Just bought a 65 super reverb!
- Thread starter skyking
- Start date
Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: Just bought a 65 super reverb!
Those 60's Fender circuits are pretty much the end of the road when it comes to fat, beautiful clean tones.
Your amp looks original. Which tubes came with it? In the pristine condition yours is in, it may need nothing. Some caps and tubes may be in order, if it's not performing 100%.
One of my favorite amps is my 74 non master Pro Reverb that was restored to 65 spec, with good tubes and Jensen C12N/Emi Swamp Thang. It's just an amazing sounding amp, especially because of the tube rectifier. The Super Reverb is pretty much the same amp with 4-10's.
One nice trick to make your reverb/vibrato channel sound punchier is to remove the 1st pre tube, which drives the normal channel. The normal channel will be dead, and you can turn the knobs to 0. But, your reverb channel will have a slight gain boost, which makes it sound gainier at a lower volume level. Try it.
Hit me up if you're thinking of selling it.
Those 60's Fender circuits are pretty much the end of the road when it comes to fat, beautiful clean tones.
Your amp looks original. Which tubes came with it? In the pristine condition yours is in, it may need nothing. Some caps and tubes may be in order, if it's not performing 100%.
One of my favorite amps is my 74 non master Pro Reverb that was restored to 65 spec, with good tubes and Jensen C12N/Emi Swamp Thang. It's just an amazing sounding amp, especially because of the tube rectifier. The Super Reverb is pretty much the same amp with 4-10's.
One nice trick to make your reverb/vibrato channel sound punchier is to remove the 1st pre tube, which drives the normal channel. The normal channel will be dead, and you can turn the knobs to 0. But, your reverb channel will have a slight gain boost, which makes it sound gainier at a lower volume level. Try it.
Hit me up if you're thinking of selling it.
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Agileguy_101
Master of his Domain
Re: Just bought a 65 super reverb!
NICE!
I love vintage Fender amps. Mine (68 Bassman) will never leave me.
If you don't mind me asking, what'd it set you back?
NICE!
I love vintage Fender amps. Mine (68 Bassman) will never leave me.
If you don't mind me asking, what'd it set you back?
Chickenwings
Alnico 6/8
Re: Just bought a 65 super reverb!
yep its a killer.
looks like its all completely original and it probably sounds lovely. However a little bit of maintenance on it wont go astray in terms of making it sound as good as it did when it was built.
You might want to get new electrolytic capacitors (the big brown barrel ones) because nearly 50 years of service means they are guaranteed to need replacing (but keep them in a bag as the originals for the collectors if you ever decide to resell the amp). Make sure you replace the big suckers hidden in the doghouse on the underside of the amp - the filter caps. Those are the ones that can kill you btw...so either drain them before you touch them or get a tech to do it. Keep those in a bag too. All of this stuff is easy to do, reversible and will bring that beautiful old amp back to "like new" sounding. You can always put them back in later if a collector (i.e not a player) is knocking on your door with a wad of cash.
Don't let anyone tell you to replace those blue coupling caps. those are the ones all the modern booteek caps are trying to emulate. They wont wear out the way the electrolytic ones do.
There is no way to tell how old your tubes are, but if they are original and nice and strong they are worth quite a lot of money - keep them in a bag and put in a nice strong brand new set. if the new ones don't make an improvement over the originals then that's fine...when you play it you wont be wearing out tubes that have become very collectible can maintain the resale value of your amp. If they are original and worn out, then keep them anyway and enjoy the sweet tone of fresh tubes. If they are non-original and strong it cant hurt to keep them as spares, and if they are non original and worn out, then new tubes will be an improvement anyway. So....whatever the situation...get some fresh tubes and get it biased even if the old ones sound great. Your amp will sound as good as possible and you can keep the originals for resale value.
