❌SOLD❌ Fender Vibrolux Reverb Amplifier Blackface 1965

Here’s something that brings back memories – a Fender Vibrolux Reverb amp in Blackface, dating to 1965 and with original transformers and Jensen speakers. I used one of these amps for years; they are great sounding, and at 35 watts through 2×10 inch speakers and just over 40 pounds are suitable for a very wide range of venues.

In 1964, the Vibrolux Reverb amp replaced the Vibrolux. The earlier model had been built from 1956, and initially featured 10 watts through a single 10 inch speaker in a tweed cabinet. For 1961 and 1962, power rose to 30 watts through a single 12 inch speaker and ‘brownface’ garb. For 1963 and 1964, specs largely stayed the same but in Blackface. Finally in 1964, the Vibrolux Reverb added the new Reverb circuit, a bump to 35 watts and the two 10 inch speaker configuration. The control panels shifted to ‘silverface’ in later 1967.

The Fender Vibrolux Reverb amp is relatively unusual but is regarded as one of Fender’s best amps, and the smallest Fender amp using 6L6 power tubes. It may be that they were not as popular as amps like the Super Reverb or Twin because of the lower power and the need for ever more volume before house sound reinforcement really came into its own. Now, smaller amps like the Vibrolux Reverb or even Deluxe Reverb are more practical.

This example was built during 1965 at the Fender plant in Fullerton, California, not long after the sale to CBS took effect. It is in complete and largely original condition. It has some scuffing and wear to the Tolex covering and grille cloth, but this is to be expected on an amp nearly 45 years old. It has had an electrical modification, the addition of a 3-prong grounded AC cord.

This is a really good sounding amp, with shimmering, glassy cleans and a nice edge as it starts to overdrive. It’s quite capable of being loud, but when I was using mine, if I needed better projection I just put it on a chair.