Fender

The Fender Super Reverb is one of the most revered amplifiers in Fender’s history.  Introduced in 1963, it was largely thought of as a Black Panel version of the Tweed 4x10 Bassman, albeit with reverb and vibrato (tremolo).  This description is a little bit of an over simplification, because the Super is really in its own category.  Not only loved by noteworthy players that were active during its initial years of availability, such as Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and Mike Bloomfield, the list of semi-pros and hobbyists  that also used it is endless.  Just about anyone needing that magical blend of power and sweet tone tended to gravitate to the Super Reverb.  And what a tone it was!  40 watts at 2 ohms into four 10” speakers yielded that classic Fender Black Panel tone that was different from anything else available at the time.  It was a tremendous “room filling” sound that was incredibly musical.  Sweet highs, scooped mids and thundering lows.  This reviewer believes it was the relatively low power into the 4/10 speaker configuration that made it so special.  Unlike the Twin Reverb which clocked in at 85 watts the Super Reverb achieved a delicious breakup at not necessarily deafening volumes!  Other than being very heavy the amplifier had practically no downside.

In 1968 Fender put its entire amplifier line though the cosmetic change that involved going from a black control panel to a silver  one. For the first couple of years the circuit changed very little if at all, depending on the exact year, making the earliest Silver Panel models virtually identical sonically to their Black Panel brethren.  By the time of this particular amp's creation in 1971, there had been several modifications to the circuit in an effort to increase the overall headroom.  As a result the output was increased to 45 watts. Modern players appreciate the extra power, as the unit can get louder while still remaining clean, and in this reviewer’s opinion makes this amplifier an excellent pedal platform.

Current fans of the Super Reverb are numerous and from the ‘60s to the present day, celebrity endorsements have included, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jeff Beck, Johnny Marr, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Tommy Castro, Robben Ford, Robert Cray and country session great, Brent Mason. Funny, I always thought Brent's amp was a Deluxe. The Fender Super Reverb is considered one of the finest (if not the finest) blues/rock amp(s) ever made.  Obviously in Mason's hands in ain’t too bad for country music either!!

This 1971 amplifier is in really fine condition, especially when you consider its age.  The grille cloth has yellowed some, but has no major snags or rips.  The black Tolex covering has some minor blemishes but no sizeable gouges or tears.  The silver front panel has the expected tarnished areas, most likely from repeated adjusting, leaving fingerprints.  There is a noticeable dent on the lower right side of the panel, and there is some minor rust present on the chassis-mount panels, tiltback legs and various screws and bolts.  I rate this amp to be in Excellent condition.

• 45 Watts
• Dual Channel
• Front Panel: Normal Channel-(2) ¼” inputs, Bright Switch, Volume, Treble and Bass Controls. Vibrato(Tremolo) Channel-(2) ¼” inputs, Bright Switch, Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Reverb,(Vibrato) Speed and Intensity Controls, Power Indicator Jewel.  Back Panel-Courtesy Outlet, Ground Lift Switch, Fuse Holder, On/Off Switch,, Standby Switch, ¼” Speaker Output Jack, ¼” External Speaker Output Jack, Vibrato Switch input (RCA), Reverb Switch Input (RCA), Reverb Send Output (RCA), Reverb Return Input (RCA).
• (1) 5U4GB Rectifier Tube, (2) 6L6GC Power Tubes
• (2) 12AT7, (1) 12AX7 and (3) 7025 Preamp Tubes
• Output Transformer Serial# (606-1-11) JO22798
• Choke Serial# 606124 02269
• Reverb Transformer Serial# (606-1-27) 022855
• Butt-Jointed Plywood Cabinet
• Black Tolex Covering
• Silver/Blue Grille Cloth
• ( 4) Original Fender Special Design 10” (CTS) Speakers Serial# 1377134
• Chrome Plated Tiltback Legs
•  Original Two-Button Footswitch
• 3-Prong Grounded AC Cord
• Original Cover