1963 Fender Brownface Vibroverb Amp......Rare, Valuable, and Worth Every Dime !!
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- Опубликовано: 26 апр 2023
- In this lengthy and complex video we will thoroughly inspect, discuss, and repair an ultra-rare 1963 Fender Vibroverb Amplifier. The discussion will include a review of the very unusual circuit and a comparison of the Brownface and Blackface versions. Numerous repairs are necessary including the replacement of the incorrect output transformer, electrolytic capacitors, rectifier and output tubes, and reverb tank transducers. A detailed audio demonstration will be provided which will include both channels and various settings of the reverb and tremolo effects.
If you enjoy videos such as this one and would like to help support our channel, which accepts NO advertising revenue, please become a Patreon patron at this link: / uncledougsvintageamps or make a PayPal contribution to dldcam@aol.com. The cats and I would really appreciate it.
NOTE: I have received some useful information regarding accurate dating of Fender transformers and chokes. The "125A9A" style of designation is Pre-CBS, while the "022855" designation style is Post-CBS. Use this info to correct a mistake I made in the video :) Also, please note just how unreliable tube testers are when measuring the functionality of output tubes. Like capacitors, unless tested at full operating voltage and current, the measurements are often inaccurate. 
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One hour and 11 minutes of pure joy!
Glad to hear it, O. Thanks :)
Definitely!! When I get a notification that UD has posted a new video, I know it’s gonna be a very good day!
@@Joe_Hunt_Music Glad to hear it, Joe. Hope you liked it :)
@@UncleDougevery video is a joy and I’m sure I speak for everyone else watching when I say that. The wealth of knowledge that you have shared and continue to share with all of us gearheads is more appreciated than you’ll ever know. Thank you my friend!
@@Joe_Hunt_Music Thanks so much for your very kind words, Joe. We really appreciate them.
I'm 91, and my memories let me down some times. But I DO believe I bought one of those Fender Amps. Yes I DO believe it. Wow! Sadly, it didn't give the tone; that I needed for my Fender 400 Pedal Steel Guitar. So I sold it and bought a Fender Twin Amp.
For what it's worth. Thanks for your making this video. For I was an electronic technician (and Instructor) for RCA, for 33 yrs and 12 yrs I was a sub for Co's. Before I retired. So, to make a little more money; I repaired musical instruments and Amps at nights.
And I had ALL the Schematics of Fender. But, I like a jackass, threw them away when I retired. Wow does that bring tears nostalgia. Thanks again kind Sir.
At least all the Fender (and other manufacturers') schematics can be found on line.
@@silasfatchett7380 Are they? Thank you, I will get some.
Thanks for sharing, Mr. P. We're glad you enjoyed the video.
good choice iv used a reissue vibrverb 2 of them a new one and a used one my second one howled needed to put new caps in and it was ok then play steel myselfhave used Twin reverb 2 of them
@@edwardkujawa Thank you kind Sir.
There are not many folks around here shooting 1 hour length videos and still leave us wanting more! Amazing work as always
Thanks, Alexis. These long videos take forever to produce and to watch, but there is so much information to convey that they simply require an hour or more to do so. I'm glad you enjoy them.
@@UncleDoug on the georgia election interference case:
if this legal tangle has anything to do with Obama's getting away with genocide, then i am not happy about it. i am not saying their conduct was exemplary, i just know that they are just people in context to a much more complicated world than the media has any ability to convey.
and where OBVOUSLY Wisconsin suffers Horrendous Election Year swing state Influx up from chicago,
Notably marked by sharp increases in traffic fatalities, violence, cases of frostbite, "overdose", and preliminary voting year pressure on residents to flee certain voting districts.
( all of which was dissipated into a frenzy of media convolution, leaving us now with only the definitive court actions against the georgia interference )
as i said, i am non-partisan issues based .... and The Issue is the swing state election year influx that comes pounding into wisconsin causing all manner of horrors.
Could I Vote For That To Stop ???
and if i could, i know my concerns would only be disregarded by that greater problem at hand.....that's the problem, it always has been.
i am quite familiar with the political dynamics in wisconsin.
and it all has to do with one seemingly simple thing,
and that is africa's ability to continuously pull illegally obtained shiploads of food out of the heartland, at rates that will soon have us all starving to death.
@@UncleDoug but don't talk to them about it, because they get information about the rest of us faster than we do about them, if at all.
I don't think I've ever seen 99% of the amps on this channel in real life. Amazing stuff.
