Fender Princeton Reverb 65 vs Peavey Bravo 112 - Clean sound comparison

[@CapstoneTider]

I appreciate the well done comparison. You can't beat a Princeton for cleans. I have a Bravo and am very happy with its versatility.

[@JP-jy7sk]

I just found a used Bravo for cheap and am going to put it through its paces soon. I also have a 1965 Princeton Reverb that I’m babysitting for a few weeks. Time for a shootout of my own. Great video. Thanks for making it.

[@mcfats7652]

How did your time with the Bravo go? I am seriously considering one right now.

[@darrenwilliamsahs2211]

Peavey holds its own.

[@sporque]

Nice comparison. The Fender has more chime, but a tiny bit of (to me) shrill edge that could maybe be eq'd out. The Peavey sound like someone threw a light blanket over the Princeton, but to me it has a fuller sound. I'd own both if I could afford it, but for the price the Peavey wins.

[@michaelevans3852]

Truly, there is not much difference in the sound in the video. However, anyone who has a Bravo knows it is a much more versatile amp. The Fender is good for what it is, but it simply can't stay with the Bravo when you are looking for clean and gain. I too have played with replacing tubes. I like a 12at7, 12ay7, and a 12ax7 in the preamp. This gives it more headroom and m9re of a classic rock sound. If you're looking for high gain go with all 12ax7's. I have played with speaker change as well. I have used a Jensen ck1 and a Green Back, but run it right now with a 25w Oxford from 1964 and a 2x12 cab with Green Backs. I am amazed at the sound. It takes pedals well as it has a return/send. I jump this when not using it. I also use an attenuator as the true sound comes out at about 7. This seems to be where the power tubes start to get pushed. This amp is loud! No problem keeping up with a drummer. Glad I got one before they disappear or become too expensive.

[@CapstoneTider]

I just bought one for $120 in a local shop, and it's the best practice amp I've ever owned. It can do anything. Original tubes seem to be holding up so far.

[@mcfats7652]

damn, i'm praying for my find like that@@CapstoneTider

[@cruller23]

The Princeton is known for its clean tone. The Bravo has a really good clean channel that easily compares, as it’s based on the BF/SF Fender thing. However, the Bravo also has an AMAZING, Marshall-y dirt channel, effects loop and 12” speaker. Oh, and can be found for 1/3-1/2 the price of a Princeton. Bravo wins, all day. I loved my Bravo. Would never own a Princeton (unless it was a Grape Music/Randall Smith modified one). The Bravo used to be a $150 sleeper amp that was killer for home/studio/mic’ed live. Not anymore. Word is out, it inflated to a $350 amp. Haha. A similar thing could be said for the Princeton. In the 20th Century, it was a cheap practice amp. Now it’s a viable gig amp, hence the massive value attached to them on the used market.

[@cruller23]

Also, the weak link of the Bravo is the cabinet (and Blue Marvel). MDF sounds dead and the speaker is fairly Vintage 30ish, which isn’t for everyone. I put a Mesa MC90 in mine, which helped it sound more balanced. The kicker is plugging into a bigger cab. Through a Marshall 1936, it was a monster.

[@Bozemancurtis]

I have the Bravo 112. Owned it for 30 years. I think the fender sounds better. Maybe a little brighter? Could have been the EQ. Thanks for the comparison

[@matheusfranca7851]

Yes, PRRI sounds a little brighter and deeper. I tried Bravo with a Texas Heat speaker, and it gets closer to Fender clean tone. However, Bravo is a much more versatile amp. Also, the Wizard speaker is great for drive and distortion. Fender can't do that, lol

[@lightwarriors7778]

@@matheusfranca7851 I just traded a MacBook Pro for one and some other old vintage gear (the amp trade value was $375) and ever since I heard her the first time I couldn't stop thinking about her. It didn't come with the footswitch for reverb and channel switching but I had one from an older Peavey amp I had years ago and sold without as I had lost it in storage. Mine has 12ax7 but you have made me really consider going the 12at7 route now. I play more jazzier sounding stuff and use a Mesa boogie v-twin tube preamp pedal as well but havnt dialed it in yet and just love the preamp of the Peavey so much so will likely just use it as an overdrive pedal. Thanks for the upload. Mine has the original emminence speaker from 92 in it still and sounds great but would love some suggestions for ones you think would suit my playing style more. Thanks!

[@JMPRocker]

I own a Bravo also. It is a Marshall type amp. I wouldn’t expect it to sound like a Fender amp. Having said that, it has a very good spring reverb and sounds pretty good on the clean channel imo. Killer distortion and plenty of it if you want it. Too much really. I play mine with the gain set at a relatively modest level. Can get that Marshall type tone down really well in it’s own way. It’s a sleeper of an amp. Very versatile. Right up there with the best of ‘em out there.

[@jessicawalden6072]

@@lightwarriors7778 the speaker you have in it sounds great, I know so you don't have to change but you could try a good George Benson Jensen speaker !?

[@toddswenson4915]

@@lightwarriors7778 just saw your post. when i had a Bravo, my favorite speaker with it was an Eminence Red White and Blue. i thought the amp sounded great with that speaker...

[@tedmich]

no one gets a Bravo to just play clean...

[@JohnyToGoodForSchool123]

The clean sounds beuatifully

[@cruller23]

Truth! The dirt channel is money!

[@JohnyToGoodForSchool123]

Lovely

[@taylorpill8508]

Sounds great! I love my Bravo but I find the clean channel underwhelming. I suppose the 12AT7 fixed that up for you.

[@markpegues6464]

Clean doesn't turn magic until you get to 6! Volume 6, Bass 3, Mid 2 and Treb 6... Neck pickup on a Strat! Soooo nice!

[@jessicawalden6072]

Did you have the bright switch engaged in the peavey?

[@dalbocha]

Peavey Bravo is not about clean tones… But it sounds nice.

[@inessalazarkopp4579]

I think the Peavey sounds more Fender than the Fender.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Nothing like a 65 Fender Princeton Reverb. This is not-to-say: the Peavey sounded bad. Impressive for a solid-state. I'd compare it to a Quilter, to be Fair.

[@taylorpill8508]

The Bravo is all tube actually. It's got two EL84's and three 12AX7's. The two gain channels sound amazing on it. It really wails.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

@@taylorpill8508 Wow. I did not know. Not familiar with Peavey stuff. It did sound very nice.

[@gilbertmurrell1358]

I have a Bravo-112.. They have 5 TUBES.. THEY are Tone Monsters!!

[@islander4986]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4K1Z5yhnthjq6s

[@kerrybrown7717]

all tube, i have 4 and buy any i find

[@theprogrammerrolandmc3039]

your probably reamping the sound of the guitar recorded on the fender lol