Fender Princeton Reverb AA1164 Tube Amplifier (1968)
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Fender Princeton Reverb AA1164 Model Tube Amplifier (1968), made in Fullerton, California, serial # A-19578, black tolex covering finish.
The Fender amplifier lineup saw some distinct cosmetic changes following the now classic black-panel period as the '60s wound down. The new blue-on-metallic front panel appeared in late 1967 and persisted well through the '70s while the silver trim surrounding the silver/aqua-stripe grille cloth (nicknamed "drip edge") proved a short-lived feature.
CBS had just acquired Fender a few years prior and although changes were already affecting many Fender instruments, the amplifiers retained their mid-60's circuits underneath the new exterior up until around the turn of the decade. This mid-1968 Princeton Reverb still runs the AA1164 circuit of the earlier black panel Princetons. This comparatively rare transitional version was only in production for about a year before the CBS engineers stated making changes that in retrospect nobody wanted!
Height is 16 in. (40.6 cm.), 19 3/4 in. (50.2 cm.) width, and 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm.) deep.
Externally this amplifier is in fabulous condition. The black Tolex covering is well preserved, very clean and with very minimal sings of wear. The faceplate has some general surface scuffing, but overall in good shape and all the stenciled lettering is still intact as well as all the knobs. The plastic Fender logo is present and the grille cloth is nicely preserved overall save for one smaller tear towards the lower left. The chassis straps and handle hardware show moderate signs of corrosion. Sadly the original reverb and tremolo footswitch is not present, but a newer one is included with the amp.
Electrically, the amp is also nicely original. After 1967 the tube chart on these amps was no longer stamped with a date code but the serial number dates the amp to around late 1968. The cabinet houses a 10" Oxford 10L5-1 speaker bearing the code 465-524, dating it to the 24th week of 1965, almost certainly a beefier period replacement; arguably an upgrade from the stock much less efficient Oxford. The speaker still retains its original cone and tests great and sounds fantastic. The Schumacher-made power and output transformers and Better Coil-made reverb transformer are all original to the amp and marked 606-740, 606-625, and 831-6726, dating them to the 40th week of 1967, 25th week of 1966 and 26th week of 1967, respectively.
All pots appear original and visible date codes date to late '66. The reverb tank cables have been replaced (the originals are included). The amp has otherwise received our typical maintenance and servicing, including replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks, a new grounded three-prong power cord installed and biased to spec. Overall this is a super example of this "CBS but still the Bes'" of great recording and gigging combo amps. Excellent - Condition.
The Fender amplifier lineup saw some distinct cosmetic changes following the now classic black-panel period as the '60s wound down. The new blue-on-metallic front panel appeared in late 1967 and persisted well through the '70s while the silver trim surrounding the silver/aqua-stripe grille cloth (nicknamed "drip edge") proved a short-lived feature.
CBS had just acquired Fender a few years prior and although changes were already affecting many Fender instruments, the amplifiers retained their mid-60's circuits underneath the new exterior up until around the turn of the decade. This mid-1968 Princeton Reverb still runs the AA1164 circuit of the earlier black panel Princetons. This comparatively rare transitional version was only in production for about a year before the CBS engineers stated making changes that in retrospect nobody wanted!
Height is 16 in. (40.6 cm.), 19 3/4 in. (50.2 cm.) width, and 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm.) deep.
Externally this amplifier is in fabulous condition. The black Tolex covering is well preserved, very clean and with very minimal sings of wear. The faceplate has some general surface scuffing, but overall in good shape and all the stenciled lettering is still intact as well as all the knobs. The plastic Fender logo is present and the grille cloth is nicely preserved overall save for one smaller tear towards the lower left. The chassis straps and handle hardware show moderate signs of corrosion. Sadly the original reverb and tremolo footswitch is not present, but a newer one is included with the amp.
Electrically, the amp is also nicely original. After 1967 the tube chart on these amps was no longer stamped with a date code but the serial number dates the amp to around late 1968. The cabinet houses a 10" Oxford 10L5-1 speaker bearing the code 465-524, dating it to the 24th week of 1965, almost certainly a beefier period replacement; arguably an upgrade from the stock much less efficient Oxford. The speaker still retains its original cone and tests great and sounds fantastic. The Schumacher-made power and output transformers and Better Coil-made reverb transformer are all original to the amp and marked 606-740, 606-625, and 831-6726, dating them to the 40th week of 1967, 25th week of 1966 and 26th week of 1967, respectively.
All pots appear original and visible date codes date to late '66. The reverb tank cables have been replaced (the originals are included). The amp has otherwise received our typical maintenance and servicing, including replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks, a new grounded three-prong power cord installed and biased to spec. Overall this is a super example of this "CBS but still the Bes'" of great recording and gigging combo amps. Excellent - Condition.