new from Dawson's in Bangor Northern Ireland. 4x10" Jensen Speakers, 2x6L6 output tubes, tube rectifier, about 40 to 45 watts, Normal and Vibrato channels as per what we all know, the Vibrato channel has Middle control, Reverb and Vibrato (Tremolo in reality). Normal channel just Vol, Bass and Treble. No channel switching, effects loops, headphone jacks or any of that kind of stuff, this is a vintage style amp. This has become my main gigging amp for any stage or venue, I consider myself to be a 'Roots' player i.e. real Blues, Rockabilly/Rock and Roll, Country, Roadhouse Rock with experience of other styles of music like Jazz, Fusion, Funk, Reggae/Ska, Hard Rock etc. At the moment i've been working with a multicultural group with members from Slovakia, Zimbabwe and Poland (i'm the only Irish one) that leans toward Funk, Reggae, African traditional and Jazzy Prog type stuff and a Ska band who play really loud, this amp fits my style like a glove, i'm going to give it a 10 because for my range it's perfection, it's the right output level married to the very efficient sound radiator of four 10 inch speakers.

My three gigging guitars are all "Partsocasters". I mainly use two strats, one alder, one light swamp ash; both with very big D/U profile custom built slab board necks and both with Van Zandt pickups and traditional Strat wiring although the alder body guitar has a RW/RP middle pickup. I also use an alder body early 60's style Telecaster with rosewood board and Bare Knuckle Brown Sugar pickups. A while ago when I bought this amp I was also using an ash body strat with one-piece maple neck and Fender US Reissue pickups. Even with single coils this amp stays very quiet on stage in terms of hum or buzzing although my experience with Fender amps has helped in this way i.e. bring EQ up very slowly and gradually in conjunction with the vol control to dial in your sound. There really should be no need to have any of the EQ controls past 5 (or 6 at a push) because the sound is naturally there and increasing the volume will increase the depth and sonic content of the sound anyway, if you over EQ the thing it'll sound noisier, same as any valve amp i've ever tried except Marshalls, where the EQ does almost nothing anyway. Effects wise I use two modded Dunlop wahs, Roger Mayer Octavia, Boss TU-2 Tuner, Fulltone FD-2, Roger Mayer Voodoo-Vibe and Boss DD-20 Delay. I use effects sparingly and have gigged with the Super and just the footswitch for the Tremolo and Reverb, the clean sounds available from the Super are to die for, think of a far spunkier livelier Twin and your almost there, much cleaner than the Bassman combos but with that same juicy character where your note is just right there with you even at moderate levels (3 or 4 on volume), possibly as it shares the same tube layout and rectifier tube (not to mention 4x10 speakers) as the Bassman, but with first class Reverb and Tremolo. This amp really starts to come into it's own though when you wind the volume up to around 6 and 7, then it's the realm of the magical fat, mostly clean but dirty note and the amp becomes extremely Super responsive (pun intended) to pick attack around this point, we're talking very pricey boutique amp standards here, the thing is though that it's very responsive at any volume past about 2 and a half and always sits well in the mix both on stage and out front, it's also a great recording amp, the Twin on the other hand is a terrible amp in the studio and sometimes can be overbearing on stage, bear in mind that at this stage the speakers still aren't fully broken in (I reckon it takes a full year or so) and it's still got the stock Groove Tubes (red label) in it and things can only get better, i've two pairs of Phillips 7581a Tubes waiting to go into this amp, then things are going to be something else. The Super amp sounds great with any of my pedals and guitars although i prefer the out-and-out overdriven sound of the Telecaster with FD-2 (boost channel on)through a Twin Reverb but maybe another booster pedal like a Maxon OD-9 or FlynnAmps booster will help this. Just try one if you liked the swirl of a Bassman and poke of a Deluxe but need cleaner headroom.

Can't comment since it's still pretty new but the '65 reissue Twin i also have has had a good track record for the last 9 years. The cabinet feels more solid to me than my Twin did new although they've still got that flimsy baffle and back panel, i'd pay extra if Fender would stop doing this and use hardboard like the old ones, Leo's thing was all about functionality and practicality after all.....

Hope I don't need to.

I love this amp, I've never played an amp that suited me better than this for the styles I play and the bands i'm in. For me, most important thing is that sonically it sits perfectly in live mixes and records extremely well and responds brilliantly even relatively low on the volume. Thing is although some people think 40 or 45 watts isn't enough, the 4x10 speakers spread that sound so well, you'll be heard really clear but your band mates and soundman will still love you! It's still pretty heavy but easier to move around than Twins or Marshall cabs. Although i'm certain i've found my soul mate in an amplifier, i'd still love to try out a Vibrolux Reverb (2x10) as an extra amp, which i've never been lucky enough to play through.

Speaker out is only 2ohm. Good luck finding a cab with that rateing, but you could build one. It has a "Normal" chan and a "Vibrato" chan. Reverb sounds pretty good as does the vibrato, (after tube upgrade!) but only works on the vibrato chan. Can only access vibrato, (which is really tremolo) and reverb with the supplied footswitch. It IS a very good looking amp!

Over all a good amp, but... Be prepaired to upgrade your tubes to quiet down the all too aggravateing Fender hiss. When it comes to this tube upgrade, cheap replacements just dont do as much as more expensive preamp tubes. Be prepaired to swap your OT and PT with a Mercury Mag rig. They also offer a choke and reverb trany, but at a minimum, replace the output and power trany. That will set you back 3 to 4 hundred bucks. Add another 1 to 2 hundred for a "cap" job and you'll have a sweet sounding Super! It's a shame they skimped on the wood for the cab. You can find a good replacement at Allen Amplification. This makes a pretty noticeable difference in tone! Don't get me wrong, it's not too bad right out of the box, but it could, and should (SHAME ON YOU FENDER!)sound better though for the ammount of cheese paid!

Fender amps are like old VW's, you either get a good one or you dont. If you don't, it will nickel and dime you till you sell it. I wish the folks at fender would pay attention to what people are saying about thier product and get back to what Leo did- put out a quality product AND NOT CHARGE AN ARM AND A LEG! Fender tube amps from "back in the day" are still working and sound GREAT,(although they are CRAZY expensive-they were'nt back then though!!). I wonder if this reissue will be around in 20 years?

Good luck on this. If you have a problem, do yourself a favor and just find the nearest Fender authorized repair shop, or if your warranty has expired, a good amp tech, or even better, start reading up on amps and take care of stuff yourself,(always remember that there's LETHAL voltage present inside your amp, even if it's been unplugged for awhile, BE CAREFUL!!!) There's ALOT of good books out there that will get you on your way,(check out JK Lutherie). Of course, doing stuff yourself voids your warranty, but you'll end up with a better product!!

I was lucky that mine sounded just ok out of the box. A good friend of mine who ordered his the same day from the same place as me was not so lucky. First one went back, just didnt work. Second one worked but was insanely loud, (snap crackle pop), it went back. Third time was the charm sort of. While it didn't sound as "good" as mine right out of the box, I was able to show him what he needed to do to get it right and he decided not to send that one back. After the afforementioned "upgrades", this amp will sound fantastic. You just gotta ask yourself if it's worth the hassle, or fun, depending on how you look at it. In closeing, I again say, COME ON FENDER!!! YOU REPRESENT A SLICE OF AMERICANA!!! GET YOUR S@#T TOGETHER!!!!!

bought it in 06 in hong kong. 220V. dont know what difference it makes compared to 110V around here. first channel is useless. why even have it without verb or vibrato? one channel would definately suffice. the 4x10 jensen setup is a great thing. not necessarily knocking the first channel's sound, etc, but it doesnt enhance anything. sounds identical to channel 2 w/out reverb/vibrato

when i was in china with this amp, i used a 92 SG Special. just some off the rack deal. no mods. seems only zappa bragged about the Specials. quite underappreciated guitar if yoou ask me. wish i had an older one. Anyhow, the band in china (we're all 'westerners' though) was kind of early pink floyd sounding stuff...mixed with a bit of janes addiction, and some heavy moments. (jeez i hate describing bands like this, but in this forum, there aint really another way is there?)
soundwise......absolutely fantastic. i really lucked out, cuz i just picked it out of a catalogue, and didnt try it out in any shop. VERY sensitive to how hard or soft you play (eg. just listen to the Meters' Cissy Strut). good sound at almost any EG setting, although the bass was kind of flubby. if you like the sound of fender amps and what they are all about, this is a great example.
as for the effects, whats been said about fender reverb has already been said. just beautiful. vibrato- same, except it makes a loud pop when you turn it on at high volumes with the reverb on as well.
exceptionally bright, gorgeous clean sound. nice amp to sculpt. can spend hours just sitting in front of it experimenting with its voicings. cant make it not sound like a fender though. which is of coourse why you buy a fender in the first place.
not to be a negative nacy, but it rattles a lot. some say its the stand, but it defiately comes from inside the thing. sounds like if you shake a blown light bulb. its loud sometimes, but at other times, it doesnt show up. it was a bit of a headache during recording.
i would have given it a 9 if it wasnt for the rattle.

unfortunately, it blew up a month after i got it. i didnt trust the guy at the shop, so i really dont know whats wrong with it. so he changed the tubes and the transformer and got it working again. it never sounded the same though. the bass was almost 'bad'. stick with the tubes that fender puts in. groove tubes i think. i have no idea whats in there now. but its not the same. anyone who says tubes dont make a difference is lying. i wont give it a terribly low score, cuz A0 i dont know what perils this amp went through in hong kong, or at shipping, and B) i wasnt the one who blew it up. i was not present when it blew up. some damn wannabe probably dropped it or whatever.....

china has no support there at all. you go with what the shady sales man says or else you got nothing.

not much to add here. it captures the Fender vibe if its working and not rattling. dunno...maybe i just got a lemon. Fender makes some kickass stuff, to be sure. I LOVE the sound when its behaving. and yes, i am in the market for a new one. had to leave it behind when i came back to canada. if you want a fender amp, save your money and get this one, or the other 'vintage' tube amps. dont waste your bread on their cheap generic crap. i personally recommend this one cuz of the 4x10 jensen setup. nice and punchy. cuts nice at gigs and practice. dont have to hassle when recording. only mic placement of course. except for that darn rattle. if you like the fender sound, give this one a try. maybe youre luck can be better than mine. after all, fender didnt get this good reputation building bad amps, now did they?

'07 Super. Very versatile. Everyone knows the details.

Careful on the mods on this one boys and girls - you might be chasing a tone ghost. I mean this unit is great out of the box. Tubes are fine - big, rich, wide tone with a slight "in between" clip that's great for rhythm (especially blues or raw funk). It also yields a nice Stones raunch when you really crank it. However, it won't be liquid molten leads with endles sustain (enter your pair of Rat pedals) - just raunchy. So, does swapping out preamp tubes, etc. to lower the gain work? Why not plug into the low input for less gain first to see if that gets you there. Maybe your pickups are way too hot to begin with. Some folks think hotter pickups give more tone then are bummed when they can't get a good laid back sound that is clean enough - not the amp's fault. Also, the speakers will break in over time and smooth the tone too. Point is - spend some time with this amp (or any amp) before you start swapping stuff out. I'd suggest maybe six months with a few gigs under your belt to see what works. Think about it - if after a gig you think the amp really let you down - you probably bought the wrong amp! Change around the EQ alot to see what works. If you dime this amp's volume (or any amp), you will lose a little articulation on your notes as you push the speakers out hard. Maybe try micing through the PA to get that balance of "fillin' out the amp" with volume, but not maxing it out into the fart zone. I don't believe this amps sweet spot is at 10 from what I've heard - probably 5-7 is peak for tone and is a nice place to sit using your guitar volume for different textures. In my opinion, Fender built a good amp here and you can save yourself time and money having a little patience before you launch into the mod zone. Believe me, I totally respect the quest for the tone you're "hearing in your head", but I see too many people rush out and swap speakers, tubes, and have circuitry modded before they get a chance to REALLY know their amps. The ultimate joke is ripping out the printed circuit board for old time point-to-point wiring - talk about $$ down the toilet!! (LOL). ;) This amp is great native! I highly recommend it!

Fender actually picks up the phone now - very nice.

Solid

Review update . I have had this amp for 2 years now.

I love this amp ! I have lowerd the first gain stage by changing the 12AX7 to a 5751 . I also change the reverb recovery tube to a 5751 this soften the tone and gain in the Vibrato channel. I use a Nashvill Tele , a 335 with Seth lovers and a Schecter Banshee it is like a strat with a humbucker in the bridge and a lipstick pickup in the neck. I had alot of pedals (all true bypass) from delay to different OD/distortion/fuzz/treble boosters pedals and a wah I think I had 14 pedals in all . But, over all the amp sounds best with just a guitar and a volume pedal to control gain and volume . I ended up selling all the pedals. When I play live and run the volume at 6 ,treble at 5, mid's at 7 and bass at 5. I have also rewierd the speakers all in parallel for 2 ohm's .Fender has it set up parallel/ seriers so all the power goes to one speaker then it drives the other three. which makes the speakers sound flaby in the bass and treble ice pick in the ear. Now she is so sweet !

O.K. I like it loud and I have gig alot with this amp. The cabnit back pannels that protect the tubes and reverb pan had losen up they rattle so bad I thought I had blown my speakers . I fix that with weather stripping at poits of contact of cab. One of the legs had got bent and I took those off they would rattle when I played also. Power tubes and recterfier tube all went bad around the same time. And also most of the preamp tubes were microphonic at the time of purchase. So if I bought it agian I would take to a tech after I left the store. Also the bright switch's were bad when I bought it.But the warranty fix that.

They back that warranty 100% !

I have been playing for over 20 years and this is my favorit amp . I play Blues ,Surf, Country , Rock and Jazz. Loud or quit this amp sound nice . I would buy it again.

I played an '08 model.

The amp was amazing for my style of music. Mostly blues and modern acoustic rock type stuff.

2 channels. 1 regular with only treble, bass, and volume control. The other with Reverb, Tremolo (speed and intensity control), bass, mid, treble and volume. Bright switch for extra treble/transparency.

I used all the features and they were all great.
Perfect for home jam sessions with small bands.

No drive channel but that's not really important. Most amps have shitty built in drive channels anyway. No channel switching, but I can't think of a reason to ever use the first channel. You can turn the reverb/tremolo off and its basically the first channel but with a mid control.

I used a Fender American Standard Strat with stock pickups.
Fits perfectly with styles where you want TONE! No heavy metal or emo ****.
The amp was surprisingly quiet even with noisy single coil Strat pickups.

The amp responds really well to the EQ. I was able to quickly dial in various amazing tones simply with the EQ. The tremolo/reverb really gave alot of new options as well. The bright switch is AMAZING. It adds some treble/transparency and sounds unreal.

I played it in local shop so I didn't push the hell out of it. I did get the volume up to about 5-6 and 10 on the guitar and it was loud and had TONES of amazing tone.

AMAZING sounding amp. As the volume increases, its sounds better and better. I stood and played into it for an hour. I almost made the music store owner stay a while and let me play longer.

I don't know how dependable it is.
But I would 100% gig with it. SOUNDS SOOOO GOOD!

I've been playing for 7 years. 19 years old. My other guitar is a Gibson Chet Atkins SST and a crappy Behringer ACX1000 Acoustic amp.

I will be buying this amp very soon. I CAN'T WAIT!

I compared this amp to the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe and Deville, the Blues Deville Reissue, the Custom Vibrolux Reverb, and the Twin Reverb.
The Hot Rod series is a decent value, but has 1/4 the tone of this amp. The Blues deville has some shrill tones and bad OD channel. The Vibrolux has alot of noise and terrible bass response. The Twin Reverb is way too much power and too twangy.

I chose this one because it has the best tone and is the perfect size. I play in a basement/garage band.

BUY THIS AMP! You won't be sorry.

Most everyone already know what the features of this great amp are, If not go to Fender web page and read!!

I have a SRV signature strat and an Eric Clapton Signature Strat. I read a lot of reviews that everyone had written in this form on many different subjects. But let me tell you one thing!! If you have not changed the sorry,crappy, no good tubes in your Super Reverb, you don't have any Idea what your missing in "TONE"!! It will be like you just went out and bought a new amp!! That is no kidding, that much of a difference, night vs day!! I can't stress just how important it is for any of you that has not change your stock tube to do it ASAP. I just bought my amp this week played it 2 days, then I ordered a set of JJ tubes, gold pin tubes for the pre-amp section..and this amp went from being boring to WOW!! I have a 1965 Deluxe Reverb, no reissue..my only point bring that up is when I first brought the Super Reverb home and played my Deluxe then the Super..I was sick, my Deluxe sounded better...no kidding, yes I have made some mods..but still, I was expecting so much more out of the Super Reverb and I just wouldn't deliver...When I put the full Set of JJ tube in her "WOW" is all I can say!! I played for 2 hrs straight not even taking a break..it sounded that damn good...Now I know why this is the best amp and Stevie used them, one damn good sounding amp if you replace the tubes!! Expensive yes, but well, well worth the investment..and I am 150% happy with the JJ tubes...when you pull the old ones out just compair the quality of the gold pin tubes and the pre amp tubes rectifier tube is a Ruby, and they suck....anyway just put then in tonight so guess just blown away by the difference and had to write this to let everyone know, that changing the stock tube is not an option it is a must!! The longer you wait, you don't have a clue what your missing!!!! Glad I listened to what some of you had to say in the reviews...Thanks Guy's....wouldn't have done it with out your advise....Sound Quality rating stock tubes..I give it a 4 to 5, with JJ tubes I give it a 10 to a 12, simple math guys...

No problems, never had problems with Fender products yet, hope I don't...5yr warranty!! Most of them in the past were built tough!

