Model Number Eleven Reverb

TOPOLOGY

Two channels with Treble / Bass tone stack with a bright cap on the Volume control. The signal splits to a parallel effects loop containing a tube driven spring reverb unit. Wet and dry signals are mixed together at a 12AX7 recovery stage before going on to a long tail pair phase inverter which drives two fixed-bias 6L6 power tubes. Tube rectifier and a photo-resistor based volume modulating tremolo. Two 10″ speakers at about 35 watts.

DESCRIPTION

The Vibrolux Reverb is frequently cited as the best all-round gigging combo of all time. It’s a reasonably compact yet powerful package that will handle the bigger gigs that a Princeton or Deluxe can’t cut. But at the same time, it doesn’t have to be turned up particularly loud to sound great, so it’s also completely workable in smaller venues.

It’s the archetypal blackface amp with shimmering, glassy, bell-like clean tones and easy, dynamic overdrive when pushed hard. Two 10 inch speakers provide more surface area than a single 12 inch cone, and result in articulate high-end detail, immediate response, and a firm low end. The 6L6 power tubes provide a full-throated, big-bottle sound, but an undersized output transformer allows the amp to saturate and give up the goods sooner than a Pro or Twin.

My version is a pure vintage recreation in every detail, with a few refinements to enhance reliability and lower the noise floor.

BASE CONFIGURATION

Two Eminence GA10-SC64 speakers, Mercury Magnetics transformers, Sozo Blue capacitors, carbon film resistors.

Base Price                                   $1800

OPTIONS

Speakers

  • Your choice                               TBD

Capacitors

  • Jupiter Red                              +$40

Resistors

  • Carbon composition                +$10