| Author |
Topic: Fender Deluxe Reverb |
Bill Moran
From:
Virginia, USA
|
Posted 9 Jul 2015 5:34 pm |
|
I have the chance to buy a Fender Deluxe. The owner said he bought it new in 1962. Did Fender build these in 62 ? If so I might have a winner. It looks and sounds great. Not a beer and smoke bar room amp. 
_________________
Bill |
|
|
 |
Tom Wolverton
From:
Carpinteria, CA
|
Posted 9 Jul 2015 6:25 pm
|
|
http://ampwares.com/amplifiers/fender-brownface-deluxe/
A very collectable amp. Probably not very clean. Breaks up fairly quickly. Sooner than the blackface amp, so I hear. Congratulations!!!
_________________
To write with a broken pencil is pointless. |
|
|
|
Bill Moran
From:
Virginia, USA
|
Posted 10 Jul 2015 11:08 am
|
|
Tom, This is a blackface Deluxe Reverb. That is why I questioned the 1962 purchase date ? I will research it farther.
_________________
Bill |
|
|
|
Tom Gorr
From:
Three Hills, Alberta
|
Posted 10 Jul 2015 11:24 am
|
|
Wiki pedia...i think shows 63 as earliest deluxe reverb. .. maybe it's a pre production.... any serial numbers etc. .
in other news. .. if it sounds great. it should be worth at least 1500 justbecause it sounds good. |
|
|
|
Dave Mudgett
From:
Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee
|
Posted 10 Jul 2015 11:44 am
|
|
Earliest blackface Deluxe Reverb is 1963, and a true '63 would be pretty rare. Don't let anybody kid you into thinking it's a '62. '62 is brown and non-reverb. The earliest DR circuit diagram dates 7/63.
If it says "FENDER ELECT. INST. CO.", it's an earlier model, probably the plate being made in '63 or '64. If it says "FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS", it's a later model, probably post-CBS takeover (Jan '65). That's assuming everything is original.
Many earlier Elect. Inst. Co. Deluxe Reverbs lack the Fender nameplate on the grill cloth. But there should be no holes or outline of an old name plate in that case. You can also look up ggjaguar's serial number list - http://www.ggjaguar.com/fendamp1.htm - there are several pages, fendamp1.htm through fendamp6.htm. It gives some pretty strong correlations of serial numbers to years. Beyond that, look at the date code on the tube chart - here's a simple guide: http://www.superiormusic.com/page195.htm
Further, you can look at the date codes on the transformers, speakers, and potentiometers. A lot of amps from this period had Schumacher transformers with code 606, so the code would look something like 606432, which would mean Schumacher transformer manufactured in the 32nd week of 1964, for example. Similar for potentiometers, something like 137432 or 1376432 for a CTS pot made during same week of 64. Speakers are typically Oxford (code 465) or Jensen (code 220), same code format. There are different manufacturers and codes, so the first 3 digits might be different.
Original amps like this in good shape are collector items. Collector worth depends a lot on condition and originality. Any changed parts besides the power cord and electrolytic capacitors can affect the value significantly. Don't let anybody tell you any different. Of course, it should power up and play/sound good also for top value. Beyond that, start deducting significantly for changes in things like transformers, speaker, grill cloth, panel, tolex, holes in the chassis or cabinet, and/or significant changes in the circuit. In pristine, original shape, these are worth many dinero.
I see really pristine true pre-CBS Deluxes go for lots more than $1500. But you should not start throwing that kind of money at this kind of stuff unless you know what you're doing, my opinion after many long years fooling around with these things. A Deluxe Reverb is probably the most overall useful and versatile guitar amp ever made. Again my opinion, and you'll undoubtedly get some conflicting opinions on this kind of stuff. Which is why I state it is my opinion and what it's based upon, in case Ivey comes in here and whines about that comment. |
|
|
|
Eric Philippsen
From:
Central Florida USA
|
Posted 10 Jul 2015 5:38 pm
|
|
| What Dave said. |
|
|
|
Michael Butler
From:
California, USA
|
Posted 11 Jul 2015 1:55 pm
|
|
i have a 66 deluxe reverb and i can vouch for the information dave has provided including the versatility of the amp. and, you can actually carry it!
play music!
_________________
please see my Snakeskin's Virtual Music Museum below.
http://muscmp.wordpress.com/ |
|
|
|
Dave Grafe
From:
Hudson River Valley NY
|
Posted 13 Jul 2015 12:52 pm
|
|
| Give the owner a chance to check his memory, if he bought it new in '63, well then.... |
|
|
|
Ken Pippus
From:
Langford, BC, Canada
|
Posted 13 Jul 2015 4:13 pm
|
|
| Owners' memories aren't very reliable, necessarily |
|
|
|
Jim Sliff
From:
Lawndale California, USA
|
Posted 16 Jul 2015 12:00 am
|
|
What Dave said.
I'll only add that ANY Deluxe Reverb (except the reissue) is nearly identical no matter what year. There were a few parts changes and the addition of a pull-boost, but as long as the amp is properly serviced and set up correctly (good tubes, rebated, cap job etc) and the pull boost left alone you can't tell one from the other blindfolded (I participated in a 20-amp test about 15 years ago - blackfaces and every kind of silverface). Nobody could accurately identify a specific type.
However - if you buy and old DR it is vital that you have it serviced BEFORE using it if the owner does not have receipts showing a recent cap job (i.e. replacement of the electrolytic filter caps and bis cap). The amp could sound fine but be a time bomb, and if a cap blows it can take out a transformer....losing you hundreds of dollars in value - and the same in repairs!
And if it has a 2-proong power cord, that needs to be changed to a 3-prong. Also, if you have any of this work done, make SURE the old parts are saved in case you ever decide to sell it. Collectors pay more for vintage amps that have been serviced and have the old parts in a Ziplock bag.