No contact

If this amp were stolen, I would go out the next day buy another one pull the sorry ass tubes out of her and put in a new set of JJ gold pin tubes before I ever even pluged the amp up!! Playing guitar too long..30yrs..damn getting old...lol.

Basic. Would like Channel switching on the pedal, reverb on both channels, Channel one to have a gain control. I know, I know, this is a reissue. but a guy can dream can't he? I guess an A/B switch, reverb, and distortion pedals would cure my griping.

I've been playing since I was 8 and grew up hearing my uncle play a '72 tele. through a vintage twin with 12" JBL's. Over the years, I've tried many lower priced amps, even rackmount tube preamps, trying to get that "sound" in my head. Admittedly, spent 26 years, and much more money than if I'd just saved for a great sounding amp in the first place. I know I'd have played it more, and that is what we're all about isn't it! Great tone, lots of pop and twang, sweet reverb and vibrato, plenty powerful on stage with bass and drums!

This amp takes my banging it around, (in and out of the back of my truck) just as fender tube amps have for years. The tubes don't take 20 min. to warm up and I've taken this thing from below freezing temperatures to playing in just the time it takes to warm my fingers.

My Fender dealer in Churubusco, NY. takes great care of me. I buy my equipment locally and get the personallized service that comes with it.

Kind of heavy, but that's the price to pay for the great tone of 4 10" jensens at 2ohms. for the price, it should have came with removable casters and a cover. My dealer would have thrown in the cover had I pressed the issue, but it's fenders fault, not his. One more thing, I get an annoying rattle on stage with the tilt back legs, havng to keep moving the amp around a little until it quits. I've thought about taking them off and puting the amp on a chair.

Were it stolen I'd definitely buy another one!

'65 Super Reverb reissue made in March 2001. All tube including tube rectifier, 2 - channels, footswitchable reverb and tremelo. Fairly accurate repro of original '65 Super Reverb, the differences are plywood case (original was pine), printed circuit board (original was handwired), resistors and caps are going to be modern style but with same values. The reissue also uses six 12AX7's (the original had four 12AX7's and two lower gain 12AT's).

Overall tone is excelent. The reverb on this amp is fantastic! At full gallop, the reverb is very wet making this amp applicable for surf music. I also have the '65 Twin reissue which doesn't have as wet a reverb. A Guitar Player magazine article comparing the '65 reissue to a '64 original Super Reverb (Google it) found the reverb on the original max'd out at 10 only approached the level of reverb on the reissue set at 5. The tremelo is also excellent on the reissue with wider range in depth and speed than the original (see GP comparison).
I compared the '65 Super Reverb reissue to a mid '90's Fender Super Amp (4 - 10's, similar tube layout but solid state rectifier). the '65 RI has a wider range of tone sounding more present than the Super Amp (neither amp has a presence knob) and again the reverb on the '65 RI smoked the reverb on the Super Amp. Both amps had very good bass response.

Too soon t'say. I got it recently.

This is one great all around amp. I play primarily Fender strats through it.

Blackface vintage amp features. nothing too fancy. Basic stuff. I'll rate it a ten because this is a vintage amp, not some lame new digital terd of an amp.

I use my special strat with this amp, and it SOUNDS AWESOME!!! I love it! My setup is: Strat>Crybaby classic wah>Robert keeley modded Tubescreamer>Keeley modded Ds-1 distortion. This setup kills! I am a blues player with a wide range ability to play other styles. I needed a versatile tube amp. Sooo I got the Super. It has the best clean sound i have ever heard, great for jazz, country, blues, and many others. I also occasionally play some shred, and some 80's metal (van halen, etc.) and suprisingly this amp does that great too! If you use a good, high quality distortion pedals like the Keeley ds-1, and ts-9, it sounds great.

In that setup i use the ts-9 somewhat as a pickup/volume boost so i turn the gain on the ts-9 to 9 o'clock and the volume all the way up (it's not horribly loud UNLESS you turned of the ds-1.) And the ds-1 is at its normal setting with its volume anywhere and it's gain all the way up. This thing does it all!

This thing is a rock!

This is the last amp i will ever buy...EVER...

Classic black face Super Reverb.If you don't know what that is you have been living under a rock for the pass 40 year's

I got this amp on a Friday and gig on Sunday .It was an outside gig. The power from the house I think was not a full 120volts so all amps were distorting early.I used a nashvill Tele and a 335.I found that you control the distortion buy your pick attack and volume on the guitar. The tone is sweet I started my volume between 3&4 then turn it up to 5 and back off on my volume pedal then press down for leads .I only used my MI Audio Blues Pro (TS808 clone) for more distortion that was set for clean boost.My Fulltone Soulbender was to much at times .The 335 was a rock'roll dream come true.There was feadback with my blues pro and soul bender on but only when you got in front of the amp to do so.The sustain was unreal with the 335.The Tele was very much at home.I got great blues tones from Albert Collins,Roy Buchanan,and SRV.I also got all the classic Twangy Country tones.The reverb held up to it's name and was able to hear it at a distanes and the tremlo was very nice to.The volume of the amp did not over power the group but was very full sounding.

I did have aback but it was the first gig with this amp and I was 50 miles out of town.It did great!!!!

?????

I like this amp it is different from what I was useing befor a Carvin Nomade with 4-EL84s for power and two channels one 12" speaker so it will take some getting use to. But, the tone is what I've all ways wanted Classic Blues & Country and old scholl Rock'Roll. I'm thinkig about change the speakers out for less speaker distortion and also the power tubes for more head room but that is down road and it may not happen. I have been playing for 20 years and I have always wanted a Super Reverb.

This is a new 2006 Fender Super Reverb Reissue. Features that are all a great amp needs. Great EQ, reverb and tremolo. Never thought I would have any use for tremolo...boy was I wrong. This amp , as most will tell you, will do just about anything but heavy rock or metal. From jazz to classic rock, it has it all in spades.

I use a 1992 Strat, 1995 Tele, 1977 Ibanez "lawsuit" Destroyer, 1975 Ibanez "lawsuit" Les Paul, Carvin Bolt. Single coils on the Fenders, humbuckers on the rest. It does both types of pickups justice. I can't believe that the HB guitars are just as clean and clear as the SC guitars. Some EQ adjustment is necessary between the two types of pickups, but the generous EQ section lets you get darn near any sound you want from either type. Quiet as a mouse, even when cranked. The cleans are to DIE for. No need for a chorus with this amp, it has the magic built in. Starts to distort at about 5-6 with normal output single coils, and at about 4 1/2 with medium output hum buckers. Damn it is sweet. You can even get that spanky crunch like Pete Townshend got on Live at Leeds...not exactly HiWatt, but close enough to fool alot of people. Notes ring true even at max settings...what I've been looking for all my life.

Don't know yet

Don't know yet
Fenders gaurantee is for 5 years, hope I never have to talk to them.

Not for any heavy rockers, unless they want a heavenly clean to go with their hellish distortion (I mean that in a good way, I am an ex metalhead). Amp switching is cool, I even like to go between my Super Reverb and a Carvin X60B...the Carvin for blistering leads, Fender for everything else. Lost or stolen? Buy another and hope it matched up to this one. Been playing since the summer of 1963, but beleive it or not, this is what I would consider the first top notch amp I have ever owned...played quite a few, but never could muster up enough cash to buy one. I played the Mesa Lonestar...too flat and one dimensional sounding for me. The other Fenders sounded great, but the 4x10 configuration of the SR gives it a 3 dimensional tone, more than words can describe. The current crop of Crate tube amps sound really good, but not like a Fender...if Fender is your bag. Great amp...I can't say enough about it. Wish I had bought one many, many years ago.

I'm simply updating an older review. In the review, I had the amp approximately one day, and was trying to use a Squier Fat Tele through a Big Muff on this thing. Not the greatest idea. It took me until about a year ago to really see what this amp works good for. The features are just right for what I'm using it for.

I'm still into the many types of rock-based music, usually bluesy and heavy, but not into the metal range.

Well, on a whim about a year ago, I bought a cheapo Epiphone Les Paul JR for $100. It had a humbucker in the back. It was when I used this with the Super Reverb that I realized that the humbucker makes the amp break up a lot more than single-coils, which is what I was using then. I was also using a Boss DS-1, since the Big Muff took away too much of the clean tone when it was off (damn non-true-bypass switch). And using a Telecaster. This was not a good combination: it was too trebly, and when I turned the treble down on the guitar, the pedal, or the amp, it made it sound too muffled.

I then bought a Jay Turser JT-55C, and I took the humbucker out of the Epi LP JR and put it in the bridge position. All of a sudden: beautiful rock tone!

Humbuckers through a Super Reverb cause it to become a growling *monster*. It's ridiculous. Turn the amp's treble to about 8, the rest of the EQs all the way up, plug into the #1 input on the 2nd channel, and keep the Bright switch off. Turn the volume to about 6 or 7 (anything above that just sounds like pulp) and stand back. It's a solid wall of guitar, and when you kick on the DS-1... Jesus Christ. I can't imagine a more powerful rock tone.
It's also kinda cool to have three levels of volume and distortion - half-volume clean (turn down the guitar to back off the tubes), full-volume breakup, and DS-1 distortion.

A couple drawbacks. Feedback can be kinda annoying, but when the DS-1 is off, it's not too bad. Secondly, the DS-1 is just too damn noisy. Backing the distortion amount off to about 2 or 3 o'clock helps, but there's still a steady hummmmmmmm whenever it's on, just not so loud. I might try an Tubescreamer.

Reliability... this amp is indestructable. My friends have made feedback noises on it for hours at a time, I've driven it to the max, and it has yet to show me any signs of breaking down. I like the 10" speakers, they're tight and they push more signal than 12"s (like I said in the first review, this thing can drown out a 100-watt solid-state amp with a 4X12" cab... I've done it a few times).

Probably the last kind of amp I'll ever buy. In my opinion, it's the best amp Fender makes.

No breakdowns yet. I'll just get it serviced locally.

I love this damn thing. Solid and loud. With humbuckers, it's a force to be reckoned with.

This is a basic but brilliant vintage amp; it doesn't need features nor frills, just reverb, vibrato and great tone which it has in spades! I give it 10 because it has all you need.

Use mine with an SRV signature strat to play blues/blues rock. It has everything you could wish for in the tone department. Shimmering highs, rich full sound with tight bottom end and plenty of crunch!

Had it for 6 years and it's never let me down, in fact it sounds better as it gets more and more broken in

What customer support? Have never needed it.

Have owned all of the classic Fender amps, including an original '64 Vibroverb. Nothing can beat this amp! Been playing for 20 years, professionally for 9 years. Would never be without this amp - in fact I have two. Buy one and you will never want to part with it. It would be a toss-up between the amp and the wife!

This is the reissue. Don't know exactly what year it was made, but I bought it new about a month ago at my favorite revolving door amp store, Guitar Center. Say what you want about Guitar Center, but I have exchanged about ten amps in the past several months, and they couldn't care less.

Everyone knows the features so I won't belabor them. Some people question whether the amp is 40 or 45 watts. I don't know either. The manual says one thing, and the specs at Fender say another. Either way, it is loud enough and with the 4x10, it is has good sound dispersion.

Note that Channel 1 does not have a midrange control; just bass and treble. Channel 2 has treble, mid, bass, the reverb and vibrato (tremolo really). Both channels have a bright switch, which is more noticable at low volumes, and adds a nice glassy sound.

I used the amp with an Ibanez Artcore, Les Paul, and a Strat. Although some people swear by the 10 inch speakers for blues, I found them less versatile than 12 inch speakers, or maybe I just like the sound of 12 inch speakers betters. I had a very hard time finding a satisfactory sound for the Artcore (a jazz box), and although some reviews below stated that this amp was great for everything, including jazz (that is, a traditional fat, dull, mids-heavy jazz sound), I cannot agree with them as for jazz sounds. It may just be that 10 inch speakers do not put out that jazz sound (the one in my head), and I don't really think that is something to fault the amp for, I just don't think it's made for it.

I had a hard time getting good midrange sounds out of the midrange knob. For the Les Paul and Strat, I think most people would be quite happy. I did a lot of research on the difference between 10 inch and 12 inch speakers, and the most I really came up with was that 10 inch speakers, because they have to move less, respond quicker to pick attack, etc., and that 10 inch speakers had a "tighter" sound. All in all, it just depends on what you like, and the 10 inch speakers (or something about the Super Reverb) was just not for me. I like the Twin Reverb better.

Did not have the amp long enough to test its reliability (one month approx).

Did not need.

I have been playing for 26 years, on and off. If I still had it, and it was lost or stolen, I would buy something else. I liked the full sound of the 4x10s; did not like hauling it, not just the weight, but it's taller than a 2x12. I have had a Blues Jr. (great but not loud enough), Evil Twin, Twin Reverb (my favorite of all); Deluxe Reverb (beautiful sound, nice breakup, but not loud enough with drummer and another guitarist); Vibrolux (loud noise floor and also 10 inch speakers) and a Hot Rod (1x12)(didn't care for it). The Super Reverb, because of the 10 inch speakers, just has a different sound that some people swear by, but it just was not for me. You have to test 'em all.

This is a relatively new '65 reissue. I can play everything from Iron Maiden to Grateful Dead to Phish on this amp, it's amazing. There are four channels total, two vibroto and two normal. The only feature it's really missing in my opinion is a MIDRANGE potentiometer on the normal channel. I just always play on the vibrato channel with the vibrato off. The reverb is incredible.... even on 2-3 it is very potent, which is where I leave it. Reverb and Vibrato are tube powered. This amp in my room shakes the house on 2.5 out of 10. It breaks up pretty early, but not too early. It is a 45 watter, much MUCH better power value than the deluxe. May require miking onstage to avoid breakup. It has four speakers, which are 10 instead of 12 inches, making the amp not TOO large/heavy. An overlooked feature is the ALNICO magnets in the speakers, a huge improvement over the ceramics in the twin and deluxe. This is the only one of the three that is ALL tube. The reverb, vibrato, all four channels, and the rectifier are all tube.

My sound is a blend between Jerry Garcia and Trey Anastasio, sort of, with a more bluesy, heavy feel. I play more metal and blues riffs than they do. It suits my many styles all very well. It is essential with this amp to have the right pedals, though! I have tons of Analogman pedals (Beano Boost, both compressors, SD-9 mod, TS-9/808 Silver, etc.), they work best. I could probably use it fine without my NS-2, but I use the NS-2 to keep it really quiet. Very high quality, no noise to speak of (I'm using humbuckers, though). This amp excels with the T/M/B at 6/10/5 with very bright pickups. Tube screamer works great. The clean does break up relatively early, which is awesome. nothing some miking can't fix. It can get PRETTY NASTY if you want it to!

Very very tough. Tubes obivously last awhile. I gig without a backup, and it've never broken. It hasn't really been challenged hard yet.

I've been playing since I was 7, and I am now 16. I use a boss NS-2, Tonejam Sniper modded Boss GE-7, Analogman Juicer, Analogman Beano Boost, Analogman Maxon SD-9 SUPER mod, Analogman Ibanez TS-9/808 Silver, Teese RMC-2 wah. I would get another in a heartbeat, great they are. Only a little heavy. This one is better than the deluxe and twin for reasons above. Only the mid control on the normal channels I wish it had.

This is a new reissue, and everyone knows about the features. Good tone shaping potential, plenty of power. Only one channel, but thats ok

Well, its simply the best amp I have heard since my old dear departed 1967 Bandmaster. I know its a reissue and not handwired etc., but it still sounds great. Its so full and rich, to my ears it is much better sounding than any of the other Fender reissues. Lots of bass without being muddy, great mids and highs, and the bright switch for addded sparkle. Extremely quiet, great reverb. I have no negatives at all. Gets very loud. The thing I like about the Fender reissue series is that being one channel "clean" amps, they let you hear how your guitar/pickups really sound, and bring out the best in them. Your tone isnt disguised. and they do this better than any other amp.

They have probably made a million of them, so I would hope they have the bugs out. I dont play in a band, so I dont push it very hard.

Dont know.

I have wanted a Super Reverb since about 1965. I dont know how a vintage model could sound any better, and I could not be more pleased. Its got the great Fender tone and reverb, and I use it with a Strat, Tele, and an ES-335; they have never sounded so good. I have used a lot of amps, and tended to look down my nose at the Fender reissues until a friend of mine at the guitar shop got me to try a Super Reverb one afternoon. As soon as I heard it, I knew I would buy one. I like to play older rock and the blues, and this amp is the one for me.

Just an update on my LEMON.......


I guess we can dispell all the bad-mouthing about Fender's customer support.
(Maybe they DO actually read these reviews?) Anyway, they did replace my Super with a new one, and it's perfect!

Mike

2001 model, bought new in 2005 Has all the features you need

Just what I was looking for

Well, someone has to get the occational LEMON once in a while, and I guess it was my turn. Ive been playing Fender equipment for over 30 years, and Ive never had anything major to complain about. (untill now) Mine has roughly 30 minutes playing time on it so far, and its making all kinds of crackling and buzzing noises. Well, off to the "certified Fender repair shop (and theres only ONE in Rhode Island). Bob Fenton, of "Providence Music" said he replaced PLATE VOLTAGE RESISTORS, and then proceeded to change EVERY tube in the amp with tubes that do not belong in the amp (stock), and this was after determining that EVERY tube that was in it from the factory was GOOD! The amp is TOTALLY USELESS!

Jesus, in "81" when Fender became Fender again, I was tickled! How many of you actually remember CBS? Start humming the tune to "Welcome Back Kotter" Im getting more corporate bullshit now about replacing the damn thing than its worth.
I will NEVER understand why musical companies hire people who dont know their asses from a hole in the ground about ANYTHING to do with musical equipment!

