Fender Vibrolux Reverb AA864 Tube Amplifier (1965)
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Fender Vibrolux Reverb AA864 Model Tube Amplifier (1965), made in Fullerton, California, serial # A-02045, black tolex covering finish.
This is a fine example of an early CBS-era black panel Vibrolux Reverb, one of the all-time classic Fender amps. Slightly more powerful than its smaller sibling, the Deluxe Reverb, the dual-speaker Vibrolux has enough gain to kick harder at mid-level volumes, and plenty of clean headroom to keep up with a drum kit. Equipped with both reverb and tremolo, the Vibrolux Reverb is one of the benchmark amps of the 1960s. This amp's tube chart bears the stamp OJ, indicating assembly in October of 1965. The same pre-CBS AA864 circuit was used from '64 up through mid-'67 without notable modification.
Being the smallest member of the 6L6 driven black-panel family, the Vibrolux offers a sweet breakup and distinct tonal character from the smaller speakers, power and output transformers compared to those 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 lineup. 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 wonderfully clean amp, showing just some light wear overall. The Tolex covering is in fabulous shape and shows little-to-no wear. The grille cloth is nice and taught and the front panel is clean with all its knobs intact and in great shape. The original handle, chassis straps and hardware only show minimal signs of corrosion and the amp even retains the original tremolo/reverb footswitch.
Electrically, the amp is nearly all-original. The two 10" speakers are newer Italian-made Jensen P10Rs, dating to 2021. The power, choke, output and reverb transformers are marked 606-019, 606-509, 606-513 and 606-526, dating them to the 19th week of 1970 and the 9th, 13th and 26th week of 1965, respectively. The power transformer is a later date, but still a CBS part number, possibly replaced by Fender in the early 70s. All visible pot codes date within early-to-mid 1965 and all appear original to the amp. The coveted Blue Astron signal caps are wonderfully intact and sound great. The amp has received our typical maintenance and servicing, including replacement of all electrolytic caps, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks, a grounded 3-prong power cord installed and power tubes biased to spec.
This is a lovely example overall; a glorious vintage tone machine from then last year of this eternally revered black panel line. Excellent Condition.
This is a fine example of an early CBS-era black panel Vibrolux Reverb, one of the all-time classic Fender amps. Slightly more powerful than its smaller sibling, the Deluxe Reverb, the dual-speaker Vibrolux has enough gain to kick harder at mid-level volumes, and plenty of clean headroom to keep up with a drum kit. Equipped with both reverb and tremolo, the Vibrolux Reverb is one of the benchmark amps of the 1960s. This amp's tube chart bears the stamp OJ, indicating assembly in October of 1965. The same pre-CBS AA864 circuit was used from '64 up through mid-'67 without notable modification.
Being the smallest member of the 6L6 driven black-panel family, the Vibrolux offers a sweet breakup and distinct tonal character from the smaller speakers, power and output transformers compared to those 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 lineup. 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 wonderfully clean amp, showing just some light wear overall. The Tolex covering is in fabulous shape and shows little-to-no wear. The grille cloth is nice and taught and the front panel is clean with all its knobs intact and in great shape. The original handle, chassis straps and hardware only show minimal signs of corrosion and the amp even retains the original tremolo/reverb footswitch.
Electrically, the amp is nearly all-original. The two 10" speakers are newer Italian-made Jensen P10Rs, dating to 2021. The power, choke, output and reverb transformers are marked 606-019, 606-509, 606-513 and 606-526, dating them to the 19th week of 1970 and the 9th, 13th and 26th week of 1965, respectively. The power transformer is a later date, but still a CBS part number, possibly replaced by Fender in the early 70s. All visible pot codes date within early-to-mid 1965 and all appear original to the amp. The coveted Blue Astron signal caps are wonderfully intact and sound great. The amp has received our typical maintenance and servicing, including replacement of all electrolytic caps, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks, a grounded 3-prong power cord installed and power tubes biased to spec.
This is a lovely example overall; a glorious vintage tone machine from then last year of this eternally revered black panel line. Excellent Condition.