Also...speaking of fender gurus:
http://fenderguru.com/amps/super-reverb
this is a great resource too:
http://vintagefenderamprepair.com/
congratulations on your beautiful amp!
yep its a killer.
looks like its all completely original and it probably sounds lovely. However a little bit of maintenance on it wont go astray in terms of making it sound as good as it did when it was built.
You might want to get new electrolytic capacitors (the big brown barrel ones) because nearly 50 years of service means they are guaranteed to need replacing (but keep them in a bag as the originals for the collectors if you ever decide to resell the amp). Make sure you replace the big suckers hidden in the doghouse on the underside of the amp - the filter caps. Those are the ones that can kill you btw...so either drain them before you touch them or get a tech to do it. Keep those in a bag too. All of this stuff is easy to do, reversible and will bring that beautiful old amp back to "like new" sounding. You can always put them back in later if a collector (i.e not a player) is knocking on your door with a wad of cash.
Don't let anyone tell you to replace those blue coupling caps. those are the ones all the modern booteek caps are trying to emulate. They wont wear out the way the electrolytic ones do.
There is no way to tell how old your tubes are, but if they are original and nice and strong they are worth quite a lot of money - keep them in a bag and put in a nice strong brand new set. if the new ones don't make an improvement over the originals then that's fine...when you play it you wont be wearing out tubes that have become very collectible can maintain the resale value of your amp. If they are original and worn out, then keep them anyway and enjoy the sweet tone of fresh tubes. If they are non-original and strong it cant hurt to keep them as spares, and if they are non original and worn out, then new tubes will be an improvement anyway. So....whatever the situation...get some fresh tubes and get it biased even if the old ones sound great. Your amp will sound as good as possible and you can keep the originals for resale value.
Also...speaking of fender gurus:
http://fenderguru.com/amps/super-reverb
this is a great resource too:
http://vintagefenderamprepair.com/
congratulations on your beautiful amp!
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skyking
New member
Re: Just bought a 65 super reverb!
I took some pictures of the tubes and transformers
You cant see the labels on the power tubes in the pics but one is an RCA and the other one has a peavey label on it in orange writing like the rca. I paid 1700 plus tax for it. Seemed like a fair price to me, and I probably wouldve spent more after playing it for a while. I just knew it was the one. Now I get it why guys say you cant beat the original fenders if that is the sound your going after.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I took some pictures of the tubes and transformers
You cant see the labels on the power tubes in the pics but one is an RCA and the other one has a peavey label on it in orange writing like the rca. I paid 1700 plus tax for it. Seemed like a fair price to me, and I probably wouldve spent more after playing it for a while. I just knew it was the one. Now I get it why guys say you cant beat the original fenders if that is the sound your going after.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
That90'sGuy
DyzaBoyzologist
Re: Just bought a 65 super reverb!
Nice score! One of the amps I decided on "settling" on was a '69 Super Reverb, so I understand the appeal. Nothing quite like the punch of 4-10'' speakers in your face with that classic Fender shimmer and clarity.
Nice score! One of the amps I decided on "settling" on was a '69 Super Reverb, so I understand the appeal. Nothing quite like the punch of 4-10'' speakers in your face with that classic Fender shimmer and clarity.
skyking
New member
Re: Just bought a 65 super reverb!
I had been playing through a DRRI for years and always thought it was pretty good sounding, but after playing through some 60's and early 70's princetons and deluxes they weren't even in the same ballpark IMO. I went in looking to get a deluxe but the guy at the shop I went to said I should try out a super. Well I did and you see what I came home with lol. The thing I really noticed with the vintage and also with the DRRI i had was when cranked the bass just went farty. I get none of that out of the super obviously because of the 4-10s and it just sounds awesome to me with my LP and my tele.
I had been playing through a DRRI for years and always thought it was pretty good sounding, but after playing through some 60's and early 70's princetons and deluxes they weren't even in the same ballpark IMO. I went in looking to get a deluxe but the guy at the shop I went to said I should try out a super. Well I did and you see what I came home with lol. The thing I really noticed with the vintage and also with the DRRI i had was when cranked the bass just went farty. I get none of that out of the super obviously because of the 4-10s and it just sounds awesome to me with my LP and my tele.
zenmindbeginner
New member
Re: Just bought a 65 super reverb!
