1965 Fender Vibrolux Reverb

Vibrolux Reverb Description

1965 Fender Vibrolux Reverb – This classic blackface Fender amplifier dates from 1965. It epitomises the company’s superior amplifier design at its 1960’s height, with arguably the best tone circuit (AA864) and the most desirable design. This amplifier is another wonderful piece from the John Lee Collection and is a true classic of amplifier construction. If you crave those glassy and edge-of-breakup Fender guitar tones then this is the amplifier for you.

With its two 10” Jenson speakers it is a rare and highly desirable vintage combo, few of which come on to the market from this period. The much sought after bluesy overdrive and classic guitar tone breakup are very easy to dial-in with this Vibrolux Reverb, regardless of your musical style. Plug in a Strat/Tele or indeed a Les Paul or ES-335 and you immediately hear why these amplifiers have the reputation and popularity that they do. Telecaster great Roy Buchanan regularly used a Vibrolux Reverb for example and he of course knew a thing or two about great guitar tone.

The early breakup tones (overdrive) that blues and rock players so desire, as well as the classic chiming clean tones so popular with country and jazz guitarists, define the sonic character of the Fender Vibrolux Reverb amp. Introduced by the company in 1964 the Vibrolux Reverb is smallest and for many of the most discerning ‘tone hounds’, the most desirable member of the 6L6 Fender amp family.

Portability and great sound continue to make it a popular choice for gigging musicians. Rated at 35 watts and carrying 2 x10” speakers, the Vibrolux Reverb provides a slightly scooped, highly responsive, punchy and sparkling sound, which combine extremely well with the amp’s early breakup (at level 4-5 instead of 6-7). The addition of the classic spring reverb circuit and the distinctive built in vibrato effect, mean that you have a whole host of classic guitar tones at your immediate disposal without the need for a bagful of extra effects pedals. It’s not often that an amplifier can offer that in our experience.

This amplifier has been serviced by our expert technician and has two replacement Jenson speakers. It is equipped with a US voltage cable (so you will need a step-down transformer in the UK or EU) Cosmetically it is in good condition, it also comes with a Fender footswitch and really looks every inch the vintage beauty that it is.

Vibrolux Reverb Features

• Black-faced control panel, black tolex-covered Fender guitar combo amp
• Dimensions – 18″ x 25″ x 9½” Weight: 40lbs
• Front controls include: Normal: Input x 2, Bright Sw, Vol, Treble, Bass – Vibrato: Input x 2, In, Bright Sw, Vol, Treble, Bass, Reverb, Speed, Intensity
• Rear Controls: AC Outlet, Ground Sw, Fuse (2A), Power Sw, Standby Sw, Speaker Jack, Ex. Speaker Jack, Vibrato Jack, Reverb Jack, Reverb Out, Reverb In
• Black “reflector” knobs and white numerals
• Silver sparkle grille cloth
• Grill mounted, raised chrome and black script logo
• AA864 Circuit 2 x 6L6GC power valves 7025 Preamp and GZ34 Rectifier
• Bias adjustment pot
• 35 watts output through 2×10” Jenson speakers (replaced)
• Spring reverb
• Jewel pilot light
• Black plastic strap handle

Video Demo