Princeton U
Hello campers...
So, I've been eyeing some princeton reverbs and wanted an opinion, assuming at least a few of you in here use them. So, budget wise and preference-wise I've narrowed it down to a couple of options.
1 - The 65 Reissues
2 - A Silverface from the 70's.
I generally go for clean tones that I can push with a boost pedal or some light break up past "4". Regardless of collectibility, I am trying to decide which of these two options is going to be my best option for the tonal qualities I express above. I know, subjective stuff....
My concerns about reissues are some comments I've read about construction issues. Are these founded in reality from experience? (Rattles and other unwanted noise). My concerns about the older models is the unknown and my supposition that they will require more maintenance, sooner in the cycle of my ownership. I don't want to break the bank any time soon. I want this for my own use. Recording mostly. I've found a clean 1973 that I'd like to take a drive to try out, but want to see if anyone here can describe a real discernible tonal difference between the reissues and the 70's models.
Anyway, thanks for considering my post.
Jeff in NH
So, I've been eyeing some princeton reverbs and wanted an opinion, assuming at least a few of you in here use them. So, budget wise and preference-wise I've narrowed it down to a couple of options.
1 - The 65 Reissues
2 - A Silverface from the 70's.
I generally go for clean tones that I can push with a boost pedal or some light break up past "4". Regardless of collectibility, I am trying to decide which of these two options is going to be my best option for the tonal qualities I express above. I know, subjective stuff....
My concerns about reissues are some comments I've read about construction issues. Are these founded in reality from experience? (Rattles and other unwanted noise). My concerns about the older models is the unknown and my supposition that they will require more maintenance, sooner in the cycle of my ownership. I don't want to break the bank any time soon. I want this for my own use. Recording mostly. I've found a clean 1973 that I'd like to take a drive to try out, but want to see if anyone here can describe a real discernible tonal difference between the reissues and the 70's models.
Anyway, thanks for considering my post.
Jeff in NH
Comments
I have a reissue that I bought back in 2009. Unfortunately, I was confronted with the rattles and unwanted noises you speak of. For me personally, it seemed to be a not so great construction of the cabinet, which would make mostly buzzes when the lower register of the guitar was played. At first, I used some aluminum to brace the back panels of the cabinet, which helped quite a bit. Finally I bought a new cab for the amp and the problem was solved completely. I know a lot of people were complaining about the noises, so maybe Fender fixed the issue. Anyway, I absolutely love the amp now.
I hope that helps. I'll post some pics of mine. The cab is a Mather cab, which is made from pine and sounds very nice to me.
I can't really comment on a 70s silverface because I don't own one, but I'm sure someone else can say a few things.
Listen- on the RIs, the one CONSTANT is, they are all the same. Keep it, don't, mod it, whatever. But if you play one, you've heard them all. I have a RI (an Orange one, the limited run they made in honor of Jim's "Orange" album)... and I am changing the speaker. Otherwise, I love the thing.
With the vintage ones, regardless whether it's blackface or silverface, most of what you hear is going to come down to the speaker... you never know what speakers are in the old ones... sometimes great, sometimes crap.
As for the NEW silverface ones, I think they are calling them 68 customs?... they are not the same amp. The circuit is different, quite different.
I appreciate the feedback on your experiences. With some luck you can find used ones in the 600-700 range, especially on craigslist.
A few years back I bought a 68 super reverb, from January/feb production of that year. I was assured by an "amp guru"
It had original "black face" circuitry. It was a beautiful amp, but frankly too loud for me, and because if it's age showed signs of being a bit ornery at times! I bought it at the top of the vintage market and watched its value plummet the day after - ha! I'm also a guy that sold an original hand wired prosonic short. I have to stop being emotional about all this stuff and make some better choices. I think in done going vintage for a while.
Jeff in NH
Jeff, If you can find a used PRRI that would be my suggestion, especially if you can find one at the price you mentioned. Saving a little money on a used reissue might work well if you decide to get a new speaker, tubes, or in my case a new cab.
That Mather cab for mine made a HUGE difference. It's by far the best gear investment I ever made. Made everything sound better to my liking and solved the dreaded PRRI rattle.
Ryan
Luckily, the Orange PRRI has the "rattle fix" (an additional piece of wood on the speaker baffle, to stiffen it) already built-in from the factory...as do all of the newer PRRIs, I think. Not sure what year that fix started getting implemented.
Of the 2 amps you are considering I say go for the 73 if it's clean and sounds tight. But if you start going for 'clean tones that I can push with a boost pedal or some light break up past "4" ' don't be surprised if it somehow seems just as loud as your Super.
another option is a silverface Fender Champ.
get a Princeton though, if that is what you need. You know best. expect volume upon its arrival.
I own a 1973 Super Reverb all original. I dont know what is inside of this amp, but you have never heard one like this! not much else to say about that, you kinda have to hear it. The Jr Tweed is for my travels, and I love it equally on a different level. 73 is a great year for silverface. If the Princeton is in nice shape and has the tailed logo and the cloth wires, it might be a sign to snag it! still the same amp without those features. Mine has them though. Good luck!
On the flip side, if you decide more volume is required (and more headroom along with it), you can stick a ceramic Weber or an Eminence Legend or a number of other more efficient speakers and essentially double it's perceived volume... keep in mind, on Jim's Princetons, the vintage Jensen C10Ns and Celestion G10 Vintages are both louder speakers than the stock Jensen C10R in the reissues...
I wound up finding a used princeton that was in rough shape and had the tubes and caps changed. I threw a cheap bass speaker in it and used that for a while until i could afford a mojotone.
Anyway, if/when all comes together and I select an amp - I'll be sure to share with all you super smart and insightful people!
Here are a couple vids from Ursa Minor. The frontwoman Michelle is playing the Fender Blues Jr Tweed NOS/Limited with a semi-hollow Greco/Gibson, and Tony Scherr is playing his "drip-edge" silverface Fender Deluxe Reverb with a Les Paul.
Here is Tony Scherr's band. same Fender Deluxe Reverb (drip-edge silverface) with his Guild Starfire, full hollow guitar.
Here is Joel Hamilton playing a silverface Fender Champ with a pedal or 2. nothing too crazy one might just be a boost. not really sure. he is playing a semi-hollow tele. you can't see the amp.
I chose one amp that is not Fender for this post, although of course there are many others out there...Here is Scott Metzger playing his Reverend Hellhound 40/60 combo. Not a Fender branded amp, but very much a tele amp (clearly).
not sure if these videos really help compare anything, but they are fun to watch. enjoy!