Blackface Super Reverbs are all going for $500-$1000 less than Deluxe Reverbs right now so they are a flipping STEAL and a half.
I hope you live in a home where the windows don't rattle and that you don't have any neighbors. ; P
Blackface Super Reverbs are all going for $500-$1000 less than Deluxe Reverbs right now so they are a flipping STEAL and a half.
I hope you live in a home where the windows don't rattle and that you don't have any neighbors. ; P
skyking
New member
Re: Just bought a 65 super reverb!
the super is definitely louder than the deluxe was but i guess I don't find it to be a huge difference. I usually play in a garage with my dad who picked up playing the drums a few years ago so i had to crank the deluxe pretty good to hear myself over his buffalo stomp. I think the super sounds better at that volume, it feels a lot tighter.
the super is definitely louder than the deluxe was but i guess I don't find it to be a huge difference. I usually play in a garage with my dad who picked up playing the drums a few years ago so i had to crank the deluxe pretty good to hear myself over his buffalo stomp. I think the super sounds better at that volume, it feels a lot tighter.
Powdered Toast Man
New member
Re: Just bought a 65 super reverb!
Super Reverb is still the most beautiful sounding clean tone I've ever heard. I only sold mine because it was a tank to move and therefore rarely got played.
Super Reverb is still the most beautiful sounding clean tone I've ever heard. I only sold mine because it was a tank to move and therefore rarely got played.
Re: Just bought a 65 super reverb!
Here's my two cents, after i've gathered a tiny bit of experience with old amps. If it's sounds good, play it. The ONLY thing I'd do to it is make sure you put a three prong grounded plug on it. THAT"S IT. If it sounds great, don't F with it.
On the side near the transformers is a metal can, known as the dog house. It houses the big electrolytic capacitors. It might be worth opening and simply inspecting. If you see ends that are bubbled up, they probably need replacing. If you put in the exact same values, you'll be okay. But that is the ONLY thing I'd even consider doing to it as long as it sounds great.
Just my two cents.
Here's my two cents, after i've gathered a tiny bit of experience with old amps. If it's sounds good, play it. The ONLY thing I'd do to it is make sure you put a three prong grounded plug on it. THAT"S IT. If it sounds great, don't F with it.
On the side near the transformers is a metal can, known as the dog house. It houses the big electrolytic capacitors. It might be worth opening and simply inspecting. If you see ends that are bubbled up, they probably need replacing. If you put in the exact same values, you'll be okay. But that is the ONLY thing I'd even consider doing to it as long as it sounds great.
Just my two cents.
PFDarkside
of the Forum
Re: Just bought a 65 super reverb!
Very cool! So many classic tones in that amp!
Very cool! So many classic tones in that amp!
skyking
New member
Re: Just bought a 65 super reverb!
I appreciate the feedback guys, would you replace the tubes or just keep using those old ones that are in there until they go bad? I know that some of those may be worth something seeing as they are old american made tubes but it seems to me I may as well use them. What good are they just lying around. Oh and it does still have a 2 prong cord on it. Makes you wonder sometimes how our great guitar heroes back in the day didn't electrocute themselves.
I appreciate the feedback guys, would you replace the tubes or just keep using those old ones that are in there until they go bad? I know that some of those may be worth something seeing as they are old american made tubes but it seems to me I may as well use them. What good are they just lying around. Oh and it does still have a 2 prong cord on it. Makes you wonder sometimes how our great guitar heroes back in the day didn't electrocute themselves.
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Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: Just bought a 65 super reverb!
Since it has a two prong cord on it, try and run it in stereo with another amp. It may run quieter in stereo than having two amps with a ground. Also, with a grounded pedalboard. Just a thought. Other than that, it probably would be better to have a 3 prong plug on it.
