Fender Tube Model 6G15 Reverb Unit Effect (1965)
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Fender Tube Model 6G15 Model Reverb Unit Effect (1965), made in Fullerton, California, serial # R07902, Brown Tolex finish.
This is a practically pristine and rather unusual example of the classic Fender Reverb, the indispensable link in the surf guitar signal chain. This was Fender's stand-alone effect unit, introduced in 1961 for use with the company's new brown Tolex combo amps and white Tolex piggybacks. This first 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 with 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 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.
This is an unusually late example sporting the earlier brown Tolex, wheat/light grille cloth and brown front panel livery. Fender moved to black Tolex for the entire line in 1964, but a small number of these brown Reverbs are known to exist from 1965. This unit's serial number R07902 and the tube chart stamp indicate assembly in March '65, several months into the CBS takeover. By then many Fender amps had built-in reverb, so sales were slipping on this now somewhat redundant stand-alone unit. Likely the new CBS management team insisted on clearing inventory of leftover components (shelved with the switch to black covering in 1964) on these less desirable units. Although covered in Brown Tolex with the wheat grille the unit is otherwise fitted with standard 1965 parts including the Fender logo, rubber handle and black footswitch. This is not only a great sounding Reverb but a cool Fender rarity, a small but fascinating part of the company saga.
Height is 11 in. (27.9 cm.), 19 in. (48.3 cm.) width, and 7 1/2 in. (19 cm.) deep.
Cosmetically, this unit is spectacularly well-preserved. The brown Tolex is in pristine condition with no notable wear; even the corners are unscathed. The faceplate is in excellent condition as well, with all the stenciled lettering intact and no notable signs of wear. The handle and its hardware are original with only minor signs of aging and the unit even retains the original (black) footswitch.
All internal components appear original including the tank. The power, choke and reverb transformers are all original, bearing the codes 606-443, 606-434 and 606-421, dating them to the 43rd, 34th and 21st week of 1964, respectively. 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, a superb rarity and in truly spectacular shape to boot! Excellent + Condition.
This is a practically pristine and rather unusual example of the classic Fender Reverb, the indispensable link in the surf guitar signal chain. This was Fender's stand-alone effect unit, introduced in 1961 for use with the company's new brown Tolex combo amps and white Tolex piggybacks. This first 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 with 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 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.
This is an unusually late example sporting the earlier brown Tolex, wheat/light grille cloth and brown front panel livery. Fender moved to black Tolex for the entire line in 1964, but a small number of these brown Reverbs are known to exist from 1965. This unit's serial number R07902 and the tube chart stamp indicate assembly in March '65, several months into the CBS takeover. By then many Fender amps had built-in reverb, so sales were slipping on this now somewhat redundant stand-alone unit. Likely the new CBS management team insisted on clearing inventory of leftover components (shelved with the switch to black covering in 1964) on these less desirable units. Although covered in Brown Tolex with the wheat grille the unit is otherwise fitted with standard 1965 parts including the Fender logo, rubber handle and black footswitch. This is not only a great sounding Reverb but a cool Fender rarity, a small but fascinating part of the company saga.
Height is 11 in. (27.9 cm.), 19 in. (48.3 cm.) width, and 7 1/2 in. (19 cm.) deep.
Cosmetically, this unit is spectacularly well-preserved. The brown Tolex is in pristine condition with no notable wear; even the corners are unscathed. The faceplate is in excellent condition as well, with all the stenciled lettering intact and no notable signs of wear. The handle and its hardware are original with only minor signs of aging and the unit even retains the original (black) footswitch.
All internal components appear original including the tank. The power, choke and reverb transformers are all original, bearing the codes 606-443, 606-434 and 606-421, dating them to the 43rd, 34th and 21st week of 1964, respectively. 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, a superb rarity and in truly spectacular shape to boot! Excellent + Condition.