Fender 64 Custom Handwired Deluxe Reverb Demo

Fender 64 Custom Handwired Deluxe Reverb Demo by Gary Roberts. Handwired, Point-to-Point Construction. I installed RCA 12AX7's and 12AT7's in the appropriate valve positions and a Mullard 5AR4 rectifier tube. The Amp is still biased with the stock Groove Tube 6V6GT's. Sounds great. Jensen C12Q speaker, Pine cabinet construction.
Demo Guitar is my 2012 Fender Custom Shop Telecaster Custom. I swapped the PU's from the Twisted Tele's to Florence Voodoo TE-60 Pickups and also a Callaham bridge plate with compensated modern brass saddles.
Strymon Blue Sky Reverb Pedal near the end of the demo and Jetter Jetdrive.

[@RPSartre01]

This is a beautiful sounding amp. I tried it out at a guitar shop about two years ago, and never forgot that experience. Then about a year ago I made the decision to buy a handwired amp. I drove 5 hours from Michigan to Sweetwater in Indiana to test and compare the Fender 64 DRRI to several other amps, including the Tone King Imperial MKII, Tone King Sky King, Morgan PR36, and a few others. The Imperial stood no chance compared to this amp, and the Morgan PR36 sounded really, really good but they had only one and the reverb was broke. The Sky King sounded pretty good but very dark - and very heavy and too large to carry around. I ended up buying - and loving - the 64 DRRI. It's just great for 50s, 60s, and 70s music, and even for ambient sounds. The traditional fender chime and sparkle is all there!

[@gair1944]

Can’t go wrong with a deluxe

[@Cheguebuddha]

Oh my! That is a sound I wouldn’t mind hearing for the very last time and then die with a huge smile on my face :D Jensen-Fender. Full stop!

[@user-lg6ye1jx7v]

Gary, You are very talented musician. Your in room playing sounds like professional edited studio record. Amazing!

[@realtruenorth]

Sounds utterly amazing, Fender remains the king of cleans.

[@gair1944]

They do something special for sure. I love this amp

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

WOW, just keep making more of these amazing sounds and I will tune in for-ever. That sound has made my day !

[@gair1944]

You got it! Happy New Year

[@charliewesley94]

I own one of these amps, and it's the best amp I've ever played. Can't say enough good things about it.

[@heinofauch]

This is a fantastic amp. I had the chance to test a handwired 64 against a reissue deluxe. This was like day and night. I do not know how Fender did that but this amp is amazing.

[@gair1944]

Heino Fauch I totally agree!!! This amp is on another level. It is making all my guitars sound magically best purchase I’ve made ever! I’ve bought and sold countless amps chasing this tone that I finally have!!

[@thomascoulter6121]

Playing is extremely tasteful. Amp is outstanding.

[@gair1944]

Thank you Thomas. I love this amp

[@thebadterrorists5323]

I enjoyed that, great reverbs in this demo, I usually run a mile from reverb, but not today.

[@Narada65]

I have been hedging on picking up a 64' handwired Deluxe Reverb for months, and this video just cinched it. Just called Sweetwater and ordered one. Will have it in about 4 days. Can't wait! Thanks for putting me over the edge. ;-)

[@gair1944]

Aweome! I’m glad it was helpful. Circle back and let me know your thought guys after playing it

[@keithclayton1271]

How u liking that amp 7 months later? :)

[@Narada65]

@keithclayton1271 I love it. I have a large collection of boutique amps of numerous types and styles, and the handwired 64' Deluxe Reverb has fit perfectly for what I wanted it for. It can cover a lot of ground in a very small, easy grab and go package and the right pedals. With just a couple of the right pedals, it's shocking the array of tones you can coax out of the '64 DR.

[@keithclayton1271]

@@Narada65 thanks for replying. I, too, love "cokesing" amplifiers 🤣👍❤

[@Narada65]

@@keithclayton1271 LOL ;-)

[@stevec.1802]

Wonderful demo and presentation. Thank you. I really appreciate your tele style crosspicking in the beginning of the video. Don’t hear much of that other than on a dreadnought, mostly. As for the amp, that IS the sound. Beautiful in every way. I have an original hand wired 64 Vibrolux R, but that DR is heaven. Love your videos and commentary.

