What is the Best Fender Princeton Reverb Amplifier?
Making a great amp EVEN GREATER!
What if you took the classic Fender Princeton Reverb amplifier specifications and gave them a slight spec boost? Then you might have something like the Fender Princeton Reverb Limited Edition Tweed model! Although it’s advertised as a ‘Limited Edition’ model, it’s been available for a few years, and available worldwide. Different stores around the world have been carrying the amplifier as their ‘Exclusive’ model.
What is unique about this amplifier? Does it sound good? Is it right for you? Hopefully I can help answer all those questions. The first thing you will notice right away is the standard black tolex has been replaced with a vintage looking Tweed covering. That gives it a more classic vintage style look and feel. The next major upgrade is the internal speaker. The standard Princeton comes loaded with a 10” Jensen C10R speaker. The 10” model sounds great and is usually loud enough for most people. This limited edition model upgrades that 10” speaker to a huge Eminence 12” Cannibis Rex Speaker. It’s a big, loud speaker! Let’s check out the rest of the specs.
ALL the FEATURES & highlights
Fender '65 Princeton Reverb Lacquered Tweed Combo Amplifier Features:
12-watt (or is it 15-watt?) tube combo amp with an updated, vintage look
12" Eminence Cannabis Rex speaker is clear and smooth
Vintage-style lacquered tweed covering
Features Fender's famed tube reverb and tremolo
Compact dimensions have made it a popular gigging amp for decades
Comes with an amp dust cover
FULL SPECS and options
Type:Tube
Number of Channels:1
Total Power:12W
Speaker Size:1 x 12" Eminence Cannabis Rex
Preamp Tubes:3 x 12AX7, 1 x 12AT7
Power Tubes:2 x 6V6 (power), 1 x 5AR4 (rectifier)
Reverb:Yes
Effects:Vibrato
EQ:Treble, Bass
Inputs:2 x 1/4"
Outputs:2 x 1/4" (one internal)
Footswitch I/O:1 x 1/4" (reverb, vibrato)
Footswitch Included:Yes, 2-button footswitch
Construction Material:Lacquered Tweed
Power Source:Standard IEC AC cable
Height:16"
Width:19.87"
Depth:9.5"
Weight:34 lbs.
Manufacturer Part Number:2172000013
SO Is it 12 Watt or 15 watt?
The traditional Princeton Reverb amplifier has always been a 12 Watt all tube amplifier. The tweed limited edition model is typically listed as 12 Watts on websites and in the user manual, but I’ve also seen it listed as 15 watts in other places. It’s clearly marked as 15 Watts on the back of the amplifier (SEE PHOTO), so I am going to trust that label and go with the 15 Watt spec rating. Is it too loud for your home/apartment playing? Is it loud enough for you? That always depends on your personal situation. Is that loud enough for a full band? I always say it depends on your band and how loud your drummer plays!
BUY A FENDER PRINCETON REVERB ONLINE
My thoughts
I think this is a great sounding amplifier. It can sound great at low volumes, and also at mid level volumes. The reverb sounds great and is a true highlight. You would hope so with it being part of the name! The tremolo also sounds great if you’re into that type of effect. It’s not for me personally, but everyone has their own needs and tastes. I wouldn’t have bought this amplifier if I didn’t like it! That being said, not every amp is for everyone. You need to decide if this is something that will inspire you to play your favourite music and guitar. If you’re looking for a high gain amp, then this probably isn’t for you. But don’t rule it out completely because it’s an excellent amp for adding FX pedals. It’s also got plenty of volume and may be loud enough to play with a band. It always depends on the size of your band, location, etc.
MY FULL REVIEW VIDEO
They say a picture is worth a thousand words and talking about a guitar and showing pictures is one thing, but seeing and hearing it in action is another. So how many words is a video worth? It must be a bazillion! Go check out my full demo and review on Youtube. You’ll be able to hear the amp and see it close up. Hopefully this will help you decide if this is the right amplifier for you!
