Made in Taiwan
Reverb is my favorite and more frequently used guitar effects. I find that I am either at the '10 - Hall' or at the '11 - Plate' reverb setting. I sometimes try to use 'delay' but have not learned to use it or set it right.
Showing posts with label reverb. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reverb. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
BOSS RV3 Digital Reverb/Delay Effects Pedal
BOSS RV3 Digital Reverb/Delay Effects Pedal
Made in Taiwan
Reverb is my favorite and more frequently used guitar effects. I find that I am either at the '10 - Hall' or at the '11 - Plate' reverb setting. I sometimes try to use 'delay' but have not learned to use it or set it right.
Made in Taiwan
Reverb is my favorite and more frequently used guitar effects. I find that I am either at the '10 - Hall' or at the '11 - Plate' reverb setting. I sometimes try to use 'delay' but have not learned to use it or set it right.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Fender Silverface Dual Showman Reverb 1968
Fender Silverface Dual Showman Reverb 1968
Serial No. A12705
The Dual Showman Reverb Amp is the "head amp" version of the Fender Twin Reverb. It has exactly the same chassis, circuitry and parts (for contemporary models of these 2 amp) but in a more manageable size and weight package (head amp cabinet). That said, the heft of the head unit is still quite substantial, obviously due to the substantially oversized power and output transformers.
IMO, the relatively big and heavy power and output transformers together with the solid state rectifier in these amps are the main factors that contribute to the well-known fender clean tone. The power supply can take large transient/spike load hit (power chording) without or with very little sag. The big iron core in the output transformer just couldn't get saturated that easily either. Result? Fender clean tone for days!
My particular amp says "Showman Reverb Amp TFL5000D" in the faceplate instead of "Dual Showman Reverb TFL5000D". It has the transition "cloth wire" and not the irradiated Teflon "thin wires" widely used in 1968 and 1969 model Fender amps. The D in TFL5000D, means that this amp is a US Domestic model and therefore has a 110V power transformer.
It still has all its original transformers and all original capacitors. The big power filter capactors for sure will need to be replaced for safety reasons.
A Hammond choke was used to replaced the original choke which I found to be open.
The cathode bypass electrolytics were replaced with sprague atoms.
The bias supply cap was also replaced with a sprague atom.
Serial No. A12705
The Dual Showman Reverb Amp is the "head amp" version of the Fender Twin Reverb. It has exactly the same chassis, circuitry and parts (for contemporary models of these 2 amp) but in a more manageable size and weight package (head amp cabinet). That said, the heft of the head unit is still quite substantial, obviously due to the substantially oversized power and output transformers.
IMO, the relatively big and heavy power and output transformers together with the solid state rectifier in these amps are the main factors that contribute to the well-known fender clean tone. The power supply can take large transient/spike load hit (power chording) without or with very little sag. The big iron core in the output transformer just couldn't get saturated that easily either. Result? Fender clean tone for days!
My particular amp says "Showman Reverb Amp TFL5000D" in the faceplate instead of "Dual Showman Reverb TFL5000D". It has the transition "cloth wire" and not the irradiated Teflon "thin wires" widely used in 1968 and 1969 model Fender amps. The D in TFL5000D, means that this amp is a US Domestic model and therefore has a 110V power transformer.
It still has all its original transformers and all original capacitors. The big power filter capactors for sure will need to be replaced for safety reasons.
A Hammond choke was used to replaced the original choke which I found to be open.
The cathode bypass electrolytics were replaced with sprague atoms.
The bias supply cap was also replaced with a sprague atom.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Fender Twin Reverb Silverface 1969
Fender Silverface Twin Reverb
1969
Serial No. A20769
The Fender Twin Reverb is one of the most popular and desirable amp in the Fender tube amp line. It is re-issued by Fender and remains a current product in the Fender amp product line-up, attesting to its popularity. It has an awesome clean sound that is well-complimented by its built-in reverb and tremolo effects. It is pedal friendly and it is easy to get desired sounds using outboard effects.