[@eddyabacka8403]

The Recording Sounds Really Good, .. even without "the standard microphones" in front of the Amp! .. Very Full & Rich Sound, .. One of The Best Guitar-Amp-Demos, .. and You Play Great, .. so It's Really Nice & Enjoying to listen to!! .. I think I'm in 😍 with "The Fender 1964 Handwired One!" .. ;-))

[@charleshames3276]

Well done. It’s like falling into fender heaven. Wish I had one.

[@gair1944]

Charles Hames ..thank you! I am over the moon with this amp.

[@chrishill6043]

That... was simply outstanding playing of an outstanding amp. Just superb! Thanks for showing how amazing it can sound. My favourite guitar amp demo I've ever heard.

[@gair1944]

Wow, thank you very much. It’s a great guitar and never disappoints

[@plasticspoon839]

Wow, what a great demo. Perfect demo really. I just bought a used one and watched this for a few minutes before pulling the trigger. It was going to go fast at the asking price so I was grateful to find your demo.

[@gair1944]

Awesome. Absolutely my favorite amp ever. I returned it with old stock RCA’a and a genuine British old stock Mullard 5AR4 rectifier. It for even better!

[@plasticspoon839]

I’m excited to get it and do some tube upgrades. I used to have a DRRI which I loved. For some reason I’ve been chasing other amps for a long time and recently realized that the Deluxe Reverb is my perfect amp. I’m so lucky that I found a used hand wired version, actually I guess purchased new just a few weeks ago. Anyway, love your demos’s of the amp.

[@plasticspoon839]

I wonder if I could ask you a question about mine. It just arrived today. I tried to message you on Gear page but got a message that your inbox is full. 😀

[@gair1944]

Email me at [e-mail]

[@clintwarner2236]

Really nice demo Gary. Thank you

[@gair1944]

Thank you Clint

[@keithpatel6584]

Thanks for a wonderful demo of the amp I am considering for my desired tone.It sounds amazing on its own and great with the Strymon pedals.I must say I am really impressed. Congrats on your beautiful Tele Custom and your divine guitar skills.

[@gair1944]

You are very kind! Much appreciated. The amp makes every guitar sound great. It really lets the voice of a good instrument to shine through

[@strings2wood]

Very tasteful playing. The amp is super including the stock reverb and trem. It becomes a different amp with the Strymon pedals. A different sound with its own character but it changes the nature of the Fender purity. Both sounds have merit. My preference is the amp character as intended. 👍

[@gair1944]

I agree. I also recently switched for the Strymon Blue Sky to a Nuenaber Stereo Wet reverb and that is superb too. It leaves the character of the Fender voice more intact.

[@mmarchi21]

Great demo of the amp. I have this amp also and moved it into a head and it sounds amazing through a 4x10. Keep it up! We love your excitement.

[@gair1944]

That must be amazing with 4x10's! Wow. I'd love to hear that. What speakers are you using?

[@mmarchi21]

I am using Ragin Cajuns. Love them.

[@artisanmetalcraft]

mmarchi21 Sounds like a great idea! Would you be willing to post a video of it into the 410?

[@danielcho2698]

Absolutely gorgeous sound, especially that trem and the edge of breakup! Desert island amp and guitar. Just need a generator. Great video, thanks for sharing! And lovely playing, btw!

[@gair1944]

ha! Desert Islands should come equipped with Generators!

[@JP-jy7sk]

I also have a hand wired Deluxe Reverb. It’s my dream amp and I’m over the moon excited to own it.

[@gair1944]

Me too! I’ve been through a lot of amps . This one checks all the boxes. It is a special amp for sure

[@gelatosamurai]

Just stellar sounding!

[@azt3ca]

great Tele Custom, those are my favorites, specially in black. Classy!

[@gair1944]

Thanks! I love this guitar.

[@douglasreeves2461]

Great sound! I have been considering the Fender 64 Deluxe Reverb and may have to pull the trigger.

[@craigthomson3621]

The Jensen C12Q is, as you say, a fine speaker. However, my Fender 64 Custom Deluxe Reverb Hand-Wired improved noticeably when I put in a Celestion Alnico Cream G12 8ohm 90w. The new speaker is expensive and makes the amp a little heavier to carry, but the sound is beautiful.

