Fender Vibrolux Reverb AA-864 Model Tube Amplifier (1966), made in Fullerton, California, serial # A-04811, black tolex covering finish.
This is a fabulous 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 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.
Still retaining the same pre-CBS AA-864 circuit used from 1964 to mid-'67, this amp's serial number and components date the amp to late '65/early '66. Curiously, the stamp on the tube chart appears to read either OA or QA, the former being a year too early and the latter a bit later than usual; this may be a factory misprint, as the chassis and speakers match and the speakers do not appear to have been removed from the cabinet nor unsoldered from their baffle-affixed harness. It is possible the employee simply failed to turn the "O" over to "P" on their ink stamp in early January 1966; we have seen far more egregious Fender factory errors!
Being the smallest member of the 6L6 driven black-panel family, 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.
This is a very clean amp overall, showing mostly just some light wear. The Tolex covering is in fabulous shape and shows little-to-no wear, only a few scuffs around the edges and corners. The grille cloth is clean and taught and only shows one notable puncture towards the upper right corner. The control panel is clean, only showing minor wear and all the front panel knobs are in great shape. The original handle, chassis straps and hardware is all shiny and showing hardly any wear. The amp comes with a newer vinyl slip cover.
Electrically, the amp is nicely original. The two 10" Jensen C10Q speakers are original to the amp and are both marked 220-552 dating them to the 52nd week of 1965. The speakers still bear their original cones and are in great shape. Both test and sound great. The power, output, choke and reverb transformers are original to the amp as well and are marked 606-536, 606-548, 606-550 and 606-542, all dating between the 36th and 50th week of 1965. Visible pots codes date to mid-late '65 as well; the two volumes are older Mexican-made replacement pots. 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 full year of this eternally revered black panel line. Overall Excellent - Condition.
