SERIAL NO. 25861
1973
The Vibrolux Reverb is a particularly interesting model among the Fender Amps equipped with reverb. It is an excellent sounding amp with enough power (35~40W) and comes in a manageable size and weight package. This makes it very attractive to gigging guitar players. Its 2 x 10 speakers is also a plus factor as these disperses sound better than a 1 x 12 speaker does. A nice article that discusses these are here: http://www.tonequest.com/articles/article2.htm
This particular amp has been restored with:
--- All new Sprague Atom Electrolytic caps: 5 x 20uF/500V filter caps, 7 x 25uF/25V cathode bypass caps and 2 x 100uF/100V bias supply caps.
--- New Sprague Orange Drop cap: 1 x .047 uF/600V (to replace one that looked like it was gnawed on by a rat)
--- New set of JJ/Tesla Tubes: 4 x 12AX7, 2 x 12AT7 and 2 x 6L6GC
--- New Fender (EH) Tube: 1 x 5U4 rectifier tube
--- New Hammond Ouput Transformer replacement for VR
--- New Light Dependent Resistor (LDA) Optocoupler for the Tremolo
--- New Accutronics Reverb Pan: 4AB3C1B
--- New Filter Capacitor Cover
--- New Pilot Light Bulb
Now this amp works 100% with lush reverb and strong tremolo with no extraneous sounds. The amp is so quiet, I can not tell it is on if I do not look at the pilot light.
The sound from this amp connected to the 2 x 10" ceramic (50W capacity each) Eminence speakers in my Seymour Duncan 84-50 is beautiful and inspiring. The amp has more than enough power to shake your pants, the floor and ceiling - it makes your hair stand. You not only hear sounds, you feel sound waves through your body.
This amps original cabinet is beyond repair so that would be the one remaining issue to complete the amps restoration.
The Tonequest article recommends the 'blackface mod'. Now that I had this amp working and sounding so good as it is, I am inclined to keep the amp with no modifications. I listened to youtube videos of several SF and BF Vibrolux Reverbs and I feel that I like the sound of the SF more than the BF Vibrolux Reverbs.
The blackfacing mod and the reversal is relatively easy to do, I just might do it one day, just to confirm my preference. Now if I just can unplug my guitar and turn this amp off long enough to cool the tubes ....
The Harmony Central review, note that some reviews were for the new Custom Vibrolux Reverb: http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/product/Fender/Vibrolux+Reverb/10/1
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