[@joshua0226]

What changed

[@craigthomson3621]

More headroom if you need it (I have used the amp with a 50w Fryette Power Station). Lovely chimmey, bell like cleans but with no harsh ice picks. Warm low and upper Midrange. You can also have grit if you want it with grainy distortion achievable.

[@joshua0226]

@@craigthomson3621 I might buy one of these amps because the vintage ones are just not affordable, and I always wanted a true vintage spec well built handwired deluxe reverb to play in stereo with my 1962 brown deluxe .. this might be the ticket 🎫 💭

[@tim2468]

Brilliant playing! Stunning amp.

[@thelifeofmr.nibblestheshih2353]

Amazing sound and great demo!

[@gair1944]

Thank you!

[@Captain_Nightspore]

Wow, sounds great. Wonderful playing and tone. Now I'm wondering why I have any of the amps I have! This one will be next.

[@gair1944]

Superb Amp. It nails the classic Fender Deluxe handwired performance! Nothing better than a Fender guitar through a great Fender tube amp. So classic

[@moonshot1999]

Absolutely fantastic Gary 😎👊I got super lucky and scored one of these new recently with a huge 750 bucks discount and just completely over the moon! Suspected it for years and now I finally know it really was THE tone I’ve been hunting all this time! Completely fabulous amp. Great demo and playing dude 👍 is that a Knotty Pine Princeton next to it btw? No slouch either if it is, love those with the cream alnico 😉

[@gair1944]

M Marshall yes that is a Knotty Pine Princeton Reverb with a 12”.

[@jimmyjams1974]

That sounds very very good.

[@gair1944]

Thank you so much

[@kensmith5108]

Ordered as soon as I was done with the video from CME. I was on the fence but this pushed me over the top.

[@kensmith5108]

I seen where some say this comes from the custom shop and others say just factory built. Does anyone really know. I’m curious

[@gair1944]

I don’t know if there is a “amplifier custom shop”. This amp however is other worldly. I can’t stop playing it. It is insanely musical. I retubed mine with RCA tubes sources from super reliable Brent Jesse at Audiotubes.com . I think they added even more texture and sweetness. I also bought a new old stock UK Great Britain Mullard 5AR4 rectifier. Incredible!!

[@gair1944]

Did you receive your 64 Fender custom Handwired deluxe reverb yet? Let Me know what you think. Hope you love it. Take time to break in the speaker

[@kensmith5108]

@@gair1944 Yes, it came about a week ago. Wonderful amp. I’m blown away with tones I’m able to achieve. Best amp I’ve ever played

[@gair1944]

@@kensmith5108 Thats awesome to hear Ken! Just think, it will break in and sound even better. While I did change the tubes to old stock RCA's (and I recommend an RCA 7025 or 12ax7A in the V1 slot), the stock Fender 63 handwired Deluxe is amazing as is!

[@t3601f]

Hail yeah

[@ericjames7680]

Need your help again please. Looking for a clean SURF amp, my first choice would be the 64 CUSTOM DELUXE REVERB, but I am not sure if it would be too loud for just at home? Get mixed comments from people but one person did say this, ''For playing at low to moderate home levels, the DRRI is one of the best sounding amps around. For strictly home use you might also look at the Princeton Reverb reissue; it has the same control layout as the DRRI vibrato channel (single channel with two inputs) and the same preamp and power tubes (6V6, but biased hotter), the vibrato is superior (uses a tube circuit to modulate the effect rather than an optical "bug"). And the vibrato knobs are always active unless you use the foot switch. So if you want to push the amp itself a bit harder the breakup will come at a little less volume.'' And then another person says, ''No the DRRI isn't suitable for bedroom use it suffers from the problem all fender valve amps have nothing happens on the volume till about 4 then its too loud''. Then, ''I've owned both a DRRI and a PRRI out of the two the PRRI is more suited for home use. Both amps still need to be turned up to 4 before you can get a full sound out of them below that they are thin with little bottom end.'' Then the last one, ''Yes, you will be able to use it at less than ear shattering volume. If you like the amp, go fro it. I use mine at home all the time, no problem, Volume settings 2 to 4, depending on the time of day or who else is in the house. If you get together to play with friends, it's all there as well. GREAT AMP!'' See what I mean? So what do you think? Thank You! Subscribed!!!

