Vibrolux vs other black-face amps

[cap217]

Is there anything different about the vibrolux? Old or reissue? I ask because I played a vintage one and a reissue and compared to a deluxe reverb the VV seems more articulate and punchy. Is this the 10" dual speakers or is there a circut difference that gives it this sound?

[Gibsonman63]

A little more power. 6L6's vs 6V6's in the Deluxe Reverb. It is a matter of taste. The Deluxe Reverb is easier to get into overdrive. The Vibrolux Reverb has more headroom.

[Firestorm]

6L6s versus 6V6s. Not much else different. Speakers for sure make a difference, but I think it's mostly tubes here.

[Teleguy61]

Different transformers.

[cap217]

I might just get a newer custom fender vibrolux. I played one and it has its own sound to it. I like it...

[Gordie]

Other than the transformers and output tubes, the Deluxe's pre-amp runs at lower voltages, like 180V instead of higher voltages to the 6L6 amps' pre-amp tubes. My friend tried a "Custom Vibrolux" model and didn't keep it. A lot of people want to mod theirs because the circuit is not much like a real Vibrolux circuit...

[cap217]

I must be in the minority but I like the custom vibrolux amp. It sounds big and punchy.

[billyz]

If I recall correctly. The custom vibrolux uses the same PCB as the vibroverb . It is pretty easy to convert and the vibroverb sounds much better and less noise/ hiss than the vibrolux custom( which is not a vintage vibrolux at all).
I have modded a few of these, mostly for noise issues.

Z

[wyatt]

There is no "Vibrolux RI". They made a Vibroverb RI, but with a SS rectifier, it was one of the earliest Fender amp RI's.

When you remade it into the Custom Vibrolux Reverb, they removed the negative feedback and bridged the trem/reverb to both channels.

So, between the VVRI, and CVR, neither compares to a vintage Vibrolux Reverb nor the DR/DRRI.

So, yes, there is a noticeable separation.

[billyz]

Yes, I did mean the Vibroverb "RI" . Thought that would be obvious. They are the same PCB and well marked as to component placement.

[Reeltarded]

An original Vibrolux Reverb costs about the same price as a reissue at list. Insane. Unsane. Nutso.

I much prefer it to a Deluxe. It's sweet and sounds larger than a toy! It's the lowest output of all the 6L6 amps. Perfect in the 30s. The 10s gather up for smooth deeper lowend that a Deluxe can't do because of the headroom limitations.

Great amp! (the original do not buy new fender)

[vibratoking]

I agree, the Vibrolux is a much better than the blackface Deluxe in most respects. The drawback for me is the cleans aren't quite as nice as say a Super. The Vibrolux runs out of headroom more quickly. Splitting hairs maybe, but it's a matter of taste.

[67plexi]

I like this Vibrolux, it matches my guitar case and the dates match 7/61 guitar and amp.

[Structo]

Nice combo Steve!

I always wanted to own a brown face.