Fender 73 Vibrolux
Dear Mr. Simmons,
could a silverface 73 Vibrolux be a interesting amp for harmonica?
If so, what kind of modifications would it need?
Thanks.
Best regards,
Joost
Would it be a good thing to replace the rectifier-tube with a specific model?
Thank you very much for your advice.
Joost- Although certainly not essential, a 5R4 (NOT a 5AR4) would lower the actual output power of the amp a bit, and that could be a good thing for you. Another good tip to reduce feedback would be to disconnect one of the speakers.
Skip Simmons
tough luck, the guy who wanted to trade his vibrolux for my boutique marble amp changed his mind.
I have the chance to get hold of a blackface super reverb. any specific thoughts about the mods on that one?
Hello Stinkhippie- The blackface Super Reverb was a go-to amp for many pro harp players for decades. They are tough for guys without years of experience to play without feedback, but I wouldn't suggest any mods.
Hello Joost- Thanks for writing. The actual circuit for most of the classic sixties and seventies Fender amps with reverb are basically identical. That means that the preamp circuitry of a Twin Reverb, Pro Reverb, Deluxe Reverb etc., are all the same as your amp.
These days people can be all excited about amps built specifically for harp, but of course, most pro players used "guitar" amps over the years. My local hero Rick Estrin used a totally stock 66 Super Reverb for nearly two decades, and he gets a pretty great (!) tone.
A lower-gain preamp tube or two will be helpful in taming volume/feedback, but if you've been playing electric for a long time, you can just leave it all stock. I would not suggest any real mods to the circuit.
Skip Simmons