Got my Deluxe Reverb fixed today.

JerryPro · April 7th, 2004, 03:28 PM

Well I took my amp in to the tech today and expected to leave it. He immediately opened it up and went to work on the switch. Sure enough the switch was bad. They have gone to a double contact switch with a wire on each contact. One of the contacts was turned about a 45° angle from flat and wasn't making contact except every once in a while. He replaced the switch and it is back in business. The switches poor contacts were also causing the "grrr". We were able to trigger by wiggling the switch.

Thanks for all the support and advice on the previous post.

Primo Don · April 7th, 2004, 04:12 PM

JerryPro. I've been thinking about getting a DRRI, but after I read you posts about your troubles, I was looking elsewhere. Now I'm interested again. Did you make any mods to it, except the repairs?

I will probably put in a Celestion AlNiCo Blue...hmm.

Adam

Jim L · April 7th, 2004, 05:09 PM

I've heard enough complaints from folks about the DRRI amps that I've always avoided them. I suppose they come with the warrantee, but it sounds like too high a percentage of brand new amps have issues soon after coming home from the store.

If possible, the wise (IMHO) move is to get an early SF model if you can find one that's been taken care of with at least the basic maintenance. Buy used, play for free. (you can usually get your money back without taking a real loss). Buy a new Fender and then sell it in a year, you'll take a hit.

I know several folks who love their DRRI's... most put a bit more $$ into them by upgrading the speaker and tubes.

But who am I to talk?? I just sold my '64 Reverberocket and replaced it with a 6-month old Peavey Delta Blues (1x15). This was much more a matter or being practical. My main amp is a '73 Pro Reverb. The Ampeg wasn't big enough to gig with w/o mic'ing, and it's been a bit problematic lately (which the buyer knew). The PV DB gives me a compact (like a DR only a little taller) but loud amp. It's a loud 30 watts. And the clean channel is pretty darn good. I won't worry about taking it to a gig (versus a true vintage Fender or a boooootique style amp) once I get the tube guard on there.

You always have a chance of buying used and finding out later that the amp was really abused, or just not well maintained. So either way, there's a risk I suppose. One nice this about old Fenders, most amp techs learned on these things and the majority of them know old Fenders inside and out.

Adam, if you're going to buy a DRRI and plan to replace the speaker, look into some SF DRs if you can. You might be happier in the long run, and it probably won't cost you any more $$.

JerryPro · April 7th, 2004, 05:41 PM

Don: I didn't make any mods. I was going to add the reverb to the left channel but my tech friend convinced me otherwise.

I actually like the speaker that's in it just fine. Really though I haven't heard other speakers in them so I don't know what I might be missing.

I also have a 69 model SF (chassis date 8/68 ) that is sort of a transition period amp. It does not have the metal band around the grill like the SF BFs but it does have a BF chassis except for the recifier tube. The tech said that it was sort of a strange deal because it looks like a SF but is all BF inside. He even put a BF rectifier tube in it but I put the SF one back because it has less sag.

Jim: No, I'm still lurking for a Peavey C30 or DB. I'm waiting to see how yours turns out after a bit more time along with Telejackers anticipated 2X10 DB. I'm definitely going to add one of those to fill void created when sold my Ampeg Jet II. I like to have something really mobile like that around.

Both of my DRs sound really good. They are a little different, one form the other, but both very good.

April 7th, 2004, 03:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
JerryPro Tele-Holic Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Arkansas(Razorbacks) Age: 47 Posts: 556	Got my Deluxe Reverb fixed today. Well I took my amp in to the tech today and expected to leave it. He immediately opened it up and went to work on the switch. Sure enough the switch was bad. They have gone to a double contact switch with a wire on each contact. One of the contacts was turned about a 45° angle from flat and wasn't making contact except every once in a while. He replaced the switch and it is back in business. The switches poor contacts were also causing the "grrr". We were able to trigger by wiggling the switch. Thanks for all the support and advice on the previous post. __________________ ...it's not the load that breaks you down it's the way in which you carry it.

April 7th, 2004, 04:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
Primo Don Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Orlando, FL Age: 31 Posts: 381	Thank you JerryPro. I've been thinking about getting a DRRI, but after I read you posts about your troubles, I was looking elsewhere. Now I'm interested again. Did you make any mods to it, except the repairs? I will probably put in a Celestion AlNiCo Blue...hmm. Adam __________________ Why yes, I do have a liberal arts degree...do you want fries with that?

April 7th, 2004, 05:09 PM	#3 (permalink)
Jim L Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Merrimac, MA Posts: 378 13 Photos	So no PV Classic for you now, eh Jerry? I've heard enough complaints from folks about the DRRI amps that I've always avoided them. I suppose they come with the warrantee, but it sounds like too high a percentage of brand new amps have issues soon after coming home from the store. If possible, the wise (IMHO) move is to get an early SF model if you can find one that's been taken care of with at least the basic maintenance. Buy used, play for free. (you can usually get your money back without taking a real loss). Buy a new Fender and then sell it in a year, you'll take a hit. I know several folks who love their DRRI's... most put a bit more $$ into them by upgrading the speaker and tubes. But who am I to talk?? I just sold my '64 Reverberocket and replaced it with a 6-month old Peavey Delta Blues (1x15). This was much more a matter or being practical. My main amp is a '73 Pro Reverb. The Ampeg wasn't big enough to gig with w/o mic'ing, and it's been a bit problematic lately (which the buyer knew). The PV DB gives me a compact (like a DR only a little taller) but loud amp. It's a loud 30 watts. And the clean channel is pretty darn good. I won't worry about taking it to a gig (versus a true vintage Fender or a boooootique style amp) once I get the tube guard on there. You always have a chance of buying used and finding out later that the amp was really abused, or just not well maintained. So either way, there's a risk I suppose. One nice this about old Fenders, most amp techs learned on these things and the majority of them know old Fenders inside and out. Adam, if you're going to buy a DRRI and plan to replace the speaker, look into some SF DRs if you can. You might be happier in the long run, and it probably won't cost you any more $$.

April 7th, 2004, 05:41 PM	#4 (permalink)
JerryPro Tele-Holic Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Arkansas(Razorbacks) Age: 47 Posts: 556	Don: I didn't make any mods. I was going to add the reverb to the left channel but my tech friend convinced me otherwise. I actually like the speaker that's in it just fine. Really though I haven't heard other speakers in them so I don't know what I might be missing. I also have a 69 model SF (chassis date 8/68 ) that is sort of a transition period amp. It does not have the metal band around the grill like the SF BFs but it does have a BF chassis except for the recifier tube. The tech said that it was sort of a strange deal because it looks like a SF but is all BF inside. He even put a BF rectifier tube in it but I put the SF one back because it has less sag. Jim: No, I'm still lurking for a Peavey C30 or DB. I'm waiting to see how yours turns out after a bit more time along with Telejackers anticipated 2X10 DB. I'm definitely going to add one of those to fill void created when sold my Ampeg Jet II. I like to have something really mobile like that around. Both of my DRs sound really good. They are a little different, one form the other, but both very good. __________________ ...it's not the load that breaks you down it's the way in which you carry it.