I did a very rough comparison noodling through my '69 Twin Reverb and my '73 Fender Vibrolux Reverb (rated at 40 watts) using the same set of speakers. They both sound sweet and inspiring. I'd give that round to the Fender Twin though I think it is mostly because I liked the quality of the reverb of this particular Fender Twin better than the Vibrolux's. It maybe just a quirk in my particular amps and/or the "reverb tanks" used and may not hold true for other examples of these amps.
My '69 Twin Reverb has all original transformers. It has an original multi-voltage power transformer (selectable power voltage). I got this amp in a home-made head cabinet. I imagine that it would be cool to have a custom pine combo cab made for this amp. Hmmm...
1969
Serial No. A20769
The Fender Twin Reverb is one of the most popular and desirable amp in the Fender tube amp line. It is re-issued by Fender and remains a current product in the Fender amp product line-up, attesting to its popularity. It has an awesome clean sound that is well-complimented by its built-in reverb and tremolo effects. It is pedal friendly and it is easy to get desired sounds using outboard effects.
I did a very rough comparison noodling through my '69 Twin Reverb and my '73 Fender Vibrolux Reverb (rated at 40 watts) using the same set of speakers. They both sound sweet and inspiring. I'd give that round to the Fender Twin though I think it is mostly because I liked the quality of the reverb of this particular Fender Twin better than the Vibrolux's. It maybe just a quirk in my particular amps and/or the "reverb tanks" used and may not hold true for other examples of these amps.
My '69 Twin Reverb has all original transformers. It has an original multi-voltage power transformer (selectable power voltage). I got this amp in a home-made head cabinet. I imagine that it would be cool to have a custom pine combo cab made for this amp. Hmmm...
According to the Fender code system, this amp was manufactured on the 25th week of 1969 (or June 1969). Just a month or two ahead of Woodstock that was held in mid-August 1969.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Fender Reverb Unit (1966)
Fender Reverb Unit
USA
1966
Serial No. R10759
This is the legendary reverb unit from Fender that contains 3 vacuum tubes and 3 transformers. This is a 1966 model based on the serial number stamped on the chassis.
This unit works great and the reverb is the best I have heard so far. The reverb from this unit is even better than the already very nice built-in reverb in the also legendary Fender amps such as the Twin Reverb, Vibrolux Reverb, etc.
The amount and quality of reverb is controllable thru the "Dwell", "Mix" and "Tone" controls.
Tubes installed in this unit are all new: 1 x 12AX7 (JJ/Tesla), 1 x 12AT7 (JJ/Tesla) and 1 x 6K6GT (NOS Tungsol).
The cabinet is structurally sound and the front grill has no tear. The faceplate and the rusted handle shows the age of this unit. The backcover tolex has some tears in some areas.
This unit has been around for 40 years and is now ready to rock for another 40 years.
USA
1966
Serial No. R10759
This is the legendary reverb unit from Fender that contains 3 vacuum tubes and 3 transformers. This is a 1966 model based on the serial number stamped on the chassis.
This unit works great and the reverb is the best I have heard so far. The reverb from this unit is even better than the already very nice built-in reverb in the also legendary Fender amps such as the Twin Reverb, Vibrolux Reverb, etc.
The amount and quality of reverb is controllable thru the "Dwell", "Mix" and "Tone" controls.
Tubes installed in this unit are all new: 1 x 12AX7 (JJ/Tesla), 1 x 12AT7 (JJ/Tesla) and 1 x 6K6GT (NOS Tungsol).
The cabinet is structurally sound and the front grill has no tear. The faceplate and the rusted handle shows the age of this unit. The backcover tolex has some tears in some areas.
This unit has been around for 40 years and is now ready to rock for another 40 years.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Fender Vibrolux Reverb
FENDER VIBROLUX REVERB
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
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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