This is a great amp, and dont let this review sway you from buying this particular amp. As I said, this is a first for me, and for the most part, Ive never had a major problem with a Fender amp.
What you DO need to know, is that Fender Customer Support needs to re-think what the hell the're doing!
I would NEVER say this normally, but buy the damn thing at Guitar Center, as even THEY have a better guaranty.......

brand new 2005.

i use a 2003 american ash body telecaster. Have had this amp for about two months now. Finally got it after saving for about a year. My ultimate dream tone is that of the late Jeff Buckley on live at sin-e and I can say that for a a brand new amp, this one really does sound beautiful. When I think of the tone in the super, I think of its fullness. It's beautifully clear and thick and even when not hitting the bass you can feel this depth. However, the treble doesnt quite sparkle as I had hoped, but this was true on my old amp to so it might just be my tele, which tends to sound thin at times. But this amp is hard to fault as a starting point equipped with what Ive read are pretty weak tubes. To me, it sounds every bit as beautiful as i had hoped, but theres still some room for improvement--it just doesnt sparkle and shimmer quite like buckley's real blackface twin.
One thing i cant fault is the reverb, its a 10. I also compared this to a new twin, which from playing in the store, seemed alot less bright and with, for me, more power than necessary and utimatelyless character. I think the bright switch is actually a little too muchwith my tele and i almost never use it. Anyway, i have to search hard for criticisms because it ultimately has a sound that when i play it in my living room has stopped everyone who has heard it in their tracks. A really great sound that only falls short of amazing!

in two months, no problems--for whatever thats worth

been playing for 6 years--not a genius, just an average joe. But i know good tone, and this has it. It's also awesome looking and has no cheap effects. If you want good tone, this is a great amp. If it were lost or stolen I'd definitely buy anothr one. Hope to work on this amp a lot because I'd rather improve it than spend money on other amps. Maybe better speakers, definitely better tubes, and possibly the blackface surgery someday. But for now, I'm one happy camper--its such a pleasure to flip it on and jam. It won't make you better, but you'll sound as good as possible with what you do know.

Made in 2003 reissue vintage model. Possibly the most versatile guitar amp available due to styles it will cover with ease.
Some amps have great tone but can be one trick ponies. Not this baby, Classic Clean Fender tones,..just beautiful. And it naturally over drives beautifully when cranked a little.
Two 6l6s power tubes, two channels non-switchable. The GZ34 Tube rectifier adds even more tube tone to the circuit and adds touch sensitive dynamics when digging in. This amp is compatable with most pedals put in-front of it and suits humbuckers and single coils equally.
A strat sounds amazing,.335 suits this amp perfectly.
Jensen reissue P10R alnico magnet speakers sound great.
Nice and deep tube driven reverb and trem too.

I play reggae gigs with this amp. Heaps of clarity and tone to die for. It`ll do classic and modern rock, R&B, jazz, pop, funk, blues and country!!!
She`s a real winner. It has more tone character and useful gain than a twin. Twin reverbs are nice but don`t have the tone character of the super reverbs. Twins are often too loud and can blow your ears out. The 10 inch alnico speakers/45 watt fender tube combination of the super is really good and balanced.
H/buckers sound full,warm and have good clarity. Single coils too sound just fantastic.....(We`ve all heard Stevie Ray).
Reverb is particulary nice and is generaly enough for most applications about 2.5 or 3 on the dial. Anything more tends to approach surf territory.
O/Drive Pedals in front of it sound very good and seem really compatable with the amp.
Also You can substitute a 12au7 or 12ay7 in preamp section instead of 12ax7. This will achieve more twin reverb like head-room due to the lesser gain factor of these 2 pre-amp tubes,..and in turn allowing this classic Fender amp to be even more versatile!!! Well worth experimenting with if you are after good headroom at volume and they are cheap to purchase too.

All good so far 2 years down the track and plenty of gigs. Fenders are usually reliable from my experiance.

Has never been required.

For myself and any guitarist into classic routes music and jazz, this amp really shines through as the correct amp of choice. It`s very usable and fun to play and i wish i had looked at a super 25 years ago when i started out in bands. No wonder steve cropper and countless other very tasty players use them. I`ve owned Twin reverbs in the past and they are really good amps but i feel the super is a just a better amp alround.
I tried a Mesa blue-angle 4x10 combo before getting this and was impressed, but it just didn`t have that classic fender tone which is what i was looking for.
The super reverb is a winner and a true classic amp with tone that is well balanced and hard to beat. This is not a metal amp,..and most should have worked that out for themselves.
Highly recommended.

The last time I looked it had everything that came with the original: Two channel, one with tremalo and reverb - one without. Fourty-five watts, five more than the original, but I can forgive Fender for that. It doesn't have the AC outlet in the back, oh well too bad. You can footswitch the reverb and tremalo, cool. It has everything that it was supposed to have and everything I wanted.

My wife bought this amp for me for Christmas. Literally made me cry . God I love her. For the first couple of weeks I was completely satisfied with the sound of this amp, but after the newness wore off, I found there were a few things I was not totally happy with, so I made some mods. The first thing I did was to go on ebay and I started buying NOS tubes. After some trial and error (there is a huge difference in tone depending on the tubes), I ended up using nothing but Mullards in the preamp and a Mullard GZ34 in the rectifier. I got rid of the Groove Tube 6l6gc's and replaced then with used, but well matched RCA black plates. Total cost, about $275 but the difference in the tone is nothing short of amazing. It is truly incredible how bad the stock tubes are, except the GT 6l6's, they were actually pretty close to the blackplates.

Next came the speakers. At about 3 on the volume the RI Jensens sounded great. At 2 they sounded dead and they started breaking up at about 4.5 with my strat and 4 with my Les Paul: Much too early for my taste and I did not like the sound of the breakup, too harsh. I wanted this amp for it's clean. If I want to overdrive it I'll use a pedal, thank you. So I replaced the speakers with two Weber 10A125 alnico's (old P10Q), and two 10F150 ceramics (old C10N. Right away they sounded better than the Jensens. Especially in the bottom end, loud and tight with a fine articulate top end. I have had them in for about 6 weeks now and they are just now really starting to break in and oh my God the tone!!! Absolutely incredible. I wasn't looking for the SRV tone so many people are looking for, but I've got it in spades if I want it. It is now absolutely the sweetest sounding amplifier I have ever heard. The tone is great for Blues, Jazz, and Rock. I have now spent about $1775 or so on this amp and many will ask, "Whay didn't you just buy an original?" Well, I looked and played and found that what I have now, with the mods, sounds better than the original, and I don't have to worry about 40 year old speakers, that most likely need to be replaced anyway, and other components that are going to give out someday. Now I don't have to worry about "keeping it original." I got it to play, not put in an museum.

Many say that it treats single coils better than humbuckers, but I don't think that is true. I use a stock Fender American Standard strat, a Les Paul Custom, a SG, and an es-335. I think that what it is, is the strat just sounds so incredibly beautiful that it is hard for anything else to keep up. The tone is almost other-worldly its so good. My humbuckers sound really fine too, just not as fine as the strat. There is just something about a Fender with a Fender. This amp takes well to pedals too, if they are good one's. I use an Analog man modded SDF-1 and an Analog man pro mod DS-1. Both sound fantastic, especially with the humbuckers. That is where humbuckers shine.

I am kind of stuck on a rating to give the sound. I have seen many raters give such amps as the Hot Rod Deluxes and Devilles 9's and 10's. Compared to a stock Super Reverb their sound is not in the same league let alone the same ball park. I think it is probibly the finest sounding stock amp of its kind out there so I will give it a 10, but with the mods it is easily a 12.

Great so far. Who knows, but I do have the 5 year warrenty. Another reason to but the reissue over the original.

Haven't needed them so far, but from what I've heard, they are not very responsive. I don't care, my the local shop I bought it from will take care of me.

I have seen where several people here complain about the price. I look at their guitars and see thay have spent probibly $2500-3000 on a Gibson Les Paul that is not worth more than $1200, considering their current workmanship, and want to get this amp for the price of a Hot Rod Deville. Well, I think they got it the other way around. I have some fine guitars, but I plugged in my 6 year-old son's 3/4 Squire strat with one year old strings on it and it sounded better than my strat in my Marshall AVT 275. If you want this kind of tone, it costs money. The $1775 dollars I've spent on this amp is more than worth the money and if it were stolen I would replace it with the same mods and not blink an eye. It sounds that good!!!

Very simple. Treble, bass, mids, volume, reverb, bright swith, and that's it!

A lot of people say that none of us can get that SRV tone, but guess what..., I got it and a friend of mine was at the El Mocambo gig when SRV played. He took pictures of Stevie's amp and pedals and the settings are so clear. I copied it and man what a tone!!! I used my SRV strat, stock TX special pu's. I set the amp (Stevie set like this too at the El Mocambo), Bright switch OFF, Input one at the vibrato channel, volume at 4-6, reverb at 2.5, treble at 4.5, bass at 3 and mids at 4. Very clean and warm! I play Hendrix and SRV A LOT. My effects chain are Vox Clyde McCoy original, RM octavia, Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face original, TS9, TS808, Jim Dunlop Univibe, Boss TU12 Tuner, Boss DD3 Digital Delay, Amp. Set the TS9 DRIVE 9 o'clock, LEVEL 1 o'clock, TONE 3 o'clock.
TS808 DRIVE 10 o'clock, LEVEL 2 o'clock or FULL, TONE 2 o'clock. The TS808 is the one that stays ON all the time, use the TS9 for leads and it boosts the 808 perfectly!

Great!

Nope

No comments, what else huh????????

Everyone knows the features by now,....this is a versitile amp!!

This is the point i want to make with this review.
A most versitile amplifier as it is and Will cover many bases of music in classic styles, R&B, blues & Jazz etc.
NOTE: Should you require more natural power-amp distorion and at lower volumes,...try installing two THD yellow jackets or Groove tubes substitubes and this will allow you to use EL84 power tubes and in class A.
The results are great. no biasing required. Just swap out the 6L6s for the substitubes or yellow jackets and the super takes on a new and pleasing character.
Swap back to the 6L6s when you wish.It`s that easy!!
Obviously the 6L6s have a cleaner sound and different character to the EL84s, which have that bell-like brassy british tone with nice compession and distorion qualities similar to a vox AC30.
This amp is versitile as it is,...but having the choice of these two different Tubes opens up a new world of tone and distortion characters.
I must also say that the JJ EL84s are really nice tubes to try.
If you don`t use the 1st channel without reverb/trem on the amp you can also remove the 1st pre-amp 12ax7 and the super will get a small gain boost as well,...worth a try and easy to check if you like this little mod too.

Very simple. Treble, bass, mids, volume, reverb, bright swith, and that's it!

A lot of people say that none of us can get that SRV tone, but guess what..., I got it and a friend of mine was at the El Mocambo gig when SRV played. He took pictures of Stevie's amp and pedals and the settings are so clear. I copied it and man what a tone!!! I used my SRV strat, stock TX special pu's. I set the amp (Stevie set like this too at the El Mocambo), Bright switch OFF, Input one at the vibrato channel, reverb at 2.5, treble at 4.5, bass at 3 and mids at 4. Very clean and warm! I play Hendrix and SRV A LOT. My effects chain are Vox Clyde McCoy original, RM octavia, Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face original, TS9, TS808, Jim Dunlop Univibe, Boss TU12 Tuner, Boss DD3 Digital Delay, Amp. Set the TS9 DRIVE 9 o'clock, LEVEL 1 o'clock, TONE 3 o'clock.
TS808 DRIVE 10 o'clock, LEVEL 2 o'clock or FULL, TONE 2 o'clock. The TS808 is the one that stays ON all the time, use the TS9 for leads and it boosts the 808 perfectly!

Great!

Nope

No comments, what else huh????????

I bought the super reverb november 2004, after blowing speakers out of my fender hot rod deville. Big step foward. Two channels, but really only needs one. Wish It had an effects loop, I can live withou it.
I play clubs 3-4 a month, I mic the amp with a e609 sennheiser, good mic for any amp. Wanted a good all around amp from rythm, rock,county, and bules at lower volumes. compared to the hot rod 4x10 much more control at 1/2 the volume. Clean sounds great. I will tell you it's natural distortion is not worth a damn.

I play a fender strat with hot stacks neck and middle, and JB junior in the bridge. I think i have found the perfect set up for this amp. The super reverb can sing solos like you woundn't beleive with the follwing effects. JB junior bridge, boss compressor, Tube screamer, boss delay slap back setting. I use the tube screamer for general distortion, but with compression the strings and the amp come alive. Sustain harmonics you got it. Amp is very quiet with any effects. reverb fender perfect. The only thing I don't like about this is that it can be a little to ear piercing at higher volumes.

Wish I could get a better 80'S tone out this amp.

This is the only amp I have at the time so It gets turned on and off sometimes 5-6 times a day for practice. I think its totally dependable.

not needed

Following on from previous review. I said that I liked being able to use pedals to get a good drive sound into a good clean amp. I have now gigged the Super several times and decided that it does not really work for me. Loud - I lose the clean. Quiet - it sounds thin. I am sure it is agreat "one trick pony" amp. I have swapped it for a Marshall TSL-122. I never thought that Marshall would work for me but using my ears and not my preconceived ideas has made a difference.

Fender Super Reverb, New reissue, 40 watts from two 6L6's reverb and tremolo, two channels, four Jensen P10R speakers, The all time heavyweight blues amp.

I own several strats and a 57 GT LP, Reverend slingshot. I like to run straight into this amp. This is the best amp for playing on the edge of distortion and getting your tone from your fingers. The amp is very warm sounding and fills the room with a wall of sound. Tone wise this is my favorite Fender. Now there is one thing that I did to my new amp that made all the difference in the world, when I took it home I measured the bias on the power tubes and it was set at 19 mv, I removed the white label groove tubes and put in two J&J 6L6's and set the bias at ~38.5 mv and the amp absolutely came alive!! Most amp manufactures will send out their amps bias cold so the tubes will last as long as possible. With quality tubes and proper bias this amp sounded exactly like the original Blackface Super Reverb I owned in college.

Fenders will last forever if taken care of and serviced when needed.

Never needed to contact Fender.

There is something about the Super Reverb (AB763) with it's 2 ohm load into the four tens that gives it the ultimate fender amp for gigging. I use this amp over some boutique amps that I own because it just has a feel and vibe to it that works for me.

this is a new fender reverb reissue. THe amp offer two channels, one with nothing the other with reverb and tremelo. I use this amp every weekend at the local clubs. The amp has more power than you would ever need. it doesn't offer much in features, but thats expected.

well, let me say something here.........
i bought the fender CONCERT REVERB and the New Fender EVIL TWIN.
they both were awful. VERY NOISY !!! for one and overdrive was awful. Fender can NOT make a amp with good overdrive, but i have accepted that as many have. Now, back to the SUPER REVERB !!!
I agree with other reviews !! this amp is VERY quiet. The tones is just amazing. I also agree, a good OD pedal should go in front of tis amp or any fender amp. Its a very LOUD POWERFUL AMP. I really don't need an amp this loud, but its sure nice to know you have one. How it sounds compared to vintage amp, i have no clue and don't care.

well, i've had it for about 2 years and has been very reliable, never a problem. I'm still using the stock tubes.
has the 5 year warranty

I don't know

Great amp. I've had many amps, this has always been my favorite tube amp, I like the IBANEZ 10 in front of it (the latest one).
IF it was stolen i would not buy another based on being to much amp for my type of playen. What did i like most about the amp ?
it is very quiet !! and sounds very warm and smooth.

I just got my Fender 65 Super reverb reissue today brand new! What a Luxury when I got it home.I turn it on and this amp is so Quit!!I can't wait to record with is amp.

I have a Zion Strat with E M G pickups I pluged it in and SVR is what I hear. With the volume at 2 this amp comes alive! I put a little reverb and I was playing the blues and it sounds like a C.D.of S.R.V. playing with no noise.I have a Daddy O overdrive and I hooked it up set it about 7 and and turned it on and still hardly no noise then I put my guitar to the hummbucker and I hear the best distorion for recording I have ever heard! This is the amp for recording guitars.

So far I am Happy I just got it today.The Fender sounds good today so I could rely on it because I know how the amp should sound if it was old it would be harder to know if it was good or not

I just got this Fender amp But they make them 20 miles from my house so I would take it to the factory, or to guitar center.

I have a 79 marshall 50w head with two homemade 4-10 cabs with the same jensens in them as the 65 Fender Super Reverb and a Gibson GA 15 combo I run the Marshall dry and the Fender amp and the gibson amp wet and I can turn the amps off or on in different combo I have been playing for Jesus for 17 years.For the devil before that.I also have a Gibson ES 335 and a S.G. I have been looking for the tone for me and this rig is it!If it got stolen I would save my money and get The Fender super reverb again because its the Tonemaster amp!!

Usual. Two channels one with reverb and vibrato, one without. Simple, non switching. Valve Rectifier. Pletnty of power. Clean well into gig volumes with a drummer. Takes to pedals at the front very well. This is a replacement for a 94 Twin Amp which was much more versatile but never really sou7nded "right" on the claen. I always had to use the crunch or over "thick" distortion channel to get a good sound.

I use a Rickenbacker 12 with Hi-gain pickups, a 62 Reissue Strat with Texas Specials (usually in open G for slide) and a 2002 Les Paul with Burstbuckers. All sound fantastic. Backgound noise is almost non-existent. I have started to play "clean" much more and enjoy the natural sounds of the guitars. Put the volume on 4 or above and you get a fantastic slightly edgy sound - great for solos. For gain I use a Mesa Bottle Rocket (expensive but really good) and a Boss ME-50 at the front. Any sound I need in a tidy, portable and great sounding package. It really does sound good.

Seems great. 've had loads of problems with amps. Boogie Nomads that just stop, Boogie Mavericks wirh so much background niose it hurts and my 94 Twin Amp with switching, reverb and rattle problems. This reissue Super just seems so well made. No rattles, no valve noise and great sound. Never seems strained. The amp is so simple there is very little to go wrong.

