Fender '65 Twin Reverb Reissue 40th Anniversary Edition

This is a basic amp. No effects loop, no channel switching, no gain control. But you knew that, right? It's a classic Fender workhorse - it does clean, it does bright, it does (very) loud. Two channels (but everyone uses channel 2 with the reverb and vibrato), simple controls - bass, middle, treble, volume and a bright switch which is hand if you want to shatter any glass in the vicinity. And set the middle to 10 or it acts like a volume cut. It's a feature, not a fault.

If you love that Fender tone (and lots of us do), you should try this amp. Then buy it.

I use it with a Gibson 335, a Strat, a Tele, sometimes Rickies. Play a bit of country rock, a bit of Creedence, a bit of everything except heavy metal really. With my old Boss GT-6 in front, it will do all of these with ease and give you whatever sound you want. Oh, and did I mention that it is also pretty good for pedal steel?

NO distortion. This is an amp. Distortion is what your pedals are for. It breaks up a bit when turned up, of course.

Now, here's the problem. Like a previous reviewer, if you had asked me last week I would have said that it had never let me down. It doesn't get gigged as regularly as I would like, but it is no bedroom wallflower either - it's a valve amp so it needs a bit of TLC (warm up, warm down) and won't stand being thrown around, but like most Fenders it is solid and well-made. However I went to put it on last night and...nothing. No pilot light, no sound. All fuses were good, but nothing other than a very faint hum. Just died on me. I have still given it a 5, because I have had more the 2 trouble-free years, but this has shaken my faith a bit. Doubt I will gig without a backup now.

I have never had to deal with Fender themselves, or their UK agents whoever they are. And of course I am now out of warranty (1 year then, 2 years now I believe). Guess I'll be looking for a local amp tech who can be trusted with valves.

Been playing since the late 60s, too many guitars and amps have passed through my hands to list here. I'll be using my reissue Fender Deluxe until this one is fixed. But I love everything about the Twin Reverb - if it turns out to be beyond repair (which I doubt), I will be more than a little pissed but I will still look for another one. This is one great amp. The term "iconic" is much abused but not out of place here. It really does sound and feel that good.

Only thing I'd maybe want to change is the weight. At over 60lbs it is a real backbreaker.

Basic features, but it is what it is and does it very well. Everything you would expect from an amp originally made over 40 years ago. Have a Hot Cake and a Vox valve pedal to give it crunch. It's no Marshall, but if you want a Marshall sound buy a Marshall!

Beautiful tone, so clean - nothing else I tried came close. But that's what Fenders are for!

I play a plus deluxe US strat with Kinman noiseless pickups. The amp does pick up a little interference, but the wiring in my house is a bit dodgy and no different to my old MArshall TSL601.

Could be a little picky with the reverb - there doesn't seem to be too much scope for a little reverb. Put the reverb on 2 and it still sounds like you're playing in a catherdral! You can get what you want from it though, just a little fiddly. This is nit picking though!

I found a distortion pedal sounds a little fuzzy, but combining

This is where my problem has arisen. Bought it in January 2008. Never used this amp for gigs, just home use and hasn't been used that often. I find the internal glass fuse has blown, but think that is down to dodgy wiring in my house. Much better with a surge protector.

Switched it on today (July 18th 2008) and nothing. A very quiet buzz from the power supply, but nothing else. No power light and defintely no sound. Checked fuses etc and they're fine. As I said, it's never been driven, always given time to warm up/down, never been gigged but it's died. I guess it's a power supply etc issue.

It sounds like I am in the minority here though.

Very inflexible. The amps now (since April 2008) have a two year warranty, but apparently when I bought it they only had one. Fender UK wouldn't budge (even though it would still be covered by a two year warranty) and I've been pretty loyal to Fender in terms of amps and guitars.

I'm not a technical expert, so it means getting a taxi in to town, quote for repairs and taxi back. That's ??40 before I've even started. This amp was about ??1000, and should last longer. I accept from time to time things go wrong, but their customer support was a real let down on this one. Not even a 'sorry, this shouldn't happen but there's nothing I can do'. Absolute crap.

