1964 Fender Vibrolux Reverb (Export Model)

This is the rare and desirable (for us Europeans) export model made in Fullerton, California, with the classic blackface panel and black tolex finish. 

A very nice example of an early pre-CBS Vibrolux Reverb, one of the all-time classic Fender amps. Slightly more powerful than its smaller sibling, the Deluxe Reverb, the dual-speaker Vibrolux has enough gain to kick at mid-level volumes, and plenty of clean headroom to keep up with a drum kit. 

Equipped with both reverb and tremolo, the Vibrolux Reverb is one of the benchmark amps of the 1960s. It has the same pre-CBS AA-864 circuit used from 1964 to mid-'67, this amp's tube chart marking is NJ indicating the unit was assembled in October 1964. It is from the first batch of these amps produced. Being the smallest member of the 6L6 driven black-panel family, its sweet breakup and tonal character comes partly from the smaller speakers, power and output transformers than found in its larger siblings the Super Reverb, Vibroverb and the Pro Reverb. 

With two 10" speakers and dual 6L6 power section putting out about 35 watts, the Vibrolux Reverb is one of the best sounding and most versatile amps in that all-time classic line. 50+ years later The Vibrolux remains one of Fender's best period designs and an excellent choice for both gigging or recording purposes.

This is a very clean amp, showing very little wear overall. The Tolex covering is in fabulous shape and shows little-to-no wear. The grille cloth is nice and taught and all the front panel knobs are in great shape. The original handle, chassis straps and hardware are free of corrosion and the amp even retains the original tremolo/reverb footswitch. Electrically, the amp is largely original. 

The two 10" Oxford speakers are both original to the amp and are both marked 465-431, dating them to the 32st week of 1964. One appears to have been re-coned. The output, choke and reverb transformers are original to the amp as well and are marked 606-4-34, 606-4-34 and 606-4-30. The mains transformer looks to have been replaced in 1966 with the correct model and is dated 606-6-18. 

The coveted Blue Astron signal caps are wonderfully intact and sound great. The amp has recently been servicved, including replacement of all electrolytic caps, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks, and power tubes biased to spec. 

This is a lovely example overall; a glorious vintage tone machine from the eternally revered black panel line.