How I Use My Fender Princeton. Why I Still Love It After 10 Years

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Thank you to all who support this channel and happy new year!

[@lolwithme36dd]

Thank you for an awesome channel Phil! Happy New Year to you as well my friend! 🥂🍻🎸💯👍😀🥳

[@andycatmilne]

Happy new year🎉

[@carsgunsandguitars]

that's a great amp... happy new year

[@waynebake1123]

Def looking at the Tone Master. I have a Imperial MkII that is my main amp but the tone master princeton looked to me like a good practice amp alternative over my Monoprice 5 watt.

[@bulico06]

Happy New Year to you too Phil!

[@WithCarePlz]

Couple things I’d like to opine about Princetons. I have had the ‘65 RI, the ‘68 RI, the ‘64 custom HW RI, and now I have a FSR Bordeaux (wine red) PR (based on ‘65 but with a 12” P12Q and solid birch cabinet ). For me the ultimate RI princeton is actually not even the handwound ‘64 it’s this FSR and I’ll explain why, along with a few things I’ve learned in my experience playing the various Princetons. The first is that people say the 68 breaks up a little sooner. It does break up at slightly lower volume, yes, but not by much. The problem here is that people can be afraid of the volume knob. From say 5 or 5.5 to 10 on a ‘65 it barely gets louder, it just gets dirtier. I notice people at home will hit 4-5 and for some reason fear going harder. If you crank a 65 to 10 you get super filth but without it being much louder than 6 is. This is the secret. If you put a ‘65 on 8 or 10 it sounds better than any overdrive pedal I’ve used. It’s really something special. I often see people put a princeton at 2-3 and use overdrive pedals. To me that’s the biggest Princeton party foul. Put that sumbitch on 8-10 if you want it filthy, ya’ll! Forget those overdrive pedals. It’s not gonna be much louder than 5-6 was. And it gets cooking and sounds better than a boost/od. The other thing is to never take the tremolo below 2. Because it gets cooking a little and spins the notes around the room like magic especially at the higher volume settings. Another is that thr EQ is subtractive. You can put treble at 10 and bass at 1 and control the treble cut with your guitar tone knobs. This gives you a fat mid sound. If you want to scoop the mids turn the bass up higher. Bass 10 and treble 10 IS the scooped mid sound that people can’t seem to find. Another thing is that for playing at home- a 12” in a Princeton really is best it gives you the thump in the legs of a deluxe but at lower volume. For me that FSR 12w 1x12 is the sweet spot for Princetons. I tried to play a 68 ri after getting the FSR and it disgusted me 😂 idk if it’s the solid birch or the 12, but something just never feels right on the 68 to me now. If ya’ll want that “mary janes last dance” solo sort of filthy tone- volume 8-10 that B lol. But my FSR generally lives at 5 for most of my guitars that’s the dirtyish side of edge of breakup and a real sweet spot for princetons to live, and remember from 5-10 doesn’t get that much louder, just more filthy. Another thing is to not be afraid of gunning OR zeroing knobs. If you want smaller amp like Fender Champ sort of magic- try putting treble and bass at 0 and volume at 8-10 and a whole new world opens up. For me a FSR 12w 1x12 PRRI is really the ultimate 1 amp. Happy experimenting, ya’ll. Oh, and save your money and avoid the 64, it’s nice but electricity is electricity whether it’s thru a copper path or copper wire, and my FSR 1x12 sounds better than my ‘64 HW RI did. The move is find a used FSR with birch cabinet and 12” for 1k

[@claudehopper9813]

Two of Fenders best amps the Deluxe and the Princeton have stood the test of time .

[@simoneh4732]

Damn I did not expect that awesome gain tone at only 4 on the volume. Sounded great!! Definitely would like this to be a series.

[@schmoemi3386]

The '65 version definitely needs to be cranked up more to break up...

[@shckltnebay]

Part of that is the attenuator adding a load

[@Crinklidge]

@@shckltnebay how does an attenuator add overdrive?

[@powbobs]

@@Crinklidge By adding a load as he said.

[@Crinklidge]

@@powbobs but doesn't that just mean that the amp "thinks" its connected to a speaker? Why would that equal MORE overdrive?