I only feature "special" amps that most of us will not encounter, Book. I'm glad you enjoy it :)
@@UncleDoug it's really super cool. Just like your hot rod trucks 👍
@@book3100 Thanks, Book :)
What a great tutorial of, "on the job engineering," by Leo on brownface to blackface Vibroverb evolution. Uncle Doug you really brought this one back to tip top shape in sound and performance.
Thanks so much, Butch. I'm glad you enjoyed the video :)
I use to go to blues shows as a kid in the late 80’s with my dad. I heard a guy playing one of the originals and sounded fantastic. I worked my tail off to buy the reissue when they came out in the 90’s. Still have it too.
Thanks for sharing, Cappy.
I think you made the right call there. Flawed museum piece or beautiful sounding playable amp with sentimental attachment. Great work.
Thanks, Dave. My feelings exactly :(
Agreed. This amp should be used regularly.
@@sgt.grinch3299 I hope so too, Sarge.
I'm thinking an Uncle Doug repair didn't take any value away from this app.
It's a documented repair on RUclips too. Value added Uncle Doug repair on his RUclips channel.
@@renegade44040 Thanks, JJ :)
Always happy to see a new Uncle Doug video come up in my feed! Well done sir, that amp sounded really great! Nice amp history lesson as well. Thank you!
You're welcome, Ferd. Glad it was enjoyable :)
Sure miss learning from your electrical mastery, seeing the awesome equipment and the great dry humor! Hope all is well with you and yours ,keep em coming Uncle Doug .
Thanks, RD. Will do :)
The tube tester did not catch the 6L6 worn out tubes. I'm glad because it shows how using a tube tester is not the final judge of tube function. As we see here, the low power test will not find problems that show under real world power conditions. This can confuse beginning amp techs. Tubes are not 'tested' until pushed hard in circuit. Same goes for micro phonic tubes.
Good observation, CA, and one I failed to mention in the video. Yes, time and again, tubes that test OK on an emission tester are not worth a darn in a functioning circuit.
Well there you go.
I'm glad I read through the comments and picked up on this gem of information.
I have absolutely no knowledge on amp history other than what I learn here but you can see almost instantly why this amp is so revered and sought after. It's a work of art in engineering.
Agreed. Thanks for your input, KK.
Actually... its revered for it's rarity and mystique. It was NOT well engineered and that's why they only made a few. Back in its day. there were likely a bunch of ticked-off owners who where not impressed with their purchase and so Fender killed the product and reengineered it.
@@CKDz Thanks for your input, Chris.
Let’s roll. Thank you for sharing this incredible opportunity to see a small piece of history. Sounds great to my ears Uncle Doug.
Ive got my coffee and egg sandwiches (with black pepper) for this video !!
My thoughts exactly, Sarge :)
What a tasteful restoration. A perfect mix of modern working parts with original vintage. The verb tank and OT sounded great.
Thanks, Rohan :)
A big up to the owner for wanting to use the Amp and not sit looking at it. Great work and video, again, Unc D.
Thanks twice, Paul.
I have actually discussed the difference between the Brown-face and Black-face amps with my dog, Josh, and his tail never stops wagging! Thanks for that tip!
You are obviously a good pet owner :)
I always look forward to an Uncle Doug video, best and most entertaining amp technician in RUclips land.
Thanks so much, Steven :)
Uh-oh, now I am regretting my custom AA964 Princeton build that uses 5881 tubes but still has the bias modulating tremolo. Time to buy extra tubes! 😞
I'm really just guessing that the bias modulation would cause premature wear, Andrew. Let us know how your 5881's do with this unusual tremolo. Regardless, the trem effect in the Vibroverb was surprisingly vivid and beautiful.
@@UncleDoug Thanks so much. The Tremolo sounds fantastic on the amp so far. I biased the tubes fairly conservatively (following your lead), so hopefully they will have some staying power. And I build the amp so that I can switch down to 6v6s if needs be.
Thanks for the reply and for yet another awesome video!!
@@CSAndrewHenry You're welcome, Andrew. Best of luck with your project.
The body of work you are leaving here on RUclips is just out of this world!
The depth of your knowledge plus the well experienced understanding you have on audience attention and possible wondering and needs for connections is mesmerizing.
What I've gained from watching your videos in the last couple of months is way beyond my pay check.
And you are funny and entertaining as hell!
Wish I could support this channel with more than words.
Until then, I will leave you with a big, single ended thank you.