Never dealt with the company.

I have waited a long time and spent a lot of money getting to this amp. I am now convinced that a great natural clean sound is what amps are supposed to be used for and any effects, overdrives etc can be added at the front. I have really tried almost everything out there in the 30-100 watt valve amp market. I would love a Matchless (#3000!!!!!!!) but the Super probably has as a better clean sound.

2004 model, you know the features.

I go through it with a 64 strat. Blues, a little classic rock, ect...

Yes, it's dependable.

Only had 1 problem with a Fender product in the last 30 years, (custom Shop), but they were quick to respond, and I have no complaints.

I dont go for gadgets and gizmos...It's a tube amp, and NO TWO are alike! Been at this for a very long time. I like it's simplicity, and yes, I would buy it again. When not playing through a Plexi, I'll run the strat into a Boss ME-50, and sterio out to both the Super, and a "65" reissue twin. With the 2 12's booming out the bass, and the 4 10's holding up the treble end, I havent seen ANY amp out there that even comes close! (and I swear by my 100 watt Plexi's).

Ya Ya Ya Ya...

PRS Hollowbody I with a Barber Burn Unit. Keep on tweaking! When the pedal is bypassed (now and then) you get the king of clean. The overall tone pallete is amazing,

Shooting for JJ tubes come Christmas. No problems. Tried and true design.

Fender's quality is actually good given the volume of product they produce. Understanding that, it is important to have a good techician perform any work you cannot or should not do yourself.

I leaned towards the Vibro-King until I heard the Super Reverb cranked (not that loud and not that often). By far the most straight forward piece of rock and roll equipment that ever punked up a power chord.

Fender Super Reverb Amp. Most folks know the drill on this, Two non-switchable channels, one with reverb and tremolo, one without. 40 to 45 watts of power, 4 10" Jensen speakers. No headphone jack, no effects loop, no channel switching, just your basic plug in and play amp. The amp is based on the original Blackface Super Reverb, the only thing lacking from the original is the 110v outlet on the back panel. By todays standards one might think that this amp lacks features, but by 1965 standards it is feature packed indeed. The ideal size for small to fairly good sized stages, mic'ed up one could use it anywhere.

I am using a 1957 reissue Gibson Les Paul Goldtop, with '57PAF humbuckers. This amp could easily be described as a one-trick pony, aah but what a trick it is. I play a wide range of styles and the Super Reverb covers all the bases. Jazz, blues, classic rock and oldies, country this amp delivers in spades. The clean sounds this amp delivers are spot on. With the volume set between 3-4 it fills any stage I'm apt to play. It is a fine platform for pedals, and any distortion I might need can be obtained by turning up the volume on the Les Paul. I have played in club and wedding type bands on and off for thirty odd years, and have used many different amps and guitars, I am finally able to make the sound i hear in my head. (Listen to "Albert's Shuffle" on the "Super Session" album)

It might be too early to tell, but right now it seems reliable. Time will of course tell. But with basic care and service it should hold up well. I don't feel the need for a back-up amp on the job.

I have never had to deal with Fender, but I have read the horror stories, my dealer Elderly Music in Lansing, MI has always treated me well, so I don't really expect any servicing issues.

I have been playing 30 odd years, and have used all manner of gear,(Boogie, Ampeg, Marshall, Rivera, Sunn, MusicMan, and Fender). This amp is my HOLY GRAIL. I would buy it again in a heartbeat. I only wish I'd have kept the other Blackface Fenders I previously owned, rather than chasing the flavor of the month. IMHO this is the last amp I'm apt to buy.

This is a raw tube amp that you crank and enjoy. for my style of music(blues) it is #1. Chanel 1 no reverb normal. Channel 2 vibrato reverb. U first get it out u put on stand by, plug in turn it on crank the volume. Its a good simple power tube driven distortion. Great tones from tommy castro to SRV.

O were do i start. I use my 2001 tele with quarter pounder neck and a stok bridge. The pounder pounds out an awsome sound threw the 4 10s. U feel the bass and mids pounding out but still have that tele high end. With my pickups it starts breaking at 4 with a smooth cliping distortion but i take it to 5.5 where u will here the sound of tommy castro then take it to 6.5 and you have met srv. O this amp is the quitest fender amp i ever heard. I had a custom vibrolux that was 10x noisier than this.It is soso responsive to u picking. u leet of it calms down then u start hammering agian and it comes right back alive, so alive. she just screams. since i am not big on reverb i use channel 1, later i will make channel 2 my strat cahnel with tremola. so if u are heavy rocker u might whant to stear clear. clean tone u might look in a twin unless u whant 4 10s. but those choices are up to u. but if u are lookin for tommy or srv here it is.

Cant really judge here hav not had it long.

never dealt with fender so i cant really judge

THIS IS THE BLACK FACE BLUES AMP. It is perfect with my blues likeings. It has every thing i have been looking for. good ol blues driven tone. nice and crisp. i have only been playing a few years but i have listen to enuff music to know what tone i like. if it were stolen i would scrape the money together and get another.this is every thing i want out of an amp. It is a lean mean tone machine.

i kinda wonder why i'm doing a review on this amp; everyone knows its the best fender amp made. Hmmmmm, i'm bored i guess. 2 channels, clean and clean with reverb and tremelo. no effects loop. I play this amp in my basement. don't get me wrong, i'm no novice. I know equipment very well. no much features on the amp, which is good.

My goooodnesssss, wut a tone. dam dam-dam what a tone. I use my many guitars with this amp, but my fender deluxe sound purty good. I personally think the fender american standard strat sounds best with this amp; more straty sounding. This is a great JAZZ or Blues amp. I'm a blues guy, but learning some JAZZ stuff. I was very suprised how quiet this amp is, i can hardly hear noise, very very quiet. This amp makes that great fender strat tone we love. I think this is the BEST sounding fender amp. I had a new fender evil twin, kept for a couple months, never liked it. so, traded it for a fender concert reverb, again didn't like it. they were not giving me that strat tone. so, finally i went with the reissue super reverb. I'm now very happy. I think i need an american standard strat though, sounds so gooood with that guitar (the new american standards). I give this amp a 10, because i think its the best.

don't know

don't know

I've been playen for 14 years, and i still suckkk. If this amp was stolen i wood buy it again for sure. I love the fender strat tone i get with it, unlike these new modern fender tube amps, which are noisy and lack the straty tone !!! If you love that clean fender tone, i highly recommend this amp. I will keep this amp for a long time.

kicks asss i played it at PMC and wow its not that it has a bunch of features if u want that go for a modeling amp but i mean this is the real deal for an SRV sound or a clapton sound Its good enough for me

i used a G&L S-500 and it sounded great perfect blues and jazz
if ur in a situation like i am cuz im looking to buy an amp wit a fender clean but im in a hard rock band then do wat im doing get a 65 Super Reverb and line it up wit a Boss MT-2 and a Tubescreamer to bring out the true rock sound and still have the SRV clean! i also have a Boss GT-6 which pretty much set up the ultimite setup for me cuz i have all the effects distortion and clean tone i need.

Its Fender just dont be an idiot and nothing should go wrong just make sure nothings wrong wit it before you buy it

I live right next to a Fender MASTER Dealer so im all set if anything goes wrong !

Awsome amp i think it would really make you happy as far a 45 watts goes, it shood be plenty of power even if u have a hard hitting drummer and if it even gets a little distored after 6 or 7 on volume then deal wit it but wen its that lound and u have a hole band playing it wont be that noticable! Great sounding amp definatly a Fender!

The amp was made in 2001 and is very versital for the older rock and Blues that I play. Straight forward 2 channels 1 with reverb and vibrato and the other with no effects. I use the amp at home and at church. It is pleanty loud, all tube and produces a very clean, Fender sound.
No effect loops or line out. A line out would be nice but not really not necessary with a good microphone

I play a 98 Les Paul Standard (double cutaway) and a Les Paul Standard with 500T and 498R. This is a clean amp even with hot pickups (breaks up at 8) way too loud for almost anything at 8. Sounds great at 3-6. The natural distortian is pretty cool but so loud .... I like my SIB Varidrive in front of the amp in the dry channel

This amp is AAAAAAAA+++++++++I have been a professional for 35 years. I have a rack system also with a Mesa Formula and a TC Electronics G Major with a Peavey Classic 50-50 power amp into 2, 2X12 Cabinets with Fane speakers (from a Hiwatt Cabinet) I have 2 overdrive pedals: an S.I.B. Varidrive and a TS-808 Ibanez (Tube Sreamer). I sometimes use a Boss GT-5 But not through the Super Reverb. The SR sounds too good by itself.

Brand spankin new reissue, 2004.All specs details been stated before in other reviews.
Versitile combo being Blackface 40 odd watts. Fantastic combination
of features for the roots,funk, blues/jazz and reggae player.
Tube rectifier, tube reverb/vibrato.....tubes in all features...yeah!!!
A clean sounding amp indeed.if you need extra drive,...just plug your favourite pedal in. Is this a versatile amp?...you bet.

Strat and 335 ibanez. Both guitars sit nicely with this amp.
Beautifully toneful and clean. nice reverb too.
Great rhythm guitar amplifier.
Speakers sound good too. I can do a jazz gig one nite and a groove and roots gig the next.

early days, but good so far.

Not being a mteal head or grunge munger....this amp is king for me.

'65 Super Reverb re-issue, with reverb and tremelo. Normal and vibrato channels. Four 10" Jensen speakers, 40W power (but don't quote Fender on that).

Well, one buys this amp to get a great clean tone, and it gives just that. Mine begins to break up (distort) around 5 or 6, is this too early? I really don't care, though, because I like it.
First off, I play mainly rock stuff, with some blues and some punk, among other things. I find it hard to put what I play into catagorization, but go to www.blurty.com/users/tsge for the project I'm involved in. I'm into the whole tube overdrive/Jack White sound right now (plus I need a more dependable amp than my Yamaha G-100), so that's why I got the Super Reverb.
I play a Squier Fat Tele (modded, with a new Fender '52 Vintage bridge pickup) into a Boss DS-1 (sometimes, for overdrive) into a Electro-Harmonix Big Muff (Russian re-issue), which then runs into the first input on the Vibrato channel on the Super Reverb. I'm still trying to get a good sound with the Big Muff through this amp; it sounds decent with the EQs set around 8-9 1/2, and it seems to lack the amount of treble I like; but flick on the Bright switch, and everything thins out (and begins to sound like metal distortion). I'll get the tone I like eventually, if I mess around with it enough. The DS-1 sounds pretty cool though this amp, the tubes give it a slightly warmer sound.
Lastly, don't let the 40W rating fool you. I had an 'amp war' with my brother's Fender Stage 100 setup, and it matched it.

No piece of equipment is perfect. Also, the more parts an amp has, the more likely its going to break down - and the Super Reverb has a lot of parts.
I've had this amp a day, so I really can't say how dependable it is, but its fired up every time it should.

Never dealt with Fender, I'll just get it repaired locally.

It's a good, solid amp. I don't regret buying it, and its probably the last amp I'll ever buy. (Unless I get into hardcore metal, but that probably won't happen.)

65 super reverb 4x10 combo, 50 watts. reissue. hi and lo input jacks, clean and vibrato channels. switch must be used to operate the 2nd channel. has extension speaker jack, very nice. runs at 2 ohms. 2x6L6 power tubes and some preamp ones of the 12ax7 family. onboard "surf" reverb too.

this is the king of clean for any sort of guitar, makes fender strats sing esp. well. not noisy, very loud, less control at volume 1-3. don't be fooled by the low watts you can still go deaf. with a boss mega distortion i can get metal sounds out of this puppy as long as i don't use the bright switch.

i've heard of various problems with heat in the fender amps. don't play it flat up against a wall!

nada.

i like this amp but i wish it had the ability to have LESS volume for the basement. great for club gigs. eq is balanced with hi/lo, crank the mid for fun. reverb is a little surfy, i always like the marshall spring anyway but that's all on marshalls. best clean i've heard in awhile, 4x10s not enough bass. this rivals mesa clean i think and for better money.

You know the features - vintage amp, limited features - i love the option of the built-in vibrato...

Absolutely the best clean sound ever! Aspen Pittman of Groove Tubes called it the "king of clean", and it really is! But it also does very good slightly driven bluesy sounds. But everything above 5 on the volume is fucking loud and ear-splitting!!! It really can hold on with boutique amps and the old handwired ones (i a/b'd it against an original '63 vibroverb (yes!) and liked the new super better - i think because of the 10'' speakers, they have a much quicker response) - and this one was not that noisy as the old vibroverb was.

Who the fuck is the idiot that rates the headroom of an amp by sneering at it's weight??? Because it weighs a ton it has to have much headroom??? The super weighs as much as the twin because it's construction is similar... But it has 40 watts, not 85 and it was designed for clubs not for big stages - if that idiot plays big stages, he needs probably a twin - but a twin sounds very different because of it's 12" spekers - that two amps are not comparable. And if i am a pro, playing larger venues i know what i need and it try it before gigging - so i know if the headroom is enough... "Anonymous", you are just a fucking asshole idiot, go deaf with your twin!!!

Built like a tank.

My favorite amp - besides the marshall jtm 45 reissue with the large 4/12-cabinet (the grey "tall vintage" one) - but the super has the vibrato and is not that heavy...

Purchased brand new - made in '03. Two input channels (non channel switching), #1 has Volume Bass and Treble, #2 adds Mid control, both have a Bright Switch and hi-lo inputs. Vibrato and Reverb (footswitch included for these). 40 Watts all tube. Tube rectifier as well. 4 x 10" Jensen speakers. Plenty powerful for even large stages (400+ seat venus), and sounds good at lower volumes for smaller gigs. Amp is a great platform for use with pedals (read on for details), which provides the versatility. On its own, the amp sounds great, but you'll only get one sound out of it. So its versatile with pedals and not on its own.

I use this amp as a clean platform from which to build upon and it performs wonderfuly in that capacity. Very big, open and transparent sound. Reacts very well to both Single Coil and Humbucker guitars. Mid control doesn't do as much as I thought it would, but it does enough. Bass and Treble controls are very responsive and almost sound active. My last amp was a Custom Vibrolux, and while I really enjoyed that amp, there wasn't quite enough clean headroom (I didn't like the kind of break-up it provided at higher volumes) and I felt it lacked a little balls in the low and low-mids. Both amps are far more transparent than I thought an off-the-shelf amp could be. Very dynamic and every bit of my guitar tone comes through (you can tell what type of guitar you are playing through this based on sound alone). This amp in my opinion gives me exactly what I was missing in the Vibrolux...however...the Vibrolux had a far better vibrato circuit and I liked the reverb in the Custom Vibrolux better than this Super, which can get "surfy" (not good for me) if you use too much. Reverb rarely comes across live anyway (unless you use too much and risk muddying up your sound), so its not a big deal to me. I only used the Vibrato on the Custom Vibrolux a little bit, and it was just fantastic. I acutally suspect there might be something wrong with this on my Super, because even with the intensity cranked, you can barely tell there's anything going on. I play in a 7-pc band that covers everything including Rock, R&B, Pop, Funk etc. I use either a Strat, Les Paul or 335 copy depending on the tune. My signal chain from guitar to amp is: Fulltone Clyde Deluxe Wah -> Carl Martin Compressor -> Maxon OD808 -> Tech21 DoubleDrive -> Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive -> Maxon CS505 Chorus -> Guyatone MD3 Delay -> Fulltone Fat Boost all in an MKS Pedal Pad Pedal Board (fantastic board). Too bad the pedal chain does suck a little tone out, but its not much and by the time you mic this puppy up and put it through the PA, it probably doesn't even make that much of a difference. This amp takes very well to pedals. Specifically, my Maxon OD808 gives a great overdrive sound and for the heavy distortion stuff, this amp takes every ounce of gain my DoubleDrive can muster up. A fantastic amp with pedals, and the clean sound is just amazing. Pretty good headroom too. I gigged with this amp this weekend and had the volume on 4, which is pretty damn loud, and this amp just sang. You start to get a little natural breakup at about 5 or so, which sounds great, but you're also talking serious volume and I only hit those levels on the biggest of stages (but it is fun when I do open her up)!!! I normally run the amp at bout 3 or so, and I use the Fat Boost to boost leads etc. I deducted a point for the Vibrato issue and surfy reverb, but to me these are minor issues.

I only got this amp recently, but my Vibrolux was a solid as a rock. I always bring spare tubes/fuses and even a little solid-state practice amp as a backup just in case.

Never had to deal with Fender and I probably never will. I have complete faith in my local shop to take care of anything that might go wrong - those guys are the best (www.parkwaymusic.com)!

Overall, I could not be much happier. My main tone is a light overdrive on the edges of a great clean tone, which I get from this amp and the Sparkle Drive or this amp and the OD808. I wanted to get a custom amp that would give me these sounds at the amp and without pedals, but since finances can't justify it and because that sound doesn't exist in a sub $1500-1800 amp, this is the next best thing and I am very pleased. Sure, if I had $4,000 I'd buy a Two-Rock, but until then, this rig is it!

ok. its not a vintage vibroverb or vibroking...but its great for an amp under a grand....and has balls and character....great verb, abd good for harp too.

using sd antiquity hb's and fender custom relics on my tele......the amp is great for blues gigs...breaks up when I need it....jazz wise, w an archtop,it rocks... ( as for the guy recommending a twin,I had one....too heavy,too loud,too clean, no tone...just loud-n-clear....boring).

so far its a rugged workhorse and you can spill beer on it,unlike a underground 30 or vero...lol

fender GAVE me a warranty even though i bought it used....i dont know what the fuss over Fender is...I think if you know how to contact them, youd agree...(I dont work for Fender)

I give it an 8,good deal for the money ....only vintage fenders get a 9 and anything better gets the 10....like a vibroking or old vibroverb,or an underground 30 bruno or vero...theyre the last amps youd ever need

The Super Reverb has everything I want in a tube amp...good tools for shaping my sound and nothing I won't use or wish I had. Any kind of bells and whistles I prefer to get from my stomp boxes. I bought the Super for what it is, not what I wish it was.