I'm dead serious about not playing it if the owner doesn't know if it's been serviced. I just checked one bought by a friend - every filter cap was blistered and leaking fluid. It was living on borrowed time.
_________________
No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional |
|
|
|
Keith Barron
From:
British Columbia, Canada
|
Posted 17 Jul 2015 10:13 am
|
|
| A couple of photos and we can tell you just about anything you need to know. A few with the upper back panel off, of the parts up there, transformers etc, and one of the front. Then we can stop assuming and guessing things. Some of the most valuable, collectable amps Fender ever made was the early Blackface Deluxe REVERB amps. |
|
|
|
Tom Quinn
|
Posted 17 Jul 2015 12:02 pm
|
|
Fender Elec. Company firs then Fender Musical Instruments after CBS bought the company.
DRs are great amps, you cannot play a steel at high volume but mic'd or around the house they work great for that old-time tone. Your guitar player friends will try to steal it no doubt...
_________________
I need an Emmons! |
|
|
|
Bill Moran
From:
Virginia, USA
|
Posted 17 Jul 2015 12:03 pm
|
|
| Keith Barron wrote: |
| A couple of photos and we can tell you just about anything you need to know. A few with the upper back panel off, of the parts up there, transformers etc, and one of the front. Then we can stop assuming and guessing things. Some of the most valuable, collectable amps Fender ever made was the early Blackface Deluxe REVERB amps. |
We know now that no Deluxe Reverb blackface amps were built in 62. That is when the owner said he purchased it. It is a pre CBS. I know that for sure and the price is right.
The owner is a retired doctor. I'm sure lot's of things has crossed his mind in the last 53 years. lol
_________________
Bill |
|
|
|
John Billings
From:
Ohio, USA
|
Posted 17 Jul 2015 1:19 pm
|
|
I have a Pro Amp. It's a wide panel which I think didn't come out until '53, but the serial number is a '52. It has many non-standard features, like Roxatone paint instead of tweed, and a different handle. I am aware of four amps like this, supposedly custom ordered by a music store in Indiana. I'm thinking they may have been purchased/ordered at a '52 NAMM or NAMM-type show. I found out about them while trying to buy a Twin Amp from the owner of Central Music in Nashville. I figured I'd get it cheap because someone had stripped the tweed. He would not sell it, and filled me in on the info. Roxatone paint is still available.
_________________
Dr. Z Surgical Steel amp, amazing!
"74 Bud S-10 3&6
'73 Bud S-10 3&5(under construction)
'63 Fingertip S-10, at James awaiting 6 knees
'57 Strat, LP Blue
'91 Tele with 60's Maple neck
Dozen more guitars!
Dozens of amps, but SF Quad reverb, Rick Johnson cabs. JBL 15, '64 Vibroverb for at home.
'52 and '56 Pro Amps |
|
|
|
Keith Barron
From:
British Columbia, Canada
|
Posted 17 Jul 2015 1:37 pm
|
|
If it is indeed a '62 and it is a Deluxe, it will most likely be the non Reverb 6G3 circuit. Also know. as a brownface deluxe amp. These are known for their great overdrive qualities. The most Marshall crunch type amp Fender ever made. If you know early ZZTop like "Waiting For the bus, Jesus just left Chicago" you know the famous tones the 6G3 offers. If this is what you have, these are great amps and can fetch from $1500 to $2500 or more depending on their condition.
Not sure if they are ideal with a steel guitar but boy o boy they scream with a Les Paul.
http://ampwares.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/deluxe_brown.jpg |
|
|
|
Bill Moran
From:
Virginia, USA
|
Posted 26 Jul 2015 1:31 pm
|
|
I will be the owner of this 63 Deluxe Reverb Friday night if the owner does not back out. The owner thought he bought it in 62 but the serial # said 63. Hard to find anything, one owner, made in 63 LOL
_________________
Bill |
|
|
|
Tom Wolverton
From:
Carpinteria, CA
|
Posted 27 Jul 2015 11:02 am
|
|
For PSG, what speakers do you all like to run in a Deluxe Reverb?
_________________
To write with a broken pencil is pointless. |
|
|
|
Jim Sliff
From:
Lawndale California, USA
|
Posted 27 Jul 2015 2:24 pm
|
|
| Quote: |
| but the serial # said 63 |
Where?
Please post the serial number, speaker codes and transformer codes and we can solve this simply - or let you know parts have been changed!
There *is* a way of closely dating Fender amps by serial number, but a "63" in the number would be irrelevant. Also, rubber stamped "dates" and ones written in pen or pencil in amps are worthless EXCEPT on tweed models.
"Pre CBS" is the most misused term in the amp world. Yes, CBS officially owned Fender as of 1/1/65. But NOTHING changed in production until mid '67 (in fact many 1967 silver face amps are electronically identical to their blackface counterparts).
Some folks assume all blackface amps are "pre-CBS". That's wrong. I laugh when I see an ad for a "Pre-CBS Pro Reverb". The Pro Reverb was officially released in 1965 - meaning there are NO "pre-CBS" ones (yes, they were designed before CBS bought the company, but to some collectors that's irrelevant).
Transformer and speaker codes are good as a "guideline" of an amp's year, but not absolute verification. Fender, like all companies, ordered parts in huge quantities, put them in shelves and bins, and often pull the oldest ones LAST.
That's why we see people selling a "1956 Fender pedal steel". Fender must have bought boatloads of 1 meg pots in '56 and '59 because they show up for YEARS.
This is an overly-long thread with a simple solution. The clearest fact, though, is that no matter what it is NOT a "1962 Deluxe Reverb", period.
_________________
No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional |
|
|
|
