Fender 6G15 Tube Reverb Unit Effect (1964)

Fender  6G15 Tube Reverb Unit Effect (1964)
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Item # 10814
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Fender 6G15 Model Tube Reverb Unit Effect (1964), made in Fullerton, California, serial # R05500, Black Tolex finish.

This is a great example of the classic Fender Reverb, the indispensable link in the surf guitar signal chain. Fender's stand-alone effect unit was introduced in 1961, intender to supplement the company's non-reverb amplifiers. The circuit is somewhat different than the on-board reverb associated with later "black panel" amps (like the Twin Reverb) in that the effect is tighter (less pre-delay) and can be driven harder, producing interesting overdriven textures.

The unit features a simple layout with three controls; mix, dwell and tone. The "mix" controls the amount of the spring effect mixed with the dry signal, while the "dwell" controls the amount of signal sent to the tank. Higher dwell settings yield more effect strength, compression and, in a way, duration. Cranked, the control drives the tank and circuit into saturation and reverb overdrive can be heard, even under a clean guitar tone. The "tone" control controls the effect brightness, as expected. The unit also has a "mute" lever in the rear of the cabinet for locking down the tank, handy when transporting it.

This example is the later version with black Tolex and wheat grille cloth bearing serial number 5500. Fender was at this point making around 2500 units per year, a number that rivaled even their most in demand amplifiers at the time. The tube chart is ink-stamped NB, dating assembly of the unit to February 1964. As Beat-ly style vocal music replaced instrumental surf sounds in many teenager's minds the reverb became less of an must-have item but the Fender Reverbs still stand as the best of its type ever made and a superb sounding true analog antidote to our digitally-saturated sonic age.
 
Overall length is 19 in. (48.3 cm.), 10 in. (25.4 cm.) width, and 7 3/8 in. (18.7 cm.) deep.

This is a lovely example overall. The black Tolex covering is in very good condition with only minor wear, mostly along the corners. The faceplate is in good condition with all the stenciled lettering intact. The grille cloth is slightly darkened with age and free of any major blemishes or tears. The handle appears original.

All internal components appear original, including the all-important tank. The pot codes date to the 16th and 48th week of 1963. The Schumacher-made power transformer bears the code 606-349, dating it to the 49th week of 1963. The Accutronics-made 4AB3C1B spring reverb tank is original as well. The unit has received routine maintenance, including replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, a 3-prong grounded power cord, cleaning of all jack, sockets and pots. This is a fantastic sounding unit that takes the reverb effect significantly beyond what's found on-board most amplifiers, and in truly spectacular shape to boot! Excellent Condition.