Absolute beautiful tone. More than ample bass and reverb. Despite what "anonymous" submitted on 7/09 below, it has alot of clean headroom. With my Tele, I have tested it clean most of the way through the power, depending on how aggressive my pick attack is. With my Les Paul, it gets a little growl if I attack it hard at around 4-1/2 to 5. It responds nicely to your picking nuances once you are past 3 or 4. Volume on 3-4 for small clubs, 4-6 for medium stages. Large stages and concert halls? Well, if you really play them, then you know enough to realize you will have to mic any amp or amp rig...it is called mix.
A different animal than the Twin Reverb, Deluxe Reverb, etc., this is a beautifully powerful clean amp with absolute top-notch tone.

Just got it, but it survived UPS shipping without an incident. For electonics, that in itself says something! Prior Fenders have been reliable, and I'm sure this one will do fine. Personally, I feel quite comfortable without a backup amp, though I may look into the tube replacement thing recommended by so many on this site and others.

5-year warranty. I haven't dealt directly with Fender often, so in fairness I will not rate them.

I've been playing quite awhile, and do surf, hard rock, original material, alternative rock, classic rock, oldies rock, a little blues...and this amp shines for all of them. I would definitely buy this again, no question about it. Almost bought a Twin Reverb RI, liked the Vibro-King as well; Mesa had features, but lacked the personality of the Super; already have a JCM800; sold a JC120(loved it, but...) to buy this. This is a great amp.

45 Watt combo tube amp weighing in at approx 65 pounds. Typical Fender blackface RCA circuit utilising 6L6s, 12AX7, 12AT7-Phase inverter/power tube driver.GZ34 tube rectifier.Spring reverb.
4x10 inch alnico speakers.
Versitile tone and output.Very suitable for jazz,R&B and roots music and also rock if using a good O/Drive pedal.
A great combination of features making this amp a legend.

Best guitars suited to this amp:
Gibson 335s and all other good quality thinline semis match up just beautifully.
Larry Carlton uses this combination while touring out of the USA because he knows what works well when not plugged into his expensive Dumble amp.
Full bodied jazz guitars with H/Buckers, for a beautifully balanced rich and deep tone with both body and clarity.
The Stratocaster!!! Also a marrige made in heaven when paired up with this tone generator.
P90 loaded Gibson guitars for rock.
Crisp and warm,clean and deep are some words to sum up the sonic qaulities of this amp.
It will produce good overdrive if cranked, but a good O/Drive pedal like a HotCake makes her sing beautifully and lower volumes.
Reverb is rather deep if maxed,so if you aren`t a surfer, you`d probably sit that reverb dial around 3 up to 5 or 6.
Vibrato effect is good fun if used in slightly overdriven rhythms.
All In all this amp is a winner if you want a roots style amp or relatively clean sound which is both toneful and classic sounding.

Overall package is just fantastic if you appreciate classic and legendary electric guitar tones.
I can pull Steve Cropper tones easily with the right Telecaster and the tone control rolled back some.If you cannot appreciate Mr Cropper and his classic rhythm guitar style, then probably classic vintage reissue amps are not your thang.
There are so many great players that have used or relied on this amp that the list would go on and on.The biggest thing to consider is the tone, the vibe,and feel of the amp and the legend that it reissues.
Try one for yourself and maybe you too will see what many a great player has experienced using this amp.
Final note, 95% of folks on this page have thrashed to death the S.R.Vaughan theme.All due credit to an amazing 6 stringer, but there is more to this amp than one amazing man and his thang.
Try visiting the Tone Lounge web site and you will read for yourself that Fender amps really ROCK when paired with a P90 loaded guitar.
I was curious so i plugged in a Gibson Lespaul Junior and put this through a Crowther Audio HOTCAKE, then straight into the Super Reverb.
The results were sonically amazing.......This combo rocked beyond belief and i found yet another side to this amp that made it so versitile it is not funny.

Not much on features ... but it is a copy of a '65 amp, so no rating here.

Sounds great at lower volume ... the breakup is nice ... reverb is nice ... however, if I am going to lug around a 65 pound amp, I expect MORE CLEAN HEADROOM!! This amp breaks up way too early to be such a heavy load. It sounds great at bedroom volumes though ... and I don't play little rooms when I gig.

Never bought the thing ... too little headroom for such an overly heavy ton of Fender waste.

Fender? HAH!

Love Fender amps ... but buy a Twin reissue is you want to be heard with clean tones. For you players who don't really play clean but pretend to, this amp suits you fine. The weight is 65 pounds, like a Twin reissue, but the Twin gives you 85 watts and tons of splendid clean shimmer. Screw this 40 watt tub of lard amp!!!

I'm revising my 1/16/03 review now that I've had time to really listen..........

I've detected a particularly harsh crackling sound when playing blues nine chords and dominant seven chords which has to be speaker breakup. It doesn't happen with major or minor chords. --strange-- I've tried various other speakers and this annoying disturbance diminishes or goes away altogether.

I mentioned earlier about switching to the Eminence 50W Legends. That was sort of a mistake. A few years ago I bought two 50 W Eminence 10"'s to put in my Vibroverb RI. They were very loud and sounded pretty good, just a little brittle on the top when pushed hard. The new Eminence Legend 105 is not the same speaker . I bought two of these and stuffed the four Eminences into the SR RI. They don't break up but they don't sound very good either. Otherwise, the Jensens sound magnificent.

I also tried 2 blue Fender jensen replicas and 2 Fender ceramic magnet 10's (made by Eminence). This setup sounds really good with just slight crackly breakup.

I can't even find an email addy to customer support to bitch about the P10R breakup issue.

find the right speakers and tubes and this thing will be awesome.

anyone else out there have this crackling breakup issue or did I just get the only FU'd Jensens?

This is a '65 RI I bought new from Musicians' Friend two years ago. Features are well known, and very adequate for doing what it is supposed to do-amplify a guitar and sound good.

I play blues in a trio, and use a Parker Fly Deluxe Single-2 (H-S-S) and a Fly Classic (H-H).
I liked the amp very much in stock condition, but felt there was more tone in there to be gotten.
I recently sent the amp to Don Butler ('Toneman', if you read Tone Quest). He replaced the trannies with some from Mercury Magnetics, and reworked the tone path with new caps and resisters.
He also installed a new set of tubes I got from Lord Valve.
The improvement in overall tone and response is outstanding, and well worth the cost of the modifications, which was quite reasonable. The sound is very lush, while defined and dimensional in all ranges. It will break up smoothly when punched, but clean up easily with pick attack, just like you want your blues amp to do.
It handles stomp boxes well, and is very quiet in operation.

This amp has been quite reliable at all times. Based on the apparent quality of Don's recent work,I see little reason to worry that that might change.

Never needed from Fender. Don was, however, extremely responsive before, during and after the time he had my amp,patiently answering all my stupid questions. I feel confident that he would remain so should I need his help in the future.

I have been playing for 39 years. Besides this amp, I own a Marshall DSL-100, a Mesa Blue Angel in a 4-10 combo, and a '65 Pro Reverb in completely original condition.
The Pro is my reference amp for tone, which is really what prompted me to proceed with the mods on the Super. As much as I liked the sounds coming from my other amps, nothing had the sound the Pro did.
Being unwilling to take a vintage amp in the condition of my Pro out to the shitty bars I play in, it seemed worth it to try to get my Super closer in sound to it. I'm glad I did, as I now have a terrific sounding amp to use routinely. which I don't have to worry so much about in terms of theft or damage. I'd hate to lose it, but at least I know I could replace it if I had to, which is not necessarily the case with my Pro.
Even with the cost of the mods, this is a good amp value.

Basic ol' blackface features except the AC outlet in the back. Two channels. I like the mid knob on the vibro channel. Enough power for small gigs, mic it if larger gigs appear. I really like the rectifier tube.

I like this amp with my warmoth strat. i use an alder body with maple/rosewood neck with addition to Texas Special pups. The tone is fantastic! I put in GE remakes in the power section and put in higher quality russian tubes in the preamp. Tried chinese tubes in it too. It is made for any style of rock and roll, blues etc. I think about changing the speakers for more headroom, but the P10R speakers rock.

It never broke down yet. I would just put in a replacement circuit if necessary.

?? what support, never call them.

It is a badass amp. I like it. It gives me all those sounds that SRV could get, but SRV also used a vibroverb and marshall/dumble amps too. I think it will help me achieve "my" tone. I would not recommend this amp for people that want great tone at cheap prices, i suggest that this amp is for professional musicians that know what they are doing. if you want good tone/volume and want that $500-700 range, get a peavey classic 50. But the SRRI will blow any new "cheap classic" amp away. If you want really clean get a cheaper twin reverb RI.

Yes, it's just high, mid, bass, 'verb, tremelo, and volume, but the sensitivity of each one is amazing. I've never heard such a difference in turning one of the tone knobs half a notch. It's a tone-tweaker's dream. I have an old Marshall 50-watt head, and it has two sounds, on and off.

Tone tone tone. I don't care about playing loud or fast, I want TONE, and this amp has it. Perfect for blues. Great for jazz, surf, rock. The only problem is that I have not really been able to crank it up yet, due to living in an apartment. I had it in my parents' basement for about 10 minutes when it first arrived, and it was painfully loud on 7 or 8. Of course, I was a foot and a half away at the time.

If you have decent pickups (I have Fralins in a Tele and Strat, and pretty good mini-humbuckers in my Les Paul), you will get such an incredible response from this amp. The picking dynamics really come through well. It just has that classic Fender "snap" that I was going for.

And yes... If you're trying to get that STEVIE RAY TONE (as 90% of the people at this site are), this is a good place to start. But it's as close as you'll get, because he was SRV, and that's how he got his tone. You will never get it! Get your own tone -- you might find you actually like it! Just a suggestion...

I give it a 9 right now, because it still has the el crappo Sovteks. I'll invest $80 in JJs at some point.

Well, it was shipped in a cardboard box halfway across the country that wasn't even marked with a "This Side Up", so it must be pretty durable. When I get the JJs, I'll use the crappy Sovteks as back-ups, and that should be fine.

Never have contacted them. But they're HUGE -- chances are, you'll be disappointed. You can't really expect good service from a place that enormous.

I can't believe I got this used for $700. I looked around for a long time, and also looked at Bassmans, Vibroverbs, Twins, Deluxes, etc. Everything I read seemed to point to the Super as the overall best. And I was dead-set on getting a reissue. It just felt right. I never saw one for less than $850 used. Not only was mine only $700, but it was DEAD MINT. I really got lucky.

I'm very very pleased. 45 watts is such a nice amount -- anything more than 50 is really unnecessary, unless you're in a hardcore metal band. It's a heavy amp, but not back-breakingly. My old Twin was much worse, although Fender's website lists the reissue Twin as being lighter than the new Super. Hmmm, strange... Overall, $700 to $900 is an absolute steal for this amp, and the $1,100 new asking price is not outrageous. But find one used and spend the money you saved on good tubes. I can't imagine spending $3,500 on a Bruno and saying, "Yeah, this tone is 3 times as good as the Super!" You won't be disappointed.

I bought this amp brand new. I'm sure the features have all ready been covered. One of the great things about this amp is the wattage. I tried a lot of Fenders, and most were just too damn loud. 65 watts is just too much power for a house, let alone an apartment(on 4 walls SHAKE). The 45 watts this thing has is just right. I have not made any mods to the amp as I want to be sure I know what base I'm working with before moding. I know it's not meant for built in distortion, but I'll give it a 9 for not having any at all. Most of us will use pedals of one kind or another anyway. As for the tone, it's very adjustable (especially adjusting the mids).

Crystal Clean bright sound with volume and bottom end. I play a Strat or AlleyKat (Hollow Body) through it most of the time. The strat sound through this amp is what legends are made of. The Hollow body is amazing for Jazz and blues (Stray Cat Strut sounds like a million bucks). I only put a TS9DX in front of it. With the hollow body distorted I get that slightly muffled 70's distortion. On the neck PU, I get screaming leads full of clarity and attitude. I recently played a set with Les Paul Standard, and found out my amp has some balls as well. The 4x10 speakers give it plenty of punch when needed, yet it has headroom for all the lead you can muster. I typicaly play between 3 and 4. This amp needs to be at a min. of 3 to really get what you need out of it.
Bottom line: This amp was not meant for heavy distortion. It was meant to be clean or overdriven for Rock, Blues, Jazz. There is NO sweeter clean sound than a hollow body through this guitar. It's pretty clear what it's meant for.
As a side note, no dis respect meant here, but I also tried the Deville 4x10. They are not even in the same league. While this amp is louder than mine, it is brittle and harsh sounding compared to the Super. My advice...if you want that fender sound...hold off and buy the real thing.

So far so good. I've had the amp a while now, playing at band practice once a week. I just leave it there now...at 65 pounds, it's a bugger to carry around. I hear it takes a while for the speakers and tubes to break in...but so far so good. (knock on wood)
I don't think it's a good idea to gig without a backup, but the amp feels pretty solid. I wouldn't go dropping it off of truck beds though...

Never dealt with them, but I hear the horror stories.

I've been playing guitar for about 11 years. I had mostly played acoustic up until a couple years ago and decided to get serious about my playing and thus serious about my gear. This amp is about pure sweet all tube tone. It's a monster for what it does. It's not a do all amp, but rather, is very focused on the task at hand. The 4x10 speakers give it a lot of punch with plenty of headroom. The way you know this amp is good is when you go to play with people you have never played with...plug in...and start playing some blues lead. People stop what they are doing, literally, and look back and wonder what slice of heaven just came out of that amp. Bar chords through a hollow body can not sound any nicer. Strats have that ping of pure Fender. Even Les Pauls, have a set of Kahunas that make for some great tone.
It would be great if it had some built in distortion, but realisticaly, I would use a TS9 even if it did. I'm going to give it a 9 simply because it is a fantastic amp that is really focused. While it is not the most diverse amp, what it does..it's the best at.

40 all-tube watts. 2 channels. Reverb and vibrato effects. 4 10" speakers. Tube rectifier. Similar layout to a 59 Fender Bassman 4x10 which Fender has reissued also for about 200 dollars less, but the bassman has no reverb and has a tweed covering. No effects loop but this is a re-issue and isn't supposed to have one. Really it has all you need and nothing you don't

This amp is very clean sounding and probably isn't what you want if you are into amp-created distortion. Your best bet is to use digital effects and just plug them in on the front end and let the tubes do their magic on them. That being said, this guitar makes a beautiful sound by just amplifying and letting the guitar's natural tone shine through the tubes. A great amp for playing rhythm guitar through in a band setting. Great for small bar gigs or miked through a PA for larger venues. I play small bars and sometimes use a PA. It will clip a little bit at high volume but has lots of headroom. You can probably get more distortion out of it by changing the output tubes and bias but I really think you are better off with effects pedals.

So far no problems. There is an issue called "vibrato click" that happens sometimes with these amps. A clicking is heard on the vibrato setting. Apparently it has happened to fender amps for 30 years with vibrato like this one (the Deluxe Reverb also). It has to do with the routing of wires in the original design that sometimes gets too close to the vibrato tubes or something. It is correctable if it occurs by taking it to a fender dealer (Fender knows about it but maybe doesn't want to change the "vintage" design) and having him rout the wires away from the problem and maybe adding a capacitor. Mine had it one day and it mysteriously went away the next day and never returned. It is a tube amp and in general you sacrifice reliability for sound quality.

Never had to deal with them

I also own a Fender Blues Deluxe. I don't want to think about either of these nice amps getting stolen. You just can't beat the sound of a Fender tube amp. I think some of it might be just because they sound so "right" which might be because that's what they used back in the 60's. Incidentally, Jim Marshall got his first design ideas for amps based on this Bassman 4x10 format. I even use the vibrato! Just crank speed and intensity to around 5 and mix in reverb around 3....It's not as cheesy as some people think if you don't get extreme with it and just let it color a bit. The amp is a bit fragile for gigging with and the tubes that come with it (Sovtek) aren't as good as other brands available so I recommend using them as backup tubes and getting some better ones to really make this amp sing. I use a digitech digital effects pedal through it and play pop rock and Christian rock at churches and local bars.

Hey, this is a reproduction, and not a bad one. For what it is the only thing lacking is the ability to get loud but stay clean. But then, I bought it for the dirt, so WTF.

I play blues and wanted to be able to get the big fat sounds that Little Charlie Baty gets. It does it fairly well, and should be better when I get around to putting some good tubes in it.

It won't get all that loud, and this is because the reissue Jensen P10Rs are not all that efficient. It starts to break up at a pretty low volume. For a slight downgrade in tone and a big increase in volume, switch to Eminence 50W Legends. I've heard this setup in an early silverface super and stuffed my Vibroverb RI with them. They don't break up so early either.

As tube amps go I expect it will be reliable. Anyone who has used tube amps for a while knows that a tube can go at any time. That's just the way it is. Deal with it or get solid state stuff.

Fender used to be great, but now they suck. Go to your local authorized repair center. Thanks alot.

Numerous guitars. Other amps include '63 Vibroverb RI, Blues Deville 212 (awesome amp), Peavey Delta Blues.

I wanted one of these for a long time, but never wanted to cough up the cash for a genuine Blackface. So, I would repalce it if it came up MIA.

Decent repro of BF Super.No point to point circuitry,PC board composition,but schematic same as Blackface.Same old,same old features,except a removable power cord and plywood casing.

