Anyone use a Pro Reverb?

Aaron Balano · Post by **Aaron Balano** » 1 May 2001 10:26 am

I'm considering buying a Fender Pro Reverb (2x12", 40watts) amp to use with a Stringmaster. Has any one used on of these? (or a Pro w/the 15" and no reverb)I like the sound of a Twin, but the weight is killing me and I don't really need that much power for the gigs I play. Also, is there really any difference between a '68 Fender amp and a blackface on besides $400? Thanks.

Larry Beck · Post by **Larry Beck** » 1 May 2001 11:36 am

I have a blackface proreverb that I occasionally use. I like it better than equivalent twins I've had because it sounds good without having to get really LOUD. I wouldn't use it on C6th or a U-12 tho...

Aaron Balano · Post by **Aaron Balano** » 1 May 2001 11:54 am

Larry,
Why wouldn't you use a Pro Reverb with a c6th tuning?

Fred Murphy · Post by **Fred Murphy** » 1 May 2001 1:26 pm

I have an old Pro Reverb, and it is decent for lead guitar in a small venue, and would probably be O.K. for a lap steel. I wouldn't think of taking it out on a job with a pedal steel though. I haven't had it out of the house in 20 years. It's always better to have too much amp, than not enough.

Larry Beck · Post by **Larry Beck** » 1 May 2001 1:41 pm

<SMALL>Why wouldn't you use a Pro Reverb with a c6th tuning? </SMALL>

The low notes want to move a lot of air to be heard, thus I like a 15" with lottsa watts behind it.
Also, I just bought this new Nashville 1000 and if I don't use it the wife says "what did you buy that *$%&^# thing for...

Sam Marshall · Post by **Sam Marshall** » 6 May 2001 7:32 am

I used to use an old brown Pro (w/o reverb, w/ 15" speaker) with an original blackface Fender reverb unit. Great sound when the amp was working. Someone had gone and modded it some prior to my ownership and it was never reliable after that. It needed new tube sockets and recapping. I just didn't have the time and traded it for a Nashville 400. (It was a lot easier to dial in good tone on the Pro!!!!!) I would probably choose the one with 15" speaker and add on a reissue Fender reverb unit given your opportunity.

Sam in AZ

Mike Sweeney · Post by **Mike Sweeney** » 6 May 2001 8:34 am

This is interesting because I was thing back the other day about an amp my cousin used to play steel through around 1976-'77. It was a silver faced Pro Reverb. I thought he sounded great on it. If you think about it most everybody that plays in a band anymore has a sound person and the amps are miked and run through the p.a. and they don't want you to play loud. As far as power goes the Twin Reverb would be the way to go. But if power is not an issue then the weight is what I would consider. I could live with a Pro Reverb or for recording or real quiet jobs like a nursing home etc. I would use a Deluxe Reverb. As long as I could have a j.b.l. speaker. Mike

Hamilton Barnard · Post by **Hamilton Barnard** » 6 May 2001 5:05 pm

The volume difference between two 6L6s and four 6L6s is only 3db...which is slightly perceivable at best.

If a Twin works for the job, it is very likely a Pro will to.

My volume credentials.

Paul Graupp · Post by **Paul Graupp** » 6 May 2001 6:17 pm

Isn't 3db another way of saying "Double" ?

Regards, Paul

Hamilton Barnard · Post by **Hamilton Barnard** » 6 May 2001 8:19 pm

Hi Paul,

Double the power, yes. Double the volume, no.
A 10db increase in sound pressure will be required to double the volume -- which will require a 10 fold in power to accomplish.

Vernon Hester · Post by **Vernon Hester** » 7 May 2001 1:30 am

I use a 77 Pro-reverb with a session 500,I installed a 15" JBL in the Pro the day I brought it home and modified the reverb circuit.Sometimes I'll use only the Pro, It's so natural and clean.
Vern

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 7 May 2001 8:46 am

There's a big difference in headroom between a Pro Reverb and a Twin Reverb. I used to play through a Pro Reverb and it really crapped out when I took it outdoors. It was okay in clubs.

My Mesa/Boogie 50/50 power amp has a switch to turn off two of the 6L6 output tubes. You're right that there's not much change in volume, but you can really feel the difference in dynamics and headroom. The sound doesn't "jump out at you" with only two of the tubes working.

Brandin · Post by **Brandin** » 7 May 2001 8:55 am

I have a (1965) black face Fender Pro Reverb.It sounds great, and I have no headroom problem. I play a D-10 Franklin, and often use the C6th neck.