Seeking Princeton Reverb Clones

[H. Mac]

This weekend I played though a Vintage Sound 20, which is a blackface Princeton Reverb clone based on a modded AA 1164 circuit. The mods include a Mid control and a 12 inch speaker.

So now, I’m looking for a Princeton Reverb AA 1164 clone.

I’ve been a “tweed guy” for a long time and have no experience with blackface clones. The Vintage Sound 20 is on my short list, but I’ve just started researching and I wondered if some of you might be able to help me along with advice on amps that I should consider.

My “Gotta Haves” Are:

A Princeton Reverb AA 1164 circuit, although mods are fine as long as they don’t change the basic character of the amp; 2 6V6s; and a single channel. I also want an approval period, maybe 48 hours, and wouldn’t mind picking up the shipping costs both ways if the amp didn’t work out.

My Preferences Are

A 12 inch speaker (instead of the standard 10” speaker); and hand wired (I know there’s lots of good PCB amps, but prefer hand wired because I’m old school).

I want to avoid: Build time. I've had good builds in the past, but really want an amp that's ready to go. I also want to avoid a vintage blackface. I have my share of vintage amps, and for the most part, like the modern clones at least as well.

I play at home and jam with friends (usually without a drummer) so I don't need a lot of volume. I'm not concerned with quality of reverb or tremolo, and will rarely use them.

I understand that the AA 763 and AA 964 circuits were basically the AA 1164 circuit minus the reverb and tremolo, but don’t know if they actually have a sound similar to the AA 1164 sound.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[acoustic rob]

Sounds like you want an Allen Sweet Spot, although I don't know what their lead time/return policies are.

(link removed)

 

[RubyRae]

Allen Amplification "Sweet Spot" is great.

Keedy Amps "Relativity Reverb" is spot on, and great!

Clark Amplification "Kanee Reverb" is one of the best.

Headstrong makes a good one, and about 10 other great builders...

 

[H. Mac]

Sounds like you want an Allen Sweet Spot, although I don't know what their lead time/return policies are.

(link removed)

Thanks, Rob. I did only a few minutes on Google for Allen Amps (since I'm at work), but it looks like Allen has a great reputation.

 

[H. Mac]

Allen Amplification "Sweet Spot" is great.

Keedy Amps "Relativity Reverb" is spot on, and great!

Clark Amplification "Kanee Reverb" is one of the best.

Headstrong makes a good one, and about 10 other great builders...

Thanks, RubyRae. I'll check into these.

 

[Millebern]

I recently purchased a Keedy Relativity Reverb and I couldn't be happier. Just take a look at the pics on his website- super clean work and he is a great guy to deal with. Good luck in your quest.

 

[ScottJPatrick]

Don't think you want to go down this route and not exactly a princeton reverb clone (actually the other way round!) but my 1961 tweed Gibson GA19RVT sounds very similar to the sound clips of the Sweet Spot, more or less the same amp but with one tone control instead of 3. Sweet spot sure looks sweet though and won't need a re-cap for a while.

 

[figaro]

It just doesn't get any better than a Vintage Sound amp. The Vintage 20 model is actually closer to a Deluxe Reverb in power, it has Deluxe size transformers. The Vintage 15 is actually the Princeton Reverb model. I love having the Middle control and the 12" speaker. Rick can also add a Dwell knob for the reverb. I noticed there's currently a nice Vintage Sound Deluxe Reverb model (not mine) for sale at The Gear Page in it's Amp Emporium at a good price. Here's a link. Good luck!

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=1348724

 

[Tim Armstrong]

My friend Mike Moody builds a damn nice Princeton clone, the Magic Amps Vibro Prince.

Not sure about turnaround time...

Tim

 

[marshman]

I dunno how set you are on A) new or B) 12" speaker, but the Gomez G-Reverb got a few rave reviews. Basically a 'tweaked' PR, though the 15" speaker varies from your specs, and it's been discontinued, which means you'll need to find one secondhand.

http://www.gomezamps.com/g-reverb.html

 

[H. Mac]

I recently purchased a Keedy Relativity Reverb and I couldn't be happier. Just take a look at the pics on his website- super clean work and he is a great guy to deal with. Good luck in your quest.

Thanks, Milleburn! They look great, so I've added another contender to my short list.

 

[H. Mac]

Don't think you want to go down this route and not exactly a princeton reverb clone (actually the other way round!) but my 1961 tweed Gibson GA19RVT sounds very similar to the sound clips of the Sweet Spot, more or less the same amp but with one tone control instead of 3. Sweet spot sure looks sweet though and won't need a re-cap for a while.

