Carr Skylark Versus Fender '65 Princeton Reverb Reissue w/12" Speaker

Carr Skylark Versus Fender '65 Princeton Reverb Reissue w/12" Jupiter 12LC Speaker. Carr Skylark is current 2019 version with Eminence Nailhead speaker. Fender Custom Shop 63 Telecaster custom w/Florance Voodoo TE60 Pickups, Callaham Bridge.

[@vicgutierrez707-z3d]

Came here wanting to like the Carr better, turned out that I fell madly in love with the Princeton

[@gair1944]

That is exactly what happened for me as well. I really enjoyed the Skylark, but it wasn't for me and did not work well for the one gig I took it to. I had the Princeton with me and used it the rest of the night and I've been in love with the Princeton ever since.

[@giordanobruno2509]

The Carr is pointing directly at the mic, the Princeton is off axis. They are both loud enough that they are compressing the camera microphone. Also, the Princeton is positioned in a corner which will amplify the bass response. It's hard to hear the tone of the Princeton because the low end eats it up. Stack them next time so at least it's a fair comparison.

[@MrOdissea1978]

Carr more defined and full of harmonics. Thanks ❤

[@gair1944]

The Carr has a lot of complexity that is very engaging and involving.

[@roymontero4066]

Please upload more electric guitar videos, KZbin needs more seasoned players on here! Cheers!

[@gair1944]

You are so very kind. I have uploaded a lot more electric guitar videos. In fact, when I got a Fender 63 custom Handwired Deluxe Reverb, I started making a lot more electric guitar videos.

[@122Music1]

Dang dude! Nice playing! Buying a Skylark tomorrow God willing. Skylark simply due to the myriad of tones it can produce. Also the wattage/attenuation knob it has.... The Skylark does a decent Marshall imitation with treble and bass rolled down with mids boosted...Princeton does 1 thing well while the Skylark does alot more.

[@gair1944]

Thank you for listening and for your nice compliment. I love Carr amps. I recently got a Carr Telstar. Stunning amp

[@122Music1]

That Princeton sounds HUGE! The Carr seems to have more tricks up its sleeve. Hence the potential purchase. I need a do it all studio amp. God Speed

[@steadfastanddomino]

Wow, Gary, this is a great demo! With those beautiful clean sounds - that to me is what really reveals the character of these amps. Excellent playing. And it's really interesting to see the Princeton with a 12" speaker hold its own against an amp that costs more than twice what the Fender goes for. Great shootout.

[@gair1944]

Thanks for listening and for your nice comment.

[@Iam1DK]

@Gary do you like the masterbuilt telecaster you have? Do you find it better than your 63 F custom shop telecaster that you are playing in this video? Or just different flavors of awesome? Awesome playing

[@gair1944]

Hi David, I don't own a Masterbuilt Tele. I demoed a Dale Wilson Masterbuilt a couple years back and it was amazing. But my Custom Shop is exceptional and I don't feel the need to get a Masterbuilt.

[@Iam1DK]

@@gair1944 thanks!!!

[@Dramirez314]

Hello Gary, great demo! What is the price difference on these amps? Is the Princeton hardwired as well?

[@dennisstinson4023]

I think they compliment each other and would sound great together. Both sound beautiful. Carr has more pronounced mids. Very nice.

[@gair1944]

Wouldn't that be something? Playing both in stereo? Oh my. Thats something I might do at home but too much stuff to carry for a gig since I also bring PA system and a lot more gear.

[@marsattacks7071]

The Princeton has a "close" sound compared with the Carr. The bass is also a bit boomy in the Princeton. The Carr has a much more open sound. Could play jazz on that one !

[@JamesHunterRoss]

I cannot get past the Princeton.. the Carr sounds good and I could love it, but I would buy the Princeton and LOVE it!

[@gair1944]

I totally agree and I did not pull the trigger on buying that Skylark. I have had the Princeton a few years now and it is superb. Always sounds 'correct' to me.

[@stevec.1802]

IMHO the Jupiter 12LC gives the PR a bit rounder tonality w/o sacrificing the sparkle. However, both amps are great yet have their own personality. Nice demo. 🎸

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Both sound fantastic. Nice tone and playing Gary. I recently purchased a Princeton Reverb reissue, and I absolutely Love-It. Not into Lugging Heavy Gear anymore.Takes the Fun out-of Gigging for me. Stay Safe everyone.