I think if it were mine, I'd leave the pre's, unless I found some of my stash to sound better.
My first move would be to get some TAD 6L6's for lowest headroom or something like Tungsol or Svetlana 6L6's for more body. 32mA is a nice healthy bias.
I tend to not want to start changing components, unless the sound is a bit lifeless even with new tubes. At least you're starting with THE 1965 stock amp. If it sounds great with new tubes, leave it. Scott is right about inspecting the filter caps, just to see it they look fine.
With a pristine amp like yours, it could have gone a long time without powering up, and also left in a cold garage. Extremely scratchy pots and oxidation is the main indicator of this. Also, a weathered looking tube chart sticker.
Or, it was completely pampered by a mindful guitar player who fired it up semi regularly over it's life, keeping all the components full of life. Also kept indoors, where it's components only saw room temperature. Good tolex, pots, and a clean interior are the indicators. In that case, the stock amp may still be perfectly healthy. Start with power tubes.
Since it has a two prong cord on it, try and run it in stereo with another amp. It may run quieter in stereo than having two amps with a ground. Also, with a grounded pedalboard. Just a thought. Other than that, it probably would be better to have a 3 prong plug on it.
I think if it were mine, I'd leave the pre's, unless I found some of my stash to sound better.
My first move would be to get some TAD 6L6's for lowest headroom or something like Tungsol or Svetlana 6L6's for more body. 32mA is a nice healthy bias.
I tend to not want to start changing components, unless the sound is a bit lifeless even with new tubes. At least you're starting with THE 1965 stock amp. If it sounds great with new tubes, leave it. Scott is right about inspecting the filter caps, just to see it they look fine.
With a pristine amp like yours, it could have gone a long time without powering up, and also left in a cold garage. Extremely scratchy pots and oxidation is the main indicator of this. Also, a weathered looking tube chart sticker.
Or, it was completely pampered by a mindful guitar player who fired it up semi regularly over it's life, keeping all the components full of life. Also kept indoors, where it's components only saw room temperature. Good tolex, pots, and a clean interior are the indicators. In that case, the stock amp may still be perfectly healthy. Start with power tubes.
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skyking
New member
Re: Just bought a 65 super reverb!
Gearjoneser I would like to try that trick you were talking about taking that preamp tube out to get a little earlier breakup but honestly I'm not sure which one it is. If you look at the pictures of the tubes you might be able to tell me which one it is by what side of the small transformer it is on. Or does it tell you on that little tube chart inside the cab?
Also it did look like it had been sitting for a long time, it had cobwebs in the cab and around the speakers. The hardware also was starting to get rust spots on it. My dad and I took it apart and blew it out and cleaned up the tolex and I took the hardware off and rubbed it down to knock some of the rust off of there. I figured if I left it that way the rust would only get worse.
Gearjoneser I would like to try that trick you were talking about taking that preamp tube out to get a little earlier breakup but honestly I'm not sure which one it is. If you look at the pictures of the tubes you might be able to tell me which one it is by what side of the small transformer it is on. Or does it tell you on that little tube chart inside the cab?
Also it did look like it had been sitting for a long time, it had cobwebs in the cab and around the speakers. The hardware also was starting to get rust spots on it. My dad and I took it apart and blew it out and cleaned up the tolex and I took the hardware off and rubbed it down to knock some of the rust off of there. I figured if I left it that way the rust would only get worse.
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Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: Just bought a 65 super reverb!
I've wheeled and dealed vintage amps for a long time, and tend to keep my absolute winners.
All the advise in this thread is good stuff. Even though some is common knowledge, we cover it since threads here become public record. A mint 65 Super Reverb is a subject people research.
I love taking vintage amps and restoring them to look like brand new. Those are the ones that you really should keep for yourself.
