Vintage Blackface Deluxe Reverb prices

Darcy Hoover · June 15th, 2008, 02:37 PM

I've only recently started looking at mid-60s Deluxe Reverbs, but I'm suprised that they seem to be going for $1100 to $1700. The only other thing I've watched for vintage prices are old Strats and Teles, and I didn't have to watch for long before realizing they were far beyond anything I could ever afford. I sort of expected the same with DRs as they seem to be a pretty revered amp. While not exactly cheap, they aren't all that much more than the RI new, which is about the same price as a good DR kit. I'm just thinking I would have rather rebuilt an old one than a kit from scratch at these prices, or am I missing something?

hal · June 15th, 2008, 02:55 PM

There is an article in the last two isssues of Vintage Guitar about old amps. Basically they contend that prices are not that bad with the exception of a few models.

I have a 66 Deluxe. It was my first amp. I recently posted here that I had it worked on(caps, tubes, etc) and now I'm back to using it at almost all my gigs. It is a great all round amp. And the key word is that I use it. I'm not being an amp snob.

I believe an old amp is sure to appreciate. And a lot of the prices are not that far off new amps. An old Deluxe for 1700.00 or a Victoria(great amps but new) for the same or more? That's an easy choice for me.

PS--Thats' a 68 Princeton with my 68 Tele in the avatar.

Singin' Dave · June 15th, 2008, 06:03 PM

I think the BF DR's are mostly past $2K these days unless they're in pretty poor shape. They are incredible amps no doubt and, at their current prices, certainly equal or better than their boutique copy equivalents, which oftne go for as much or more.

BluesOwl · June 19th, 2008, 11:59 AM

there are alternates:

headstrong amps makes a great BFDR clone

I'm getting a clone from Stu Daddy amps.

Michaell · June 19th, 2008, 12:34 PM

If you're just going to use this ( 60s Delexe Reverb ) for clean tones only
( no efx )....then shop. Don't even expect a 45 year old amp to be " clean "
or " mint ". Any amp that old will have ben rebuilt to some extent or another.
Usually more than less.....

Thats why you really have to be careful with the inlfated prices.

If you use efx, a Deluxe Reverb Reissue will get real close to what you get with a 60s version. Can't say the same for the Reissue Supers, but if you use efx get check the reissue.

Singin' Dave · June 19th, 2008, 12:57 PM

Although runnning EL84's, old Traynor YGM-3's are GREAT low cost vintage DR alternatives.

Or...pop a Celestion Gold (or even a Weber 12F150) into a SFDR and stand back!!

Twangmeister · June 19th, 2008, 01:37 PM

I know this is heretical to some around these parts, but it seems to me that given the wealth of alternatives to a BFDR available out there, the only reasons to spend that much money are A) you are a collector, B) you gotta have that vintage, 60's "mojo" (whatever that is), or you C) truly feel that only the sound of that one amp can ever fully satisfy your reason for playing, or maybe D) all of the above. If you are looking to duplicate someone's "classic" tone and must have an original BFDR. However, if you are looking for your sound, to develop your own voice as a player, it might be worth looking into equivalents and variations, often for less money (and a warranty, no less).

Not a knock against vintage amps- loved 'em, played 'em, usually available in most decent studios. Some have been amazing (I still drool over one particular BF Pro Reverb) and some have been dogs. Since I only collect what I actually use, I'd be just as likely to take the 2K (or more) and sink it into something that's really gonna inspire me. Plus, if you're playing regularly or touring, you may want to think about how your vintage DR is going to survive the slings and arrows of outrageous gigging. Just my typical two-and-a-half cents.

beach bob · June 19th, 2008, 03:57 PM

A fair arguement from the other side of the coin there Twangmeister...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twangmeister

Plus, if you're playing regularly or touring, you may want to think about how your vintage DR is going to survive the slings and arrows of outrageous gigging.

Adding my 2c to the above... it's not really a survival issue, it's really an issue of maintaining collector value of a vintage BFDR, by keeping it in origninal (or, really; as purchased) condition. There's plenty of anecdotes of people using these old amps with nary a flat tire over years and years of gigging and touring, provided it's given the usual routine maintenance. E.G., Jeb of Donna the Buffalo is still touring w/ his 60s BFDR, yep it's ratty as all get-out now, but my guess it's the same one he started with when the band formed 20+ years ago (I dunno for sure; I've only been checking em out for the last eight or so). And it still sounds great. And they are a real road band, a loud, hard rocking outfit, night after night. So that amp gets regular workouts for sure.