You're quite welcome. We're so glad to hear that our videos are appreciated :)
Sweet sounding amp! Great job of informing, instructing and restoring a gem back into useful service. Kudos!!
Thanks so much, FB :)
Always a great day when I see a new video from you. This amp is beautiful, The fact that someone sent it to you for repair speaks volumes about the confidence and trust they have in you, and rightfully so.
Thanks again.
Glad you enjoyed it, Randy. It's always good to hear from you :)
Nice restoration as usual UD! What a pristine unit!
Thanks, James.
Doug, another informative entertaining video, thanks for tremolo circuit mini-lecture, the gun-blue coloring tip and the bypass switch circuit rework. All valuable tips. When the owner sells this gem, adding "Recently serviced by Uncle Doug" should fetch at least a $5K rider. Thanks from Colorado.
Thanks so much, Craig. It's always good to hear from you. I'm glad there were some useful hints :)
What an awesome amp. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Thanks, Grax. The pleasure was ours :)
You make great, informational videos Doug! With humor, easy dialogue to follow and great insights. Makes me want to build an amp 😊
Thanks, B. By all means, give it a try.
A beautiful amp, a nice restoration and a great sound. Thank you.
Thanks thrice, Andrew :)
Great video as always Mr D. Thanks for always getting into the circuits and the changes they made over the years. You ever get your time machine worked out, I am your trusty assistant in waiting.
Thanks, AZ. I will let you know when the first expedition is ready to launch ;)
Another ace repair! Thanks for bringing us along.
Thanks for joining us, Greg :)
Another great Uncle Doug Fender history lesson. So much appreciated.
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Kim.
Another superb sympathetic repair!
Thanks, Colin :)
It's always a good day when there's an Uncle Doug video. I shall make myself an enormous mug of industrial strength coffee, park myself in front of the computer and enjoy the show.
We hope you enjoyed it, Frank :)
A centuple thumbs up, Uncle Doug, thank you for another insightful video about this insteresting amp. Fantastic work.
It is absolutely excellent that you kept the replaced parts with the amp, I wish every repair technician did this.
Matt
Thanks so much, 1967 :)
Another great Uncle Doug video . Really enjoyed your repertoire .👍👍
Thanks, Michael :)
Uncle Doug! It has been a minute and a half since I have had time for such fun as this. I greatly enjoy your work, tutorials, and all that you do, THANK YOU!
You are quite welcome, JC. :) That's great to hear.
Great video again glad I’m one of your patrons
So am I, Chris. Thanks for your support.
Another great video on a really rare amp! Thanks, uncle Doug!
You're welcome, Greg. Glad you enjoyed it.
This was a must watch as soon as I seen the title. I have been wanting to build mojotone version of this amp. I learned some valuable info. Thanks and please keep it up!
That's great to hear, Erich. Will do.
Excellent...lots of great info...One of the best sounding amps that you've brought back to life. Thank you 👍👍👍
Thanks so much, Doc.
I was thrilled to see another repair of yours uploaded, and what a treat with this gem. If only you could play as well as your pets.... thanks, Uncle Doug!
Glad you enjoyed it, Jay. I am indeed fortunate to have my furry pals helping with the audio demos.
Another great video and lesson. Thanks Doug.
You're welcome, Martin.
Can’t wait until thanksgiving to share some trivia. Thanks Uncle Doug!!
Your family will be in awe, Pieter :)
Sounds Great!!! Thanks for sharing a rare gem.
Thanks for watching :)
what a trully magnificient sounding amp, the chime and sparkle is spectacular, as is your great restoration UD
Thanks so much, Alex.
Thanks for another great vid UD, nice seeing you
Glad you enjoyed it :)
Hi uncle Doug I watch a lot of this type of content and you are highly regarded when mentioned in other videos. Your reputation will stay in tact.
That's good to hear, Sam. Thanks !!
A new Uncle Doug video is my absolute go-to. Keep them coming!
Good to hear, Thomas. Will do :)
Thank you Uncle Doug!
You're welcome, TC :)
Your respect for these old amplifiers is amazing! I am so glad this fell into your hands and not somebody else.
Thanks, WT. So are we :)
Great episode, Uncle Doug !
Thanks, Jay :)
Excellent video UD! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for watching, S01 :)
Nice Amp repair Uncle Doug 👌 You are the best Teacher 👍
Thanks twice, Meik.
Yes.
Hi Uncle Doug. Great video - its great to catch up on what ive missed !! ❤from uk.
