Fender Vibrolux Reverb Owned and Used by Alex Skolnick Tube Amplifier (1968)

Fender  Vibrolux Reverb Owned and Used by Alex Skolnick Tube Amplifier (1968)
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Item # 11231
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Fender Vibrolux Reverb Owned and Used by Alex Skolnick Model Tube Amplifier (1968), made in Fullerton, California, serial # A-11396, black tolex covering finish.

This is a fantastic sounding example of an CBS-era Vibrolux Reverb, owned and used by Alex Skolnick (perhaps most known for his contributions as a member of the band Testament). Alex used this amp in the studio for many years and had it outfitted to his spec. You can hear him play the amp here:


2020 Blues from TheRealAlexSkolnick on Vimeo.



Still retaining the same pre-CBS "black panel" AA-864 circuit used from 1964 to mid-'68, this amp's serial number dates it to early 1968. Being the smallest member of the 6L6 driven family of the era, its sweet breakup and tonal character comes partly from the smaller speakers, power and output transformers than found in its larger siblings the Super Reverb, Vibroverb and the Pro Reverb. With two 10" speakers and dual 6L6 power section putting out about 35 watts, the Vibrolux Reverb is one of the best sounding and most versatile amps in that all-time classic line. 50+ years later The Vibrolux remains one of Fender's best period designs and an excellent choice for both gigging or recording purposes.
 
Height is 17 3/4 in. (45.1 cm.), 24 1/2 in. (62.2 cm.) width, and 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm.) deep.

Cosmetically, this is a very clean amp, showing just some very light wear overall. The black Tolex covering is in beautiful condition, only showing minor dings and light wear mostly around edges and corners. The handle is original and the hardware, as well as the chassis straps on top is showing light-to-moderate signs of corrosion. The grille cloth and baffle retains the "drip edge" metal trim around the edge, a well-recognized feature of the initial Silver-panel years. The cloth itself is very clean and remains free of any notable tears. The faceplate shows some typical wear but no major injuries and all the knobs are well intact.

This amp is nearly all-original, including any replacement parts and minor modifications made while under Alex's ownership and use. Most notably, the power transformer is a later CBS part dating to the 49th week of 1972. The double speaker compliment consists of one 10" ceramic Jensen C10Q and one 10" AlNiCo Eminence, both newer speakers. The amp retains the original choke, output and reverb transformers, bearing the codes 606-639, 606-750 and 606-740, dating them to the 39th week of 1966 and the 50th and 40th week of 1967, respectively. The treble and bass pots on both channels have been replaced, as well as the tremolo speed and depth controls. The remaining pots all date to late 1966. The amp has been fully serviced with a 3-prong cord installed, all jacks, pots and switches cleaned and all electrolytic caps replaced. All minor modifications and component changes have been left exactly the way Alex has had the amp worked on to his specs.

This is a lovely example overall, with the excellent sound of last year of this eternally revered black panel line of circuits. Excellent - Condition.