[@gair1944]

I actually prefer a good Princeton, but I am a sucker for Fender cleans and enough 'pure' clean headroom. The Skylark wants to rock and if your version of clean is 'edge of breakup and it overdrives when you dig in', then you might prefer the Skylark. But that does Not describe 'me'. I am still a Fender guy.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

@@gair1944 No. I like Pristine (Prince / Nile Rodgers) Fender Cleans. For edge of breakup, I use a Barber Electronics Gain Changer S.R. - it's the Best I have found. In my NYC apartment, I can only put the Princeton volume on 2 - and it's very loud. Also takes my large-pedalboard very well.

[@gair1944]

@@michael_caz_nyc We are in complete agreement my friend. Great frame of reference (Nile Rodgers) I also had a Gain Changer for a while. Great OD pedal. I am using a Jetter Jetdrive and I also use an Xotic Effects RC Boost V2 to push the front end of the amp when I need it. Very natural sounding. Just makes the amp sound a little 'hotter'. Magical pedal that RC Boost Scott Henderson V2 version.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

@@gair1944 Oh yeah. I heard that v2 and I was Impressed.

[@gregmirr]

Both great amps and excellent demo ! Thx

[@1rodneyk]

Gary, I have the Sweetwater exclusive edition PRRI with 12” Cannabis Rex, but after your video am interested in knowing exactly what speaker you have in your PRRI? Thank you, sir and your playing and sound are superb!

[@gair1944]

Thank you Rodney, I installed a Jupiter 12LC 50W 12" Speaker. It is a ceramic magnet speaker. My Knotty Pine PRRI came with a Celestion Alnico Cream 90W that was great, but it was just a bit more chimey and had more midrange. I actually preferred the Jupiter 12LC speaker and love it. The guitarist in my band has the same amp as you do with the Cannabis Rex and it sounds great. But we have never compared side-by-side.

[@JackTheSkunk]

Fender needs to do another run of those Knotty Pine Princetons and Deluxe Reverbs. Maybe with wicker grills next time. Most beautiful amps they ever made.

[@gair1944]

Superb amps! I agree

[@robh1780]

Wow Gary great tones on both amps, but I guess I have to say the breakup sounds smoother and just the tone I'm looking for with the Fender 65 Princeton.

[@triplumberelectro8611]

How does your Princeton amp work with overdrives and distortion pedals?

[@gair1944]

It takes pedals great. I think some of that is because the Jupiter 12LC 12" Speaker is exceptional compared to the lower wattage stock Jensens? Just guessing in that regard.

[@triplumberelectro8611]

@@gair1944 I have the same amp, should I change out the speakers? Would that improve the amps ability to take pedals?

[@BrianFerracci]

Hi Gary, you are one of the few that has the same PRRI I do. I have a few questions if you do not mind. 1st, I have had to take off the bottom backplate because it resonates and rattles. Have you had that issue with yours? 2nd, One of my power tubes went and I just replaced them with JJ's. It is a completely different amp now. I biased it to 25ma using a tube bias probe, I have not tried measuring the plate current yet, and I know I really should, but 25ma gave me a good tremolo and I know I am well in the tolerance of the tube. The thing is.. now it's a clean machine. I cannot get it to break up even at 8 which as you know is much too loud to play in a room without hearing protection. At ten I can get it to break up if I hit the strings hard. It sounds amazing and since I do run a timmy and a 73 rams head big muff clone I am not complaining too much since now it is really a perfect pedal platform, but I am missing that dirt a little. Are you still running the stock tubes?

[@gair1944]

Hi Brian, sorry for 8 months late reply. I do not have to remove the back bottom panel. My Amp does not have rattles. I've changed the speaker a couple of times experimenting so its been taken apart and put back together a few times. Yes, the PRRI is mostly a clean platform. One thing you can do is change the speaker to a low wattage Jensen C12Q. I just did that. The speaker is less efficient so it breaks up into overdrive earlier. You might like it. I changed the stock tubes to EH6V6s and I also have a stash of old RCA 12AX7's that tested very strong, so I made that change too. You might source an old stock Mullard 5AR4 rectifier (Only the ones made in Great Britain) I think it adds more dimension. It doesn't make it reach overdrive sooner but I think it sounds better. Let me know your thoughts.

