Fender Deluxe reverb or Princeton reverb

[drc]

With the 2 models stated its obvious what sound and wattage I'm going for. Any input/advise would be appreciated.

one model better than the other?
Particular year?
known issues?
suggested mods if any?
etc.

Someone either talk me into one of these or out of one of these. :lol:

 

[taabru45]

Someone either talk me into one of these or out of one of these. :lol:[/quote]

You could always buy an F512. That might work.... For a while at l least. :lol: Steffan

 

[griehund]

With the 2 models stated its obvious what sound and wattage I'm going for. Any input/advise would be appreciated.

one model better than the other?
Particular year?
known issues?
suggested mods if any?
etc.

Someone either talk me into one of these or out of one of these. :lol:

Default?............Default?............Default?.............Default?...........Beuller? :lol:

 

[Default]

Obviously, you'd want the older point-to-pont wired ones. At work and phone is a pain to post with.

 

[Kslam]

I love both those amps, but if I had to choose, I'd go for the DR for it's more open sound. That said, as luggable as the DR is, the smaller Princeton is even easier to bring to gigs.

I disagree somewhat with Default. While I too prefer the older Fenders, I've played some excellent reissues. Point to point wiring is much easier to work on than PCB, but PCB doesn't necessarily effect tone negatively...though amp gurus will disagree with me.

Here are some good links on the subject:

http://www.geofex.com/article_folders/p ... -to-pt.htm

http://www.aikenamps.com/PCBorPTP.htm

http://www.aqdi.com/wiring.htm

 

[Default]

Point to point is repairable, but if you don't mind dumping an amp when it breaks, that's fine. As an example, my old Champ 12 is still kicking, but if it breaks, you may not be able to get new boards for it. Depending on how gritty you like it, Princetons aren't as loud as Deluxes.
There isn't much difference between blackface and silverface amps, but there is a pretty big difference in price. The problem with all old amps is the need for servicing. Unless you know for certain that the caps have been changed, you have to assume some expenses after purchase.

There is something to be said for new and causing your own problems.

 

[Kslam]

I think that the silverface PRs are closer to the blackface PRs than the silverface DRs are to the blackface DRs, but I could be wrong about that.

Another amp to consider is the Blues Jr. It's not as lush sounding as either of the amps we're discussing in this thread but it's a really nice sounding amp, especially for the price -- only about $300 to $350 used. As I've gotten older and lazier about hauling heavy gear, I find that sometimes I'll take the Blues Jr to a show rather than the Deluxe Even though all things be equal, the Deluxe sounds better to me, the Blues Jr does the job and in a live setting where there are so many other variables to your sound besides your amp, the audience might not hear the difference anyway.

 

[drc]

I only play around the house, so weight is no concern at all. I just need to fugure out if its reissue or vintage?

 

[bluesypicky]

Vintage DR, without the shadow of a doubt as far as I'm concerned, but once again, it all comes down to how bad you want the best sound possible, and ultimately, to how much you value getting there.

 

[Sal]

Hello drc,

I'm no great authority but my two amps are a DR reissue and a '55 tweed Princeton (vintage point to point). For reverb on both amps I usually use my Strymon BlueSky pedal. I love both amps but I mostly play my strat through the DR. I love the big tone I get at low volume with a clean boost pedal to overdrive the preamp tubes.

But hey, if you can get over to Willie's in St.Paul, I'll bet he's got a couple each you could try, compare, and decide for yourself!

 

[coastie99]

Obviously, you'd want the older point-to-pont wired ones. At work and phone is a pain to post with.

Although, the original pont may need changing. Fear not; they're quite inexpensive.

 

[mad dog]

It really comes down to taste, and how you intend to use it. I prefer the DR myself ... it's more versatile in terms of volumes/overdrive, sounds better to me with the bigger cab. But every time I go see Jim Campilongo, I realize how perfect a PR can be. He turns it up to 10, plugs in and goes. Hardly ever moves from the tele bridge position. Clearly, the PR suits his taste.
MD

 

[drc]

It really comes down to taste, and how you intend to use it. I prefer the DR myself ... it's more versatile in terms of volumes/overdrive, sounds better to me with the bigger cab. But every time I go see Jim Campilongo, I realize how perfect a PR can be. He turns it up to 10, plugs in and goes. Hardly ever moves from the tele bridge position. Clearly, the PR suits his taste.
MD

Yeah I know there are variables, I just wanted to hear opinions from members with first hand knowledge. I think a great guitar player can make whatever they are playing work for them.

 

[jmac]

With the 2 models stated its obvious what sound and wattage I'm going for

I have no idea what sound you are going for. Can you describe what sound you want?

 

[drc]

With the 2 models stated its obvious what sound and wattage I'm going for

I have no idea what sound you are going for. Can you describe what sound you want?

I'm going for the fender deluxe reverb sound? Thats why I choose this model? :lol: :lol: kidding. I was going back and forth with either a Vintage DR or Vintage PR. Since this post originated I have decided to go with the DR. I am all set to test out a vintage silverface and a reissue tomorrow. thanks everyone.

 

[jmac]

I don't think you can go wrong with a Fender silver face. I've got two, although they're not vintage re-issues. Both are great amps that I've gigged with.

 

[skinny]

It really comes down to taste, and how you intend to use it. I prefer the DR myself ... it's more versatile in terms of volumes/overdrive, sounds better to me with the bigger cab. But every time I go see Jim Campilongo, I realize how perfect a PR can be. He turns it up to 10, plugs in and goes. Hardly ever moves from the tele bridge position. Clearly, the PR suits his taste.
MD

After seeing a few youtube vids of Jim Campilongo playing through his PR, I started using my silver face PR ('68) a little more and really started to like what I was getting out of it. He definitely gets the most out of his PR. Mine has a weber in it that was put in before I got it. I do think that helped open up the sound, along with using a reverb tank.

 

[Jeff Haddad]

So drc, did you buy after trying? If you want the amp for playing - around the house or out - go silver face. Not too much difference with either amp between bf or sf. Also either bf or sf will hold its value unlike a reissue.

 

[drc]

I'm going to go Silverface, just havent found one that I like in my price range.

 

[drc]

IMO after playing a few now I cannot justify paying that much $ for them. I want one still but wowsers! I will still keep looking.