[@essboo]

I have an old ‘70s SF PR, which I love. Everyone that plays it, loves it. I had some work done on it when I first bought it, and I haven’t done anything to it in 15 years. I play it a ton - throw it in my car, record with it…it just trucks along. There’s something magical about it, and I love the fact that it has so few things to mess with - I tend to set it and forget it.

[@jonathanbaggs4275]

I use two Princeton blackface reissues as my stage rig. One on floor angled and other straight just above it on a stand. Pedal board and a gibson les paul special mainly. This setup rocks. Works for me.

[@shauncarter924]

Phil I love this idea. The reviews and demos are always great, but this kind of video is great too because it kinda gives us a little peek into your world. Please do more. I’d LOVE to know more about that red Alvarez and learn why you keep such a funky guitar lol.

[@TWTexasA1]

Of all the big wattage amps I have including Marshall, Fender Super Reverb and Blackstar tubes amps I play on my early 70’s Princeton the most…what a great sounding amp 👍🏼👍🏼

[@robertcovell2787]

A good honest no BS amp, Like it. I toured for years with a small blues band using a Deluxe Reverb. still have it and still love it.

[@enriquemendez1507]

I'm thinking about buying one of these. Over a boss katana? Yes I'm very interested in focusing more on guitar playing and not just messing knobs just to play 3 notes

[@VonBluesman]

I put a Celestine Gold 10” in my 1981. It doesn’t fart out like the stock speaker and is a fantastic recording amp. Makes a good harp amp too with a Shure Green Bullet Mic & delay.

[@peterc9731]

Thank you Phillip, I just acquired a re-issue '65 Princeton Reverb and struggled to find my sweet spot until I found your video. Spot on.

[@chrisggoodwin777]

7:04 nice nod to Bryan Adams 👍 happy New Year to Phil and the KYG crew!

[@martinmartin8871]

Your 2011 RI sounds great! I like the TK watt reducer too. I enjoy my 1976 last year of silverface circuit with no push pull volume knob. I enjoy mine but I was floored by two other vintage PR's my amp tech had in his shop. Vintage wise I like my friends 71 and especially my amp techs 65 blackface even more. By the way the 65 was the warmest unlike your RI experience. I paid my amp tech for a few hours of time to temporailly wire the 3 in a fine speaker swaps, and then circuit swaps, of all 3. The 65 is so 3D sounding. They go for 4K on the vintage market. Mine sounded a little less warmer yet that helps with ensemble playing to be more cut thru the mix. What I really want next is an early 70's silver face dual 10 Vibrolux!

[@NuclearDeathWalk]

Just picked one up this week. It is now my #1 recording amp...even guitarists that show up with vintage princetons like to record with it

[@MaxPower-js1sk]

I have the 68 Princeton. I’ve had all of the Chinese capacitors and other components replaced with top quality stuff, and it sounds great. I also had the dark sound fixed. It still sounds like a Princeton, but it sounds like a boutique Princeton. I replaced the speaker with a Cannabis Rex. The Jensen Alnico would have been a better choice.

[@happygster922]

Got a 68' Vibro Champ Reverb Reissue and just love that clean tone.

[@mjm661]

Thank you Phil, this is exactly the type of videos i enjoy seeing. They do help me in my buying decisions as well as helpful tips. Please keep doing these types of vidoes!!!

[@jray5363]

Nice idea for a series! Some things are just ❤SPECIAL ❤! It’s always nice to hear the reasons why. And I must say, if there was a video that epitomized the phrase “Know Your Gear “, this is it. Watching you turn the knobs and explain the little nuances shows you know that amp like the back of your hand. Reminded me of an old Guy Clark song called Things That Work. Once you know them that well, you know they ain’t going nowhere. And I’ve got some friends of my own laying around I need to reacquaint myself with.

[@jmendi55]

Bought a '75 reverb around 1979 - 47 years ago. Still have it, still sounds fantastic. Needed a new power transformer and a couple new caps, but other than that it's probably the best $175 bucks I ever spent.

[@mannoplanet]

I had a 68 Princeton for about 45 years. Was great but sold it. Now I have a tonemaster and love the recording features.

[@michaelwalters6917]

I have a 65 PRRI with a 12" speaker and baffle. Jeff Falla in Minneapolis removed the circuit board and rebuilt the amp to somewhat vintage specs. It's been my main amp for 5 years. Lots of clean headroom. More bass than I need. Very loud. Fantastic pedal platform. Reliable.

