Today's Vibrosonic Reverb Question

Marc Weller · Post by **Marc Weller** » 16 Aug 2003 1:29 pm

I'm considering purchasing one of these 85 pound gorillas and I'm looking at a particular unit online. The owner has sent me some pictures of the amp. There is an orange D130F (good news), but the puzzling thing is on the rear of the chassis it indicates the amp as having 300 watts. I was aware of 100 and 135 watt versions but not 300. Any ideas?

MW

Earnest Bovine · Post by **Earnest Bovine** » 16 Aug 2003 1:36 pm

What meaning is the word "having" having?

Marc Weller · Post by **Marc Weller** » 16 Aug 2003 1:54 pm

It has "300 Watts 117 volts 60 Hz printed between the ground switch and the fuse socket

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 16 Aug 2003 1:59 pm

Relax Marc. My 70's Vibrosonic Reverb---135W--says 350W in that same space---clearly we are not talking about output. Power consumption would be a good bet (like a 350 watt lightbulb or hairdryer, f'rinstance.)

Marc Weller · Post by **Marc Weller** » 16 Aug 2003 2:05 pm

Ah Hah ! Thanks Jon.

MW

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 16 Aug 2003 5:31 pm

I learned this bit of "electronic algebra" on stage...

D130F + 100W = (mucho dinero spent on reconing)

Yes, the D130F is one sweet-sounding speaker, but if you don't play sweet and smooth (like Lloyd), you'll be repairing it very soon. I'd recommend installing a heavier speaker, like a BW or an EV, for heavy-duty use.

On the bright side, it's a good sounding amp with a great sounding reverb! Also, I don't think it's an "85 pound gorilla". With a D130F, it should weigh just under 70 pounds.

Ken Fox · Post by **Ken Fox** » 16 Aug 2003 6:31 pm

Right on Donny! I only use a single JBL in a 40 to 60 watt amp. 2-12" JBL's can handle 100 watts (50 watts to each, ala a Twin). The 1501-4SB is the prefect speaker for the old Vibrosonic!
It the failure of D-130 speakers in the old Session 400 amps that prompted Peavey to hire John Gilliam away from EV to design the Black Widow speakers. One of Hartley's best moves!
I love a JBL, but there is no reason to push it beyond its limits. If it is a 135 watt Vibrosonic then good news! This amp puts the extension speaker in series and switches to a 4 ohm transformer tap. You could keep the JBL and run a 4 ohm extension, splitting the wattage between the two speakers 67.5 watts per)[This message was edited by Ken Fox on 22 August 2003 at 08:26 PM.]

Lefty · Post by **Lefty** » 21 Aug 2003 1:37 am

I had the 135 watt, master volume silverface with a EVM 15L speaker. It had a great sound. I traded it in for my Session 500. I wish now I would have kept it, and bought the Session outright. At the time I did not think it was clean enough at higher volumes.
Lefty
Dekley D-10
Sho-Bud LDG
Rickenbacker Lap

Buck Dilly · Post by **Buck Dilly** » 22 Aug 2003 10:40 am

I have an original with the JBL. If it isn't loud enough put it on a milk crate and move it closer; or set it up like a wedge monitor with those handy-dandy metal thingies on the side of the amp. That is what they are for! I did blow one JBL but it had non-factory parts. The JBL is the best!!! Buck

Marc Weller · Post by **Marc Weller** » 26 Aug 2003 6:17 am

Good news and bad news. I won the ebay auction and got a really nice VR with a D130F for $445 plus 75 bucks shipping from Huntsville Ala. The bad news is that UPS smashed the cabinet !!! It was well packed so they must have driven a truck over it. I was able to get the thing to work and it really does sound great so I guess I'll just fix the cab or buy a new one (Angela Instruments has repop Twin cabinets for around $275. Donny is correct about the weight and I'm happy to report it is much easier to move around than my Super Reverb. Thanks to all of you fellows for your input.

MW[This message was edited by Marc weller on 26 August 2003 at 07:18 AM.]

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 26 Aug 2003 11:12 am

I recently got an amp in a new/repro cabinet that is a real nice piece of work. I don't know his prices but if you want, I'll give you his contact info (guy's handle is Crusty in the Baltimore area.)

Except for the cabinet demolition, that is pretty similar to my ebay deal a couple of years ago. I took it to a tech to rejuvenate it and address a couple of small issues for $200 and felt I did well. Unfortunately the tech is a long drive from me and he did a shit job, the amp doesn't work well, and, to boot, it really should get retolex'd and new grill cloth. So come to think of it, I got screwed. Damn.[This message was edited by Jon Light on 26 August 2003 at 12:16 PM.]

Gary Preston · Post by **Gary Preston** » 26 Aug 2003 5:04 pm

Hi, Marc. i have a vibrosonic that i bought new in 1976 and it has the orange D-130 J.B.L. and i've played it very loud and i set the master volume on ''10'' and the other volume on about ''8'' and i've never had one problem. even playing outside and i think thats where your amp is pushed the hardest regardless what you do. my nashvilles have the ''B W'S' in them but i think that my ''J.B.L. '' has a brighter sound . ( then again thats only my openion )
and everyone has one . so thats my 2 cents worth . G.P.