Some might say it's heretical to be touring with such a classic item, but I guess that's really between the musician, his maker, and ol' Leo lookin' down upon us

Wardpike · June 19th, 2008, 04:19 PM

Sometimes I wonder if all the fuss about old amps is about as asinine as fussing over VINTAGE USED STRINGS!

LOL...

Sorry, I know it's not that bad, I'm just saying that a lot of instruments retaining and accruing value is a lot different than electrical appliances doing the same. Sure they're cute ancient relics and oddities and parts of history, but they're fickle, falling apart, in need of constant repair and were not built like today's boutique amplifiers.

I have 3 old Vox AC30s, and whilst I still love them... they're old and moldy, stinky and fussy, and very costly to maintain!

Whereas...

My 3 new Dr.Z amps are reliable, beautiful, clean, and smell really realy nice. And better yet: They sound fantastic. The Stang Ray is like what a pre 1963 Vox AC30 with the ef86 preamp should have sounded like!

Best regards, no offense meant to anyone!

Ward

Bill · June 19th, 2008, 09:51 PM

You can make all the intellectual, fact-based arguments you want. But for some of us, when we come across this, all reason goes out the door. A matching '66 Tele and Deluxe Reverb:

Darcy Hoover · June 20th, 2008, 06:33 AM

Should be getting my Marsh Deluxe Reverb kit in the next few days, it was shipped Monday.....

blackguard1135 · June 20th, 2008, 02:58 PM

I have a Bruno Cowtipper and a 30 watt Bad Cat Cub IIR both of which have tone that makes me shiver, but for most gigs I just grab my 66 DR. It's plenty loud and breaks up and gets that squish I can chew on when it's up over 6. No other amp I've ever had does it as well!

I tried a reissue in the shop when I got the 66 and there was absolutely no comparison.
This is hands down one of the BEST amps ever.
I got it ten years ago for around 1200; would I pay 2400 for it now? I don't know, but I certainly paid more for the Cat and Bruno, so...why not?

like hal said, it's the GO TO amp he can always rely on. How true.

This one was in pretty near perfect when I got it.
It does the most beautiful clean—a bit smaller and a bit less complex than my other two, but all the important stuff is heard in a band setting. Then turn it up and be prepared to get goose bumps!

how's that for a review?

almost sounds like I'm talking about one of my kids

of course that's why I can afford these amps—I don't have any kids!

strat a various · June 20th, 2008, 05:43 PM

Blackguard,
You are absolutely dead-on about the Deluxe Reverb. Every word.
One thing I'd like to add if I may, I think many players, mostly less-experienced players, or maybe just the most stubborn types, overlook that effect of room acoustics on the sound of an amp. The living room, or the music store, don't allow one to hear the potential of a gigging amp; likewise, the echoey sports pub on blues jam night doesn't always offer the opportunity to tweak the amp to it's best advantage tonally. Experience has taught hundreds of gigging players that the Deluxe Reverb is the gold-standard of medium volume club amps. And I don't even own one. One of these days.

hamish5178 · June 20th, 2008, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Singin' Dave

I think the BF DR's are mostly past $2K these days unless they're in pretty poor shape. They are incredible amps no doubt and, at their current prices, certainly equal or better than their boutique copy equivalents, which oftne go for as much or more.

There's a mint one near me for $1500, I was also surprised when I started looking into old amps.

The real steals are the BF bassmans and bandmasters.

singlecoil · June 21st, 2008, 02:25 PM

I hear ya Wardpike, I'd put my money in a Carr Rambler myslef, that thang drips tone!

chabby · June 21st, 2008, 02:48 PM

My opinion used to be similar to others who say vintage amps are marginal to use all the time, fragile etc. But now that I own 2 of them, I wouldnt trade them for any new amp. They are not only great sounding and plenty reliable, they are sturdy workhorse that will be going long after I'm gone.

I have played alot of new amps and alot of Re-issue Fenders and I don't care what anybody says, they don't sound like the originals. Until you have one to live with, you won't understand. But I waited 49 years and now feel stupid I waited so long. Part of the reason I chose SFVR's (silver face Vibrolux Reverbs) as my target of choice, is because they can still be had for reasonable prices, though I expect that to change eventually. They are kind of a darkhorse on the market, but sound as good, and IMO better for usually less money. More power, push more air, punchy and wonderfull for a bit less cash. But if it's a BFDR youre after, get it and don't look back because there's a reason they aren't cheap.

hamish5178 · June 21st, 2008, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chabby

My opinion used to be similar to others who say vintage amps are marginal to use all the time, fragile etc. But now that I own 2 of them, I wouldnt trade them for any new amp. They are not only great sounding and plenty reliable, they are sturdy workhorse that will be going long after I'm gone.