Thank you, Scott. Those old Gibson tweeds - - I've owned a few and am suprised that they didn't come with labels warning about how addictive they are! But I've got more than enough tweeds for now, and am about to take the blackface sound plunge!

 

[H. Mac]

It just doesn't get any better than a Vintage Sound amp. The Vintage 20 model is actually closer to a Deluxe Reverb in power, it has Deluxe size transformers. The Vintage 15 is actually the Princeton Reverb model. I love having the Middle control and the 12" speaker. Rick can also add a Dwell knob for the reverb. I noticed there's currently a nice Vintage Sound Deluxe Reverb model (not mine) for sale at The Gear Page in it's Amp Emporium at a good price. Here's a link. Good luck!

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=1348724

Thanks, Figaro. You mentioned the middle control, and on the Vintage 20 I tried, the control that it allowed over the sound was incredible. You're right about the Vintage 15, and it's also on my contender list. I appreciate the link too.

 

[H. Mac]

My friend Mike Moody builds a damn nice Princeton clone, the Magic Amps Vibro Prince.

Not sure about turnaround time...

Tim

Thanks, Tim. The Magic Amp site is really impressive. I never saw an amp builder offer a 1 x 12" for the same price as a 1 x 10'', so there's another one on my contender list.

 

[H. Mac]

I dunno how set you are on A) new or B) 12" speaker, but the Gomez G-Reverb got a few rave reviews. Basically a 'tweaked' PR, though the 15" speaker varies from your specs, and it's been discontinued, which means you'll need to find one secondhand.

http://www.gomezamps.com/g-reverb.html

Thank you, Marshman! I'm more interested in a new amp than a used one, although the 15" could be a nice touch.

 

[Jared Purdy]

This weekend I played though a Vintage Sound 20, which is a blackface Princeton Reverb clone based on a modded AA 1164 circuit. The mods include a Mid control and a 12 inch speaker.

So now, I’m looking for a Princeton Reverb AA 1164 clone.

I’ve been a “tweed guy” for a long time and have no experience with blackface clones. The Vintage Sound 20 is on my short list, but I’ve just started researching and I wondered if some of you might be able to help me along with advice on amps that I should consider.

My “Gotta Haves” Are:

A Princeton Reverb AA 1164 circuit, although mods are fine as long as they don’t change the basic character of the amp; 2 6V6s; and a single channel. I also want an approval period, maybe 48 hours, and wouldn’t mind picking up the shipping costs both ways if the amp didn’t work out.

My Preferences Are

A 12 inch speaker (instead of the standard 10” speaker); and hand wired (I know there’s lots of good PCB amps, but prefer hand wired because I’m old school).

I want to avoid: Build time. I've had good builds in the past, but really want an amp that's ready to go. I also want to avoid a vintage blackface. I have my share of vintage amps, and for the most part, like the modern clones at least as well.

I play at home and jam with friends (usually without a drummer) so I don't need a lot of volume. I'm not concerned with quality of reverb or tremolo, and will rarely use them.

I understand that the AA 763 and AA 964 circuits were basically the AA 1164 circuit minus the reverb and tremolo, but don’t know if they actually have a sound similar to the AA 1164 sound.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Rick Hayes at Vintage Sound also makes a direct clone of the blackface PR, 14 watts. The other contender would be a Headstrong, though I thin the wattage would be a bit more, and I believe they use a 12" speaker. Also check out Marsh Amps, they offer a full-on clone of either the blackface or silverface era schematic, and you can order it with either a 10" or 12" speaker. Cabs are solid pine. Someone else might be able to comment on the reliability of Marsh, as I have only looked at their products on line. I've played through a Headstrong and it was amazing sounding. I had a chance to AB it next to a PRRI with a Celestion Gold in in and the Headstrong won hands down. I haven't had the chance to try a Vintage Sounds amp.

 

[H. Mac]

Thanks, Jared. You mentioned the direct clone of the blackface PR that Vintage Sound makes. I think that's the Vintage 15, and although I didn't play one, it might work for me, since I don't use a lot of volume, and have tweed amps for early breakup. I'll check into Marsh as well.

 

[Captain Bb]

More than happy with my Headsdstong Lil' King-S. Give Wayne Jones a call (or drop him an email) at Headstrong to discuss your requirements. Very helpful guy.

 

[H. Mac]

Thanks, Captain Bb. I might get a chance to play through a Headstrong this weekend.

 

[El Cavano]

What do you guys like in the $500-$800 range? Target tone would be a Silver Face Princeton Reverb.