[@justfine77777]

I’ve had about every amp under the sun, and this is my favorite amp ever. I’d go as far as, it is my favorite piece of equipment ever. I have the 65 Princeton as well, and it’s not nearly as good for me as the 68. I have an American Strat going into a JHS Pulp n Peel V3 compressor, into the 68, and it’s the happiest I’ve ever been with the sound, tone, and sonic possibilities.

[@BingoBabyO]

I have this amp… its amazing how big it sounds for a 10 inch speaker… it has heft to it at lower volumes…but it sounds balanced. Classic.

[@oldguycraggy5829]

Definatley the kind of review/commentary that I value. Gear that proves itself over time is good to know about. Many thanks.

[@SapperRJMorgan]

I like my REVV D-20. It doesn’t have the onboard reverb or tremolo but it’s versatility shines along with its ability to take pedals. Love this Phil. Makes me want one as usual.

[@davidrevere2281]

I bought a used (2018) '65 Princeton Reverb Reissue for $800! I LOVE THIS THING!!! Vibrato and Reverb for daaayyyss! I didn't think I would use the Vibe that much but its almost always on!

[@be8965]

I hav emu 65 deluxe, but a Princeton is been in my list for longer than I remember, why I bought the 65 deluxe instead, for the same reason you shared, I need to come across other 6 instruments including a laud drummer and percussionist 😂

[@kevinking6259]

Very well done. I got a better understanding of this amp from your video than I did from ten others combined. Well spoken, well played, great highlights on the way most players will actually use their amp.

[@ChadWork1]

I run a 65 and a 68 in stereo, with alnico Gold speakers in both, and it sounds epic.

[@keithcarter9396]

Great information, thank you. I currently have a 65 DRRI and love it. If I need more power I have a hot Rod Deville 4X10 which gives more bottom end. I am thinking that I need something for those small sessions that will still give that Fender complex sound but also reduce the overall sound level to keep the staff friendly. I was tossing up a 65 or 68 custom Princeton so your comments were valuable.

[@strat0871]

I still love my '79 Vibrolux reverb since I purchased it in '91 !

[@wolfjr1717]

Princeton reverb 68 reissue is such a great choice. Try swapping the Celestion 10 for a Celestion G10 Alnico Gold speaker. You can basically get a Vox AC 30 top boost tone with just a speaker swap.

[@carlc2597]

That is one beautiful sounding amp - I really like it.

[@robertclarkguitar]

That is one of the best sounding amps clean and lightly driven I've heard in a while. Maybe it's how you recorded this, idk. But wow. I would love to find one. Sadly out of my current reach. Awesome review man.

[@emil8446]

I’ve got an early 70’s PR that I’ve owned since 1974 or 75. I know it’s not the most coveted version, but it’s still the one I use the most.

[@ahchv]

Glad I’m not the only one who plays at 2!! Always thought I was going something wrong… it’s a powerful little amp!

[@dbvetter7485]

My first amp - which I bought in 1977 was a late 60’s Princeton Reverb. $250 of lawn mowing money. Sounded great with my brand new Fender ‘77 Stratocaster ($300).

[@carlc2597]

Oh, the good old days!

[@pharmerdavid1432]

I had a 1974 hardtail strat that was bought new, and it cost more than $300 if I remember correctly - more like $500?

[@bradleyard4195]

Small tube combos FTW! I have a couple Laney Cub 12Rs that I love running together. They sound amazing, especially since I speaker-swapped one of them.

[@fiveeyes2802]

I liked this episode a lot, Phil. Thanks. Very insightful differences explained between the ‘65 and the ‘68 versions. Well done!

[@lunamatic9775]

Love seeing exploring some of the different settings, +1 for setting this up as a series!

[@michael_caz_nyc]

I love my 65 Fender Princeton Reverb - its' going to the Grave with me. They just sound phenomenal.

[@ImNotOld_ImVintage]

Thanks so much for this video. I've been on the fence between a '65 and a '68 Princeton for a couple of years. I think maybe the ''65 would be more in my wheel house, but I already have that territory covered. So this would definitely still be in my comfort zone but get me some new tone that I can't get to without pedals.