[@jerrymckenzie6205]

You make both amps sound nice!

[@gair1944]

Thanks Jerry. Both amps are great. Depending on how much 'pure' clean headroom you need might dictate which you prefer. For driven searing tones, the Skylark is amazing. But I don't live there and the amp needs to deliver enough 'pure' cleans at a certain volume. Otherwise it doesn't work for me. In terms of Volume, the Skylark will play plenty loud. But it breaks up way earlier.

[@Christocalese]

What settings on the Skylark get you closest to the Princeton? I have a Skylark that I usually run with the bass at 10-11, mids around noon, treble at 1-2, and presence also at 1-2. I don’t have a Princeton to compare it to. I agree with you that the Skylark wants to rock. It loves being cranked up. Have you tried diming the mids and cutting the bass and treble all the way back? It sounds killer!

[@Christocalese]

Also, I don’t think the high/low switch on the Skylark is the same as the inputs on the Princeton. Low on the Skylark is wide open, high adds some gain. I believe The low input on the Princeton the low input is a gain cut. Check out Steve Carr’s video manual on the Carr official KZbin channel.

[@eyeceeyooh]

How do you like it even though there’s no gain knob?

[@gair1944]

How do I like what?

[@eyeceeyooh]

@@gair1944 the Princeton reverb. The only reason I’m on the fence about it is because there is no gain knob. What are your thoughts on that?

[@gair1944]

@@eyeceeyooh it is a great grab and go “clean platform”. I use overdrive pedals for gain. Alternately you could turn it up and ride your guitar volume if it delivers the desired breakup at the right volume. Otherwise maybe you need a master volume sort of amp?

[@eyeceeyooh]

@@gair1944 ok thank you I really appreciate it. That was really helpful. I have a small bugera t5 head with a Jensen p12q in the cab and I keep the gain on low and also get my overdrive from pedals. I just want a small combo as opposed to head and cab. But from what you’ve said I’ll probably get the Princeton

[@christopherburtner9254]

Gary - do you run any pedals, particularly OD or boost, through the Skylark to change up the flavor at times? If so, which ones have you found sound the best?

[@gair1944]

Hi Christopher, I have to be honest, I don't own the Skylark anymore. It did not give me enough pure clear clean headroom. Some people like a little hair on their sound, the edge of break up and you dig in and the amp goes into overdriven tones. The Skylark excels at this and sounds even more exciting when you get it cooking. But when I want pure clear clean and nothing else, I am not happy if the amp is starting to overdrive. I stuck with my '65 Princeton Reissue/Knotty Pine version with the 12". I love the xotic effects RC Boost for boosting solo's slightly, or pushing the front end of the amp.

[@learnguitarat6043]

I have to go with the Skylark. I definitely found the Princeton to be more recessed. Being under the table may have been the issue.

[@GTRJohnny66]

Great video, Gary! Both sound really good. My guess would be the Princeton is wider and bigger sounding, but that the Skylark might drop into a mix easier with less EQ? I like the less scooped mids on the Skylark, but that bottom of that Jupiter speaker sounds really good. Hard choice there.

[@gair1944]

Good feedback john. I’ve heard the skylark in a band mix. You’re right. It was awesome. But I play solo and duo’s a lot and need a full rich sound that stands in its own. The ‘ 65 Princeton Reverb, knotty pine edition does that. The Jupiter speaker being super efficient has a lot to do with it.

[@alessandrosusca9964]

Great demo and great sound man. Good job. Both amps sound terrific. What's your recording equipement? I agree that the different cabinet makes the bigger difference. I'm playing a simple VHT Special 6 through a oversized 1x12 cab with a Eminence GB128: It sounds nothing like the combo version even if it's the same amp.

[@gair1944]

Sorry for the belated reply. I record with an HTC One M8. It is freakishly good at capturing audio.

[@kenaiello4851]

when replacing the speaker in the princeton did you take the baffle out or just unscrew it from the back?

