The Basement - Fender Limited Edition '65 Deluxe Reverb/Strat Demo

(please watch in high quality, the video's better but more importantly the sound is better!)
Demo of the Fender Limited Edition '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue, a factory special run of the Deluxe Reverb with wheat grill cloth, mottled wine red tolex, and a 40W Jensen P12Q speaker.
Using a 2011 American Standard Stratocaster, recorded with a Shure SM7b up close and vintage Neumann KM84 as a low room mic, going into two API 312 clones from Regular John Recording.

[@gunkanjima3408]

I know this is 11 years old, but this is a great demo/narration

[@jessegimbel]

Thank you! Just started putting out new videos like this again

[@tlavallee99]

This is one of the most beautiful amps I've heard. It's the tone I've been looking for for a long time. Great review as well.

[@jessegimbel]

Tanner Lavallee Thank you! Yeah it's a bit of my dream amp too. I used to bounce around constantly looking at amps trying to find something that felt right to me. Since getting this amp I basically haven't had to worry about getting a good guitar sound. Many clients have used it here too and it always gets rave reviews. I never have to worry about mixing when I'm recording someone playing through this thing.

[@tlavallee99]

Jesse Gimbel I'm really looking into getting one of these amps the clean tone is just so nice. I'm really into like a John Mayer or Hozier tone though. The second setting you did withe volume around 4 fit the hozier tone perfectly but do you the amp would just need like a delay to reach the John Mayer tone. Also love your originals keep it up.

[@ethanbroughton8439]

Great demo! It's nice to see a demo that isn't just some tool showing off and shredding non stop for 2-3 minutes

[@heartshapedcup]

Finally a well recorded demo and a great video! Do more reviews, this is so good that you can buy this amp without trying it out, really faithfull recording, thumbs up!

[@jessegimbel]

Thank you! I'll have some more reviews pretty soon, just trying to find the time to put them all together. I'm really happy I could help!

[@GretschJet]

Well done sir! One of the best review videos I’ve seen. I agree with the comment below that having the small window, with amp settings displayed, was a great touch. Nice playing as well, and I love that you didn’t use any effects accept for what’s on the amp itself. Wish more review videos were like this.

[@jessegimbel]

Thanks Kirk! I've got more amp demos planned for some new and some vintage amps. I was pretty happy with this format. Thanks for your feedback!

[@jamesdalian8774]

I completely agree, Kirk!! I can't tell you how many "review" videos I've seen where people have various pedals in the signal chain. It kind of defeats the purpose in my humble opinion. Thank you for calling out the elephant in the room!! Great video, Jesse!!

[@jessegimbel]

Thank you! These videos take quite a bit of work but I'm glad some folks are appreciating it and finding it helpful. Thanks for the encouragement!

[@beachcomber4141]

I bought this bad boy a couple years ago and when I first plugged my tele in, it was love a first sound. Seriously beautiful sounding amplifier.

[@smnewthtrblnmnd]

great demo! thanks for showing the vibrato also. that's what's missing in every demo.

[@jessegimbel]

Thank you! Honestly it didn't seem terribly obvious to include the vibrato either, mostly because the Vibrato on Fender amps, DRRIs especially, is a fairly straight-forward sound that hasn't changed much in recent years, so I don't think people feel it's necessary to demonstrate it. I happen to use vibrato sometimes in my personal music so I didn't want to leave it out!

[@clemdog76]

Almost... when you crank a deluxe and start to loose headroom it’s usually integral to lower the bass level to tame the flub and increase the treble to add more presence. Usually being an all tube series wired rig and depending on power tubes for breakup, the low end tends to come purely from your guitar. It can be tricky to balance when you roll off volume to clean up that you don’t sound thin... with single coil pups but, generally any deluxe is a very well rounded amp... a modern work of art in technology.

[@bottomkitchen250]

I've heard so many demos of this amp on KZbin but this one is really well done. The amp sounds the way it does in person, and I guess that's not easy to do on KZbin because most of the demos are not this good. Plus, I really do like the way the P12Q sounds too.

