Things to Do to Make a Deluxe Reverb Reissue Sound Better
Fender's '65 Deluxe Reverb guitar amplifier -- one of seven amp models in the company's Vintage Reissue product line -- retains the original amp's all-tube circuitry, speaker-type electronic and aesthetic specifications. Originally produced from 1964 through 1979, the Deluxe Reverb amp enjoyed a lengthy production run due to its portability and Fender's quality reputation.
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Sound Quality Considerations
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Guitar amp sound is subjective and dependent on player preference and knowledge of amplifier control settings. Because modifications will void the Deluxe Reverb's warranty and can affect resale value, experimentation with amp tone and volume controls is prudent before deciding whether modifications are necessary. Quality of the electric guitar used with the Fender amp is also critical to amplifier sound -- a poor quality instrument will cause a good quality amplifier to sound inadequate. Trying different guitars with the Deluxe Reverb amp in conjunction with amp and guitar control manipulation will ultimately determine whether modifications are warranted.
Speaker Upgrade
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The Fender Deluxe Reverb Reissue amp is fitted with a vintage-specification Jensen 12-inch speaker to replicate the amp's intended vintage tone. For a different sound, speakers by Weber, Celestion, Electro-Voice or other name-brand manufacturers are compatible alternatives. Brand and model choice is based on player preference -- as all have different sonic attributes -- but must be 12 inches in size with an 8-ohm impedance rating and minimum wattage capacity of 30 watts RMS. Replacing the speaker requires no amp alteration and is accomplished by removing the upper and lower rear speaker baffles, pulling the two speaker wire terminal clips from the Jensen speaker and removing the four speaker mounting nuts. Installing the new guitar speaker follows removal instructions in reverse order.
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Tube Replacement
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Replacing one or more Deluxe Reverb tubes is another modification for owners desiring a different sound. While stock tubes are of Fender specification and incorporated for expected guitar tone from the Deluxe Reverb, tubes by NOS, RCA, Groove Tubes, Electro Harmonix, Phillips, Sovtek or other manufacturers may be substituted. Replacement tubes have varying sound attributes depending on manufacturer and type, and may be mixed and matched by trial and error until desired tonal characteristics are realized. Tubes are replaced by pulling them from the tube socket and inserting new units.
Tube Bias Adjustment
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While tubes are easily replaced by users, voltage biasing is a necessary operation following tube swapping and must be done by qualified repair personnel. Biasing optimizes and balances amp voltage traveling through tubes and is critical for sound quality, voltage efficiency and tube life.
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