[@gair1944]

This Knotty Pine Princeton came with a 12" Speaker, so I just unscrewed the speaker to install a different 12" Speaker.

[@kenaiello4851]

@@gair1944 got the deluxe reverb after the prince

[@DrRussPhd]

Great demo, thanks. I like the Princeton better. Have been looking at these for a bit again. Was temporarily distracted by the Fender ToneMaster amps but may stick to tube amps.

[@gair1944]

In my experience, a tube amp has more texture and soul. I tried the tonemaster twin and liked it but then compared directly to the tube version. That was all I needed to know. the reverb sounds digital on the tonemaster. Just not the same

[@tpzid]

Hard to compare both amps with different speakers.

[@gair1944]

I understand your point but also disagree. Comparing two 1x12 combo’s in their stock configurations in similar sizes both 6v6 amps. They are different design philosophies too. So the greater question for me simply was “which one serves my wants and needs best?”

[@jammergreg]

The Carr has a nice compressed tone. The Princeton is less compressed.

[@bigbluesigh]

Good one, friend!

[@gair1944]

Thanks. Hope it was useful

[@quicklynamed]

That speaker pairs well with the PRRI. I wish all princetons had 12" speakers and a properly sized output transformer to tame the farty breakup.

[@gair1944]

I agree, although I really want to try the Fender 64 handwired Princeton Reverb that came out in 2018/2019? It has a 10" but being handwired, it has some texture I dont think the reissues quite achieve.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

@@gair1944 They have less clean headroom and break-up earlier ( which for me is an absolute deal-breaker ). I honestly like the Stock one better. To each his own.

[@gair1944]

@@michael_caz_nyc I came to the same conclusion. My PRRI with a 12” speaker out punches it’s weight class.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

@@gair1944 Also does not sound Boxy - like other small combo amps. I'm super happy with my stock 65 PRRI - when I gig - the loudest I can put it is 4 - 4.5. - It's Loud enough.

[@t3601f]

The only problems with your great reviews are the way it makes me question everything! DR, PR, TONE KING, NOW CARR ARRGH

[@gair1944]

Laughs!! And when I get comments on old reviews I made I listen again and wonder why I don’t have that guitar Or amp. Like what was I thinking?!?

[@t3601f]

Any thoughts on tone king imperial II?

[@gair1944]

@@t3601f funny you mention that. A friend of mine is getting one this weekend or early next week. But he doesn’t live here. So I’ll get his opinion and decide whether to try one

[@brickbreaker8148]

Damn, custom shop Tele and 3 amps w/pedalboard. Bout 10K in nice toys strewn about?

[@gair1944]

That might be a conservative estimate. LOL

[@dochort21]

Similar sound for 1/3 the price. I’ll take the PRRI all day long.

[@gair1944]

dochort21 I determined my Knotty Pine 65 PRRI was infinitely more gig worthy at volume too.

[@station2station544]

PRRI is a $2300 amp. Handwired.

[@BluesHeavy]

The Princeton Much darker the Carr wonderful clarity would cut through the mix better.

[@twirlyboggs]

Yeah put a drummer in that room and you'll start to really pull toward that little funky looking amp on the right

[@jazzguitarneophyte-christo7988]

Fender Princeton wins!

[@druwk]

Princeton’s almost always sound better with 12” IMHO? The Carr also sounds good...Princeton is great!

[@gair1944]

The Carr Skylark excels when driving it hard. But it was not nearly as good as a clean platform as the Princeton Reverb with a 12" Speaker

[@luthiervandros]

Man I wish I hadn’t heard that Carr.

[@gair1944]

Luthier Vandros lol . Just be sure it has enough headroom for your needs if you need it to stay louder and cleaner at band volume. I agree Carr Amps are superb and so musical

[@station2station544]

a tie for me, but the attenuator on the CARR is worth the price diff.

[@gair1944]

There is a lot of value with the attenuator. Depends on your needs and uses.

[@Edlouis564]

what if the princeton was next to the Carr, seems like being under a table surrounded could've effected the sound.

