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Post by swurveman on Jun 9, 2015 7:34:08 GMT -6
I am considering buying the Fender Princeton Silverface (non reverb) from Reverb.com. I contacted the seller, which is a vintage guitar store in Brooklyn, NY. It is $1,100.00 which includes shipping and has all original parts with no mods. I will only use this for recording. In my mind, this amp has an almost mystical sound, probably because I've heard its sound so often (see below). The vintage Princeton Reverbs are going from $1,300 + shipping to $2,200.00 at Reverb.com. On the other hand, I realize this is a lot for a 1977 amp. The seller has a two day return policy. So, I feel more covered than Ebay. However, I am still somewhat concerned about the high price, even though I love the sound of Princeton's. However, the remake seems to be universally deemed inferior, and the vintage reverb version is even more expensive. So, I was wondering if there is any amp that can compare to this vintage amp at a less expensive price? I don't trust Ebay, even though I just saw a vintage Princeton Reverb go for $800.00 plus shipping. Any thoughts/advice would be much appreciated. I don't want a high watt amp if you have advice about an alternative. Frank Go to 1:25 mark and beyond-realize this is the reverb version: |
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Post by Johnkenn on Jun 9, 2015 14:17:03 GMT -6
You definitely need to try the new Fender Silverface reissues. They're awesome...I had the Deluxe and it was beautiful.
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Post by wiz on Jun 9, 2015 14:57:28 GMT -6
I have and use every week , the fender Princeton reverb re issue...the blackface one.
I have had it for...Geeze, 6 years...? Only problems, repaired the foot switch, and about two weeks ago I replaced the reverb tank..total cost,about 40 bucks 8)
It has a bias adjustment , so I have a bias probe and do my own adjustments. Hasn't eaten tubes... I have changed out tubes here's and there, a couple of sets of power tubes, but the others are all still,working from original, though I have tried different types over the years to find a combination I like.
It came with a cover, is light weight , and has been super reliable and sounds great. I have done rehearsals, gigs in bars, clubs and large concert stages with it. Never struggled with volume, ever. Anytime it's not been loud enough there are monitor systems in play.
I use a audix cab grabber with it, and with one milk crate with leads , spare tubes, footswitch, mics etc in it...it all goes on a small collapsible trolley.
I highly recommend going and playing one, and see if it spins your wheels. 5 year warranty.
i also own a Tone King Imperial, which maybe the best sounding Princeton type amp I have played...it stays in the studio though.....
Cheers
Wiz
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Post by swurveman on Jun 9, 2015 19:31:28 GMT -6
Thanks guys. I'll try some of the reissues. Unfortunately, I can't try the vintage ones which are point to point compared to pcb. Lots of internet anecdotal information that the pcb/reissues don't measure up, However, I'm aware that there's lots of word of mouth marketing going on trying to drive up the old amps prices.
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Post by jcoutu1 on Jun 10, 2015 12:20:51 GMT -6
swurveman, have you checked craigslist at all? If your local craigslist doesn't have one now, they probably will within a couple weeks and you could try before buying and probably save some cash. I just did a quick search in Providence and found a 77 Reverb for $950. providence.craigslist.org/msg/5039110414.html
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Post by winetree on Jun 10, 2015 12:44:49 GMT -6
If your into D.I.Y. Mojotone has has a great point to point kit.
I've got the Deluxe Tweed and I'm building the Marshall 18 watt.
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Post by Ward on Jun 10, 2015 13:03:34 GMT -6
Too pricey if you ask me. $800 is more reasonable. Then do two things:
1. Do the 'Blackface' mod or have a tech do it for you.
2. Replace the first tube (12AY7) with a 12AX7.
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Post by swurveman on Jun 10, 2015 13:39:22 GMT -6
swurveman, have you checked craigslist at all? If your local craigslist doesn't have one now, they probably will within a couple weeks and you could try before buying and probably save some cash. I just did a quick search in Providence and found a 77 Reverb for $950. providence.craigslist.org/msg/5039110414.html Thanks Jesse. Yeah, I've got a Craigslist email alert going. I haven't pulled the trigger. So, maybe I'll get lucky. |
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Post by joseph on Jun 10, 2015 21:27:07 GMT -6
I have a 76 Princeton Reverb. Great recording amp, and very reliable. Breaks up really nicely.
I would not want to do without the reverb, but that's a taste thing (I usually keep mine on like 2), and the non-reverbs also have more clean headroom. The tremolo is fantastic.
You can put an Eminence Copperhead in any Princeton model, and get a lot more volume and punch for live playing.
Personally, I'd rather pay a little more for an amp that has been serviced and gone over at a reputable store, than one without clean bill of health off craigslist. I hate craigslist.
But one in good condition, I think would be more reliable and easier to fix down the line than a reissue.
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Post by Johnkenn on Jun 11, 2015 18:58:00 GMT -6
I just played a friends freaking mint '68 ish Silverface Deluxe. He was telling me that it was the first year or something can't really remember - he said you could identify them by the binding around the grille. Anyway, it's the best sounding Deluxe I've ever heard. Holy shit.
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Post by joseph on Jun 12, 2015 10:41:43 GMT -6
The thing about the vintage silverfaces is that they have sweeter breakup than the reissues.
For Fender tones in currently made amp, there's always Victoria, but that's more money.
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Post by jcoutu1 on Jun 12, 2015 10:46:31 GMT -6
I just played a friends freaking mint '68 ish Silverface Deluxe. He was telling me that it was the first year or something can't really remember - he said you could identify them by the binding around the grille. Anyway, it's the best sounding Deluxe I've ever heard. Holy shit. The ones with the piping around the grill are called Drip Edge models. They were the transition models from the Black to the Silver. |
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Post by Johnkenn on Jun 12, 2015 11:16:43 GMT -6
Yes! That was it. Think he said he had a 90 w speaker in it or something. Anyway, whatever it was, there was no farting. Amazing headroom, but still great and crunchy.
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Post by guitfiddler on Jun 14, 2015 10:01:04 GMT -6
I never knew the different fender models because all my guitar buddies had custom made or smaller company excellent brand amps besides the classic Fender's, Marshalls, and Vox's. They were always coming to my studio with their new toy or at a gig with their new amp. I am really digging the Tone King Metropolitan. It just might be my next amp, it just sounds so right with a strat or tele. I am also looking at Mojotone. I would like a Fender amp, but I just don't know which one because I have never really researched them. The videos posted sounded really nice. Last awesome fender amp I heard was at a showcase in Nashville with Porter Howel of Little Texas playing guitar with a group of session players at 3rd and Lindsey. I don't know what model it was because we were just having a couple beers and socializing about the artist possibly getting signed, but it sounded fantastic, and it wasn't the beer. LOL
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Post by wiz on Jun 14, 2015 16:55:09 GMT -6
Of course....
After me waxing lyrically about my princeton...
it shit itself on friday nights gig... LOL...
Power tubes went south...
Whacked a set in Saturday morning, biased em up (my princeton has a bias pot... 8P )
And Saturday nights gig was fine...
damn murphy's law.
cheers
Wiz
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ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 16,107 
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Post by ericn on Jun 15, 2015 20:39:01 GMT -6
Of course.... After me waxing lyrically about my princeton... it shit itself on friday nights gig... LOL... Power tubes went south... Whacked a set in Saturday morning, biased em up (my princeton has a bias pot... 8P ) And Saturday nights gig was fine... damn murphy's law. Always thought Mr Murphy sold tubes. cheers Wiz |
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