[@eastbaystreet1242]

You don't know me, INOIV, but I kind of know you from your good contributions to Phil's live shows (comments). I am a similar crusty old guy, like you, and the 68 was my first amp. I have since added lots of quality amps, but there is something special about this funny little amp. After you wander off here and there, then come back to this... well, you kind of feel at home.

[@gregrobinmatt]

I had both 65 and 68. The key to using the 68 is to use an Eq pedal with it. You can dial out the muddy lows and your left with a beautiful sounding amp. I sold the 68 once I realized this.

[@guilhermebatlleyfont7577]

Loved the video Phill! Please review the Princeton ToneMaster, would love your input in it!

[@bobboitt3126]

I been through a lot of amps but still play my 65 reissue Princeton with a 12" speaker most. I love the cleans, it has reverb and trem. Add a few pedals and it can rock pretty good too. Its my favorite "grab and go".

[@jmarti123105]

@@castleanthrax1833 I got the sweet water 65 RI cannabis Rex in it. Mine came that way.

[@formulajoe2]

I find it amazing how well these amps hold their value. Even in the vintage amp market, Princetons will bring at least 90% of what a deluxe reverb will, sometimes more. In my area, these 10yr old 68 Custom Princetons will sell for $900. If you see one below that, there is usually something wrong with it.

[@suitestheband]

I use my Princeton Reverb with a Two Notes Torpedo Captor X. I then use York Audio IRs (from a real Princeton) in place of the ones two notes gives you. I really like the sound. Plus I can use my Princeton in an apartment at 1am and nobody can tell I'm cranking tubes!

[@stevemyers2092]

Thanks Phillip, yes would like to also hear about headphones for home use (quiet times) ....... thanks appreciate your great work!! we all learn a lot and i am 68 and still learning after playing 53 years now...albeit mostly acoustic.

[@GuyNarnarian]

Without an attenuator I need to get to 5-6 before I get any breakup. And it would still be fairly light. I have the red wine colored tolex version with a 12 inch Jensen speaker. I agree with dumping the bass for the driven tones, I have cranked my volume and treble to 10 with the Bass at 1-2 and it sounds heavy and fantastic.

[@mark.guitar]

Not many constants in the KZbin world. This is a good one for our comparisons! Happy New Year Phil.

[@danielhorsley2259]

Great video Phil! I’ve had my 68’ Princeton for several years now it’s my favorite amp always sounds great and a real workhorse. I’d definitely like to see the Princeton tone master on the channel. Happy new year!

[@Gaoin86]

That amp-guitar combination sounds amazing!

[@brianfergus839]

I’ve had my ‘65 blackface since ‘82. Still in love ❤️

[@zepptar]

I recently bought the Sweetwater Tweed version of the Princeton. I love it!!

[@Bbendfender]

I've used a Princeton Reverb for years. It has worked well for me. But, I recently bought a Deluxe Reverb Tone Master to see how it would work and to reduce the carrying weight. I still love my 2 Princetons.

[@gregoryhall3156]

Count me in as someone who would love to see you demo and give your take on the Fender Tone Master Princeton amp-even though I think the pricepoint on the Tone Master Princeton is likely relatively higher than that of the TM Deluxe and TM Twin amps relative to their tube counterparts-making it more difficult in my mind to justify paying for a digital emulation of a low wattage tube amp when for just a little more $ you can get the real thing. I get the reasoning behind the TM DR and especially the TM Twin because the TM amps are so much lighter in weight and easier to transport and the power scaling feature of a digital amp-allowing one to use it at gig volume with a band but also to get same breakup/distortion at home tolerable levels. But seems harder to justify with a digital emulation of a low watt (sub 15w) tube amp. But I am open to rethinking this-and I think most of us (your followers) trust you to give us an honest appraisal of the TM Princeton.

[@scootb7400]

I bought the same amp in 2013, but I had so much trouble with it. Buzzy, a bad tube, etc. I got it fully working sold it off. The guy I sold it to said he also had a bunch of weird issues. I’ve owned 3 vintage Princeton’s and finally built a custom kit - so I’m definitely a fan. But I got the reissue assuming it would be more reliable, but got the opposite.

[@jonathanorenstein4400]

This was great! I’d love to see more videos like this. I always wondered about the difference between the 65 and the 68.