[@jessegimbel]

So glad to hear that, thank you! I’ve started putting up new demos again in this spirit, more on the way! This Deluxe Reverb with the P12Q is still my favorite amp I own.

[@josephfalcone1078]

Extremely professional demo and playing. Very informative. Well planned. Thx for posting.

[@danielc6508]

Wow, I know this is 3 yrs old but thanks for making this! Great demo, just I ordered mine tonight. I watched a TON of videos on this DR FSR amp. I think yours was the best. Love your playing, peace.

[@odalayme]

thanks for the great demo...after reading through the comments as you are demoing, I can see that I am one of many that were sold after watching a lil of this really great demo. thank you for your time and effort. very appreciated

[@seanhealey2007]

A 1 video here. Got a good feel for the amp and the speaker (why I watched). I appreciate the quality of the audio as well as the playing range; it was perfect for these purposes. Thanks!

[@imafunkyman]

Great demo. This video has sold me on a Deluxe Reverb. I had an original '64 without reverb and I loved it. Kicking myself for getting rid of it! I play surf/garage type stuff, so this will fit in fine. Can't afford a showman and reverb unit. The Deluxe Reverb will be a nice alternative. Thanks for posting the vid!

[@jessegimbel]

Very glad I could help!

[@MelGibsonsFist]

So glad I found this video. Helped me decide to order this from Sweetwater. So excited to get it. Sweet tube breakup at lower volumes is pure win.

[@scottdematteo]

Love your demo, not only did you do a great demo illustrating the capabilities of the amp, but you played played some tasteful licks, and I really like whatever software you're using that displays the amp knobs and settings. Bravo and thank you very much.

[@keeelane]

great tone and great playing for gear testing. i hate all the shred videos when i'm trying to hear how an amp or a guitar sounds like. no, you need to play chords slowly and actual music to listen how they ring out.

[@jessegimbel]

+keeelane Thank you! I agree, I have the same issues with a lot of demo videos, so I try to make something I'd find more useful if I were looking. Thanks for watching!

[@RGMDG]

@@jessegimbel Totally agree. If you are testing a Guitar/Pickups or whatever, I need to hear it clean. That really gives you an idea what the tru sound is. Thanks for the demo. I bought one of these and love it. Although I need to play it more.

[@TaylorSmith-godbucket]

Excellent amp demo. Wish there were more demos of this caliber. Gonna by a DRRI Head this week, thanks.

[@jessegimbel]

Taylor Smith Thanks so much! Enjoy the new amp buddy.

[@jannehannyburst7543]

Can't see why anyone would rate this review negatively, how come people give a thumbs down? This is probably my favorite review of an amp on youtube, excellent sound quality and excellent playing. I bought the regular one but I'm planning to switch the speaker. I guess an alternative is to use a power soak, might give a similar result (but more versatile?).

[@jessegimbel]

Thanks for the kind words. Yeah I'm always a little perplexed when people just have complaints - even if you don't like it you might be able to see my videos take quite a bit of planning and time to get done. If I don't like people's videos I usually just don't say anything! Oh well. Using a power soak would also make the amp break up at a lower volume and be quieter like the speaker does, but I think it would be a pretty different sound. The breakup of a given speaker has a pretty distinct sound just like certain preamp tubes or power tubes. But if volume and lower breakup of any kind is what you have in mind then a power soak could be an option.

[@larrygeetar9309]

Janne Hannyburst You can also try different tube combinations and that can make a huge difference one way or the other. Just by switching the the first pre-amp tube from a 12AX7 to a 12AT7 you can change the point at which the amp breaks up. Power soaks are really an artificial way to go. They never sound natural and not great for the amp, either, imho.

[@cgavin1]

Very old video I know but thanks for taking the time to do this one.

[@jessegimbel]

Glad you enjoyed it! I just started making videos like this again. Anything in particular you’d like to see? kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4TMnKtrppyhbqssi=ApI5L18UYrPz3bgW

[@bryanfergusonsingersongwri4505]

great video Jesse, bought the exact amp last year, I do small venues on my own, up to 80 people, this amp is perfect for that, loving it...