I got this amp for a clean tone and volume. And it has tonnes of both. You need to crank it up a bit to get the best out of it, so not perfect for quiet fiddling at home, but that's not what it's designed for. My thoughts before buying were: you can make a clean sound dirty, but can't clean up a dirty sound. And this is 100% true with this amp.

There are no other channels (in terms of gain/distortion etc), but on my Marshall TSL with a crunch and lead channel, I never ever used them - just the clean, so it's no loss to me.

As soon as I got it home, played with the levels to find what I wanted, there was a moment of clarity when I said to myself "this is the sound I've wanted for years!!".

If it hadn't just died on me I'd give it a ten. Some people won't like the clean tone and want more crunch, but as I've said; if you want crunch/gain only, this isn't the amp for you. Tone and style are so individual, you try out amps/guitars and buy the one you're looking for.

Strong and clean sound only Fender has, vibe and reverb switch. Best vibe and clean I have ever heard and I had and experienced at least 10 other tube amps. I use it mainly for club gigs vith vol. on 3-4, no mike needed and my style is rock and blues tones. 85 watt power blowes everything away if you just plug your guitar to this beast.Solid state amplifiers what have you been made for? Ok, I know, I know..

No distortion at all, you must have a few overdrive stomp boxes to get the sound you need, and Ibanez TS 9 does his job excellent! Old rule with Fender: perfect clean, so you can upgrade is to any sound you need but with shit&crap sounding amps you can not get Hendrix and SRV no matter how mad you try. With this baby I can nail Hendrix/Trower/Stevie Ray very good, but that was not the main reason I like it at all. It has enough spirit by itself to wake up dead artist soul at any time so you just have to plug and play it. I forgot to mention, no matter how you try, you will never, never,never make this amp suffer because it doesnt distort on high volumes at all. You can only make your neighbours suffer music was invented at all and to get perfectly bad wishes...just kidding..

no problems and I own it for 1.5 years

not needed so far!

At the beginning I was dissappointed when have noticed that I had two special designed Eminence speakers inside. But when I have turn it on I NEVER looked back. I am not tehnician but i really dont think these are same speakers used in many other cheaper amps, I hope thats why they called them specials, or they have been put to special amp. But it doesnt matter to me since I can nail 1969 spirit with little bit heavy, blonde, sound master monster amp.

100% Twin.
I'll run pedals in front, and a good sounding, clean amp works well.
This has the classic Fender sound I wanted as a starting point.

Sounds as it should. Will fill a room with warm tones, and cut through like a Fender amp should.

I always carry a Crate Pwerblock just in case. Easy to plug into the Twin's speakers if needed.

Blonde Tolex / Wheat Grille has the look I wanted. Tilt-back legs are something every amp should have. These amps have been workhorses for years, and I expect this one to serve me for a long time.

Bought brand new in 2005.
I find Fender's styling of this special anniversary amp very appealing. It has the 1960's vintage style look about it but with a different twist, the cabinet is blonde along with a wheat grill then adding the mid '60's Fender logo with the black faceplate as well as they added a special little anniversary commemorative plate on the back of the amp. This is what I like about the creativity of Fender's product desginers. Always coming up with a unique style yet keeping in tune with the vintage Fender theme.

85 watts, two Channels, four 6L6 Groove tubes, four 12AX7 & two 12AT7 preamp tubes through two Eminence 12 inch speakers is what makes this Twin such a great clean sounding amp. I have been informed by a professional musician friend of mine that replacing the Eminence speakers with Weber speakers will improve the sound. At this time I don't feel I persoanlly need to do that as I am quite happy with it being stock for now. This amp has all the power along with the compact size that I need. The weight is not too bad (around 64 or 65 lbs), it can still be carried however I use a custom case with wheels.
I use this amp for various sizes of venues. If large venues(e.g.arenas) then I still have to sound reinforce. For smaller venues (e.g.clubs) no reinforcing is needed, lots of power is certainly there.

This has No effects loops and no headphone jack (I don't really need these anyway). I use a Chandler digital echo, a Marshall Blues Breaker distortion pedal, Boss chorous pedal, Fender outboard reverb tank and a Morley volume/wah pedal. So built in effects are really not of an importance to me.

