Guitar Amp: Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue Review
The Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue is a modern re-creation of a highly sought-after vintage amplifier that has captured the hearts of professional guitar players everywhere.
Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue
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With its classic look and unmistakable tone, this mid-sized amp offers 22 watts of power, making it perfect for studio recordings and live performances. This Fender 65 deluxe Reverb Reissue review will familiarize you with this most recorded amp in the history of guitar amps.
I’ve worked with both an original ’65 Deluxe Reverb and the reissue model in professional recording sessions, and I can tell you that the reissue sounds incredibly good and so similar that in most situations, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.
I absolutely love the tone of this amp and it’s one of my go-to options when needing to track guitars using a real amp instead of amp simulation plugins.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue
As you learn about the features of the reissue, you’ll find that it provides the same warm, clean tones and rich reverb that made the original ’65 Deluxe Reverb a staple in the music industry. Lightweight and portable, this amplifier delivers the perfect balance of power and convenience.
Throughout this Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue review, we’ll explore the specifications, pros, and cons of this amazing amp, giving you an in-depth understanding of how it can enhance your playing experience and amplify your sound to new dimensions.
Fender Amps History
Fender amps have been an essential part of the music world for decades.
These amps are known for their clarity, warmth, and touch-sensitive response, which makes them an excellent choice for guitarists. Over the years, Fender has released various iconic models, including the Fender Deluxe Reverb and Princeton Reverb.
The Fender Deluxe Reverb first appeared in the early 1960s as a direct successor to the beloved tweed Fender Deluxe. Early versions featured a black faceplate, which transitioned to a more familiar silver faceplate by 1968.
The original Deluxe Reverb was known for its all-tube design, reverb, and tremolo circuitry. Despite its relatively modest 22-watt power rating, the Deluxe Reverb could produce more than enough volume for live performances.
The Princeton Reverb was designed as a more compact, lower-powered alternative to the Deluxe Reverb.
With a slightly smaller 12-watt power rating and a 10-inch speaker, the Princeton Reverb has always been a popular choice for guitarists who needed a portable and versatile amp for smaller gigs or studio work.
Fast forward to today, and Fender has introduced the Deluxe Reverb Reissue, a faithful reproduction of the iconic ’65 Deluxe Reverb.
This modern reissue preserves the characteristics that made the original amp such an essential tool for countless guitarists: its smooth, touch-sensitive response and tube-driven reverb and tremolo effects.
The Deluxe Reverb Reissue also features a single 12-inch Jensen C-12K speaker, two channels, and four inputs, providing ample tonal options for contemporary players.
By understanding the history and significance of Fender amps, like the Deluxe Reverb and Princeton Reverb, you can appreciate and utilize the modern Deluxe Reverb Reissue to its fullest potential.
Armed with the knowledge of Fender amps, you can harness the renowned sound and performance that has shaped the musical landscape for generations.
Features and Specifications
Preamp and Power Tubes
The Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue sports a powerful and clean sound with its array of tubes. It features four 12AX7 preamp tubes, giving your tone the needed amplification and richness.
The paired 6V6 Groove Tubes power tubes deliver a power rating of 22 watts, offering enough headroom for clean tones even at high volumes.
Rectifier Tube
Your Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue has a 5AR4 rectifier tube contributing to the amp’s smooth and vintage character.
This tube is designed to rectify the AC power from your wall socket into the DC power needed by the preamp and power tubes, ensuring optimal performance and maintaining tonal integrity.
Vibrato and Reverb Effects
The amp features dual channels – normal and vibrato. The vibrato channel, which produces a tremolo effect, has its controls for speed and intensity.
The tube-driven reverb is another appealing feature of this amp, offering you a lush and spacious sound to enhance your playing. A two-button footswitch is provided to easily control the reverb and vibrato effects during your performances.
Circuit Boards and Components
The ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue utilizes high-quality circuit boards and components to achieve the vintage tone it’s known for.
The 8-ohm Jensen C-12K speaker is chosen for its ability to accurately reproduce the amp’s character. The black control panel is visually appealing and stays true to the original version of this classic amp.
In summary, the Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue offers impressive features and specifications that capture the essence of the vintage amp it seeks to emulate.
With its preamp and power tubes, rectifier tube, vibrato, reverb effects, and carefully chosen circuit boards and components, you’ll enjoy the true sound of this classic amplifier.
Performance and Sound Quality
Volume Control and Headroom
You’ll find the volume control on the Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue to offer plenty of range and fine-tuning.
The amp’s 22-watt output provides enough headroom to experiment with different volume settings without losing sound quality. You can maintain clean tones at moderate levels, perfect for various playing scenarios.
The real spring reverb adds depth and presence to your notes, while the bright switch provides an extra treble boost when needed.