[@gair1944]

All valid points about where the amps were in the room. The Rambler will sound bigger and richer. My preference was for the overall “voice” paired with my needs for the desired clean headroom. The Princeton voice is the sound I covet. So I just bought a Fender 64 Handwired Custom Deluxe Reverb. I am thrilled. I will do a side by side demo with both amps along the same plane.

[@sugarlife485]

first time Im realizing how the skylark is not really a blackface sound at all...much more forward and almost tweedy...The PRINCETON ALL THE WAYYYYYYYYYY

[@gair1944]

The Skylark, like the Carr Rambler has its own unique voice. It is closer to Blackface to me than Tweed. But when you get the power tubes cooking and push it to overdriven tones, it is more Tweed-ish, but tighter and less ratty than a classic tweed IMO. For me, the Princeton all the way too!!

[@johnthibodeau534]

The Skylark is based on a Tweed Harvard circuit, so it should sound Tweedier, though the Harvard isn't nearly as dirty as a 5E3

[@gair1944]

@@johnthibodeau534 Touche - Good point good sir

[@paulwatson9217]

Princeton sounds fuller other sounds a bit boxy by comparison to me.

[@gair1944]

Yes That is my experience as well

[@DS-fi4hf]

Preferred the Princeton for cleans. Perferred the Skylark for grit.

[@gair1944]

Totally agree

[@FRX67]

Hard to tell. The Carr is facing the mic position directly while the PRRI is off at an angle, and this affects the tone. Not really a good comparison

[@gair1944]

Being in the room and listening back, the volume filled the room equally. Your point is taken but the differences were very similar on a gig outdoors when I took both amps. Just an interesting point of data.

[@liternum]

more in evidence the skylark more in the background the fender I prefer the skylark

[@JB-hq9yj]

salvatore mazzarella yea what you said makes zero sense

[@SAGABIJO2]

THE FENDER SOUNDS THINNER EVERY TIME YOU PLUG IT IN, IT HAS MORE HIGHS AND SUBS BUT NOT ENUOGH MIDRANGE AS THE CARR. FENDER IS ALSO MORE COMPRESSED AND STIFF, CARR IS MORE LOOSE AND MATURE.

[@TheRpkennedy]

Is it truly necessary to type your message in all capital letters?

[@SAGABIJO2]

@@TheRpkennedy I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY KEYBOARD, SORRY FOR THAT... BY THE WAY, THE BEST CARR TO MY OPINION IS THE MERCURY -V, THE CLEAN IS CRAZY GOOD, ONE OF THE BEST OUT THERE. VERY BIG, MUSICAL AND ROUND SOUNDING AND MUCH MORE HEADROOM THEN THE SKYLARK. NOT TO MENTION THE AMAZING GAIN THIS AMP HAS. THE SKYLARK IS A BIT SMALLER SOUNDING AND SLOWER THEN THE MERCURY - V, LESS BASS, MORE SPONGY AND MUCH LESS CLEAN HEADROOM BUT I LIKED IT ALSO VERY MUCH, IT'S HALF BLACKF, HALF TWEED BUT WITH LESS COMPRESSION. THE RUMBLER I DIDN'T LIKE AT ALL, VERY THIN AND NOT SO MUSICAL TO MY TASTE. IT DIDN'T REMIND MY A BLACKFACE AT ALL. I PLAYED IT FOR A MINUTE, DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING USEFUL AND WENT BACK TO THE OTHER TWO. COMPARE YOUR PRINSTON TO THE MERCURY - V AND IT WILL SMASH IT IN SECONDS IN ALMOST EVERY FIELD.

[@gair1944]

@@SAGABIJO2 The Skylark is indeed 'smaller sounding'. I agree. The Mercury V is a super cool amp. To this day however, my favorite Carr Amp is still the Rambler. but the Telstar got my attention. It is super cool too.

[@liternum]

but what a delicious guitar!

[@gair1944]

Thanks! I LOVE this guitar! Amazing instrument. Its one of those so-called "special guitars." I am very selective and this one was handpicked. When I played it, I knew!

[@cqlove12]

Ok... now put the cream back in the princeton. Then compare.

[@gair1944]

I sold the Creamback because I was so happy with the Jupiter 12LC. The Creamback had even more midrange and I couldn't dial it out. Great speaker but was not quite as 'american' sounding to me which is my preference.