Thanks, Peter :)
Glad to see you back Doug!!!
Thanks, William :)
Every video you put out i always think its the nest one ever! But truth is Uncle Doug every time you share, educate, an entertain us its the best ever. Thank you so much for all you do.
Thanks for the very nice comments, Strat.
Thanks Uncle Doug, It's great seeing an old, great amp packed for shipping with loving care so these beauties can be enjoyed by the next generation.
Amen, Tom :)
Definitely worth watching more than ONCE! There are some great nuggets of information here.Thanks, Uncle Doug!
BTW,RUSTY APPROVED!
That's nice to hear, Curtis. Thanks.
Your videos are EPIC! Thank you for taking the time to make/post
Thanks, Douglas. Glad you enjoyed it :)
What a great sounding amp with my favorite pickups. I really enjoy the bright channel.
Glad to hear it, Sarge :)
Excellent vid Doug. What a special amp. I don't think I've ever seen one. Thanks bud.
Thanks, Carl. Neither have I :)
Awesome job, I love the nice jangly sound.
Thanks, Michael.
Another great video. Thanks Uncle Doug!
We're glad you enjoyed it, Roger :)
So enjoyable! I was intrigued as to which rare amp it was going to be!
Glad you liked it, Mohamed.
This was an incredible journey! Thank you Uncle Doug, I wish I could be your apprentice.
Thanks for joining us, Mark.
Magnificent amp, even better repair!
Thanks twice, Alex :)
Great video, superbly paced and full of enlightenment and humour. A rare gem indeed.
Thanks so much, CM :)
Excellent again Uncle Doug 😊
Thanks, Dan.
What a timely video. A good friend of mine was just given a 1963 Vibroverb that had belonged to the guitarist from Australian rock band Dragon who sadly passed away last year. I wish I could attach a picture of it here, but suffice to say it is beautifully roadworn. If you think how rare an amp it is in the USA think about a factory export model with 240v transformer. Thanks Uncle Doug, you are a treasure to the worldwide amplifier community. Best from way down under M
Thanks so much for your nice and interesting comments, Michael.
I'm so into this stuff. I appreciate your knowledge and insight to these vintage amps.
Glad to hear it, JS . Thanks !!
That one is a gem! Thanks for sharing. I always get something out of every one of your videos!
Thanks. We're glad, Buckeye.
Absolutely priceless video. A passionate expert with a sense of humour and a fine cat. Very entertaining. Thank you.
Thanks so much, Victor :)
Hi there Uncle Doug. We hope you are going ok? We hope to see more content soon, Go well my friend!!👍
Fighting a 2 1/2 month heat wave, Chuck, which makes the workshop about 10 degrees hotter than Hades. We do, however, have a new video in the works :)
@@UncleDoug yes I understand now, it must be very uncomfortable, hang in there mate this sola flare will eventually simmer down.
Chuck Australia.
Thanks, chuck. Will do :)
thankyou uncle doug ! thoroughly enjoyed your video as always,
another example of flawless applied logic as befits the occasion,
and the resultant aural demonstration was sheer bliss ! an oasis of
sanity in a world gone seemingly bat guano bonkers 👍🎯🎶
Thanks so much, William :)
I just realized after watching that there wasn’t anything in this video that went over my head as far as what you did here. I gained a basic understanding of tube amps and their workings through osmosis by watching your channel for so long lol!
That's great to hear, Grax :)
outstanding, Uncle Doug!!
Thanks, MB :)
Wow !!! Sounds amazing, even on my phone !!! Nice job !!
That's good to hear, John. Thanks !!
Knocked it out of the park once again, Uncle Doug!
Thanks, WH :)
Thanks for another excellent video Uncle Doug. Your sense of humour cracks me up every time! Combining that with your ability to impart knowledge sees me as a fan of yours (and proud Patreon supporter) for many years.
Being in Sydney (Australia) means I am very envious of you that you can make such small parts orders so quickly delivered. I have to mortgage the house and wait for 3-4 weeks for my delivery from CE/Antique Electronic Supply. Stay well.
You're quite welcome, GAT. Glad to hear that you enjoy our furry family productions :) Thanks for your continued support of our channel.
I love your explanation of the evolution of the amplifier, enjoy you day
I'm glad to hear that, OG. Likewise :)
Doug, I had no idea that the Thanksgiving table conversation at your home was so stimulating! Thank you for the interesting discourse on the evolutionary analysis of Fender amplifier circuitry.
