Fender Priceton reverb problem

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 1 Jan 2004 6:54 pm

This is the second time in three months that the reverb in my Princeton 65 quit. The last time, they put a new tank in. Anyone have any suggestions as to what it could be? I usually run it on 8-9. Thats the only thing I can think of.

Joe E · Post by **Joe E** » 1 Jan 2004 7:20 pm

Hey Kevin,

Hopefully Ken or one of the others will chime in.

I had to replace my reverb tank once on my princeton. Turned out to be a solder connection inside the tank. With the volume on 8 and 9 that cabinet really rattles and shakes. Could be something that simple. If not the others will need to advise you on the reverb tubes and such.

Joe E

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 1 Jan 2004 8:03 pm

This is a solid state Princeton 65. I run the REVERB on 8-9, not the volume.[This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 01 January 2004 at 08:04 PM.]

Joe E · Post by **Joe E** » 1 Jan 2004 9:15 pm

Sorry I read that as a 1965 princeton reverb.

JRE

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 1 Jan 2004 10:15 pm

Unless there's another problem in the amp (such as a shorted cap allowing DC voltage to enter the unit), the tank only sees a small amount of signal voltage, not enough to do any harm regardless of how high you set it. But as Joe said, a bad/broken connection in the tank is by far their most common problem. I'd have the amp checked for the cap problem I mentioned, then buy a spare tank. (They're under $20, so it might pay for you to keep one on hand.)

Also, remember to handle the amp carefully when transporting it. Unlike today's solid-state amps, tanks are fragile electro-mechanical devices, and they don't like rough handling![This message was edited by Donny Hinson on 01 January 2004 at 10:18 PM.]

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 2 Jan 2004 4:19 am

Unless you are using this amp specifically for unusual effects, needing to run the reverb at 8-9 should be a clue to the problem for someone who knows what to look for (not me). I've never met an amp where reverb at 8-9 wouldn't be way over the top. I'd want a tech to look beyond the tank.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 2 Jan 2004 6:49 am

Jon, most of the new Fender amps with the short reverb tank and new design s/s circuitry have a very inferior reverb sound. Running these amp's reverb at 10 gives even less than running the old long-tank BF reverbs at 3.

(Fender decided that distortion was more important than good reverb.)

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 2 Jan 2004 7:02 am

Izzat right? In that case, crank up the grunge!

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 2 Jan 2004 11:08 am

Donny, You are right. Thats just exactly why I have to run it so high.