I think a new fender with a cardboard cabinet would be much more marginal than an old amp made of real wood!

mertzy · June 21st, 2008, 10:30 PM

Try this Amp Pricing link. This guy tracks Fender amp sales and posts the results. Pretty informative.

If you want to save a little money try a silver face deluxe reverb, especially the pull-boost models, they're cheaper and very very good. Just don't use the pull-boost.

skeksis · June 21st, 2008, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mertzy

Try this Amp Pricing link. This guy tracks Fender amp sales and posts the results. Pretty informative.

If you want to save a little money try a silver face deluxe reverb, especially the pull-boost models, they're cheaper and very very good. Just don't use the pull-boost.

mertzy -- great link, added to my favorites :-)

chabby · June 22nd, 2008, 01:01 AM

Some even like them (SF's) better than the BF's. I will say this, I have played some gorgeus sounding SF deluxes. In fact the first Deluxe I ever plugged in was an SF and I haven't forgotten it to this day. Thats how much it's tone effected me. Porbably more influential on me than any amp I ever plugged in.

It introduced that beautiful Fender clean to me.

blackguard1135 · June 22nd, 2008, 11:51 AM

...and I have to agree with Singlecoil; the Carr Rambler is a tone monster.

So many great amps out there—the Rambler is one of the best new amps out there—squish for days and complex, yet plenty loud for most situations.

...you know Squish that's like you can chew on it when you dig in with the pick—makes me want to play it for days.

Don't get me started—I'll have to drain my bank account again!

59TweedVibrolux · June 26th, 2008, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Singin' Dave

I think the BF DR's are mostly past $2K these days unless they're in pretty poor shape. They are incredible amps no doubt and, at their current prices, certainly equal or better than their boutique copy equivalents, which oftne go for as much or more.

Never seen a B.F. Deluxe for sale lately under $2200, they mostly range
$2200 - $2800...Average Cond't - Mint , Super Reverbs are around the $2000/
2300 mark. BF Princeton Reverbs are fetching $1800 - 2900 Fair - Mint Stock,
Tweed Princetons $1600 - 2200, Vibrolux $2700 - $ 6550 (ebay recently),
Tweed Champs $1000 - 2400 (ebay recently $2450), Tweed Deluxe $3500 -
$5000.....all are on the rise. Tweed Bassmans, Super, Bandmasters, Twins....
Forget It !!!.... Bank Loan Stuff

59TweedVibrolux · June 26th, 2008, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill

You can make all the intellectual, fact-based arguments you want. But for some of us, when we come across this, all reason goes out the door. A matching '66 Tele and Deluxe Reverb:

Beautiful...... Frame It !!! Now Thats What I Call ART

Radspin · June 29th, 2008, 07:03 PM

If that's a '66 Tele it should have a white pickguard, not black, unless it's a custom order?

chabby · June 29th, 2008, 07:24 PM

Oh, I don't know...seems reasonable to me to want and or/purchase a BF DR as it would be near the top of anyone's list on this site generally speaking.
I got lucky and picke up a 69 SF Vibrolux Reverb that sounds exactly like a BF. And get this: it was less money than the 1979 SF sitting right next to it at GC.

I ran home, researched the amp until about 3AM, and ran back down there when they opened in the AM. I was waiting for someone to tackle me in the parkinglot on the way to my car. Definitley felt a little bit like the Cheshire cat. Then after I got home and reserched some more I wasn't quite as excited, just happy I got an amp they valued wrong.

Then a week later I was back on cloud

June 15th, 2008, 02:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
Darcy Hoover Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Posts: 373	Vintage Blackface Deluxe Reverb prices I've only recently started looking at mid-60s Deluxe Reverbs, but I'm suprised that they seem to be going for $1100 to $1700. The only other thing I've watched for vintage prices are old Strats and Teles, and I didn't have to watch for long before realizing they were far beyond anything I could ever afford. I sort of expected the same with DRs as they seem to be a pretty revered amp. While not exactly cheap, they aren't all that much more than the RI new, which is about the same price as a good DR kit. I'm just thinking I would have rather rebuilt an old one than a kit from scratch at these prices, or am I missing something? __________________ http://www.soundclick.com/darcyhoover

June 15th, 2008, 02:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
hal Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 764	Old Deluxe pricing... There is an article in the last two isssues of Vintage Guitar about old amps. Basically they contend that prices are not that bad with the exception of a few models. I have a 66 Deluxe. It was my first amp. I recently posted here that I had it worked on(caps, tubes, etc) and now I'm back to using it at almost all my gigs. It is a great all round amp. And the key word is that I use it. I'm not being an amp snob. I believe an old amp is sure to appreciate. And a lot of the prices are not that far off new amps. An old Deluxe for 1700.00 or a Victoria(great amps but new) for the same or more? That's an easy choice for me. PS--Thats' a 68 Princeton with my 68 Tele in the avatar. __________________ Wherever you go, there you are.

