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

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[@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!

[@electricurinal]

Content goldmine right here with this. YES! I hope you keep rollin with the "Why is this still here" series.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@oldguycraggy5829]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 😂

[@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!

[@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!!!

[@brianfergus839]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@fiveeyes2802]

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

[@carlc2597]

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

[@michael_caz_nyc]

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

[@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.

[@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 !!!!

[@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 ..

[@lunamatic9775]

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

[@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.

[@suites.74]

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!

[@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.😊

[@strat0871]

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

[@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.

[@stevec.1802]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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... ☺

[@tmsglobal5848]

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

[@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.

[@johngeddes7894]

Unanimous: More like this! Very well done. Thx

[@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.

[@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.

[@stevensonnewberry8724]

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

[@billgross176]

The iron man mini is amazing.

[@timallen7354]

Loved it Phil !! Keep em coming 👍🤙🖖

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Thanks! Will do!

[@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.

[@richfiryn]

This is a great example of " know your gear" showcasing the versatility available from this amp.

[@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

[@mark.guitar]

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

[@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!

[@guitarz]

More on the why. Why you still have it and why you still use it.

[@zepptar]

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

[@RamirezFlores]

Phil busting out Bryan Adams It’s Only Love !!

[@brenthorrocks]

I had one of these for a few years, but got the Chris Stapleton Princeton brown face reissue. I use it with the iron man II. It’s the same amp in a lot of ways but I like the more balanced tone. Sometimes I was battling the bass on the ‘68 too much. Thanks Phil!

[@anthonyjohnson7719]

I also have the Stapleton 62 Princeton reissue. What volume and tone level do you use with the attenuator? Do you get good sounding break up?. I tend to have the volume at 3.5 and tone varies depending on the guitar I am using. I have never used an attenuator.

[@mattgilbert7347]

That is a world-beater of guitar amplification. It's a goddam beautiful amp. Sadly it's around $2K beyond my reach..

[@Gaoin86]

That amp-guitar combination sounds amazing!

[@guilhermebatlleyfont7577]

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

[@BaritoneOneFive]

Great amp. Nothing you don't need. I have all kinds of pedals, but nothing sounds better than a cranked Princeton all by itself!

[@rigorhead01]

Wow! That '68 Princeton sounds 👌!

[@Stricknyne1]

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

[@Styrofoamism]

This amp is absolutely appropriate for gigging. My drummer is super heavy handed and this amp cuts through the mix and I feel like I still have untapped volume.

[@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.

[@noiricha]

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

[@JoeRobinsonwebsites]

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

[@jeffroq]

Great video Phil. You forgot to mention one of the most important features. It can live unobtrusively in the living room. Mine fits perfectly under a small side table. I keep the captor X plugged in to it to play it quiet or use head phones. Also Phil I have put a warehouse G10C in mine which has helped with live volume vs a drummer

[@StratsRUs]

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

[@NoCoverCharge]

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

[@RedLion88]

It's Only Love! Can't go wrong with those Bryan Adams riffs.

[@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.

[@theskidmarkoforion4829]

I have a Princeton 112. Loud AF. I love it. Neighbour might not but what ya gonna do

[@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.

[@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!

[@richardbrown9069]

Could you do a tonemaster Princeton comparison video? 🍺

[@TomLuck]

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

[@peterschaefer1665]

A little Canadiana in the demo never hurt anyone😊

[@cynthia6389]

The Princeton is a classic. . The original is better than the new ones .

[@good_king_guitarman1334]

The sound at about 12.00 is wicked, the breakup is awesome.

[@eddysel10]

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

[@spokes28]

Please review the Tone Master version .

[@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!

[@paulricketts1089]

.....I LOVE my '66 Princeton Reverb................

[@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.

[@NisGaarde]

I usually run mine VOLUME 3 TREBLE 6 BASS 2 It's an awesome amp

[@ChadWork1]

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

[@unrequitedmusic8004]

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

[@stonebrakerstudio8238]

Thank you for the video it was really helpful and happy New Year to you and your family