[@gair1944]

Email me at [e-mail]

[@NMS40]

Hello sir....Great demo, love your playing as well as your knowledge. I must have viewed all your demos regarding the knotty pine princeton. How does the HW64 compare? Thanks so much

[@MrOdissea1978]

Thanks for this fantastic review! If you have to chose beetween Carr Sportsman and this one what would you choose? The stay on the same price point right now in Europe but I can't try them :) I know Sportsman it's very 3d and full of harmonics but I've to admit this Deluxe let me doubt about my choice :) Thanks Gary!

[@gair1944]

Greetings from the US. It's hard for me to answer about the Sportsman since I've only played one a couple times and only briefly on demo's. I would have to vote for the Fender 64 Deluxe Reverb Custom Hardwired. But that is based more on my preference for true classic Fender voicing and because I own one. I am however a huge fan of Carr amps. They are always musical and excellent. The Deluxe might have a little more clean headroom if that matters. Does that help?

[@MrOdissea1978]

@@gair1944 a lot! Thanks Gary :)

[@daniellove2756]

Very good demo and really clean playing. Nicely done. Curious of what your eq settings were. Where you think it really opens the amps tone up.

[@gair1944]

I honestly don’t remember the exact eq setttings. Usually treble around 4-5 and bass 3-4. The amp comes to life once the volume is slightly above 3. Sounds killer around 4 where is stays clean with a light touch and barks with great touch sensitivity when you dig in.

[@lorenzoferrando7291]

Awesome sound but I really like your playing

[@jdmoney1000]

That guitar looks and sounds awesome. I have the princeton hand wired and love it.... But i also just ordered the deluxe HR. I can't imagine it sounding better than my princeton, and im already expecting to not love the deluxe.... Even though, i must say, you made it shine here.... What are your thoughts three years removed on this amp????

[@gair1944]

Hey Uncle Sally, I've gone full circle with all my electric guitar focus and I'm now back to 90% acoustic. I have lots of thoughts and all of them are really very positive. But more to say than I can put down right here. Short version. I still Love the 64 hardwired Custom Deluxe Reverb. I briefly had the custom 64 hardwired Princeton Reverb. I let that go and kept the deluxe but mostly because I felt it was better to have 'more' and not need it than having a smaller amp and maybe needing more on 'occasion.' In hindsight, I've come to realize a Princeton Reverb might well serve me better since I play solo and duo gigs, no drums. Volume can get out of hand fast with no other instrumentation. So I've found I usually need 'less' than I thought I would. Consequently, I've been advertising my 64 Deluxe. But primarily because I don't use it. When I play electric guitar at my gigs on a handful of songs, I can get by with playing through the PA with a drive pedal or maybe I'll add an Amp sim box like a Line 6 Helix or Pod. (Told ya I have a lot to say. That just scratches the surface)

[@jdmoney1000]

@@gair1944 You need to sell me that black telecaster....

[@CargoShorts7]

Sounds killer man! I've heard that the channel mod on the 64 DR allowing for reverb to be on both also led to a noise floor issue for some people. Have you experienced any of that? I've always wanted an original deluxe reverb, but now they're getting too out of reach in price. Maybe this can get me that fix. Great video, loved the Norwegian Wood groove and your playing. Reminds me of Widespread Panic. Cheers!

[@gair1944]

Thanks for the nice comments Willy. I bought this because I was concerned an original deluxe reverb might have reliability issues. I will admit there is a slight background his on this amp while idling (On) with no signal. But for me and my volume needs it is not offensive nor an issue. When I am playing the guitar is completely in the forefront and sounds superb. I have a Carr Rambler, Carr Telstar and Fender 65 PRRI Knotty Pine Ltd Ed with 12". I choose to gig the Deluxe as my first call unless I need higher clean headroom to stay pure, clear and clean at a higher loudness. Then I bring the Rambler. Otherwise, this Deluxe is soulful, classic and incredibly rewarding. I absolutely LOVE this amp. Does that help? Feel free to email me at [e-mail] if you want to chat more.

[@paulreeves3746]

Great video!!!

