Fender Super Reverb "Blackface" [1964-1967]

(Originally written by antoinedroogies/translated from Audiofanzine FR)

First of all, the model I own was manufactured in 1967. I'm not writing a review about the vintage version currently sold by Fender so it might happen that you find some differences between my Super Reverb and the new one, especially because my unit is previous to the Fender buyout by CBS. If there are any differences, I guess they ought to be insignificant.

- Amplification technology (tube, solid state, ...)?
All-tube (preamp and power amp)

- Output power?
4 x 100 watts

- Controls, effects, etc.?
2 channels: 1 channel with 3-band EQ, volume, bright function (on/off) and 2 inputs; 1 channel with reverb (volume, intensity and speed), 3-band EQ, volume, bright and OD functions (on/off)

UTILIZATION

- What about its settings?
Very simple.

- Is it easy to get the right sound?
Yes if you like extreme vintage sounds.

Is the user's manual clear and comprehensive?
I don't have the user's manual.

SOUNDS

- Does it fit your music style?
I play punk music (http://www.myspace.com/lesdroogies ) and the amp's sound perfectly fits the needs of "old-school" songs (The Clash, The Damned, The Undertones etc.) and ska (clean or not). It's also great for Surf, Rockabilly and Psychobilly.

- Which guitar, bass or effects do you use?
A 1987 Bich B.C.Rich with Gibson 57 (neck) and Gibson 57 Plus (bridge) pickups, a Telecaster and an SG. I would like to try it with a Gretsch hollowbody or a Gibson Chuck Berry.

- What kind of sounds do you get and which settings do you use ("crystal-clear", "fat", ...)?
High headroom in each frequency range of the EQs, warm sound in every situation (normal with a tube amp) but the best term seems to be "vintage".

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you been using it?
Over 10 years (before I became a musician).

- Which feature do you like the most / the least?
It provides warm and vintage sounds like no other amp, but it provides not enough distortion for guys like me...

- Did you try any other models before buying it?
Mainly Marshall models.

- How would you rate its value for money?
I didn't buy it myself and since my bank account would hardly allow to pay for half its price I'd rather not comment on this matter.

- Based on your experience, would you buy this product again?
Would someone buy it for me? Yes, of course! But I think I would not pay so much money for an amp...

Vintage and original model.
All lamps, 40 watts, 2 channels each with its equalizer.
Each channel possesses two entrances.
The Channel 2 includes as vibrato and reverb effects (good old vibrato housed in a box at the bottom of the combo)
There is the footswitch to activate these effects.
One can also find an outlet for the connection of another HP, but on a model as old I do not advise to do it, unless very knowledgeable.


USE

No distortion, but that was not the purpose of making this amp at the time. As against the sound begins to take a holy grain from the volume to 5. But beware, it's mind-blowing there. Inoperable apart because even the volume to 2 cé already strong, and insuffisement hard to get a full, typical in this amp.
Config super easy and intuitive. I do not have the manual.

SOUNDS

Not so much because I rather play metal and hard rock. With a small pedal Boss DS2's going great. But that would put a trailer on a ferrari ... ^^
The sound becomes fat at high volume.
I play it with a Fender Highway One HSS.


NOTICE GLOBAL

I inherited it is 1 year.
Not yet tried model of this magnitude.
Indefinable pure product prices because of time. If I had the budget, I would buy.

Model vintage and origin.
All tube, 40 watts, 2 channels, each with its equalizer.
Each channel has 2 inputs.
The Channel 2 includes effects like reverb and tremolo (vibrato good old housed in a box at the bottom of the combo)
There is the footswitch to activate these effects.
You can also find an outlet for connection to another HP but a model as old I would not recommend doing at least to be very knowledgeable.

UTILIZATION

No distortion, but it was not the purpose of making this amp at the time. Cons by the sound begins to take a hell of a grain from the volume to 5. But beware, it is mind-blowing. Unworkable in the same apartment as volume 2, already strong, and insufficiently strong to have a full and typical in this amp.
Config super easy and intuitive. I have no manual.

SOUNDS

Not so much because I play rather of metal and hard rock. With a small pedal Boss DS2 it goes really well. But it would post a trailer on a ferrari ... ^ ^
The sound is fat at high volume.
I play it with a Fender Highway One HSS.

OVERALL OPINION

I inherited a year ago.
Not yet tried to model on this scale.
Price indefinable as pure product era. If I had the budget, I would buy it.