Fender Vibrolux Reverb AA864 Model Tube Amplifier (1966), made in Fullerton, California, serial # A-05125, black tolex covering finish.
This is a wonderfully clean 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 AA864 circuit used from 1964 to mid-'67, this amp's tube chart marking bears the stamp "PC", indicating the unit was assembled in March, 1966. 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 beautifully clean amp overall, showing hardly any notable wear. The Tolex covering is in fabulous shape and only shows a few minor scuffs around the edges and corners. The grille cloth is clean and taught with no signs of tearing or fraying. The control panel is shiny clean with only very minor signs of wear and all the front panel knobs are in great shape. The original handle, chassis straps and hardware are all shiny with hardly no signs of corrosion and the amp comes with the original tremolo/reverb footswitch.
Electrically, the amp is also nicely original. The two 10" Jensen C10Q speakers are original to the amp and are marked 220-549 and 220-607 dating them to the 49th week of 1965 and the 7th week of 1966, respectively. Both test and sound great. The power, output, choke and reverb transformers are original to the amp as well and are marked 606-551, 606-602, 606-604 and 606-603, all dating them to the 51st week of 1965, and the 2nd, 4th and 3rd week of 1966, respectively. All pots appear to be original and date to late 1965. Most of 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 truly lovely example overall; a glorious vintage tone machine from then last full year of this eternally revered black panel line. Excellent Condition.
