Any 65 Vibrolux love here?

chabby · May 11th, 2008, 06:22 PM

My cousin in idaho just called to let me know he's selling his Vibrolux and wanted to let me know first in case I wanted frist crack at it.
He's selling it for 800 bucks as it's only about 8 months old.

But his wife's about ready to pop and he doesn't anticipate being able to play it for a while. Anyway, I have never heard or played one but he said he'd give it to me for 450 bucks. I don't really have any amp needs, but this seems like a deal I shouldn't pass up.

The amp is completely stock and he sez it's the best tone he's ever heard in his life. He also daiud the only problem (but he said its not really a problem) is it hisses a bit, but it's not noticeable when playing.

Dang, I don't need it but I'm very tempted. ANd, I don't cureently have a Fender.

bradpdx · May 11th, 2008, 08:00 PM

If it sounds anything like a real '65 BFVR, it's fabulous.

markinlondon · May 11th, 2008, 08:58 PM

I had a 1970 SF model for many years. A truly fantastic amp.

nonvintage · May 12th, 2008, 12:02 AM

How can a 65 Vibrolux be 8 months old?

getbent · May 12th, 2008, 12:20 AM

it is the reissue.

hmmm, I've not heard much love for this amp... but I do see that a lot of touring acts are using them. From what I understand they don't sound like the old ones and have all the challenges of the modern wave soldered, pcb based amps.

but 450.00 is essentially free... you could flip it for 600.00 in a couple of hours... if you aren't gonna play it much... I'd tell him to sell it for what he can get max so he'll get more dough... From reading your posts, I think the amp will end up as a disappointment to you.

BrianF · May 12th, 2008, 12:24 AM

the amp Fender sells these days is the 'Custom' Vibrolux Reverb. It is not a re-issue of the old design... It was designed new in the 90's I believe. It has some similarities such as cabinet size, 2x10 speakers, cosmetics, name, 2 6L6 power amp...thats about it. I believe it was designed by the same guy that designed the Vibro King and they came out around the same time period.

danocaster · May 12th, 2008, 12:27 AM

$450 is a great price to flip it quickly but it's not an amp I would buy TO KEEP

It's OK - but there's a lot better amps out there

I had one for a few months and just couldnt get it "right" - even w/ mod$$

getbent · May 12th, 2008, 12:59 AM

Brian, sorry about that... you're right... it isn't a reissue... just FMIC 'reusing' an old name. apologies for poor communication on that one!

chabby · May 12th, 2008, 02:22 AM

Yeah, I can't in good conscience get it then as he would only sell it to me for that price to keep, at least that's the conversation we had.

But if I say I was just buying it to flip it, no way and I just wouldnt do that in a million years, the guy's my cousin. I will pass thanks, but I appreciate the info.

Scott S · May 12th, 2008, 04:22 AM

I haven't heard either amp, but if you look at the schematics, they're largely similar. Some slight tweaks to the tone stack, a solid-state rectifier, and some component values changed here and there, but the overall topology is the same. I bet if you really wanted to, this guy could be modded to sound a lot like the real thing without much pain and suffering...

- Scott

Big John · May 12th, 2008, 05:28 AM

In my search for the 'next one' i did consider it but nearly all the posts i read about said it was noisy and it dirtied up after about '3' on the dial so i never tried one.

Mind you, at THAT price it would be tempting .........................

chabby · May 12th, 2008, 09:49 AM

Yeah, I was getting excited for a minute as I guess some have said it's the best amp ever made by fender. But they were talking of the original not the new "custom Vibrolux reverb. Not that I needed and amp anyway, but it would have been cool to own the best Fender ever made for a bargain.

But this doesn't sound anything close to that old amp.

Mik · May 12th, 2008, 08:02 PM

I heard that the "Custom" VR has no negative feedback.

I played one, it was noisy hissy, kind of a loose feel and didn't sound much like a Fender BF or SF.

