Modern-day equivalent of the 60s Fender Vibrolux?

[abstamaria]

A non- Shadows query here, so my apologies 

According to the book “Walk Don’t Run,” for the March 22, 1960 recording of the Ventures' "Walk Don't Run," the “amps consisted of two Fenders, (Vibrolux and Bassman), and a Gibson model GA-40.”  I assume Bob Bogle used the Vibrolux and Don Wilson the Gibson amp. Would you agree?  I know too little about the Vibrolux and GA-40 amps to recommend current equivalents.

If one were to buy a new Fender or other amp, which one would be closest to the Vibrolux? I hear the boutique amps come closer to the sound and vibe than Fender's own reissues.

Andy

 

[JimN]

Hi, Andy,

A Vibrolux used for a 1960 recording session is likely to have been the tweed-clad model with top-mounted controls.

Fender valve amps divide up three ways:

(a) relatively low-powered units (eg, Deluxe Reverb) with 2 x 6V6 valves and developing somewhere between 15 and 22 watts (depending on the rest of the circuitry);

(b) medium power amps with 2 x 6L6 valves(eg, Pro Reverb), developing somewhere between 30 watts and 40 watts (depending on the rest of the circuitry); and

(c) higher-powered amps with 4 x 6L6 valves (eg, Twin, Showman), developing between 85 and 130 watts (depending on the rest of the circuitry).

The Vibrolux had the 2 6L6s, but earlier models were toward the lower end of the power scale (some of the tube performance was used for the tremolo effect, which Fender termed "vibrato").

A modern, new, equivalent?

Probably the Custom Vibrolux Reverb (though this comes in the revised blackface livery):

http://www.fender.com/en-GB/products/search.php?partno=0215100000

Or a s/h Pro Reverb.

A Deluxe Reverb or a Tremolux (both 6V6 amps) won't be as loud.

Of course, a s/h Twin wouldn't be bad...

Hope this helps,

JN

[dave robinson]

Have a look at the Fender Twinlux . . . . . .

http://www.fender.com/products/clapton

[abstamaria]

Thank you very much for taking the time to explain, Jim. I needed that explanation and am sure many others will find it instructive and useful. I will look at those two Fender models. The problem sometimes with Fender is that the modern amps sharing the same names don't sound like their original namesakes (e.g., Bassman). But those two look encouraging.

Dave, I know I should have, but actually have never seen those amp models until you pointed them out. That Twinlux seems very nice and is tempting. I will check; they promise to be expensive though!

I have also been asking the dealer from whom I've gotten our "Hank Marvin" and "Walk-Don't Run" guitars. He has recommended a Victoria Victorilux with a single 15" speaker. which I checked has 6L6 valves as well. Quite by coincidence, another person I checked with recommended the exact same model. I am not familiar with Victoria, but they seem to be well regarded, from my readings on the web. Someone said they sound more like the old Fenders than Fender does now (that seems like something one could say about the Ventures). It would be interesting if someone on this forum has tried them out.

http://www.victoriaamplifier.com/amplif ... ictorilux/

Thank you both again. I really appreciate the advice.

Andy

[RayL]

He has recommended a Victoria Victorilux with a single 15" speaker.
Andy

It's a shame that all of the Victorilux sound samples on their website are played with distortion. Without an example of their 'clean' sound (assuming they can produce one) it is difficult to judge how versatile they are.

Ray

[51 Relic]

Also Divided by 13 or DR Z amps are worth a good look

Cheers

[abstamaria]

Thanks, 51 Relic, I checked the amps you suggested; they seem to be great amps with good reviews. After some discussion with my guitar dealer, I am now focusing on the Victoria Victorilux, which he recommends as one with the right voice and tone. We'll see.

I was reading a 1997 Vintage Guitar interview of Bob Bogle, who said that he used his Fender Twin (with two twelves) for Walk Don't Run. However, Halterman's detailed account of the recording session is probably more accurate, so I tend to go with the Vibrolux. I have a reissue Fender Twin but think the Twin Reverb is closer to the classic (Bogle) sound.

Andy