June 19th, 2008, 11:59 AM	#4 (permalink)
BluesOwl Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Dexter, MI Posts: 544 31 Photos	alternates there are alternates: headstrong amps makes a great BFDR clone I'm getting a clone from Stu Daddy amps. __________________ BluesOwl

June 19th, 2008, 12:34 PM	#5 (permalink)
Michaell Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: on the bus Posts: 599	an option If you're just going to use this ( 60s Delexe Reverb ) for clean tones only ( no efx )....then shop. Don't even expect a 45 year old amp to be " clean " or " mint ". Any amp that old will have ben rebuilt to some extent or another. Usually more than less..... Thats why you really have to be careful with the inlfated prices. If you use efx, a Deluxe Reverb Reissue will get real close to what you get with a 60s version. Can't say the same for the Reissue Supers, but if you use efx get check the reissue. __________________ x

June 19th, 2008, 01:37 PM	#7 (permalink)
Twangmeister Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lost Angeles, CA Posts: 1,230	I know this is heretical to some around these parts, but it seems to me that given the wealth of alternatives to a BFDR available out there, the only reasons to spend that much money are A) you are a collector, B) you gotta have that vintage, 60's "mojo" (whatever that is), or you C) truly feel that only the sound of that one amp can ever fully satisfy your reason for playing, or maybe D) all of the above. If you are looking to duplicate someone's "classic" tone and must have an original BFDR. However, if you are looking for your sound, to develop your own voice as a player, it might be worth looking into equivalents and variations, often for less money (and a warranty, no less). Not a knock against vintage amps- loved 'em, played 'em, usually available in most decent studios. Some have been amazing (I still drool over one particular BF Pro Reverb) and some have been dogs. Since I only collect what I actually use, I'd be just as likely to take the 2K (or more) and sink it into something that's really gonna inspire me. Plus, if you're playing regularly or touring, you may want to think about how your vintage DR is going to survive the slings and arrows of outrageous gigging. Just my typical two-and-a-half cents. __________________ "The man that hath no music in himself, nor is not mov'd with concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils." http://www.myspace.com/jeremendelsohn

June 15th, 2008, 06:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
Singin' Dave TDPRI Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Chicago Age: 40 Posts: 65	I think the BF DR's are mostly past $2K these days unless they're in pretty poor shape. They are incredible amps no doubt and, at their current prices, certainly equal or better than their boutique copy equivalents, which oftne go for as much or more.

June 19th, 2008, 12:57 PM	#6 (permalink)
Singin' Dave TDPRI Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Chicago Age: 40 Posts: 65	Although runnning EL84's, old Traynor YGM-3's are GREAT low cost vintage DR alternatives. Or...pop a Celestion Gold (or even a Weber 12F150) into a SFDR and stand back!!

June 19th, 2008, 04:19 PM	#9 (permalink)
Wardpike Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: St. John's, Newfoundland Age: 43 Posts: 591	Sometimes I wonder if all the fuss about old amps is about as asinine as fussing over VINTAGE USED STRINGS! LOL... Sorry, I know it's not that bad, I'm just saying that a lot of instruments retaining and accruing value is a lot different than electrical appliances doing the same. Sure they're cute ancient relics and oddities and parts of history, but they're fickle, falling apart, in need of constant repair and were not built like today's boutique amplifiers. I have 3 old Vox AC30s, and whilst I still love them... they're old and moldy, stinky and fussy, and very costly to maintain! Whereas... My 3 new Dr.Z amps are reliable, beautiful, clean, and smell really realy nice. And better yet: They sound fantastic. The Stang Ray is like what a pre 1963 Vox AC30 with the ef86 preamp should have sounded like! Best regards, no offense meant to anyone! Ward __________________ Proverbs 3:6 Matthew 5:44

June 19th, 2008, 09:51 PM	#10 (permalink)
Bill Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 2,549 56 Photos	You can make all the intellectual, fact-based arguments you want. But for some of us, when we come across this, all reason goes out the door. A matching '66 Tele and Deluxe Reverb: __________________ B i l l B a e c k A journal of our year in London