[@Theweeze100]

Great tone Phil! No wonder you’ve held onto this amp. Love your channel and all of the pertinent information you bring to the music community.😊

[@stevensonnewberry8724]

Very informative. Just the right blend of tunes & info. Killer chops; the SG suits you! 😊

[@tmsglobal5848]

You have a great way of explaining the whys and how to use. Thanks Phil!

[@anthonymichael3029]

I had one of these I used for practice and it sat under the desk where I would play along to music. I used it as a platform for my Catalinbread Dirty Little Secret - my interpretation of what you’d see Howard Gee use in all his old pedal demos. Then I blew it up.

[@hanieldill1963]

I have the 65 with a Tone King Iron Man 2 Mini. I couldn't be happier. It also significantly curtailed my use of OD pedals as so much is within the amp. The only one that gets much use any more is my Soul Food.

[@axeist92126]

I have had mine for 4 years. I put in a Celestion G10 Gold and it makes a difference in volume, enough to cut through the mix

[@axeist92126]

Was thinking about the blackface mod (which makes it more bright); not worth the trouble for two capacitors and a couple resistors. 5 and 5 is good for an archtop. I set mine to 7 and 4 for my Tele and baritone.

[@wolfjr1717]

Me too. G10 Alnico Gold is a great choice. Gets a very Voxey tone.

[@johngeddes7894]

Unanimous: More like this! Very well done. Thx

[@timallen7354]

Loved it Phil !! Keep em coming 👍🤙🖖

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Thanks! Will do!

[@noiricha]

Thanks again for sharing your incredible depth of practical knowledge - it surely answers a lot of questions.

[@stevec.1802]

That 10” speaker cuts through nicely in the guitar’s frequency range. I can dig it. 🎧

[@LEWDUVA]

You are spot on about everything including the Ironman. I had the '68 but found it too muddy. Justified it by saying it mixed well with the '65, which it did, but sold it for more than I expected and got a Tone Master Deluxe Blonde in trade.

[@jeffmartinez6073]

I have this same amp. I put an Eminence 1028K to dial back the bass. I also have a brown face Princeton. I've been considering an attenuator. Thank you for the input on the Tone King.

[@spaceman61]

I have a Princeton clone, a Headstrong lil king reverb, its pretty nice too It has a 12” speaker

[@JoeRobinsonwebsites]

Always like you reviews. Straightforward and not annoying...lol

[@artprince9163]

I use a 1975 PR as my main amp. I have several other amps but my final amp will be the PR I suspect. That or my 67 Vibro Champ which is a bit more portable.

[@jeromestevenfaigin6059]

There is something that's more punchy sounds. I was gifted a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe Mod 3. They came from me talking about my Uncle and then his Uncle passed but I play guitar and he didn't. That's how I got a Fender and JBL-D123E I made the cabinet. I'm grateful to having something nice.

[@Walks-With-Pride]

A very nice amp, Phil! I am one of those guys who believes you can never go wrong with a Fender amp. My personal favorites are the Twin and Super Reverbs. The only problem with them is they are heavy....heavy.....heavy!

[@ACoustaDC]

They should come with a gym membership.

[@Walks-With-Pride]

@@ACoustaDC Truer words were never spoken. A fantastic idea!

[@rwmiller9062]

When I was in high school I didn't think they were heavy. Unfortunately that was more than 50 years ago. 🙁

[@Walks-With-Pride]

@@rwmiller9062 Same here! When I was a young man I never even thought about weight at all. I used to set up a full Marshall Stack by myself without blinking an eye. I often wonder now: how in the hell did I do that? I think growing old instills a sense of humility in all of us. Cheers!

[@billcox5065]

​@@rwmiller9062 ..

[@shauntackett4497]

Great video Phil! I’m definitely interested in the tone master. I’m looking for something that that sounds good isn’t heavy. Moving a tube amp in my wheelchair is challenging a lighter weight amp might help me with mobility to go places and play with other musicians.

[@mikeomatic9905]

I got the Supro 64 for this reason. It’s a 5w 8” tube combo that sounds great and only weighs like 22lbs. (Also, the blue tolex just looks fantastic in my living room.) That being said, the Tone Master didn’t exist when I got it, and I definitely would have been interested in it had it been released sooner. The only thing about the Supro is that I need to use the attenuator to get really good breakup at bedroom levels, whereas the TM shouldn’t have that issue, as it’s digital.