Trick to this amp...GET NOS TUBES.Stock Sovtek Groove Tubes are a joke.Very buzzy very unmusical.Tried RCA blackplate 6L6GC's with JAN Phillips 12ax7's,Mullard Phase inverter 12at7 and amp came alive.Jensen reissues sound good,but new.A loud session opened them up.Close on the sound,still no cigar.

We'll soon find out.I hate PC boards and flimsy amp controls.

Calling Fender is like calling The White House.They'll pick up,but they could care less.

I applaud them for trying to copy this GREAT original amp.I had a 1968 Super and always wanted it back.I haven't gotten it back with this reissue.Find an old Super (cheaper and more affordable than you think),and skip the reissue.I'm selling mine.

No need to go into this as all other reviews have it nailed. It's a 65 SRRI and that pretty well explains it.

I mainly play an early 80's Fender Strat with lace sensors, a two year old G&L ASAT Special, and a mid 60's Vox hollow body. The strat sounds especially great. I am in agreement with every other reviewer as to the fantastic sound this reissue gets, albeit the Sovteks need to go. I have played for 35 years, other vintage Fenders, Music Man, Peavey Classic 50, Mesa Bogie, etc. This for all around playing(blues/blues rock oriented music)is my favorite amp. Soft or loud this amp is not noisy and has that beautiful Fender sound. Breaks up nicely and can be dialed to your taste. I love this amp as it for sure reminds me of the amp sounds I grew up with. I recommend this for anyone wanted "that" sound.

Purchased in July so too early to tell, but I assume it will be adequately reliable. Used it at a large blues fest and it had all the stage volume and tone I could have wanted, and the PA did the rest.

Haven't had to go there.

I've been playing for 35 years and rate this as a great reissue. Thanks for remaking this amp as good originals are not that easy to find. Top overall rating for volume, tone, ability to vary both. Sounds awesome even with an unmodded TS-9. Especially love straight guitar into amp.

normal/vibrato channels. super reverb goodness. footswitchable vibrato and the closest reverb i can get to my 63 reverb unit.
unsure of the power this amp carries.. a loud 40 watts i've been told. but i've got a very heavy handed drummer and no p.a. yet. no use for effects loops or headphone jacks.

i tried this amp with my busted old sonic blue tex-mex strat (bless that guitar... i wish i could find one to replace it) and also with my mosrite celebrity hollowbody. this amp was just gorgeous. i didnt spend too much time on the normal channel for the lack of the mid dial. but the vibrato channel is absolutely perfect.

i play any kind of music i'm capable of. except hard distorted death rumbly metal. and i don't care too much to emulate other popular guitarists. so i'm left with some strange bastard child of jazz/punk/surf/noise.

my only problem with this amp.. is i'm not sure if the power could stand up to my drummer. he plays VERY loud. he doesn't understand dynamics too well. (punk rock roots) he's great fun to be in a band with. we make excellent music together. but i'm worried that i wont be loud enough without being completely overdriven.

that said. i'd still pick one of these up to keep at home or record with.

i've heard mixed opinions on fender products. i dont own the amp yet so i cannot rate.

i think i might have found the amp i've been looking for. in fact i'm sure of it. the only problem is with projecting the amp well in the space we have for practice. loud ass drummer. bad acoustics. lack of a p.a. system or i'd just mic it. i'm worried about driving it too hard and ruining it. 1200 dollars is a ton of money to have blow up in your face and i've got a history of blowing up amps.

overall. pretty damn expensive. but if i can get it to project well, then i would be more than happy spending the cash on it. the sound i have been looking for.

Basic two channels with a tremolo unit and awesome reverb.

Great clean channel. It's a little hard to break up, but at 40 watts it can be cranked. Use the bright button on a strat to get great SRV or use the regular channel with a les paul to get good jazz tunes. Add a distortion pedal to either one and it sounds great.

It's been great for jamming and little gigs. I still carry my trust '68 reverb for dual tones and just in case the Super ever quits(it's less than 10 years old, you've got to break them in). So far, no breaks.

I haven't contacted them about my amp, but they've been very fast and friendly with questions about my guitars in the past.

Great clean amp that can break up at small levels and sounds really good no matter what you play. A great reissue.

Tried this amp in the store, don't own one, but would make it my number 1 choice for an amp if I didn't already have an original '65.

Versatility? I dunno. I've only been playing pro 26 years, and haven't found a style it's not suited for. If you can't throw down a Tube Screamer and get the highest quality of versatile sounds you've ever heard with this amp, either the sound's not worth going after, or you just don't have what it takes.

Effects? We don need no stinkink effects! Just plug in and go.

There's so much talk about how to get Stevie Ray Vaughn's sound with this amp. How about, listen to and learn from the same people Stevie did? Then detune your guitar and use extra heavy strings? Then grow a set of Stevie's hands?

Or how about: Get a life.

What's important is this: The amp won't make you sound like someone else. What it will do is give you the best of the best of the old blackface Super Reverb tone. I've owned quite a few, and that's the highest praise anyone can give an amp, IMHFO. This time, Fender has apparently got it nailed.

Again, there's a lot of pissin' and moanin' about reliability of tube amps when it comes to tubes.

Here's a secret to keep in mind: IT'S A TUBE AMP! Tubes have ALWAYS had problems with reliability, even when they were made brand new and in large quantities in the USA by Phillips, Sylvania, et al.

I own or have owned original Fender tweed, blonde and blackface amps. I've also owned and played through Marshall, Boogie and other tube amps through the years. I've always owned at least one blackface Super Reverb. Now that Fender is making this amp again, the holy grail is within reach of anyone with the cash to afford it. If you dig the blues, rock or country, you'd be nuts not to at least try one.

We all know the features

Here is where we get into the meat of this amp. I play mainly blues and yes SRV is my influence. Who doesn't want to sound or play like SRV! I have a 2000 American strat with Seymore Duncan Antiquity's. I use a RI TS-9, Ibanez Rotary Chorus and the Super Reverb. I replace all the tubes with NOS General Electric American tubes and this amp transformed into a true TONE GIANT. Before I could't get a breakup at any level that sounded good. At 5.5/6 I get a warm breakup and when i add the ts-9 (Drive-2, Tone 11 o'clock, Level-3 o'clock)it gets down right SRV. I set the amp - Vol - 5.5/6, Treb-7, Mid-7, Bass-3, Rev-2 and use Vibrato channel 1. This thing will shake any room but will maintain a warm tone. Thanks to the NOS American tubes , clean is creamy and warm. I know it's not a '65 but it sound evry bit as good.

Have had no problems

No experience

Though pricy, I am glad I spent the money. It has a tone all it's own and it is one that I think any guitar player would recognize and appreciate. Feel free to contact me with any comments.

You know...2 channels, normal/bright, bright switch, vol/bass/mid/treb, adjustable tremolo, foot pedal. All teh features of the original w/o the outlet in back (Why doesn't Fender do that any more?). 4 x 10" Jensen reissues.
Mostly beautiful tone with lots of head room. For distortion, I use a Fulltone Fulldrive 2 pedal

The best from Fender since Leo owned it.
Very quiet, sonds great at lower volume. Not as loud as my 'Custom' Vibrolux, but certainly smoother. Can't imagine a better sound for a Strat. Yet to try my Gibson ES-335

Dont own one of these yet, but my other Fender Deluxe Reverb RI had a pre-amp tube go out, but that can happen. I wish Fender would put in better tubes. Perhaps Fender got the message, cause of the complaints here and at the retail level.

Fender has a customer relations problem. I always try to deal with the locally owned shop or amp tech.

Been playing for a long time. In search of the ultimate tone machine...this could be the one. Don't like the weight, but I dont plan to travel with it. Compared it to a Soldano and Rivera...it's more open and clear sounding. For pure tone, the Fender Super Reverb RI wins my vote. Just need to sell some other gear and first born to afford.
With the new Clapton Strat or any G&L 'super Strat'...I cant imagine anything much better. Anxious to try my ES-335 on it.

Price? Probably over-priced by a couple hundred. Then again it's a lot of amp with great tone. $300 better that a "Custom" Vibrolux? I would say so.
(I used to own one),you prefer Strats.
The Vibrolux is a better match with a Tele. For $1,000 new, and out the door would be a fantastic value...wish me luck!

who cares about the features with this amp?

This amp definitely sings. I had a blues deville for years and thought that the clean channel sounded pretty good. The deville doesnt even come close to sounding as good as the Super Reverb. 700 bucks was the worst money ever spent on the deville and selling it and a Line6 AX2, then going out and buying the Super Reverb was the best money ever spent. I havent had this amp very long, but i have no regrets whatsoever. I personally think this amp sounds excellent with any setting, but this is how i typically have the settings.....vibrato channel 1, bright on, volume 8, treble 6, middle 7, bass 2, reverb 2-3. Sometimes I will use either a TS-9 or a Tube King. If anyone has any comments, tips or advice, feel free to send me an e-mail.

So far, so good

Never had to deal with them

Buy one if you are into blues(rock). I am considering buying one of the Pro Reverbs to run along with the Super Reverb. If anyone out there is currently doing that, or has tried it, let me know what your opinion is with that setup.

I bought this amp new about six month ago. It is a reissue of the well known '64/'65 BF Super Reverb. I don't use any effects other what's available in this amp.

I was on the search for an original Super Reverb and they had also this reissue in the shop. I compared them and decided to buy the reissue. I changed all the tubes, the Groove tubes are horrible. I use Svetlana 6L6's, and the rest are all NOS tubes.
The Jensen speakers need some time to break in and after this six month of playing they sound great. I always liked Super Reverbs and I'm very happy with the reissue. I think Fender did a great job with this reissue. The other reissues don't do the original's justice but this SRRI get's the tone. I don't like to give a 10 because tone is hard to descripe, but I will in this case because Fender really did it with the Super Reverb Reissue.

Besides the crappy tubes,no problem. I had a tube failure two days after I bought it.

Never dealt with Fender.

I play more than 25 years and still gig, not as much as in my college years. I love this amp and it is getting better with time, this Jensen speakers need their time to break in. It is getting the tone I was looking for, which is the classic BF Super Reverb tone. The only thing I don't like about this amp is the weight. I normally use a Tweed Bassman and I love the solid pine cabinet. Would have been great if Fender would have used the original solid pine instead of ply-wood for the cabinet. The retail price is a bit high, but if you search around you can deal a little. The cabinet and price makes it an eight for me.

I've yet posted a review on the Super Reverb (Markie Ray) in this section ... I've done some modifications to my amp ... here comes the follow-up ...
Features : few, but enough to create a great sound. No effects loop, no phones jack, no master , etc ... you simply don't need them.

Some people in this section told they couldn't catch a good SRV Tone with the Super. Let's talk ...
I've put other (better) tubes in my Super a week ago : Svetlana (Sylvania) and Tesla tubes. Read also the review of Lefty in this section : I've changed the same tubes, but didn't do the point-to-point wiring. It doesn't affect tone much in my opinion.
My Super didn't sound bad with the original Sovtek tubes and I was pretty happy with it but not 100% satisfied, but now, after I've replaced the tubes, my amp sounds FANTASTIC, GREAT, UNBELIEVABLE, SUPER !!! I just can't describe it : It just sounds like the original vintage Super Reverb from the late 60's : clean but with a unique vintage accent !!! Let the collectors have their original Supers : my re-issue is brand new, way more reliable and sounds just the same. Add a 808-MODDED (= JRC4558D opamp) ts-9 pedal between an american standard strat, or even better (I have a SRV Strat), link the input 2 of the normal channel with the input 2 of the vibrato channel (so you're using ALL the tubes this amp has) and you're in TONE HEAVEN.
Set drive at 2 or 3, tone all the way up and level as you wish on the TS-9 : PURE Stevie Ray Vaughan !! I've been looking to catch his tone for years, but now it has no secrets anymore for me ! The combination between a Super Reverb and a modded ibanez ts-9 pedal is the perfect marriage !
I'm so happy ... thank you Fender , the amps you produce are really the top, but the tubes you put in them are crap ! Replace them as soon as possible !

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, comments, hints, ... on getting the Stevie Ray Vaughan tone.

marsus@belgacom.net

As I said : very good ! Never had any problems with Fender products.

Never had to deal with Fender.

Read my other review in this section.
I was a little too enthousiastic when I wrote that review some months ago. I just bought my Super and you know how that feels.
But now, after I did the little mods to my Super and my ts-9, I'll tell you : this is the BEST FENDER AMP available. And I can compare.
I've had a Bassman, Prosonic, Blues Deluxe, ... before and none of them sounded like my Holy Grail.
A friend of mine heard it this weekend (he has a Bassman, also with better tubes) and is going to sell his car and his amp to be able to buy a Super ! He just looked like he took some drugs, when he went home ! Friday I'm playing for the first time with my modded amp before a crowd ... people won't believe their ears I think ! This is going to be a great night ...
Really, I can't give another overall score to this beauty than a BIG 10 !!! Fantastic value !

2001 '65 Reissue. I wouldn't call it "versatile" but the clean sound is just gorgeous, great for jazz, blues, country, all points in between. You need a high gain pedal for high gain sounds, obviously. I use this amp for most gigs I play (I'm a "pro" or at least focused on playing for a living); not for studio (tried, just couldn't get it to sound right. Needs to cranked?) 40 all tube watts, reverb, tremelo ,footswitch for reverb & tremelo. Have to give it a 9 or 10 for sound even though it doesn't have many features. Basically I try to start with a great clean sound and go with pedals from there and this is a REALLY good clean sound.

Gibson SG and Parker Nitefly through this amp sound really good. Supers sound great for any style that I play (jazz, blues ,fusion, R&B, country, etc.). Not noisy at all. Great for the glassy yet sweet clean sound or the Robert Cray grit blues sound. Breaks up around 5 and up. Sounds better as the night goes on (by 3rd set, this amp with just Tube Screamer howls like a mother******!)Still can't get the Stevie Ray sound (probably because I don't have the Dumble Steel Stringer wired to it, nor will I ever, most likely) like some people claim in this section.

I've had it for less than a year, haven't had any problems. I try to take good care of it but I use it quite a bit so we'll see.

Playing for 15 years (I'm 25 now). Have a Blues Deluxe for backup, Gibson SG Special, Parker Nite Fly, Run basic setup -guitar to TubeScreamer, sometimes SansAmp GT-1 (very high gain), Boss DD3 Delay,to amp. I would buy another Super in a heartbeat. Had a Twin Reissue before that and loved it, but this sounds a little sweeter and breaks up easier, obviously. (Twin works better for country, and for festival gigs if they don't mike you. )Twins have better bottom end and maybe more overall snap but I prefer the Supers. I was at the store, playing this one and a Vibrolux, couldn't decide and my girlfriend said "get that one"(the Super) and she was right. The only thing is they're kind of expensive, overpriced, but at the same time I'm satisfied and very happy with the amp. Sometimes I think I want something with more features, more gain, but then I realize, I'm simply going to have to buy another amp to cover those areas and use the Super for its strengths. But I'm a musician and don't have any money. Oh, well...

It what it is. Great Idea but doesn't quite get there.

Stiff, Lifeless & Lacks Midrange Punch. The Tone controls are flexible though but not quite that much

No Problems.

Never needed it.

I have been playing for 21 years. I think the "Custom Vibrolux" has a much better responce however it is kind of noisey. I guess I'm very happy with my Vibro-King.

Features:
40 watts of output power
Four, 10? Jensen P-10R AlNiCo speakers
Two, 6L6GC power tubes
Four, 12AX7A tubes
Two, 12AT7 tubes
One, 5AR4 tube rectifier


Height: 24 7/8 in.
Width: 25 1/8 in.
Depth: 10 * in.
Weight: 63.8 lbs.
Sound: LEGENDARY

This was Stevie Ray Vaughan's preferred amp. Enough said ...

I'm using a SRV Signature Strat, TS-9 (not modded), Vox Wah and POD 2.1 (for more modern sounds) through it. I play pop and rock in a band but my favourite style is the blues a la SRV. I owned a Fender Blues Deluxe, a Bassman '59 reissue and a Fender Prosonic before. The Bassman had way too much bass, even with the bass set at 0 !!! The Prosonic was a nice amp but it's treble sound couln't satisfy my needs. But with my Super I can achieve almost every tone I wish.
I've always been searching for the marvellous sound of SRV as on the 'Live at the El Mocambo video'. With the Super Reverb (not modded) I can achieve 95 % of the real SRV tone ... the only thing is it all sounds too 'new'. Stevie obtained a very used and abused sound coming from its amp(s).
But I'm very happy with my Super Reverb, it has a very responsive eq and the sound is just FABULOUS !!! But you have to play with a real strat through it, not with a squier or a gibson. My SRV strat just loves my Super Reverb ... I can feel it in my fingers when playing !

ANY SRV FAN THAT READS THIS MESSAGE WISHES TO EXCHANGE THOUGHTS ABOUT GETTING 'THAT SRV TONE' (hints, questions, gear, etc.) : mail me at marsus@belgacom.net

I've had it now for 1 month ... I think it's too early to rate this category now. But I've never had any problems with Fender products before.

Never had to deal with Fender ... and I hope it never will be necessary too !

I've been playing for 10 years now, mostly in several bluesbands but now I'm playing in a pop-rock band. I've always dreamed of having a Super Reverb, just like SRV, and now that Fender has reissued the Super, I knew from the first day that I would buy one. I now have the SRV Stratocaster and Stevie's main amp ... think I'm in heaven.
And now I know why Stevie preferred this amp above all the others ... It is in my opinion the best Fender amp available. It lets your guitar sound just how your guitar IS !!! Yourr guitar comes alive with this amp.
I love this amp and I will never again have to change it for another amp. Only thing : it is a HEAVY motherfucker !!!
But the sounds that come out of it are THE BEST you ever heard !!
I also heard Fender will increase the price of these amps with at least 10%. So hurry to the music shop to get one !!!
I give it a 10 because an 11 is not available ...

