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Forums :: Ask Amp Tech Expert Skip Simmons

fender princeton

3 replies [Last post]
Tue, 04/12/2011 - 13:12
CityJoe
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Joined: 03/21/2010

which came first, the one with just the vibrato or the one with the reverb.
Are they in some different from eachother, apart from the reverb and vibrato features?

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Tue, 04/12/2011 - 17:12
#1
Expert Skip Simmons
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Joined: 01/18/2010
Princeton vs. Princeton Reverb

Hello- First, we'll assume we are talking about blackface and silverface amps- the tweed and brown Tolex versions are completely different.

The Princeton and Princeton Reverb amps were produced at the same time. The Princeton Reverb not only has reverb; it has an additional gain stage that makes it much "louder" than the non-reverb model. The non-reverb models have always sold for less money, but they can sound good for harp!

Skip Simmons

Skip Simmons Amp Repair

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Wed, 04/13/2011 - 05:05
#2
CityJoe
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Joined: 03/21/2010
Which would be better then,

Which would be better then, the princeton or the princeton reverb, considering it for harp?

Is the reverb model louder in volume? Or has is more crunch?

And is the reissue model the same or does it really sound different?

What does the ground switch do?

How would you set it up, considering tubes and such?

Thanks you for your answers!

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Fri, 04/15/2011 - 10:48
#3
Expert Skip Simmons
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Joined: 01/18/2010
Princetons

Either one would be fine for harp. The reverb model does have more "gain" but is not really more powerful. Did I mention that the reverb model is usually much more expensive? 70's models are around $1000, but 60's models are double that.

Re-issues of classic amps are not the same as the real deal. They sound good but are much more fragile construction-wise than a vintage amp.

The ground switch places a capacitor across the AC line to reduce noise from guitar pickups. Not a big issue for you.

It would be fine to try some lower-gain tubes in place of the 12AX7. Use whatever works best for you.

Skip Simmons

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