Clean and Overdrive Channels
Fender’s ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue boasts two distinct channels to explore. The normal channel delivers that classic, clean Fender tone suitable for single coils and humbucking pickups like Les Pauls.
Adjust the guitar volume accordingly to find your sweet spot. You can pair the amp with an Ibanez Tube Screamer or other overdrive pedals for a more saturated sound.
The clean channel is a perfect platform for pedaling and shaping your sound. Plug into this channel when you want the amp’s signature sparkling clean tones, and use the volume level to create desired dynamics.
Overall, the Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue offers superb versatility and reliability, ensuring you can confidently and easily achieve your desired sound.
Comparisons with Other Amps
Vox AC vs Fender Deluxe Reverb
When comparing the Vox AC series and the Fender Deluxe Reverb, there are a few key differences to consider.
The Vox AC series is known for its chimney British tone, while the Fender Deluxe Reverb is renowned for its warm, clean American sound. Both series are respected amongst guitar players and offer many tonal possibilities.
Regarding wattage, the Vox AC series offers various options, such as the AC15 and the AC30. On the other hand, the Deluxe Reverb comes in a single 22-watt configuration.
This difference in power output means that the Vox can deliver more headroom at higher volumes, allowing for a more prominent clean sound.
The Vox AC series also features an EF86 pentode preamp tube, providing a unique harmonic richness that sets it apart from Fender tube amps.
However, Fender’s Deluxe Reverb stands out due to its lush tube vibrato and reverb effects. These features enable the Deluxe Reverb to become one of the most recorded amps in history.
On the other hand, the Vox AC series lacks built-in reverb or vibrato, requiring external effects to achieve similar tones.
Princeton Reverb vs Deluxe Reverb Reissue
The Princeton Reverb and the Deluxe Reverb Reissue are classic Fender tube amps revered for their vintage tones. While they share similarities, certain factors differentiate them.
The Princeton Reverb, fundamentally, has a lower power output at around 12 watts, contrasted with the 22 watts offered by the Deluxe Reverb.
This difference in wattage results in the Princeton breaking up earlier, making it a great amp for achieving overdrive at lower volumes compared to the Deluxe Reverb. This makes the Princeton Reverb particularly suitable for recording situations or smaller venues.
Regarding speaker sizes, the Princeton Reverb typically comes equipped with a 10-inch speaker, while the Deluxe Reverb Reissue features a 12-inch speaker. This results in a more focused sound from the Princeton, with the Deluxe Reverb yielding a fuller and richer sound.
In conclusion, comparing the Vox AC series, Princeton Reverb, and Deluxe Reverb Reissue provides valuable insights into their unique characteristics and applications. You can decide on the best amp for your specific needs and preferences by considering these differences.
Notable Users and Recordings
John Mayer
John Mayer is one of the many renowned musicians who have used the Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue in their work. His love for this amp is evident as it has become a staple in his collection, often utilized in live performances and recording sessions.
Jimi Hendrix
Another legendary guitarist who is often associated with the ’65 Deluxe Reverb is Jimi Hendrix. The snappy guitar tones that Jimi achieved using this amplifier contributed to the unique sounds he is still praised for today.
Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton has also been known to rely on the Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue for his guitar work. The iconic blues tones he’s generated using this amp have inspired countless musicians in various genres.
In addition to its impressive roster of renowned users, the Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue is notable for its silver grille cloth. The aesthetic is not just about style but also reflects the amp’s era and its role in shaping the sound of classic guitar tones in modern music.
While countless other users and recordings feature the Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue, these legendary musicians demonstrate this amp’s impact on their sound and style.
The rich history and iconic performance capabilities make it an ideal choice for those looking to capture some of the magic created by these influential artists.
Custom and Limited Editions
Fender Custom Deluxe Reverb
The Fender Custom Deluxe Reverb is an excellent option if you’re looking for a trusty tube combo amp with plenty of classic Fender characters.
With its lush tube spring reverb and iconic tube-driven Fender tone, this amp has been a go-to choice for countless guitarists in various music styles. It’s a great-sounding amp that is perfect for small gigs where a little extra power is needed.
When using the Custom Deluxe Reverb with your Fender Jaguar or Gibson LP, you’ll notice how well it complements the natural tonal characteristics of these famous guitars.
When paired with a high-quality overdrive pedal, this amp becomes incredibly versatile, ideal for everything from blues to rock, making it one of the best amps in your arsenal.
As part of the tube combo amp family, the Custom Deluxe Reverb also features a loop circuit allowing you to easily connect external effects.
Additionally, it functions as a fantastic gigging amp, providing enough power for small spaces without overwhelming many people.
65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue Limited Edition
The 65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue Limited Edition is a special offering that captures all the attributes of the classic Deluxe Reverb Reissue but with unique features like the wine red finish and wheat grill cloth.