[@wakjob961]

Wow...just wow man. You and the amps sound great!

[@gair1944]

Thank you. This 64 Handwired custom deluxe reverb is my absolute favorite

[@joshua0226]

How are you liking this amp?! Have you tried the custom 64 handwired Princeton reverb yet? ??

[@beableish]

These sound great! do you think hand wired makes a diffrence?

[@BellTunnel]

Sounds great, Gary. What was the difference in sound between stock and upgraded tubes, and where did you buy the upgraded set?

[@gair1944]

Hi Bell, the difference can be subtle and honestly the amp sounded great with the Fender branded tubes. I am pretty sure the stock Fender labelled 6V6GT's are JJ's. I was actually fairly impressed. I find RCA backplate 6V6GT's to have a slightly more classic breakup when pushed. an RCA 12AX7A or 7025 in V1 for me has more of a sweet presence and a little more body and texture. The V1 preamp is most critical in my experience. I also thought I got more punch and presence with a genuine Old stock Mullard 5AR4 made in Great Britain. I always try to get my old stock tubes from Brent Jesse at audiotubes.com . They are always strong and last a long time.

[@BellTunnel]

@@gair1944 thanks, Gary!

[@OliverGuitarforall]

Nice video Did you ever try a Vintage Sound 22 amp to compare ?

[@gair1944]

No sorry. I never had a chance to try a Vintage Sound amp. I read good things about them but have no personal experience with them.

[@sergethiriet3740]

So, Gary, what do you think? The Princeton or the Deluxe? Your videos with the Princeton reissues made me buy a 71 Silverface by the way 😅 🙏🏼🎸🔉👍🏻👌🏻

[@gair1944]

Deluxe for me if I can not have one

[@martinberggren6587]

Thanks! I am shopping for an amp. Your videos sound great. I wonder of you have made any other videos with this amp playing humbuckers? I mainly play a prs s2 single cut these days. Will I be able to play any clean tones with it?

[@gair1944]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2eUYoWJa7p_etU

[@sboistan]

Does this do low volumes as well as the Princeton? I have a Princeton Tweed build (which is really a champ in a slightly larger enclosure ) that does the job for me in a NYC apartment

[@gair1944]

If I was in a NYC apartment, or any apartment, I'd stick with a Princeton or Princeton Reverb 64 Custom hand wired. They will still get loud enough to piss off your neighbors. That's always a challenge. The '64 Deluxe Reverb Custom Hand wired amp sounds good at low to medium volume but it is fuller and richer and those frequencies might be too much for apartment dwellers. I was in an apartment temporarily a few years ago for a little while. I could bare turn up my 65 Princeton Reverb reissue above 3. (And it sounds best and comes alive a little over '4' on the volume knob.

[@sboistan]

@@gair1944 Thanks for the info. Have you ever tried using an attenuator? I have a tone king iron man attenuator, however it works best if one is just removing a slight bit of volume.

[@gair1944]

@@sboistan I have not used an attenuator for a couple reasons. The main one is that I use a looper and need my rhythm loops to playback pure, clear, and clean. If the amp is cooking and has any level of drive, it doesn't work for my needs. That's why I used pedals for solos or overdriven rhythms. Then I can solo clear or with OD pedals.

[@PudWud1]

What do you think of the 64 Deluxe Reverb vs the Suhr Bella? Are they similar in tone? Do you have a preference?

[@gair1944]

This is a great question. I demo a Bella Reverb Combo at home once and I really like that amp a lot. It does not have the sag the 64 deluxe offers. Using a great Fender Custom Shop Tele or my PRS 594 w/Humbuckers, the 64 handwired Deluxe when pushed with more volume than '4' on the deal breaks into one of the most classic sounding overdriven sounding amps I've ever played (at a volume I find ideal for me needs). The Bella, even in 22W mode holds together as more of a clean platform. The tone of the Bella is Superb and I love it. I prefer the Bella in 44W mode with the Boost on the Volume down. Truly a great amp that will deliver a louder "pure clean" if you need it. The other knock for 'ME' is the Bella Combo weight!! It is very heavy and being physically larger its more than I want to carry. But for sound, tone and versatility, the Bella is a great amp that I like a lot. I would still choose this '64 Handwired Custom Deluxe Reverb. Every time. For my tonal preference, size, weight, clean to overdriven volume tones at the right loudness, it is simply put; the right tool for the job.