Two small reasons why I rated it a 9 are: I really wish Fender, at least for any of their vintage style amps, would include the AC power outlet as they use to in their 1960's amps. Not a real big deal but it would be a handy feature for some of us. Also no cover was included. Covers use to be included and for the money people are now paying it would nice if they would still inlcude one.

For my stage performances I usually use one of my three Strat Plus guitars. All three Strats have Lace Sensor pickups. I play mainly SURF style music so this tube Twin is perfect for that kind of sound. I use a Fender outboard reverb tank as well to give me a heavier dripping wet reverb which is essential for surf. I use the Twin's reverb as well but at a constant level at #4 to give a overall gentle reverb wash whether I am using the outboard or not. This amp is very clean and powerful. Not for anyone whom may desire a natural breakup or distortion. For all my venues I usually place the volume at #6 or #7. I will either use the tilt back legs or at times place it on a stand. The projection is certainly commanding.
For my style of music I find leaving the trebble at #7, the mid at #5 and the bass at #8. These settings give my Strat Plus guitars a wonderful range of pleasing sounds. Mellow/clear yet not muddy lows then crisp and not harsh trebble leads lend this amp to why I now use it the most out of my other amplifiers.

Being reliable is why I own six Fender amplifiers. Yes, a person can possibly have problems as it may be with any other product(s) however in my 41 years of performing and having owned many Fenders since my first '65 Pro Reverb I truly believe Fender continues to make very reliable products. As for a backup amp on gigs...I do not take any other amps on performances however I do carry a complete set of tubes just in case. I am a very fussy person and take extreme care of my equipment. If a person neglects their equipment they are asking for possible unwanted aggrevated problems that may not have to been in the first place. I would think regardless of the money anyone spends on their gear that taking good care of it makes good sense and is beneficial either for performance, for possible resale or to just admire it being displayed in their home.

I have found Fender to be a most quality minded company. I have dealt with Fender as to a warranty issue I once had on a Custom Shop guitar. They looked after it through a local Fender music store very well and promptly. I have used their info call centre many times and have always found all of their reps friendly, knowledgable and helpful.
As for this new Twin, I just bought it about six months ago and it is continuing to perform as expected. I am sure that if I were to have a problem that Fender would look after it as they did with my Custom Shop guitar.

In summary, I have been playing and performing for almost forty one years. For my use I find the 40th. anniversary '65 reissue Twin to be a wonderful sounding and esthetically appealing amplifier. This amp currently is now my most used performing amp.

Again, this amp is great for certain styles of music and will not be an amp that would be suitable for others that do other styles of music e.g. heavy metal, grunge etc.. Any one that wants high clean crisp pristine power in a farily reasonable weight wise cabinet will like this amp but not someone whom wants natural breakup and lots of built in effects.

As for my other amplifiers. I have a Fender 1995 Dual Proffesional Reverb amp/ Fender tweed Blues Deluxe amp / Fender '63 reissue Vibroverb amp / Fender tweed Bronco amp / Fender Princeton Chorus amp / Marshall Valvestate 65R amp / Traynor Bass Mate amp and a rack mounted Mesa-Boogie pre-amp through an Elite 15" speaker/horn driver cabinet.

Bought this amp brand new 2005, 40th anniversary edition, Blond and cream color combo, amber jewel light and eminence speakers.
No effects loop. Just a beautiful clean sound with tons of headroom and excellent reverb.
I'm giving it a 10 because this is TWIN REVERB, It's purpose and function is clean with reverb. Period.

I use a Gibson Les Paul and SG. Playing in a cover band that does a wide variety of music ( classic rock, Blues, New Country,. etc.)
The Twin Reverb is a starting point. I use this amp with a wide variety of stomps to get the desired sounds.
I'm not going to be one of those morons who complain that it takes a lot for this amp to distort. It's 85 watts of tube power with 4 6L6's. This amp was not designed to "distort". Use stomps or buy an amp with a gain/drive channel like everybody else.
I've owned quite a variety of amps from a '64 Bassman to a Mesa/Boogie Lonestar Special, which I found to be very touchy and high maintenance a real "tweakers" amp.
The Twin Reverb with several good pedals, will cover every sound. It takes pedals well and doesn't require 5 weeks of "tweaking" to find "your sound".
Comparing this to other fenders ( hot rod deville, bassman, super reverb) I find this amp to really bring out the sound of your guitar and even the pickups. Does what it's supposed to really well.