This limited edition version delivers a timeless aesthetic, evoking a sense of nostalgia for famous recordings that featured the original Deluxe Reverb amps.
Equipped with a stock Jensen speaker, the 65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue Limited Edition maintains the high-quality Fender tube amp sound you expect. This amp is perfect for your living room practice sessions or small gigs, and its price point offers an attractive entry into the world of Fender tube amps.
Consider your preferences, needs, and budget when choosing between the Fender Custom Deluxe Reverb and the 65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue Limited Edition. Either option will provide you with an outstanding, reliable tube-driven Fender amp that will impress you.
Personal Experiences and Reviews
The ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue will catch your attention as you explore the world of classic Fender amplifiers. Professional musicians and enthusiasts highly regard it as a fantastic amp for its remarkable tone and usability.
You may find numerous testimonies confirming that this reissued deluxe reverb lives up to the legacy of its tube counterparts from the Blackface era.
I can tell you that from my own experience, the reissue model is so close to the real thing that unless you’re playing guitar professionally and have a huge budget for gear and its maintenance, I would just go with the reissue.
Whether you’re playing lead or rhythm guitar, this amp will work beautifully. It will also perform wonderfully with many different guitar pickup setups, including the classic Fender Single Coils, and the P90s.
And if you’re planning on setting up a home recording studio, this amp would complement that setup really well.
Your interest in understanding the main differences between this reissue and its vintage counterpart is common.
When comparing the two, you will find that the modern reissue has been updated with high-quality components, enhancing the amp’s reliability and consistency while maintaining the classic Fender tone.
However, some purists could argue that slight tonal variations exist between the original and reissue models.
If you seek an amp with clear, clean headroom, the ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue may fit your bill. Known for delivering rich, sparkling clean tones, this amp is perfect for various purposes, from classic rock to jazz and blues.
The onboard tube-driven reverb, vibrato, and other analog effects can further inspire you to craft your unique sound.
Several owners have praised the Fender’s great customer service, appreciating their willingness to answer questions and address concerns. Some users have even stumbled upon this gem in a pawn shop, ultimately discovering the power of the classic Fender amp.
When it comes to performance capabilities, playing the ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue in a small club or venue is quite feasible.
With 22 watts of power, this amp can easily produce enough volume for your guitar, providing punchy, articulate tones. However, if you push the guitar volume too much, the pristine cleans may give way to a more driven, overdriven sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the tone of the ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue compare to the original?
The tone of the ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue is quite faithful to the original ’65 Deluxe Reverb, offering those warm, clean Fender tones you love. Its tube-driven construction maintains the character and responsiveness that made the original a classic.
However, slight differences may exist due to modern manufacturing processes and component selection.
Are there any known issues with the Fender Deluxe Reverb Reissue?
Generally, the Fender Deluxe Reverb Reissue is a reliable and well-built amp. However, some users have reported issues with reverb or vibrato circuits and tubes needing replacement sooner than expected.
Maintaining your amp and addressing these issues is essential to keep it in top-notch condition.
What is the difference between the 65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue and the 68 Deluxe Reverb?
The ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue is a faithful recreation of the original ’65 Deluxe Reverb, while the ’68 Deluxe Reverb is part of Fender’s “Silverface” series, drawing inspiration from the late ’60s era.
The ’68 Deluxe Reverb has some circuitry differences, leading to a slightly different tonal character. The ’68 model has a more modern aesthetic with a silver faceplate and grille cloth.
Does the hand-wired version of the Deluxe Reverb Reissue provide a noticeable improvement?
The hand-wired version of the Deluxe Reverb Reissue may provide a subtle improvement in sound quality due to the meticulous attention to detail in the wiring.
This can result in enhanced clarity, responsiveness, and overall reliability. However, these improvements might not be significant to all players, and personal preference will play a considerable role in the decision between the two versions.
How does the ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue perform in live settings?
The ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue performs well in live settings, providing enough power to cut through a band mix with its 22 watts and a 12-inch speaker. Its tube-driven tones lend warmth and harmonic complexity to your playing, while the onboard reverb and tremolo effects add depth and texture.
You might need to mic the amp for larger venues, but its versatile sonic characteristics will shine on stage.
What are the key features of the Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb?
The Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb is a digital modeling amp designed to provide the sound and feel of the ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue in a lighter, more portable package.
It features digital processing with sophisticated impulse response technology for accurate speaker modeling, offering six different reverb and tremolo settings. Moreover, it has an XLR line output for easy direct recording or connection to a PA system.
The Tone Master Deluxe Reverb retains the classic look of the ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue while providing modern convenience and adaptability.
Conclusion
The ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue is an excellent investment for achieving sought-after Fender tones and owning a piece of musical history.
With a wealth of positive experiences shared by users and bolstered by high-quality components and tone, this amp is a reliable choice for professionals and hobbyists alike.