We are all familiar with the amp. The main feature is TONE. Period.

I`m using a `62 American reissue Strat, Fuzzface, Vox wah with bypass mod, Ts9 to 808 specs,Ce2 Chorus, Digitech delay, to amp. True bypass is a must, if you want that clean tone to shine thru.The amp has a sweet spot at around 3.5 on the volume, with bright switch on, treble 4,mids 7, bass 4-6, depending on the room.The EQ on this amp is very responsive, and the mids are the key to sustain on this amp, so you`ve got to tweak it, but you`ll notice good results. I pulled the first preamp tube for a noticable increase in gain, as I only use the vibe channel.I replaced the power tubes with Sovtek WXT+`s, and that really woke her up!! Also 12ax7LPS preamp tubes in the other spots.
If you play a Strat, you`ll drool over this amp`s tone. I`ve owned origionals, and I must say this amp is much more full-sounding, than any I`ve owned or tried recently. I think th Jensen speakers are the best out there for this amp, and I was fully expecting to haver to swap them out for something better.After about two months of regular gigging tho, the Jensens really came into their own.I `ve had the amp for a year now, and I`m very pleased , althought it was expensive!!! The reverb is the best around, and anyone that trashes the Vibrato, isn`t spending enough time dialing it inot the tune they`re playing.

So far, so good. Well built, althought others will dispute that fact. I gig almost every weekend, plus rehearsals during the week, so it gets used.

Too soon to tell.

I`ve been playing now thifty five years, and I think I know good tone when I hear it now! Yes I`d replace it if stolen. The tone is the best feature of the amp,,after all thats why we buy amps,isn`t it? Its heavy, and cumbersome, but it beats lugging a 4X12! The reason for the 8, is the price, other wise it`d be a 10!!

This is the amp to own if the tone of your guitar is what you want to hear coming out of your amp. The only bells and whistles on this baby is a really rich reverb and a somewhat un-inspired vibrato. Add a TS-9, a wah, and a volume pedel and your all set to go. This is a tone monster.

I use a couple of Strats, one with Texas pu, a 52 Tele re-issue, a 72 Les Paul Deluxe and a Les Paul Classic. I play a mix of blues and Texas Rock. This amp makes no noise, just music. I find a comfortable level at about three, and by the time I get to 5 it's driven quite nicely.

I have never had a problrm with any Fender product.

I have been playing since 1965, and I have played through everything from Danos to Marshalls. This is my main amp, my only amp. I i had to wish for anything to be added to it, it would have to be a bit of a Marshalls bass boost.

New 65 Fender Super Reverb. By 1960's standards, I would rate this amp's features as 10. In terms of present day versatility, I rate it a 7. The design is not modern - don't buy this amp if you want an amp with lots of bells and whistles (presence, multiple channels, gain, modelling, etc).

I use original Fenders (strats and teles) and Gibsons (LP Custom and 335) through this amp. It is a very vintage sounding amp. All my guitars have great voice through the Super. Like any amp, single coils can result in some hum, and your amp settings will change from guitar to guitar.

This amp suits my style very well - My sound is pretty stripped down. For clean this amp is one of the best you can buy. The reverb is brilliant and as big as a house. At 40 watts and with 4 x 10" speakers this amp has a pleasant natural overdrive when pushed. For more distortion, I have always had a preference for stomp boxes (TS-9, Rat) versus the "dirty" channel in amps. It is easily possible to achieve a hard rock sound.

The Super reverb is best suited for clean and mildly overdriven sounds but it can handle more distortion too. That being said - this is not a heavy metal amp. This is due to 10" speakers, open back cabinet, and sparse features.

No problems yet.

Well made + good components + reputable manufacturer = should be reliable

I've been playing for 20+ years and own(ed) many amps - Marshalls, Boogies, other Fenders, etc. This is a very good amp for most types of music, especially blues and rock & roll. I hope it will be a work horse for me in the next 20 years.

It is not the holy grail, but a classic, uncomprimising, straight forward amp. One of fenders best designs. It has enough power to fill any hall. If you need more power then put a mike in front of it.

If you want an amp that will pour layers of effects on to your sound this ain't the amp for you.



I have played vintage Supers and this amp is almost as good.

This Fender has just enough features for a great rock/blues amp.

I own several amps ie: Fender Bassman, Marshall 30th ann.100 wt., Carvin tweed & tubed 4/10 combo,Blues Junior, ect. and this is by far my favorite amp. The bottom end sounds every bit as big as my Marshall1960A cab yet its not muddy. The high end cuts nicely through the mix. The reverb is pretty decent but not any thing amazing ( not as versitile as my Fender outboard) but not bad. I been playing this amp exq. after I bought it a year ago. I mostly play blues and rock. Even my marshall 30th ann. has sit there unloved for a year now and I loved that amp. These amp breaks up nicely about 4-5 but I usaully play it @ a more resonable volume just below 3 and it still sounds great. I been playing for 27 years now and I have never owned or played through a better sounding amp. Period! I don't believe in giving a product a perfect 10 but in this case I have to!!!

I have and would take this amp to a gig without worry. Bring a few tubes because you never know.

fender has been good to me in the past so I feel they will in the future.

hey if this amp was lost or stolen I freaken cry my little eyes out and go buy another!

Check the specs at the previous reviews, very simple set up, very "true" amp. No fx loop or headphone plug. Just '65 vibes,
and worth every penny.

I use all kinds of guitar, Fenders (Tele with Vintage noiseless), strat (with Frahlin p90's instead of fender single coils, Strat with Kinnman P.U.,Cort Mat guitar Murphy, Tanglewood Sundance Jazz body,
Gibson ES 335, Gibson Les Paul Standard, Dano, that's it all lefty's.
I am a blues picker, from old 50's, BB King, to J; Copeland.
This is just the most fabulous amp I've ever own (used around 20 amps,still got 9) HERE IS A GOOD HINT, IF YOU CAN AFOORD? LET YOUR AMPTECH REMOVE THE PCB BOARD AND LET HIM DO THE POINT TO POINT WIRING
ALSO ASK HIM TO USE J.J. ECC83S IN THE PRE AMP-AND SYLVANIAS 6L6 IN THE POWER AMP SECTION. IF YOU CAN AFFORD AN EXTRA 320 $ THIS IS ABSOLUTE THE TOP.

As I said before, there are pro and contra's against the point to point wiring, to me this is 100% more reliable,of course you have to take care of you amp and tubes.
I use a 65 Delux Reverb as a back up, (also with JJtubes ,and RCA 6l6)
and also a Bassman Reissue (with JJ tubes and tung sol 6l6 tubes)
I regret that Fender use the same (crap) Sovtek tubes for the reaissue's, these are amps situated in a higher price range.So why do they use those crap tubes? The "better" Sovtek preamps tubes (12AXT LPS) are still far below the JJ.'s(Eurotubes - tesla).

As I am living in Belgium (Europe) I only deal with the Fender dealers
local.

I am playing 30 years, going from pop, to blues (the last 10 years ... how older ones get ...) I am very happy with the reissue of the Super Reverb, because the prices of the vintage ones are veeerrrrryyyy high. Of course if you install a point to point wiring you pay a litlle more, but you'll have the best amp you can get.
As I mentioned before Fender has to put some good and decent tubes in their amps, not oversprayed Sovtek,but good ones.
If you want to contact me, about other amps and modifications, you can mail me : lefty.freddie@belgacom.net

Features are a 9.5 by 1965 standards. We can't expect a 1965 car to have a CD player or a sat-nav system. It's the same with amps. Some musicians need complex effects loops, digital effects etc., but that is not what the 65 Super Reverb is about

I can say outright that this is the best sounding amp I have ever played whether original or reissue. I know of three Fender amps that use Jensen P10R 10" speakers (in their current catalog). The Vibrolux, the Bassman reissue and the 65 Super Reverb. There are differences between them. Think of the Super Reverb as the best all-around performer. The reverb is absolutely luscious, rich and full. At a setting of 3 or 4 it really has a beautiful balance. I use a Fender Coronado 6 string, 12 string, and several strats through this amp and every nuance of pick attack can be reproduced. The clean channel is made for jazz. I also have an Ultimate Chorus amp with two 12" speakers that is good for a clean sound but it is very different. It has a more sterile sound. It's really hard to describe the difference. There are warm overtones present in the Super Reverb that aren't present in the Ultimate Chorus. I also like the 4 10" speakers because they really emphasize individual notes and the chords aren't muddy like with amps with Celestion Vintage 30s. This amp is as good as it gets for my kind of music, which is world-music, jazz, blues, some country and rock. I even plug in a Sony condenser mike and run it with a strat for vocals and guitar out of the same amp (supposed to be a no-no). It sounds great.

So far so good.

Local dealer is fine so I havn't had to deal with Fender directly

This is the best all-around performer I have ever used. (40 years of music making, recording, and jamming.

This info is already stated, and available of Fender's website, if you need it..... Little in the way of modern luxury, but all i need, including Fender's incomperable tube driven Reverb and Tremolo (Vibrato).....

I play a 72 tele custom reissue, always using both pups (bridge SC, and neck HB) simultaneously. I use a minimum of pedals, just a Boss tuner and a delay. I play clean ALL the time, so I can't tell you how this thing sounds with overdrive/distortion, although if you turn this puppy up past about 6 or so, it'll start snarling.... I play clean/mellow indie kind of stuff. Somewhere between the velvet underground, cowboy junkies stuff.... Anyway, this amp has unbelievable clean tone, with a lot more warmth and defined bottom end than the Twin. Not quite as much headroom (which I was worried about), but enough for the levels I play at. If you need LOUD clean, you should check out the TRRI, but if a medium stage level is all the headroom you need, this amp might be for you. Blues players love this amp (the typical SRV wannabes) and initially that deterred me from it. But it really has a warmth and character that seemed to be missing from the Twin (which is still an excellent amp). But at 40 watts, it will start to clip around 4-5 on the volume dial, depending on your pups and your picking attack. This amp is super responsive, and you can coax a lot of different sounds from it, just by varying your attack, where on the you strum, adjusting your guitars tone/volume controls....... This is a very organic instrument. Great for country, blues, rock, jazz, just about any style that requires great clean- to natural overdriven tube sounds......

It seems pretty good, but I just got it a week ago, so we'll see. I had a 410 Deville for almost a year (traded it in) and it was a solid workhorse, never had any trouble. We'll see how this one stands up. I would recommend a flight case for any musician that plays out regularly. I know it seems kind of funny to use these, but for the kind of money these amps run new...... I ain't a millionaire, and touring is hard on equipment. Take care of your stuff and it will last you.....

Never dealt with them

I'm still in the process of breaking it in, finding it's sweet spots..... Like most Fenders, it can be a little zingy in the high end, especially with a tele, so I'm ordering some Svetlana 6L6's to replace the Sovteks (crap tubes). Should do the trick, sure worked on my Deville. I'm loving this amp so far....... Best tone I've ever had. That said, I don't believe in rating anything a 10. Too many posts on this board are from overly anxious new owners. I am one of them, but I'm realistic, too. This is a phenomenal amplifier, but you'll have to try one for yourself, naturally...... If it warms up/breaks in the way I think it will, I'd give it a 9. We shall see.....

This is a new model Super Reverb. This amp is a tone monster. No bells and whistles, just one hell of a tone. Channels..Normal 1 & 2...Vibrato 1 & 2. I always use Reverb when I play so the normal clean channel is almost useless to me. Reverb and vibrato is only accessible on the the Vibrato Channel...no channel switching. No effects loop....no headphone jack. A headphone jack would have been nice, because I practice primarily in my home and I work out parts to my music with repetician, which I know can be annoying to others. I am very happy with this amp. It has 40 Watts of ALL TUBE Clean Tone Power. I turned this puppy up and it started to distort a little at 7. That's much louder than I will ever play. I am surprised at how loud this amp is for 40 Watts. I had planned to buy the 65 Deluxe Reverb when I went to the store, but also wanted to check out this model before I made a purchase. I'm glad I did. I mean they had all the Fender models on display and ready to try so why not. I was not impressed with the Twin Reverb. It sounded very muddy. Didn't think twice about NOT buying that model.
Funny...when I told the store clerk that I wanted to purchase the Super Reverb, he said he'd check to see if there was one in stock...I said no, I want to purchase this one. He argued that this was the display model, and had out here for 3 months. I said has it had any problems? He sid that one of the speakers was not working, but was just a loose wire. I told him that's fine, wrap this one up and he's got a deal. He said he could not sell me the display model and I said oh well, see ya. Wait he said, you mean you don't want one in the box. No, this one has a great tone and is working to MY satisfaction and it's the one I want, besides if were going to fail it should have failed by now. I told him if you bring out one in the box we are going to pull it out of the box and check it out completely. He said ok and gave me the diplay with a dicount too, and a free set of strings. The customer is always in control. Buy these amps on your terms, it's YOUR hard earned money.

I am String bending Blues Guitarist, and as far as I am concerned there is no other music. In fact, I'm known as Ole Man Blues. I own a 78 Gibson ES-355 with BIG FAT Humbuckers that give this amp a work out. Together they are the perfect Blues MAchine, the 4 10" Jensen Speakers help too. This amp gives my guitar one great voice. A lot of the tone comes from the fingers, but the right combo of guitar and amp is 75% of the battle. Of yes, practice, more practice. (You should be able to hit that lick without thinking about it.) Not noisy at all. On 5 it has a slight hiss. I play with the bright switch off. Don't use toys in line for the sound I want. I like clean and pure and this amp gives plenty of that. It's perfect for blues...and good for jazz and country. All others stay away, you'll get your feelings hurt. You distortionists...Sorry.

I believe there are no perfect amps on the market. They will all breakdown, when, is the big question...take your amp to a service center once a year for a check up and that will help minimize problems. Preventive maintenance. Tube amps generate a lot of heat. Heat is electronic circuitries worst nightmare. I'm going to cut a hole in the side of my amp and install a 120 Volt 4 inch computer fan to draw off heat. It will extended the life of my tubes and amplifier.
Gig without a backup? What are you nuts? Never, unless you want to go home early without pay.

If the amp is out of warranty will not use customer Support.

Picked up my first guitar 38 Years ago. I own a Roland VS-890 Workstation and a good CD Burner. If the Amp were stolen, God help the person if I find them. There is nothing I hate about this amp. Even the weight is 60 lbs, not bad. I got what I paid for. And I got what I wanted, good clean tone, what else do you need? I love everything about this amp..could not be happier.

40 Watts into 4x10 Jensen Reissue speakers. Clearly the #1 feature is the sound (see below); otherwise all of the basics are in place. Not an amp for someone looking for effects loops, digital modeling, etc. I give it a 9 on Features because almost every feature it needs is included, although it would get a 10 if someone in 1965 had originally thought to add an effects loop!

As background, I use this amp with several different guitars. Gibson Les Paul Custom, PRS Custom 22, PRS McCarty Hollybody II, Gibson 350-T. My style is basically straight-ahead jazz (cool jazz and bebob), with some occasional migration into blues or even a Santana-esq voicing. After tons of research, I was looking for an amp with a crystal clear tone to bring out the best in my jazz chops (having lived for years with a Mesa/Boogie Studio 22).

The Sound is nothing short of amazing. Crystal clear, warm, full tone. I have never owned a Fender amp before, so maybe this is to be expected, but this amp simply delivers exactly the type of jazz tone a jazz guy wants. Since I have no need for distortion, it isn't high on my list that this amp doesn't have those features (although, as an aside, my friend came over with his Line6 POD and produced incredible distortion effects through this amp; plus if you have heard SRV, he was a big fan of these amps): Net, it is quite verstile, but it always can come back to a foundation of pure tonal bliss.

So far so good, but I have only had the amp 1 week

No need yet.

I love this Amp! My only regret is that I didn't buy it 10 years ago, because the combo of this Amp with my LP Custom is EXACTLY the sound I have been searching for over the past many years. If you are looking for a clean amp with tons of headroom, you MUST check this out!

Simple is best

I play blues, rockabilly, and punk with a strat and tele and danelectro. I do not own this amp but have thoughly tested it. I own a 67 blackface super and a 73 silverface super. This amp(the reissue) has the super reverb sound. I had an unbiased friend listening. We were completely sold on this and, complimented it all the way home. I then plugged into my blackface and was shocked at the amount of difference in the depth and warmth of both the blackface and silverface from the reissue. The originals sounded much better.
Every super that I have played sounded different, but all had great tone, and had the same "sound". This may be the same with the reissues. Speaker age, tube changes may improve sound. I do not know what a new original super sounded like. The reissues may just need some aging. They deffinately have the super reverb sound. I have owned the reissue Bassman and Vibroverb. They are great but this one is better. I would be proud to play this amp any where. With this being said. The cost of these amps is way too high. The average cost is $1,100 to $1,200. I paid $1,400 for my 67 blackface. There is a lot more than $300 difference in these two amps. I paid $65 for my Silverface and it sounds way better than the reissue.

I am not poor mouthing this amp at all. I think That it is the best sounding new amp around. I do think that it is too pricey. $600 to $800 would be a bargain. The originals are worth the difference in price. Either Blackface or Silverface sounds much better. Please contact me if you have any response at jhnrinehart@aol.com

65 Fender Super Reverb Re-Issue. Not known for features other than TONE. I give it a 9 for lack of effects loop, but for me, the simpler the amp the better.

