Re: Need a lighter Fender combo, usual suspects being considered
I used to own a Super Reverb (reissue, but in terms of size/weight it was the same as yours). I got rid of it for the exact reason you mentioned - portability. Beautiful sounding amp, but useless because it was difficult to move and generally too loud to bother with the trouble of taking it out of the house.
I know you said, "good sounding amp" - thing is that all of the amps you mentioned are good sounding, each in their own way. They're also very different from each other. As far as headroom is concerned, as TGWIF stated, the amps you're looking at will be lower than your Super, however you did not state if headroom at higher volume was a concern for you.
Here's the way I can sum them up:
SS22: Modern, versatile. Like a Swiss Army Knife of an amp. Does a lot of things, and if you read the reviews it seems to do them pretty well. Some guys have encountered technical problems with them, but it's still a newer amp so it remains to be seen if that's the exception more than the rule. I've tried one out and they're nice sounding. If it was a decision between a Hot Rod _____ and the SS22, I'd take the SS any day.
Deluxe Reverb RI: Classic, chimey, moderate headroom. This amp is like the definition of Fender cleans. The Deluxe Reverb is probably one of Fender's most legendary amps. The reissues are well made and seem to be reliable given how few major problems I've seen posted about over the years in relation to how many of these amps that are out there. I've read that with the right speaker, they can sound pretty darn close to their original Blackface counterparts.
Custom Vibrolux Reverb: Modern, low headroom, tight response. I'll start by saying I own one right now. I've written quite a bit about this amp in the past and I could go on at length. This is one amp I absolutely do not recommend anyone buy unless they have heard it in person first. I have read so many posts on message boards like this one where guys who ordered them sight unseen start whining and moaning about how "it's got no headroom", "it's noisy", "the reverb sucks" and other crap. There's reasons for all of those things and the #1 reason is that they were DESIGNED that way. You think Fender doesn't know that with a few minor circuit mods, you basically have a Vibroverb Reissue? This is not a Blackface reissue - this is a modern take on the classic amp. Obviously lots of guys like them because it's been in Fender's lineup unchanged for about 20 years now. Personally, I LOVE this amp! Before I bought it, I did an A/B comparo between it and a Deluxe Reverb. I chose the Vibrolux. I love the tight response of the 2x10 speakers. It sounds FABULOUS when you get it loud enough to break up (which is soon). If you like gritty tone and just a touch of reverb (not washy) then this amp is the one.
Most all of these amps should be carried by any usual Fender dealer. I suggest you go try them out and see what you like!