[@everglass]

Hi Gary, thank you for the wonderful demo! I’ve heard some reports that the ‘64 Fender DR handwired circuit is somewhat noisy. What has been your experience? Many thanks!

[@gair1944]

Hi Jamie, I have to say there is indeed some light background hiss when the amp is on and idling with no signal. I typically play at 3-4 at most. It’s not an issue for me. But in my home studio, I hear the amp more than others when there is no signal. It’s never been bad or a detriment for my gig needs at all. PS I am getting a 64 Princeton Reverb this week. I don’t expect it to keep up with the deluxe but I’ll monitor the noise.

[@everglass]

@@gair1944 Congrats on the imminent arrival of your 64 Princeton. I would so love to hear a tone comparison between the PR and the DR - is that something you might be able to do, because I’m trying to choose between the two! A hiss comparison would be handy also! Your DR demo is the best I’ve heard on KZbin - keep up the great work Gary.

[@gair1944]

@@everglass hi Jamie. Absolutely. Not sure if I can capture the hiss. If you haven’t heard it in my other videos, that tells you it’s not that bad if it’s there. I do think the deluxe with a 12” and more power and bigger cabinet is going to sound richer and fuller than the Princeton. But I will do an A-B comparison demo and post it.

[@everglass]

@@gair1944 ahh that would be great!!! Perhaps you could just discuss the idle noise of both amps? I’m really looking forward to your comparison. Which amp takes pedals best, can the PR compete with the DR’s cleans? I think the PR will rock out more but it will be a great video to see. I haven’t come across a comparison between the hand wired versions. Thank again Gary!

[@jimcastillo8950]

Hello, I see you have the princeton amp also, which do you prefer more ? the Deluxe or the Princeton? thank you

[@gair1944]

Deluxe gets more playing time.

[@TucsonBillD]

Tell me about it...

[@robertrosejr1]

Is it for sale

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

One of my friends has that same amp. It’s his baby. 😆

[@gair1944]

Benjamin DeMers it is truly exceptional!!

[@robertrosejr1]

Question is it’s a reissue hardwired or original 1964.

[@gair1944]

It is the 64 Handwired custom Deluxe reverb they released in 2017.

[@robertrosejr1]

What a tone. If you’re ever interested in selling. Please let me know

[@gair1944]

@@robertrosejr1 Thanks! I totally agree. This is the amp, sound and tone I've been chasing for years. I suggest you look for one and get it! Absolutely amazing amp. I installed some well sourced RCA old stock 12ax7's, 12AT7's and RCA 6V6GT's ...in addition to a Mullard 5AR4 rectifier (Great Britain old stock). So this new amp is spec'd as vintage as possible. I expect it will deliver years of great service, only needing Tubes at some point.

[@robertrosejr1]

@@gair1944 I follow your channel. How does it compare to the carr amps and Louis electric etc. from what it sounds like it’s the best

[@gair1944]

@@robertrosejr1 I've had the Carr Rambler whichl I do love, and also Louis Electric Columbia. I prefer this Fender Deluxe 64 Handwired custom. It delivers the classic voice I want an it takes pedals so good! My next favorite amp is the Carr Rambler. I always chased the classic Fender tone, especially since I have Custom shop Tele's an a Wildwood 10 Custom shop Strat. Nothing sound better to me than a Fender guitar through a great Fender tube amp. But now that I have the Deluxe 64 Handwired, I would love a Carr Rambler as it has a 3D Sweetness that is really great. But if I could only have one, I'm keeping this Fender 64 Deluxe Reverb Handwired Custom! The Louis Columbia is really good but more forwards and direct. Less sag. I find a ton of texture and musicality in the way this Fender performs.

[@michelleneeds4165]

Norwegian wood?

[@mycosten-12]

You forgot to mention the wood used in the shell. It must be Norwegian…

[@gair1944]

Do you mean the pine cabinet?

[@mycosten-12]

@@gair1944 yessir! But you played a lil riff from Norwegian Wood so…

[@gair1944]

@@mycosten-12 laughs!! Yessir I did