OK, I do not own this amp BUT over the past month I have played through about 6 different models at various major and "mom and pop" retailers. I have been playing guitar for over 20 years in various bands and at one time owned a 66 SR. Of the 6 Super Reverbs played (about an hours worth of playing per amp in locations from Macon, GA, Orlando FL and several in the DC area), I have found 2 that were "killer". The two had the shimmering clean tone. Nice and tight, great reverb and reasonably loud and clean with a hint of crunchy power amp distortion when maxed out. Tone controls were exceptional as well. The other 4 SR units I played through had flaws. One had a ticking sound from the tremolo section and the other three had a overly bassy distortion that was not pleasing to my ears. Has anyone else out there experienced differences between the units? I really would not buy one without playing it first especially since finding the difference in quality between the 6 units I have played through. However I will say this. I have compared the schematic for the SR RI and my 66 BF SR and there is not any difference. I know about the PC board vs punched board differences, and personally, I do not think (with audio frequencies) the PC design is inherently flawed for creating great amp tone. Let me stress that the 2 units that I liked were fantastic. They had THE classic tone. I will be buying one of these amps especially since one of the KILLER SR RI I looked was at a mom and pop store and the first price quote to me was $1050. I give it a 7 since you have to play through several to get one with the tone.

Certainly the old ones were reliable, but as with all new designs there is a certain period where the infant mortality rate has to be looked at and then certain design changes made in future models to correct the initial deficiencies. I state this due to an amp I had that had a stress point and after time one of the runs cracked on the PC board. I haven't looked inside the amp to inspect the mounting of the PC board or any other component BUT Fender is known for putting out quality products so I give it a 9.

In the past Fender has been helpful to me in delivering schematics of amps. Large company, large beruacracy, so might not be as effecient as a smaller company.

I currently play through a Peavey Classic 30. Being raised in Macon, GA during the Capricorn heydays of the seventies, I can't help having a love for the undefinable and great band "the Allman Brothers". To bad they got stuck with the Southern Rock moniker. They are the Greatest Jazz/Blues Fusion group... EVER. Other than playing with an allman flavor, I certainly pick SRV and other blues/rock stylists. Anyway, the Peavey amp is very loud and very clean but is missing a certain undefinable "vibe" to me. It is a great amp except for a few design shortcomings: the tubes are exposed (very bad) and the amp runs very hot. After an hour of playing the control knobs are warm to almost hot to the touch. My main guitar is a Fender Mex Strat with TEX MEX PU's and grover tuners. I am looking forward to buying this amp (SR) and keeping the Peavey as a back up. In all my years of playing I will offer this advice: It's NOT the equipment folks, its in the hands and the heart. I've seen and heard many players who wailed on what most self righteous pickers would say they would rather not play than to play through the trash those cats used. I'm talking blues pickers on Kay guitars and Lab series amps. Well, to me, it really is in how you play not what you play it on.

Lets be honest here. Its a reissue of a 65 Super Reverb. If you want features like effects loop, etc, you should not be looking at a reissue. For what it does, it does awesome, and I only gave it an 8 because some people will be put off by the lack of modern features. What DOES it do? well....

TONE!!!! Thats what this is all about.Ok guys. Let me preface this so I dont have any "purist" flame me. When I was 16 (27 now) I started playing w/ my now ex father in laws country/country rock band (he wasnt my father in law yet then :) ) We played old and new country, and classic rock. The closest guy to my age was 33. The rest were all in their 40's and 50's. Everyone, and I mean everyone, used real, vintage Fenders. Not only that, but the guys were all cool enough to let me borow them "between shows" so sometimes I would have a BF twin, Super, Tweed Bassman, etc for 1-2 weeks at a time in my possession. At the time, I wasnt to jazzed, since I was into gain monsters, like my EVH 5150 I was using (Hey, I was a kid.. cut me some slack. :) ) So I know what the vintage stuff sounds and plays like. Not all twins sounded the same, nor did the bassmans, deluxe reverbs, etc. Ok.. *whew* Now that that is done.

I recieved my Super RI on a Thursday at 5:00. I had band practice at 6:00, so I took off, new amp in tow. Immediatly my drummer noticed the tightness of the bottom end. For the 4 hour practice, I didnt have time to toy with it, but my tone, I felt was awesome. On Saturday, we did 2 shows. A private party from 2-5 PM and then a 9-1:30 AM show in Deleware, Oh. I got tons of compliments on my tone. To me, its sounded a little harsher then I remember, but I really think its the new speakers, which I can break in over time. Other then that, it was dead on to some of the best supers Ive played. All in all, I play Blues, Classic rock. This amp is awesome. Its not as heavy as I was expecting, nor is it as loud as I was told as well, which is good. I played at the outside part on 6-8 and inside I was on 4-5. Great tone. If you can aford it, get it.Im glad I did. I got my modded Ts-9/808 back that day, and what a combo. Theres a tube mod someone told me about on here I did for a little more gain. Email me if you're interested in it. Its subtle but will make a difference if you're doing small venues/bars/clubs. I have now had this amp for 2-3 months. I've used it on about 15-20 shows. It kills everytime. I've really dialed in a great tone. I've bought a lot of equipment. I'm not talking about my guitars here, since I always labor over there purchase. However, I have bought a LOT of amps and effects. Usually the honeymoon is over in 2 weeks, and I regret wasting the money on it. This amp, in all of my years of playing, is the only purchse I never looked back upon with contempt. It was expensive. $1200 is a lot to me, but if it were stolen I would have to buy it again. Chances are, if you're looking at this review, you're NOT in the market for a high gain Mesa, or 5150, or what have you. This reissue is up to par with some of the best BF's Ive ever heard. You will not lose if you get this amp. It sings, and lets me be me. What more could you want?

So far no tubes have went. However, heres a piece of advise, if your outlet at the gig is right next to where the drummer crawls back behind the kit, tell him if he knocks it out, DO NOT HURRY UP AND PLUG IT BACK IN!! My drummer did this and blew my fuse. I panicked, but my bassist had a spare and I was up and running again in 5 minutes. This isn't Fenders fault, but a clumsy drummer. Heck, he didn't know, and neither did I. I do now.

The one good thing Fender did is make it so the power cord can detache from the unit. While it increases the chance of losing it, it makes it easier to replace if something happened to it.

We practice at my drummers house (damn him!!!) and his basement flooded. My amp was up to the bottom 2 inches of the bottom 10's.I took it apart and let it dry. Put it back together, and it was fine. I was really worried I'd have to replace the parts, and one day I might, but it was fine to my ears. Some people will say "The speakers will sound like crap now" but I really didn't notice. And my ears are pretty good. Outside of human ignorance, I don't see any problems coming with this amp.

Hadn't had to use them, and hopefully, won't!

I'm using an SRV Strat/American Deluxe Strat into a Texas Square Fuzz>Ts9/808>Teese RMC 3 or Picture, depending on my mood> Octavia into the Super. Not a lot of effects. This, for me, is tone heaven. I bought a dolly to lug it around. This thing is heavy. Oh well, whats a hernia among friends? ;)

I have to be lenient in this category because it is a reissue, and is not intended to compete with the new digital modelling amps or a Marshall TSL. If you buy this amp you are either a 'less is more' player or intend to do channel switching and effects via a pedal board. What it does have is useable power, deep reverb, and tremolo that takes you from slow motion swirl to helicoptor rotors. If I could have one additional feature on this amp, it would be footswitchable reverb levels. I would love to go from 2 to 8 at the click of a switch.

I own a '57 Black Beauty (not a reissue), and a Les Paul Classic. I also use a TS9 pedal and a Budda Phatman preamp. I play classic rock, blues, bluegrass, folk, funk, jazz, and sometimes even metal.

I realize that many of the people looking at these reviews own or have owned an original Super. My favorite guitar players use original Supers, but I have never been able to find one that is affordable. I have read the reviews of the originals, and the reissue closely matches up.

My favorite settings are with volume between 3 to 4. After 4 the natural distortion kicks in. It sounds great, but I don't want to loose the ability to strum clean chords.

The bass has a wider range than is necessary. With bass on 1 it sounds like you are playing through a tin can. With bass on 10 it has tightness that is not common to open back amp designs. Also, the amp does not rattle when the volume and bass are turned up. I find many combo amps rattle too much. I can't vouch for all of these amps, but mine is perfect.

The trebble is pleasant as well. It provides enough bite, and at the right frequency. My Black Beauty is an all mahogany guitar, and generally has a mellow bass/mid tone. The trebble allows me to go from a jazz sound to a screaming lead tone without changing guitars.

At first, I didn't like the reverb, but now I love it. I have owned a Matchless Chieftain 210 and a Vibrolux, both with subtle but muscular reverb. This thing has "super" reverb. With the Super Reverb set at 3, it compares to a Vibrolux at set at 10. When playing lead at high volume and at high reverb levels, this amp swallows you whole. It sounds as if there is a slight echo added to the reverb.

The tremolo is extremely versatile. With the depth set a 10 the volume swells from off to full. I find that a good tremolo can shut completely off at the bottom of it's sweep. And the speed range is much wider than the Vibrolux on both the slow and fast side.

My only complaint is that two pieces of particle board (protecting the tubes and reverb tank) are flimsy. The originals had the same flimsy construction, but since they changed the power chord, I expect they could provide thicker or stronger wood on the back without loosing offending anyone.

This amp has not failed me yet. I'll get back to you in a few years.

No experience with Fender, although I like the warrenty. I hope I don't have to use it.

I have been playing for 11 years. This amp may not be point-to-point wired, but sounds much better than my Matchless Chieftain ever did. It lets my guitar occupy it's own tonal niche. I would love to own an original, but I'm not complaining.

Easy enough to use without even reading the manual. Simple straightforward 2 channel amp. Great for Jazz/Rock/Blues/R&B.

I mainly use my 98'Fender American Deluxe and Ibanez AS120 semi-hollow body. The 65 Super Reverb works great with both. What I love about this amp is that when I plug in my AS120, and it gives me this wonderful well-balanced jazzy tone that I allways wanted. It is even more amazing when I use it with my Fender American Deluxe. I usually run my signals through Guitar -> BOSS CS-3 -> BS-2 -> DS-1 -> GE-7 -> DD-5-> CE-5. When I stomp on my BS-2, this amp instatntly turns into a classic Blues machine. Since I work for axjacket.com ( guitar on-stand cover ), I always have the chances to try the amps and guitars in our show room, and I have come to the conlusion that the Super Reverb Reissue is definetly your best buy for music styles like Jazz,Classic Rock, ALT Rock, and Blues. I had to buy one for myself, and I did. I certainly am very happy about my decision. The 65 Twin Reverb Reissue is also great but does not sound as good as the Super Reberb Reissue. NOTE: The 72 Twin Rever is a wonderful choice as well. I will try to post more reviews about the gears I have at home and here in the office.

Don't know. Only have it for about a month. But the one in the office is about 2 year old and no problem at all.

Don't need it yet!

I have been playing electric guitars for over 15. I am very happy with this amp.

bin done,,you all know what it has.Best feature is TONE!!!

This is an update from my last post. Had the amp a month now, and I haven`t touched my other amps since I got it! Even my keyboard player noticed the improvement in tone, and said it was way more versatile than the Bassman Reissue I used as my #1 rig. Totally satisfied.

I was wondering if any amp techs have had a chance to look inside one of these bad boys. Is the build quality as good as the tone? Will I be looking for a Hoffman board kit in a few years, or will this last me the rest of my days?? You can email a response, or opinion to me.

no comment. My local dealer sucks. Period.

Too pricey,,but I bought it anyways. Don`t tell my wife!

We are all familiar with the features of this amp. I`ve owned origionals and i must say, this one is damn good. The reverb could be better, but maybe a tube swap would fix it up.

I am a blues player, and I use a Strat, `62 reissue. The usual pedals. Modified Vox 847,old Bluesbreaker, modified to 808 spec tube screamer, ce2 chorus, Digitec delay pedal to A,B,C, to Super, and Reissue Bassman. I`ve got all the tonal bases covered for what I do. smooth jazz textures, to screamin` Buddy Guy stuff! When I get the dough, i`m gettin` Hoffman kits for both! Just love the Jensen rissues too!! ( Listen to me,,,I sound like a re-issue freak! Can`t afford the origionals tho`!)

Too soon to tell, but if my Bassman is an indication,, I`m ok.

I`ve bin playing 30 years, now, and haved owned the origionals, and wished I`d never sold them. I bought this amp because I missed out on a mint origional 65, and a glad I did. Everything I liked about he origional, I like on this one. It`s about tone, and it`s got it in spades!

04/20/01

After being convinced of the validity of Fender?s reissue Amp line by the outstanding performance of my ?65 Deluxe Reverb RI, I had no reservations about ordering one of Fender?s new ?65 Super Reverb RI?s sight unseen. Now that I?ve spent just over
2-hours exploring the terrain of the amp?s sonic landscapes, I?d like to give you my first impression of the Amp.

First, some details for those of you who have not seen this Amp ?in person?.

Features:
40 watts of output power
Four, 10? Jensen P-10R AlNiCo speakers
Two, 6L6GC power tubes
Four, 12AX7A tubes
Two, 12AT7 tubes
One, 5AR4 tube rectifier

Height: 24 7/8 in.
Width: 25 1/8 in.
Depth: 10 * in.
Weight: 63.8 lbs.
Sound: LEGENDARY

The over-all vibe and appearance of the Amp is astounding. Especially to a lover of vintage Fender amplifiers, and even more so if you dig the ?Blackface? era as much as I do. The front panel looks much the same as a vintage Super Reverb does at first glance. On the back panel, however, a knowledgeable Fender fanatic will immediately notice a design change. The power cord is no longer hard-wired into the amp. It has been replaced with an IEC power socket. I applaud this decision by Fender; I think it makes good sense to have an easily replaceable power cord (You never know when a clumsy drummer is going to drop a 16? crash on your power cord). Of course, this arrangement also makes it easy to misplace, so be careful!

As with many of the other reissue designs this one has a printed circuit board (PCB) signal path as opposed to the point-to-point (PTP) wiring of the original design. It also uses a ply-wood cabinet instead of the original solid pine finger-joined design. Along with the PCB signal path, and the ply-cabinet, the transformer, pots, and several other internal workings are also not the same as an ?original? Super Reverb. Does this mean that the amp will sound different? Sure it does. Does it mean the amp sounds bad? Hell no! Let?s face it, the 60?s are over. Things have changed. Some for the better, and some for the worse. However, in my opinion the ?new? Fender company was somehow able to capture the true feel and sound of the 60?s era Super Reverb in this reissue using modern design and hardware. I was able to dial-in an amazing and familiar ?blackface? tone the instant I took the Amp off Stand-by. Thank you very much Fender, for a job well done!

I am going to put this amp through its paces by using it live this weekend. I plan to put it to the test on the music it was ?made? for; blues, funk, soul, and rock. I?ll update this post after I?ve had a chance to get to know this Amp better. Although I can tell you now that after only a few minutes it felt like an old friend. If you are already familiar with the blackface sound you will have no problem getting to know this Amp.

04/23/01

With high expectations and childlike eagerness I brought the Super-Reverb RI to the gig this weekend. Don?t you love bringing a new piece of gear to its first gig? It makes live performance even more exciting than it already is. Now I?d like to give you my observations of the Amp?s performance on the job.
Before I get started with the Amp, I should tell you about my Guitar/Effects set-up so we can establish a ?ground-zero?, and hopefully you?ll be able to decide if the tones I experienced will apply to your situation.
Although I primarily use the ?dry? amp sound, I run my Strat?s signal through the following effects, in the following order: Stratocaster>Vox V847 Wah>Boss CS-3 Compressor>Ibanez TS-9 Tube Screamer>Boss OC-2 Octave>Boss CH-1 Chorus>Danelctro Dan-Echo Delay>Amplifier.
I plug into input #1 on the Vibrato channel. I like to have the amplifier set so that it is just beginning to break-up. With the power tubes working to make the amp slightly dirty I am able to roll-off the volume on my guitar for clean-clean tones, and I add the Tube Screamer when I need more gain. I was able to achieve power tube break-up with the Super-Reverbs? volume set at just over 4. (I use a medium-output single coil pick-up, the Fender Custom Shop Fat 50?s.) I ran the rest of the controls at the following settings: Treble, 5; Middle, 4; Bass, 4; Reverb, varied from 0 to 4. The stage volume of the amp at this setting was perfect. I had no problem competing with the drummers? volume and cutting through the mix when I wanted to. The amp has a full and rich sound. I noticed that the amp?s tonal range is broader than that of my black face Fender Pro-Reverb. The Pro-Reverb has a more ?even? tonality when you play a scale from the low-E string to the high-E string. The Super-Reverb has a more dynamic range when you play the same scale; the lows are ?lower? on the fat strings, and the highs are ?higher? on the thin strings. Combine that with the fact that the amp has terrific touch sensitive dynamics throughout its entire frequency range, and what you have is an all-around amazing amplifier! Keep in mind that this is an ?off the shelf? amplifier. This is the first ?non-boutique? amplifier that I have taken to a live performance and been completely satisfied with. I have no plans to alter the amplifier from its stock configuration. I think Fender has outdone all their previous efforts with this reissue.
Concerning the amps built in effects; I didn?t use the amps? vibrato, so I can?t give you a fair assessment of that feature, but the reverb is very useable and sounds very much like the usual black face reverb I?ve heard on many vintage Fenders.

It's Fender. These amps have never let me down.

Never needed the company's help.
I use my own tech for repairs.

Most of you reading this who have been playing for a number of years have come to realize that most of your ?tone? is in your hands. What you are looking for in an amplifier is a dynamic and responsive instrument that can reproduce all of the nuances of your playing. Even if you are relatively new to the guitar, and just beginning to learn about tones and the importance of a quality amplifier, you will benefit from the responsiveness of this amplifier because it will make you a better player.
If you are looking for an amp that will help you reproduce the traditional and familiar sounds of classic Blues, Funk, Rock & Soul music, and you don?t want to have 2K tied up in a boutique amplifier, look no further. This amp has the sound and the versatility to take your music wherever you want to go.