[@schmoemi3386]

Maybe check out the Aviators from Quilter? Comes in American & British flavors... ☺

[@rigorhead01]

Wow! That '68 Princeton sounds 👌!

[@TomLuck]

the 65 princeton RI with a 12" speaker is the sweet spot for me

[@fadlyhans82]

Why is it that it’s such a coincidence I am doing research as I’m trying to purchase one of this and this video came about. Thank you for the video Sir!

[@Stricknyne1]

Feel the same way about the overly brightness (imo) of the 65. The 68 is much warmer to me. Thank you very much!

[@travismccartney]

I've got one of these. I pair it with an AC4 running the wet effects through the Princeton. Adding the Vox rounds out the tone really well.

[@markoreskovich2607]

Loooove Princetons. Too loud for the house, though, so I recently bought a modeler for headphone practice. PLEASE review the ToneMaster Princeton! I may like one for my solo gigs, but there are no shops nearby that sell them. I would benefit from your insight and experience! Thanks! Happy 2023 to you.

[@edwinpringle7342]

I have the same amp but I put a 12" speaker in it and like it alot.

[@bend1499]

I just got the tweed Princeton Reverb from Sweetwater with the cannabis rex speaker and I am blown away, it sounds sooooo nice

[@VintageRadius]

How’s your Princeton treating you? Still liking it? That Rex is loud!

[@StratsRUs]

Beautiful sounds and sweet playing too.Great work, Phil. Thanks !

[@flooptydoo1178]

I got the Sweetwater edition with the 12 inch C Rex. I like to take the volume to 5 - 6 with an OD. 'Tis yummy!

[@NoCoverCharge]

One of the best amps ever made the 65 champ rates in there as well

[@stevewright107]

I have a 65 Princeton with a 12 inch speaker. Great amp. I think it's a Sweetwater exclusive with a cannabis rex speaker.

[@eddysel10]

Great video. Pls make it a serie. Learn so much from your video’s / tutorials.

[@comicsrcool5483]

I would love to hear your thoughts on the Tone Master. The onboard Attenuator and mute make that really attractive, but does it get close to a real Princeton in sound! This was a great video. Please do more. The stuff that has been around a long while has got to be great considering all you see and demo each year!

[@rhugh02]

I love mine, but didn’t know about that attenuator. Might have to check that out. Thanks again Phil.

[@seanhershey3390]

I have a 65 RI with a Fromel mod & upgraded speaker... its amazing..

[@unrequitedmusic8004]

I love this amp as well. It and my Supro 1600 are my two main combos.

[@douglasdog1]

Great amps. I have a limited edition blackface version in wine red tolex with a 12” Jensen alnico. Sounds incredible.

[@antoniohosino145]

I BOUGHT ONE OF THESE IN 1980 , I NOTICED SOME THINGS ONE BEING THE STOCK FENDER SPEAKER WOULD WOBBLE , SO I BOUGHT A E - 110 JBL SPEAKER AND WAS SURPRISED FROM A STOCK SMALL SIZED AMP THE DIFFERENCE IN THE SOUND AND THE BOOST LEVEL VOLUME WAS DECENT /OF COURSE A MESA BOOGIE OR A MARSHALL HAS MORE FEATURES AND POWER , AT 12 - WATTS IT IS NOT A POWERHOUSE, FOR A SMALL VENUE ITS PORTABILITY IS VERY DO ABLE , THE MICROPHONING TECHNIQUE IS WAY BETTER THAN KILLING THE AMP VOLUME !!! CLEAN TYPICAL TUBE SOUND !!!!

[@TarnishedViking.]

Thank you! And a Happy New Year too you Phillip! 🤘

[@billgross176]

The iron man mini is amazing.

[@LuisLopez-xr8nj]

Great video and timely for me. New guitarist and my first tube amp.

[@LuisLopez-xr8nj]

I was worried I made the wrong choice but can not deny the great tone out of this 68.

[@gregmacklin9758]

I've been using a 65 Prinston tweed with the 12" speaker for 8 years now, and I really like it. I wonder how this one would pair with the 65 as a wet dry rig.?

[@gtr1952]

Very cool!! I love to see what other folks are using, and what they really like. You are pretty high on that list. Thanks much. 8) --gary