Mik

chabby · May 13th, 2008, 01:07 AM

Too bad my cousin doesn't have a BF or SF Vibrolux Reverb for 400, I'd be all over that like a cheap polyester suit.

thepassivevoice · May 13th, 2008, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott S

I haven't heard either amp, but if you look at the schematics, they're largely similar. Some slight tweaks to the tone stack, a solid-state rectifier, and some component values changed here and there, but the overall topology is the same. I bet if you really wanted to, this guy could be modded to sound a lot like the real thing without much pain and suffering...

- Scott

Wouldn't this be a hassle since most of the Custom Vibrolux components are on PC boards? I ask because I have one and have been trying to decide what to do with it. I understand that the circuits are similar, but the sound is pretty different. I've actually done a side-by-side comparison with a BF Vibrolux (different tubes and speakers in each, though, so my comparison was flawed).

Scott S · May 13th, 2008, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thepassivevoice

Wouldn't this be a hassle since most of the Custom Vibrolux components are on PC boards? I ask because I have one and have been trying to decide what to do with it. I understand that the circuits are similar, but the sound is pretty different. I've actually done a side-by-side comparison with a BF Vibrolux (different tubes and speakers in each, though, so my comparison was flawed).

Hence my "if you really wanted to" line.

Some of the stuff, like adding negative feedback might not be that hard, and changing the tone stacks from the Blonde style to the BF style would be pretty easy, but if you wanted to add the tube rectifier, that's a little more involved. Stuff I would do if I got a great deal on this amp.

(Now that I think about it, the omission of NFB on this version was probably an attempt to loosen up the amp once they added the SS rectifier...

)

- Scott

IronJoe · May 13th, 2008, 10:05 AM

The CVR breaks up very early, but it is sweet sounding. The time I played it, I thought the 2x10 sounded nice and punchy. However, I'd be concerned about the hiss. It doesn't sound like something that is easily repairable.

If it was going to be your first amp, I'd say it's a great deal on a cool amp. Since it's not.... I think you're wise to pass.

chabby · May 13th, 2008, 10:36 AM

Yeah - I plugged one in very briefly last night and at low volume and liked what I heard. But probably didn't have it turned up loud enough to hiss.

I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for a SF Vibrolux Reverb though. They seem to be priced sanely still compared to SF Deluxes. I was pleasantly surprised by that.

thepassivevoice · May 13th, 2008, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott S

but if you wanted to add the tube rectifier, that's a little more involved. Stuff I would do if I got a great deal on this amp.

I think the tube rectifier is a must for the BF Vibrolux sound. But at this point I'm more encouraged by the previous post that suggested a Custom Vibrolux would be worth $600 used.

getbent · May 13th, 2008, 01:50 PM

You can find used sf vibroluxes for 1K... make your 600.00 and save 400 and you are in tone heaven. It is the only amp I don't currently have that I want.

chabby · May 13th, 2008, 03:12 PM

Me too. I have found two so far and they are in great shape. What is the differences between SF and BF VR's

chet · May 13th, 2008, 03:17 PM

I tried out a Custom Vibrolux Reverb one time and it had a lot of hiss.

I found a nice SF Vibrolux Reverb at a GC but they wanted over $1500 for it (way too much). It had a nice tremelo though.

Scott S · May 14th, 2008, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chabby

Me too. I have found two so far and they are in great shape. What is the differences between SF and BF VR's

Speakers changed, GZ34 rectifier changed to 5U4, pull boost added, gained 10 lbs (!)

- Scott

Dennis68 · May 14th, 2008, 07:59 AM

I wouldn't pass up most Vintage amps that weren't going to be triple my mortgage payment, were original, and not priced with a seller's spirit of profit. That said, I've slowly resorted my self to the fact that chasing these older amps is becoming less of something I want to do any longer. With so many decent boutique and even factory production tube amp solutions out here now, it boils down to collecting almost. (stress almost).

