64 vibroverb reissue

stevec · Newbie Alert Joined: 25 May 2008 Posts: 2

Hello.

I have the Fender 64 Vibroverb re-issue amp. The amp is really loud, almost too loud for playing in small clubs. I want to get more tube sustain/drive at lower volumes. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Steve

Herb · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 8:50 am Post subject:

A couple of choices come to mind. Cheap fix - an overdrive pedal. Not so cheap fix - a Fender '65 Deluxe RI. (1/2 the watts.)
_________________
Yer guitar pickin' friend,
Herb
"It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!"
Doghouse Jazz

russ@savage · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 4:26 pm Post subject:

There are a few good master volume mods that don't kill your tone. A good shop should be able to do it for about $100. You would probably have to sacrifice an input jack. I have done this to this amp and it works pretty good.

stevec · Newbie Alert Joined: 25 May 2008 Posts: 2

Thank you for your responses.

I use the Boss ME-50 pedal for overdrive and effects, and have installed a beam blocker, which has taken some of the ice pick sound away. However, I still have to crank it up to an uncomfortable level in order to hit that sweet spot.

Adding the master volume is a good idea, but I don't want to mod it because it may take away from its value if I decide to sell it.

Also, I do like the Deluxes. I have a silverface, but have never trusted it in a club setting. I guess I worried that it wouldn't have enough power at only 22 Watts.

What about biasing the amp hotter? Has anyone tried this? Would that provide a warmer, sustainier sound at lower volumes?

It's a never ending quest for that perfect tone...

russ@savage · Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 4:17 am Post subject:

Hotter bias will shorten your tube life, and not make that much difference in your quest. Have you tried a new speaker? An AlNiCo would give you much warmer, earlier breakup. Tone tubby is a good choice.