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

Thanks for taking the time to make this informative video. I was leaning towards the limited edition reissue at only $100 more, thinking the colors would go perfect with my maroon Strat with cream-colored knobs and pickguard. I didn't know the limited edition has a weaker speaker onboard. Now I'm kinda favoring the regular model and saving that $100.

[@nickjimenez6138]

Great vid. Love the window settings. Nice playing to really let us HEAR how the amps doing. I want one. Not the version you got but someday I will have to pull the trigger and get one.

[@MonkeyZo0]

Tasteful playing, informational commentary, good settings and perfect recording. Nicely done. Really like the graphics of the settings.

[@jessegimbel]

I've heard that that ticking sound comes as much just out of the amp itself than coming from the speaker, so while you hear it, it's not actually being amplified. I'm not terribly sure about that and I hear it a bit, but maybe it's just too subtle to coming across in the recording in the video. I've read about mods to stop the ticking, but generally it's the photo sensor/bulb turning off/on, so it's just inherit to the vibrato. Thanks for the compliment, I appreciate it (and love ProGuitarShop)!

[@tommc49]

Very nicely done demo. Like the way you showed the settings and covered all the features. Thanks.

[@jessegimbel]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@joshrdealmusic]

I know I've commented before, but I keep coming back to this video for reference. I really can't see needing any other clean to lighter overdrive tones if a person had this amp and a Vox AC30. This demo is probably even better than the proguitarshop demo...and they usually do my favorite demos.

[@jpotts345]

I just got this same one. Sounds amazing in person. dosnt actually break up all that much like a lot of videos make it sound wich is ok by me. This is by far the best demo of this amp. So bravo to u sir. U really make the "pro demo videos " look bad

[@Rustyjamesman]

Amazing tone! Think I'll get one of these when I upgrade my amp

[@tested211]

This is one of the most useful and helpful amp demos I've seen. Thank you!

[@svt7777]

This is the best review of an amp I have ever seen. I have the Strat. Thanks to you, I just bought the amp👍

[@WilliamJackson-by1bb]

Very nice demo, thanks for all the info. I especially liked your explanation of the speaker differences, that was great info!

[@asaryder72]

This video actually made me buy the 65 instead of the 68 a few years ago......good job and great amp.

[@jessegimbel]

+Jason Ryder Thanks, happy to help you pick! Even owning a handful of vintage amps, this amp is one of my favorites I've ever used.

[@jessegimbel]

Thank you so much! Very true, it is a pretty massive difference between what this amp does and the standard, and that sag is exactly it. It didn't surprise me at all when I read that the P12Q is the speaker from the 1957 Deluxe - that sag/compression when breaking up is the main quality that I associate with tweed amps. I'm glad you feel I got the sound across!

[@jessegimbel]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@Jeepjones85]

By far one of my favorite amps ever made! Great video Thanks

[@o4kosk8er]

Great demo, man! I decided to buy the same amp after watching this. It sounds gorgeous with my American Deluxe Thinline Tele. BTW love your style of playing! Thanks for sharing!

[@jessegimbel]

Thanks for the compliments! This is an American Standard Strat. The bridge on it is set flat against the body because I never use tremolo. I can't say I noticed too much of a change sound-wise between when it wasn't locked down and now, and I'm pretty picky due to being obsessed with recording! One thing that you might be hearing is that I've often been playing this guitar with the volume knob on 8 or 9, so it doesn't get too crispy even with a cranked amp, like it does when at 10.

[@TheGBs1972]

Brilliant demo and lovely playing

[@jessegimbel]

Thank you!

[@jessegimbel]

Asa Halliday I can't seem to actually reply to your comment for some reason so I'm trying it this way. Yes it's an American Standard Strat, the only thing changed was the tortoise shell pickguard. Glad you like it! I was never a fan of white guitars but for some reason I really love this combination. I'm a huge fan of tortoise shell on most any color. I'm going to be in the market for a P Bass too and I'm thinking I might do black with tortoise shell.

