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Topic: Vibrosonic Reverb Questions |
Marc Weller
From:
Upland, Ca. 91784
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Posted 11 Aug 2003 7:57 am |
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Did all of the original Vibrosonic Reverbs come with a master volume ?
Are the later 135 watt versions in any way inferior to the earlier 100 watt amps when used for PSG ?
When did printed circuits come into use with these amps. I realize the "Custom Vibrosonic" amps are printed circuit models. Were any of the "Vibrosonic Reverb" models built in this fashion? |
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Bob Metzger
From:
Waltham (Boston), MA, USA
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Posted 11 Aug 2003 11:48 am
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I've never seen a Vibrosonic Reverb without a master volume but that doesn't mean they didn't make a few. They would be one of Fender's rarest amps and a real collectors item, if it exists but I have my doubts.
I've never seen a steel player preference between the 100 watt and the 135 watt UL models. Guitarists usually hate the UL amps. I wouldn't say the UL amp are inferior but only less valuable, as a commodity. Actually, I think they represent a good value for steel players because of how the guitar community has percieved the UL amps. There are just fewer buyers who would consider one of these.
In 1983/84, when the present management team bought Fender from CBS, sometime after Fender amps were produced using printed circuitboards.I think the 'Red Knob' amps were the first tube amps with printed circuitboards. Prior to this, Fender, to my knowledge, never produced tube amps with printed circuitboards but instead used point-to-point eyelet board construction. Of course, with Fender, there are always exceptions to every rule.
Check your email,
Bob M. |
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Marc Weller
From:
Upland, Ca. 91784
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Posted 11 Aug 2003 1:36 pm
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| What is "UL" |
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Jon Light
From:
Saugerties, NY
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Posted 11 Aug 2003 1:41 pm
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| Ultra-linear. But I can't tell you what it means. |
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Bob Metzger
From:
Waltham (Boston), MA, USA
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Posted 11 Aug 2003 2:29 pm
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Ultralinear taps appeared on the primary of the output transformer on a whole slew of Fender amps in the mid/late 70's in an effort to gain a little more power and have a cleaner sound. They also added the Line Out/Recording jack and a Hum Balance pot on the rear panel. The UL amps don't have chokes nor do they have tube rectifiers. The UL taps feed the power tube screen grids, through a resistor. The idea comes from the stereo tube amp world and was adapted for MI amps. The Super Twin and the Fender 75 are also UL creatures. Some UL amps sound really great. It comes down to how well the idea has been implemented.
B.[This message was edited by Bob Metzger on 11 August 2003 at 03:30 PM.] |
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Ken Fox
From:
Nashville GA USA
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Posted 11 Aug 2003 3:20 pm
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I have had all the Twins they have made (except the Tweed ere Twin amps) and I would say the 135 watter is great for steel or clean guitar. The master volume makes no difference in tone if left at "10". I have have converted several to non-master volume and could not really tell a difference at all.
It's just my opinion, but a 85 to 100 watt Twin is not enough power for a steel in today's louder bands. I love the tone of Fender amps (I restore and collect Fender amps), but if I had to use one for steel it would be the 135 watt with the UL transformer for more clean power. If you are going to use a 135 watt Twin, it needs JBL, E.V. speakers or Black Widow 1203-8 speakers at a minimum. I play on a band with a guy using a 1967 Twin with two E.V. speakers, it actually is the loudest Twin I have ever heard, and it is just an 86 watt amp! The E.V. speakers make a big difference for the amp.
The Silverface era Vibrosonic with a 15" JBL would be OK (a JBL is only a 100 watt speaker). The new Peavey speaker for steel is rated at 350 watts and would do nicely in the amp. I tried one with a 135 watt Twin that had JBLS (2 at 12"). I liked the tone and bottom end much better with the Peavey speaker. But every one has their opinion! That is mine, for what is is worth.
Also the 70's era Vibrosonic Reverb amps were all hand wired. The Custom Vibrasonic was not a Custom Shop amp and was basically the same amp as the '65 Twin reissue. A very nice P.C. board amp with a channel voiced just for steel guitar, reverb on both channels and both channels being in phase as a result of the reverb being added to both channels.
[This message was edited by Ken Fox on 11 August 2003 at 04:29 PM.] |
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