May 11th, 2008, 06:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
chabby Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,191	Any 65 Vibrolux love here? My cousin in idaho just called to let me know he's selling his Vibrolux and wanted to let me know first in case I wanted frist crack at it. He's selling it for 800 bucks as it's only about 8 months old. But his wife's about ready to pop and he doesn't anticipate being able to play it for a while. Anyway, I have never heard or played one but he said he'd give it to me for 450 bucks. I don't really have any amp needs, but this seems like a deal I shouldn't pass up. The amp is completely stock and he sez it's the best tone he's ever heard in his life. He also daiud the only problem (but he said its not really a problem) is it hisses a bit, but it's not noticeable when playing. Dang, I don't need it but I'm very tempted. ANd, I don't cureently have a Fender.

May 11th, 2008, 08:00 PM	#2 (permalink)
bradpdx Tele-Holic Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Portland, OR Age: 50 Posts: 569	If it sounds anything like a real '65 BFVR, it's fabulous. __________________ ---------- Tech Geek and Sensitive Artiste String bender ordinare!

May 11th, 2008, 08:58 PM	#3 (permalink)
markinlondon Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Wellington, NZ Age: 48 Posts: 426	I had a 1970 SF model for many years. A truly fantastic amp. __________________ Helping to invent english country dance guitar since 1981.

May 12th, 2008, 12:20 AM	#5 (permalink)
getbent Moderator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Benito County, California Age: 48 Posts: 8,732 37 Photos	it is the reissue. hmmm, I've not heard much love for this amp... but I do see that a lot of touring acts are using them. From what I understand they don't sound like the old ones and have all the challenges of the modern wave soldered, pcb based amps. but 450.00 is essentially free... you could flip it for 600.00 in a couple of hours... if you aren't gonna play it much... I'd tell him to sell it for what he can get max so he'll get more dough... From reading your posts, I think the amp will end up as a disappointment to you. __________________ I got a room at the top of the world tonight, I got a room at the top of the world tonight, and I ain't... comin'... down.

May 12th, 2008, 12:27 AM	#7 (permalink)
danocaster Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 462 9 Photos	$450 is a great price to flip it quickly but it's not an amp I would buy TO KEEP It's OK - but there's a lot better amps out there I had one for a few months and just couldnt get it "right" - even w/ mod$$ __________________ Louder isnt better - it's just louder ( and better )

May 12th, 2008, 12:02 AM	#4 (permalink)
nonvintage Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Diego Posts: 448	How can a 65 Vibrolux be 8 months old?

May 12th, 2008, 12:24 AM	#6 (permalink)
BrianF Friend of Leo's Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Carlsbad, Ca Posts: 2,096 7 Photos	the amp Fender sells these days is the 'Custom' Vibrolux Reverb. It is not a re-issue of the old design... It was designed new in the 90's I believe. It has some similarities such as cabinet size, 2x10 speakers, cosmetics, name, 2 6L6 power amp...thats about it. I believe it was designed by the same guy that designed the Vibro King and they came out around the same time period.

May 12th, 2008, 12:59 AM	#8 (permalink)
getbent Moderator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Benito County, California Age: 48 Posts: 8,732 37 Photos	Brian, sorry about that... you're right... it isn't a reissue... just FMIC 'reusing' an old name. apologies for poor communication on that one! __________________ I got a room at the top of the world tonight, I got a room at the top of the world tonight, and I ain't... comin'... down.

May 12th, 2008, 02:22 AM	#9 (permalink)
chabby Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,191	Yeah, I can't in good conscience get it then as he would only sell it to me for that price to keep, at least that's the conversation we had. But if I say I was just buying it to flip it, no way and I just wouldnt do that in a million years, the guy's my cousin. I will pass thanks, but I appreciate the info.

