Vintage Fender Vibrolux vs. Deluxe Reverb

[sevycat]

What are the differences between theses amps other then speaker size and wattage? Are there any pro's or con's with these blackface amps?

 

[Zac]

I currently own a 66 Vibrolux and a 65 Deluxe Reverb. The VL has more low-end, a wider sound due to the 2-10's, and a tiny bit more headroom. The Luxe has an overall sweeter tone, less low end, smoother highs, better compression, and slightly less headroom. I think the Deluxe is the better sounding amp, but sometimes you need what the VL offers. If you are going to actually gig, or use gain pedals with these amps, you really ought to get replacement speakers.

The 2 amps together sound amazing.

If clean headroom is not an issue, get the Deluxe. If you need things to hold together a bit longer, get the Vibrolux.

 

[sevycat]

I currently own a 66 Vibrolux and a 65 Deluxe Reverb. The VL has more low-end, a wider sound due to the 2-10's, and a tiny bit more headroom. The Luxe has an overall sweeter tone, less low end, smoother highs, better compression, and slightly less headroom. I think the Deluxe is the better sounding amp, but sometimes you need what the VL offers. If you are going to actually gig, or use gain pedals with these amps, you really ought to get replacement speakers.

The 2 amps together sound amazing.

If clean headroom is not an issue, get the Deluxe. If you need things to hold together a bit longer, get the Vibrolux.

I already own a 1966 Deluxe Reverb, so that amp is known to me. I am trying to find out more about the vintage blackface vibrolux amps.

 

[Wally]

Okay...I'll be picayune. The BF Vibrolux is much different from the Deluxe REverb. How? Well, both of them are 1X12 amps, but the DR runs 6V6 power tubes while the Vibrolux runs 6L6's. The DR has reverb adn tremolo while the Vibrolux only has tremolo. IN short, the Vibrolux is a bigger brother to the non-reverb Deluxe. Many people wish that FEnder had built the later Vibrolux Reverb in the pattern of the BF Vibrolux...that is, 1 x 12 with 2 x 6L6 power tubes.
Now, if you are asking to compare the Vibrolux REverb, then Zac has covered things.

 

[sevycat]

Okay...I'll be picayune. The BF Vibrolux is much different from the Deluxe REverb. How? Well, both of them are 1X12 amps, but the DR runs 6V6 power tubes while the Vibrolux runs 6L6's. The DR has reverb adn tremolo while the Vibrolux only has tremolo. IN short, the Vibrolux is a bigger brother to the non-reverb Deluxe. Many people wish that FEnder had built the later Vibrolux Reverb in the pattern of the BF Vibrolux...that is, 1 x 12 with 2 x 6L6 power tubes.
Now, if you are asking to compare the Vibrolux REverb, then Zac has covered things.

My understanding is that most of the Black Face era had 2 X 10 speakers and did have reverb, I not sure what era vibrolux had 1 x 12 or non reverb as you stated. BTW, thanks for the education on the word picayune. I had to look that one up.

 

[Wally]

sevycat....I was just having a bit of fun and trying to keep things straight. The first BF Vibrolux---AB763 schematic--- was a non-reverb, 2 X 6L6 amp with a single 12" speaker. That amp was cancelled, and the Vibrolux REVERB ---AA964----was introduced with reverb and 2 x 10's. The same thing happened with the AB763 BF Pro. The BF Pro was a 2 x 6L6, non-reverb amp with a single 15". The 2 x 12 Pro REVERB---AA165---- was introduced after the 1 x 15 PRo was cancelled.
Without the 'reverb' or a schematic designation, it is easy to confuse what amps we are talking about, right? Deluxe or Deluxe REverb??? Bandmaster or Bandmaster REverb??? There are a few Fender amps that present us with this 'problem'.
I once called a girl's house back in high school....and asked if Dianne was there. The problem???? I had dialed Tonya's number!!!! You just gotta keep those names straight, right? LOL

 

[Middleman]

I have an 81 Vibroloux Reverb and a modern DRRI.

As said above a lot more bass in the VR which is well defined, not mushy. Definitely my choice for live. The DRRI has midrange the VR does not have. In fact that's the key difference. The VR is rich bottom and top with more head room. The DRRI less low end, more midrange, more rounded highs but just a little. But there is a sweet spot on the DRRI where the guitar just rings in your hands on every note. The VR can get there but it's much louder at that point. Neither is going anywhere soon.

 

[sevycat]

Thanks guys, that helps me understand a little more about the Vibrolux. I really like my DR and I don't think that I would be able to use a vibrolux in a home use like I do with the DR. From what I am reading you have to play louder to get the vibrolux to deliver what you can get from a DR, for the most part, at a lower volume.

 

[Chiogtr4x]

^^ My buddy (who does not really gig anymore) has a '66 Vibrolux Reverb and suffers from the same problem. His VR at '2' is loud but almost too clear and shimmery and he can't turn up louder- he sounds like he is going direct at this volume, the amp isn't 'working the output' here... But, he has $$, so he got an SFPR (and a Tweed Delulxe clone). That's 3 very nice amps, but he is not touching the VR now. Pity! He should sell it to someone that can use it but that will never happen.

I OTOH, do gig, and have a '68 DR and could not be happier! Best amp on the planet!