My recipe for tolex is to completely clean it with Murphy's Oil Soap or dish detergent....as long as you can pull all the dirt out of the crevices. Then, use black shoe polish and a shoe brush to restore all the black luster to the tolex. You have to be very careful not to get any on the grillcloth. Taking apart the amp helps. Buff it with a shoe polishing brush, and it'll look like new.
I usually wipe down the whole chassis with WD-40 on a rag, removing as much oxidation as I can. I'll glue down ripped tolex, but never use a marker to color bare wood spots. It looks cheesy to do that.
Work all the pots with contact cleaner. Back and forth, till they start sounding perfect. Spray some in the tube sockets too.
Start with tubes, and only proceed with filter caps if the amp has too much noise, crackling, popping, or the amp sounds weaker than you think it should. If it's fine after tubes, leave it.
The 65 Super Reverb is one of the best sounding clean amps ever made. No matter what else you own for other flavors, it's good to have a blackface Fender to handle beautiful clean bluesy tones. It's an amp that's extremely hard to beat at that. The only amp Fender currently has that even comes close is the Vibro King.
I've wheeled and dealed vintage amps for a long time, and tend to keep my absolute winners.
All the advise in this thread is good stuff. Even though some is common knowledge, we cover it since threads here become public record. A mint 65 Super Reverb is a subject people research.
I love taking vintage amps and restoring them to look like brand new. Those are the ones that you really should keep for yourself.
My recipe for tolex is to completely clean it with Murphy's Oil Soap or dish detergent....as long as you can pull all the dirt out of the crevices. Then, use black shoe polish and a shoe brush to restore all the black luster to the tolex. You have to be very careful not to get any on the grillcloth. Taking apart the amp helps. Buff it with a shoe polishing brush, and it'll look like new.
I usually wipe down the whole chassis with WD-40 on a rag, removing as much oxidation as I can. I'll glue down ripped tolex, but never use a marker to color bare wood spots. It looks cheesy to do that.
Work all the pots with contact cleaner. Back and forth, till they start sounding perfect. Spray some in the tube sockets too.
Start with tubes, and only proceed with filter caps if the amp has too much noise, crackling, popping, or the amp sounds weaker than you think it should. If it's fine after tubes, leave it.
The 65 Super Reverb is one of the best sounding clean amps ever made. No matter what else you own for other flavors, it's good to have a blackface Fender to handle beautiful clean bluesy tones. It's an amp that's extremely hard to beat at that. The only amp Fender currently has that even comes close is the Vibro King.
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Agileguy_101
Master of his Domain
Re: Just bought a 65 super reverb!
I just tried this on my Bassman and it worked wonders. It looks so much better now. Thanks for the tip Joe.
I just tried this on my Bassman and it worked wonders. It looks so much better now. Thanks for the tip Joe.
skyking
New member
Re: Just bought a 65 super reverb!
I took off the tilt bag legs, corner pieces and all other visible hardware, and rubbed it with a scotch brite pad and simple green. The pad wasn't the real abrasive kind but just enough to knock the rust spots off. I also wiped the tolex down with the simple green. The tolex had a tackiness to it, not quite sure what it was? Maybe cigarette smoke, I'm really not sure, but It got most of it off. Then I wiped the tolex with some armor-all and that seemed to bring back some of the shine. I'm not sure if that was the best thing to use but I guess you learn what works best as you go along. Overall the tolex is in pretty good condition for a near 50 year old amp.
I took off the tilt bag legs, corner pieces and all other visible hardware, and rubbed it with a scotch brite pad and simple green. The pad wasn't the real abrasive kind but just enough to knock the rust spots off. I also wiped the tolex down with the simple green. The tolex had a tackiness to it, not quite sure what it was? Maybe cigarette smoke, I'm really not sure, but It got most of it off. Then I wiped the tolex with some armor-all and that seemed to bring back some of the shine. I'm not sure if that was the best thing to use but I guess you learn what works best as you go along. Overall the tolex is in pretty good condition for a near 50 year old amp.
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