[@oneworld6454]

That sound was indescribably amazing!

[@jessegimbel]

You're welcome, happy to help! I'm considering building a matching speaker cab with the speaker from the standard version in it! For recording it'd be perfect for a "rhythm and lead" tone - instead of using an overdrive pedal using a lower wattage speaker, so you'd still have the same amp sound but overdriven, just like a pedal but more natural.

[@jeday76]

I watch a lot of gear reviews. This is one of the best I’ve seen (or heard). Well done.

[@johncardoza7229]

Great demo and great playing, I'm sold on this amp now

[@jessegimbel]

Hey, thanks so much for the kind words, it really means a lot (just got a comment on another video with someone saying I can't even tune a guitar, amazing, how much I get cut down on here). One or two of my videos might be video responses but I haven't thought about that in a long time, I'm definitely going to do that. Thanks so much for reminding me/suggesting ways to help get me out there. Clearly I'm not really getting anywhere - some people love my videos yet not many people see them.

[@jcbak]

Nice job. Love hearing a young guy (most guys are young to me now) playing with a little feeling and soul.....even just a demo. Thanks, I've been jonesing for this amp......

[@jessegimbel]

You're welcome, I appreciate the kind words! A Tele through a Princeton Reverb sounds like a great setup! I've been curious about the PRRI for a while. I'd love to have a vintage Princeton but their prices are pretty outrageous these days. The reissues seem to not have caught on as much as the DRRI, which makes me even more curious. I've heard folks say they're cleaner than they want in a small tube amp, which could make sense. The equivalent 10" Jensen could be a great match, keep me posted!

[@ironlife783]

best small and from,fender ..i sold my black face deluxe for this one and huge huge difference..great amp

[@jessegimbel]

I agree! Fender's put out a lot of amps lately but none of them have blown me away like this one. I might buy another at some point in case I ever need a backup!

[@renemies78]

What a great video Jesse! I was actually looking for a review of the Fender 65 Twin Reverb Guitar Combo Amplifier which has two speakers and is 85 watts but I decided to check out your video anyway. Great stuff!

[@jessegimbel]

Thanks Rene!

[@PeterGunnebro]

Thanx for an excellent demo of this amp!

[@ArtBromage]

That is a terrific amp.

[@mgourmet]

I found the graphic representation of the controls especially helpful. Thanks again.

[@jessegimbel]

Thanks! I haven't experimented with changing things out/modding this amp, partially because I really love how it sounds, and partially because I like having a nice, bright, standard Fender amp sound for clients to use while recording here. The tone knob on a guitar tends to work very well too! I also have a 1966 Ampeg Reverberocket II that is great for when a darker version of a Fender sound but with similar reverb and vintage sound is needed.

[@jessegimbel]

Absolutely. I've recorded with quite a few of them here in the studio, they're very different. Basically a standard DRRI stays a lot cleaner as it gets louder. You can get it to break up around the same points on the dial (around 5-7) but the standard will be much, much louder. The volume of the ltd. edition version cranked is similar to the volume of a standard one at around 5 or 6. People generally consider the standard DRRI a somewhat clean amp except at extreme volumes.

[@JP-jy7sk]

I’m late to this video, but great job and great playing.

[@dennisbriggs1571]

just picked up this amp, great demo! most informative for this amp on KZbin! nice!

[@jessegimbel]

Thank you, enjoy the amp!

[@hhattingh]

Great demo and including the settings is a nice touch.

[@frankiecalabro2617]

this is the best demo on youtube of this amp...thankyou.

[@jessegimbel]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@frankiecalabro2617]

Your welcome Jesse, just the truth dude. Great job, very comprehensive and great playing. I eneded up getting a 90s vibroverb because I needed the wattage...but this amp would have been my other choice.

[@jessegimbel]

Nice! The examples of the Vibroverb that I've heard have been beautiful. How do you like it compared to a Deluxe Reverb?