Just bought it, so it's difficult to test reliability. I've never had any problems with any Fenders I've previously owned, but we all now that the Fender company of today is not what it was years ago. However, the amp is very simple in it's set up and structure, so with regular care, I'm not sure, other tubes, what problems one could incure.

5 year warranty, which is comforting. Plenty of Fender dealers around.
No need yet for Customer Support.

Been playing 20 years and have owned Fenders, Marshalls, Mesas... Play with Gibsons-- Les Pauls and SG's.
If it were lost or stolen I'd probably buy another one. I'm a big believer in simplicity, and that search for "the tone" really lies in your playing, and not in any $2500 boutique amp.
Channel switching amps, during my journey are difficult. Usually you have one "incredible" channel and one "okay". Finding that 2 channel amp with a perfect clean and perfect overdrive / distortion is a real challenge.
A clean Fender amp with pedals gives you the best of both worlds, other than using a dual amp setup.
Overall, an excellent amp and value

Made in 2005.
I'm not sure about the versatility, but it makes a beautiful warm sound.
It's a Twin, so you know the feature set.
So far it's just a studio amp for recording and inspiration.

I've tried several guitars through it and they all sound great.
My fave so far is a PRS.
The pickup combinations are so clearly heard and articulated.
A single note can be enough.
I don't think there is much variety in the natural sounds of this amp.
I'm sure you could do a bunch of stuff with pedals and processors.
The basic clean tone is so beautiful, I don't want to mess with it.
The reverb is the best spring I've heard.
There is a reason these amps are still around 40 years later.

It's already making weird buzzes and rattles.
I wouldn't take this on a gig.
I'm concerned about Fender's quality control.
Brand new, a couple of the tubes are microphonic.
Were the old Twins this cranky?

I haven't contacted Fender about this amp, but in the past they have been bad.

I've always wanted a great Twin Reverb, and this sounds like the one.
If I can get the rattles and noises out, I think it's a keeper.
If it went away, I would buy another, but put it through a series of tests.
I love the tone, I hate the compromises in quality.

differences from the other reissue are GT tubes, color of the tolex, and emmenice speakers. Other than that it is the same amp, oh there is more. there is a plate on the back that says it is a 40th. anniversary edition. The amp is well built, and it is fender clean. I wish they would have made them in the US. With this level of fender clean you can do what you want with effects. Some people are not happy until they have changed a few things on the amp to their liking, and this amp is fairly easy to change tubes, speakers...

I play different styles, and some do not require an amp. This amp seems to work well with both active or passive pups, although, I think it leans more toward the active, or at least higher output passive (humbuckers). I tried passive single coils, active single coil (EMG), standard tele, active tele, and humbuckers. With some adjustments from guitar to guitar, the amp remained true to its design. Each guitar maintained its indivual tone, and sensitivity. No distortion and very little at max volume in either channel. The bright switch kicks up the treble quite a bit it could bite. Each eq. adjustment is (treble, mid, bass) is very important because small adjustments make a big difference tone, and volume does effect the tone. 4 on the volume is loud enough for bar gig. If you use effects you can tone yourself to death. I have to remember, this is a fender twin, not a vox, budda, fat cat, mesa, victoria, or even a bassman for that matter, if you are not happy with twin clean you will not be happy. If you want sustain or distortion you have to build it with effects. If you want reverb or trem no problem if you want clean ringing tone with lots of head room, no problem. And if you can't play clean....could be a problem hahahah.

No problems...been a fender guy since 1974. Bought my first strat in Japan...and it was made in the US. Oh buy from a small music store and stay away from the WALMART MUSIC MONSTERS...you know who I am talking about.

I have not had any problems working with Fender service. The only problem I have with them at this time is they are going away from the small stores who help build them over the years....Gibson has done the same. Oh and Fender can start providing amp covers, tolex cleaner and conditioner,casters, and a longer warranty. Fender start treating you customers (and music store owners) like you want their buisness not just for now but for 30 or 40 years...