You will knock them dead with that tidbit of Fender history, KW.
This was a treat. Thanks particularly for showing the detail on improving the standby circuit. Sounded great!!!
Glad you enjoyed it, Stephen.
That is a beaut and it sounds amazing after your refresh of it. The mods seem fine to me, and I am happy to hear this will be used and not just collected. So cool. Thanks for sharing as always.
Thanks so much, JL.
Always look forward to your infrequent videos. You have such knowledge and experience, and I can relate to the hardware as I am of that age (hail from Aylesbury, England where I saw a certain Mr Bowie play in 1971.) Thanks for sharing your wonderful work Uncle Doug.
Thanks for the nice comments, Eric. It takes me around 3 to 4 weeks to complete a video, so once a month is about max.
Hello Uncle Doug, nice to hear from you..!!!It sounds awesome..
Likewise, ZN :)
That amp found the right person to bring it to life again! Excellent work! Greetings from Brazil, Uncle Doug!
Thanks, Marcel :)
UD is a great teacher and has the gift at making a pretty dry subject interesting. And just plane good content covering the important aspects of these circuits.
Thanks so much, David :)
Thanks Again Uncle Doug ~ Fabulous Work and much Appreciated. Love learning all you share. Your is my favorite Content on RUclips.
That's great to hear, R55 :)
Excellent work and an admirable perspective by the owner: not a museum piece but a fab tool.
I agree, Ray. Thanks for your input.
That reverb at level 6 made me feel like I traveled back in time 60 years or so. It was an amazingly strong feeling.
I agree, Choim. The reverb was spectacular.
Thank you for the info!
You're welcome, Charles :)
This was a rare one. Thanks for the knowledge ! I realise that after two years or so watching to your videos, I can now understand pretty quickly everything that you’re talking about. So thank you again, and I’m looking forward to the next Rusty’s workshop show 😉
It was indeed, 74C. I'm glad the videos are informative :)
Hey Doug, just a fabulous amp..! What a jewel as you call it. So much info and work to get it back to it's original state..Love the video and as usual, your play by play technical explanations. I always learn so much from your excellent videos. Regards Ed..uk..😀
Thanks, Ed. That's great to hear :)
I learn something new every time with these vids. Great job as ever. A lot of these older amps seem to have a smoother tone (if thats even a thing) than modern ones that sound a bit harsh.
That's good to hear. I agree with your observation, Pat.
Old speakers maybe??
@@capitanvonchickenpants8492 Quite likely. Just like an old pair of shoes, old speakers get a nice lived-in quality after years of use.
Uncle Doug I really like the way you stick to your "procedure". Aside from the reservoir cap mod, very nice BTW, all the original issues got sorted out by following a step by step proven procedure. Thanks for showing us.
You're welcome, Brad. Glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks so much for this interesting clip. I had the great privilege of using one of these in South Africa on a recording we made in 1966/7.
I loved it and really wish I had one now. Great amplifier!
You're welcome, Glen :)
Wow, Uncle Doug. What a cool amp.
Glad you like it, ST :)
Love your videos. Love your voice. Thanks so much ! ❤
Thanks twice, Mark.
Ah another great job. So enjoyable to watch.
Thanks, John. Glad you liked it.
Beautiful amp, and beautiful work as always Uncle Doug! I appreciate the fact the owner is not precious about the originality.. I revere these old amps as much as anyone, but I can't get behind the outrageous prices they fetch.. The museums can have the amps that were never touched, but these amps were made to sing out there in the wild. Thank you for honoring the work and intent of the good folks in Fullerton and keeping these things alive - maybe someday the young cats like me can enjoy these things again!
Thanks so much, CH :)
It’s always a great day when I see a new video from Uncle Doug. Love your videos, love your channel, love you. RUclips creates a strange dynamic, although you don’t know me or most of your viewers, I’m sure many will agree that you are like family to us. Thank you for all you do Uncle Doug.
Thanks so much for the very nice comments, JJ. Part of why I chose the "Uncle" part of my name is to foster a feeling of family.....which I really enjoy.
Very nice work, Uncle Doug. I did not realize that those amps were that rare. Just recently found a pedal that would simulate the "drip" sound of the Fender reverb amps. I thought that Surfey Bear was the only true reverb tank on the current market. After hearing a new pedal, it can reproduce that "drip" pretty darn good. Sounds like a Fender reverb tank. Cheers from eastern TN
Thanks, WR :)