May 12th, 2008, 04:22 AM	#10 (permalink)
Scott S Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: SW CR IA US NA PE Age: 27 Posts: 1,210	I haven't heard either amp, but if you look at the schematics, they're largely similar. Some slight tweaks to the tone stack, a solid-state rectifier, and some component values changed here and there, but the overall topology is the same. I bet if you really wanted to, this guy could be modded to sound a lot like the real thing without much pain and suffering... - Scott

May 12th, 2008, 05:28 AM	#11 (permalink)
Big John Friend of Leo's Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Suffolk UK Posts: 3,757 33 Photos	In my search for the 'next one' i did consider it but nearly all the posts i read about said it was noisy and it dirtied up after about '3' on the dial so i never tried one. Mind you, at THAT price it would be tempting ......................... __________________ If you are going to be a bear, be a grizzly !!

May 12th, 2008, 09:49 AM	#12 (permalink)
chabby Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,191	Yeah, I was getting excited for a minute as I guess some have said it's the best amp ever made by fender. But they were talking of the original not the new "custom Vibrolux reverb. Not that I needed and amp anyway, but it would have been cool to own the best Fender ever made for a bargain. But this doesn't sound anything close to that old amp.

May 12th, 2008, 08:02 PM	#13 (permalink)
Mik Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,414	I heard that the "Custom" VR has no negative feedback. I played one, it was noisy hissy, kind of a loose feel and didn't sound much like a Fender BF or SF. Mik __________________ a "motor-bike with a touch of blood in it is better than all the riding animals on earth, because of its logical extension of our faculties, and the hint, the provocations, to excess."-T.E. Lawrence

May 13th, 2008, 01:07 AM	#14 (permalink)
chabby Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,191	Too bad my cousin doesn't have a BF or SF Vibrolux Reverb for 400, I'd be all over that like a cheap polyester suit.

May 13th, 2008, 10:05 AM	#17 (permalink)
IronJoe Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Raleigh, NC Age: 32 Posts: 392	The CVR breaks up very early, but it is sweet sounding. The time I played it, I thought the 2x10 sounded nice and punchy. However, I'd be concerned about the hiss. It doesn't sound like something that is easily repairable. If it was going to be your first amp, I'd say it's a great deal on a cool amp. Since it's not.... I think you're wise to pass.

May 13th, 2008, 10:36 AM	#18 (permalink)
chabby Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,191	Yeah - I plugged one in very briefly last night and at low volume and liked what I heard. But probably didn't have it turned up loud enough to hiss. I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for a SF Vibrolux Reverb though. They seem to be priced sanely still compared to SF Deluxes. I was pleasantly surprised by that.

May 13th, 2008, 01:50 PM	#20 (permalink)
getbent Moderator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Benito County, California Age: 48 Posts: 8,732 37 Photos	You can find used sf vibroluxes for 1K... make your 600.00 and save 400 and you are in tone heaven. It is the only amp I don't currently have that I want. __________________ I got a room at the top of the world tonight, I got a room at the top of the world tonight, and I ain't... comin'... down.

May 13th, 2008, 03:12 PM	#21 (permalink)
chabby Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,191	Me too. I have found two so far and they are in great shape. What is the differences between SF and BF VR's

May 13th, 2008, 03:17 PM	#22 (permalink)
chet Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: The Jersey Shore Posts: 5,729	I tried out a Custom Vibrolux Reverb one time and it had a lot of hiss. I found a nice SF Vibrolux Reverb at a GC but they wanted over $1500 for it (way too much). It had a nice tremelo though. __________________ It's Shark Week- MUAHAHAAA!

May 14th, 2008, 07:59 AM	#24 (permalink)
Dennis68 Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Hudson Valley Posts: 757	I wouldn't pass up most Vintage amps that weren't going to be triple my mortgage payment, were original, and not priced with a seller's spirit of profit. That said, I've slowly resorted my self to the fact that chasing these older amps is becoming less of something I want to do any longer. With so many decent boutique and even factory production tube amp solutions out here now, it boils down to collecting almost. (stress almost). __________________ -Dennis