I have been playing since 1972 (just yesterday). I own lots of gear and I don't think I need to go there. I only use this amp to rehearse, it does not gig (not yet). If it gets stolen I would be replacing more than this twin...I have used twins, marshalls, traynors,yamaha,kustoms, mesa's and they all complimented different times over the years I have played, but for some reason I always come back to the basics (fender). One day I want to get one of them there Budda's or Bad Cats or Dr Z or Carr, or even a Toad, but my space is full. Hang on to your twin...if you like it now you will love it later.

Hi there! Bought this beauty from Liljedahls music shop in Sweden. (Just love those guys, nice price) This nice little vanilla-cream-colored box has the right sound, knobs and look of a great amp.
Effects loop would be nice though, but what the heck, i'll build one. ;) 85 Watts is clean until your speakers break yeah, but i also heard about someone removing the power tubes (1 and 3, or 2 and 4) to reduce the power. That's really nice, then we get that lovely power amp distortion (which this amp by the way wasn't intended for, but it's a lot of fun tweaking the sound)

I use a telecaster with dual p-90:s. Since i find both Fender and Gibson pickups sound quite boring (Yes! even the custom ones) I use some swedish handmade pickups called "Lundgren" and yeah!! This guy really puts his soul into these masterpieces.. I haven't actually heard anything that sounds better. This amp in combination with my guitar and my lovely Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo (that's a tape echo)
brings me fat, lushy and vibrating sounds full of color and sound. I just love how the vibrato takes a little time to speed up. The reverb is actually really good and these amps are also famous for it. A lot better than the one in my Sunn T50C(the only negative about that amp, though) and even as good as the one in my old 60's Yamaha TA-20, which has a beeeauutiful reverb and made me love clean amps. But hhheyy, E m i n e n c e, throw them away and put in anything else. That's why I give this amp an 8 instead of 10. Eminence isn't good four your sound, just cheap and not very beautiful.

If you just use your head what standby stands for and why you should use that one I think this amp would last. I mean, if I would like to kill a car, as i have done sometimes, I take it to a local race track and burn the enginge for some hours of fun, but you don't have to do this with this amp, because it kills you first ;)

Great.

I have played for 10 years, (I'm 22) more or less. I'm a mood-dependent player, and then the blues is a part of my soul.
Sometimes I feel I play great, sometimes not. This amp makes me write new songs, which is quite good. I WOULD rate this an 8 here because my SUNN amp is in fact a better amp, but this Twin gives me that sound I can't get with the T50C. Using both at the same time is a dream, best of both worlds. I would maybe have given it a "9" if those eminence speakers weren't there. I would like to try this amp with a pair of JBL D120's or Celestion G12H 30w Anniversary, maybe even the blue ones if I could afford them. Jensens are ok too.
Yes, I'm a tone geek. If you are interested in those pickups I use, mail me.

2005 limited edition (1965 - 2005, 40th anniversary model). 2 channels, 85 watts into 4 ohms. All the minimalist features of a regular Twin Reverb except this amp comes in a gorgeous blond tolex and wheat grille and has a 40th Anniversary badge on the back. Vintage looks. Tiltback legs, no casters. Weighs approx. 70 lbs. Unlike the regular 65 Twin Reverb Reissue which come with 12" Jensens, the 40th Anniversary has two 12" Eminence speakers. I read somewhere that Fender is only producing 400 of these amps.

This is one of the best clean amps money can buy. Tons of headroom, stays clean even at extremely loud volume. You will need a pedal to get this amp to distort unless you want to ruin your hearing. Gorgeous, warm reverb. The Vibrato is excellent.

Just bought it. It appears to be well built, but it's too early to rate this amp for reliability. The back panel seems a tad flimsy.

See above.

I've been playing guitar for over 10 years. I gig with a band on a regular basis. I play a Fender American Strat, Tele and Parker Nitefly guitars. I play blues, rock, jazz and surf music.
Note: my amp was purchased new but It didn't come with a cover or casters. At this price Fender should include a cover. Casters would be nice, as I already mentioned this amp is heavy.