June 20th, 2008, 06:33 AM	#11 (permalink)
Darcy Hoover Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia Posts: 373	Should be getting my Marsh Deluxe Reverb kit in the next few days, it was shipped Monday..... __________________ http://www.soundclick.com/darcyhoover

June 20th, 2008, 02:58 PM	#12 (permalink)
blackguard1135 TDPRI Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 69	I have a Bruno Cowtipper and a 30 watt Bad Cat Cub IIR both of which have tone that makes me shiver, but for most gigs I just grab my 66 DR. It's plenty loud and breaks up and gets that squish I can chew on when it's up over 6. No other amp I've ever had does it as well! I tried a reissue in the shop when I got the 66 and there was absolutely no comparison. This is hands down one of the BEST amps ever. I got it ten years ago for around 1200; would I pay 2400 for it now? I don't know, but I certainly paid more for the Cat and Bruno, so...why not? like hal said, it's the GO TO amp he can always rely on. How true. This one was in pretty near perfect when I got it. It does the most beautiful clean—a bit smaller and a bit less complex than my other two, but all the important stuff is heard in a band setting. Then turn it up and be prepared to get goose bumps! how's that for a review? almost sounds like I'm talking about one of my kids of course that's why I can afford these amps—I don't have any kids! __________________ Blackguard1135

June 20th, 2008, 05:43 PM	#13 (permalink)
strat a various Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2008 Location: Dana Point Ca Age: 50 Posts: 135	Blackguard, You are absolutely dead-on about the Deluxe Reverb. Every word. One thing I'd like to add if I may, I think many players, mostly less-experienced players, or maybe just the most stubborn types, overlook that effect of room acoustics on the sound of an amp. The living room, or the music store, don't allow one to hear the potential of a gigging amp; likewise, the echoey sports pub on blues jam night doesn't always offer the opportunity to tweak the amp to it's best advantage tonally. Experience has taught hundreds of gigging players that the Deluxe Reverb is the gold-standard of medium volume club amps. And I don't even own one. One of these days.

June 21st, 2008, 02:25 PM	#15 (permalink)
singlecoil Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: SE New Mexico Posts: 203	I hear ya Wardpike, I'd put my money in a Carr Rambler myslef, that thang drips tone!

June 21st, 2008, 02:48 PM	#16 (permalink)
chabby Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,257	My opinion used to be similar to others who say vintage amps are marginal to use all the time, fragile etc. But now that I own 2 of them, I wouldnt trade them for any new amp. They are not only great sounding and plenty reliable, they are sturdy workhorse that will be going long after I'm gone. I have played alot of new amps and alot of Re-issue Fenders and I don't care what anybody says, they don't sound like the originals. Until you have one to live with, you won't understand. But I waited 49 years and now feel stupid I waited so long. Part of the reason I chose SFVR's (silver face Vibrolux Reverbs) as my target of choice, is because they can still be had for reasonable prices, though I expect that to change eventually. They are kind of a darkhorse on the market, but sound as good, and IMO better for usually less money. More power, push more air, punchy and wonderfull for a bit less cash. But if it's a BFDR youre after, get it and don't look back because there's a reason they aren't cheap.

June 21st, 2008, 10:30 PM	#18 (permalink)
mertzy TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dumont, NJ Posts: 48	Try this Amp Pricing link. This guy tracks Fender amp sales and posts the results. Pretty informative. If you want to save a little money try a silver face deluxe reverb, especially the pull-boost models, they're cheaper and very very good. Just don't use the pull-boost.

June 22nd, 2008, 01:01 AM	#20 (permalink)
chabby Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,257	Some even like them (SF's) better than the BF's. I will say this, I have played some gorgeus sounding SF deluxes. In fact the first Deluxe I ever plugged in was an SF and I haven't forgotten it to this day. Thats how much it's tone effected me. Porbably more influential on me than any amp I ever plugged in. It introduced that beautiful Fender clean to me.

June 22nd, 2008, 11:51 AM	#21 (permalink)
blackguard1135 TDPRI Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 69	...and I have to agree with Singlecoil; the Carr Rambler is a tone monster. So many great amps out there—the Rambler is one of the best new amps out there—squish for days and complex, yet plenty loud for most situations. ...you know Squish that's like you can chew on it when you dig in with the pick—makes me want to play it for days. Don't get me started—I'll have to drain my bank account again! __________________ Blackguard1135

June 29th, 2008, 07:03 PM	#24 (permalink)
Radspin Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: East Northport, NY Age: 53 Posts: 190	If that's a '66 Tele it should have a white pickguard, not black, unless it's a custom order?