[@jessegimbel]

I don't always keep the volume on my guitar maxed out, so that might be what you're referring to. Every Deluxe Reverb that has ever come through my studio space for recording has been much, much cleaner up to a much higher volume. In fact that's a lot of folks' biggest complaints about Deluxe Reverbs, that you have to crank them blisteringly loud before they'll break up. That's why this one is great, it gets gritty at a nice, low volume.

[@jessegimbel]

You're welcome, thanks for the compliments, much appreciated!

[@jonathankanetv]

Great video!! Just the video I was looking for! I've been in the market for a fender amp to compliment my Strat, which by the way looks similar to the one in your video. I am a proud owner of a VoxAC30CC2 and absolutely love it!! Trying to get that Brian May tone lol. I was on the fence between a Fender Twin reverb or a Fender Deluxe.Thanks, Jesse!!

[@jessegimbel]

+jonathankanetv Glad I could help! The Fender will certainly be a nice complement to your Vox. Sounds like a great setup!

[@instrumentalistjade8367]

+Jesse Gimbel hi. im choosing between the fender deluxe reverb or mesa boogie mark 1. which one is better?. and also is $650 a good price for the deluxe reverb?

[@AndonMie]

Thank you for being considerate of others and making this video. You are right that there are not a lot of good review videos for such an amazing and critically acclaimed amplifier. Thank you for the information as well!

[@alexmc69]

That was one of the best reviews I've seen on KZbin... very comprehensive. And your playing was pretty tight, too!

[@edtaylor7816]

Great demo Jesse! Thanks for posting this!

[@JimKerstetter]

Good review and right on. I have both amps and you are exactly correct in your analysis.

[@AnthonyBurrito1313]

Excellent demo my man, just bought this amp, cant wait to get it, I have been using a Hot Rod Deluxe and it just isn't my bag baby,, lol

[@jessegimbel]

Thanks a lot for the compliment on my playing! I'm not a fancy or speedy player for my own stuff, but I don't always feel those are necessary qualities for all playing. Enjoy your Bassman! I've got a '72 myself, a much, much cleaner amp better for bass, I'm sure the '65 is incredible for guitar. Let me know when that video is up!

[@mgourmet]

Great job, well-explained. This is one of the best videos I've seen that demonstrates the Deluxe Reverb's settings. I live in a rather small apartment, and would be evicted if I played the amp itself, but I do use a Boss FDR-1 pedal (in combo with a Fender Champion 600 or Roland Cube), which is designed to emulate it. Your video has given me a much better understanding of the amp's basic tones, and now it is easier for me to "dial-in" the sound I'm looking for with my pedal. Thanks again!

[@22magicrage]

Thanks for your response man! that'll be exactly what i'll be looking for. I usually use my amp as a clean slate then get the gain I need from my pedals. Cool! Mine's from '72 I love the thing to death, but sometime I get the feeling that it's on it's last legs...

[@christopherpaz2427]

First riff sounds like a twist on the HIMYM theme, loved it

[@jessegimbel]

Thank you, I do! I've used it for the main guitar on every one of my own songs I've been recording lately (usually with this Strat). Really great recording amp. Thanks for watching!

[@perr1983]

Great video! Great basement! I have a deluxe reverb, but I live on an apartment. Only once I got to volume 8 (with silicone protection in my ears), the neighbours weren't very happy with it...

[@jessegimbel]

That'd be a good idea! The AC4 is an amp I'd love to love, but every time I've tried it I've hated the sound. But I bet through a bigger speaker I'd like it better - I'm not the biggest fan of my Pathfinder with the small built-in speaker either. If I'm able to pick an AC4 up sometime soon or if someone lends me one then I'll definitely do a demo. Thanks for the suggestion, keep them coming!

[@MrAlexhollins]

Great clip. Nice tones. With an external speaker you could get the best of both worlds.

[@jessegimbel]

Alex Hollins Absolutely!

[@surfrby8876]

I’m looking to pick one up, great demo and thank you for not doing any damn blues leads / pentatonic arpeggios 🙏

[@reggaemash]

Signed in just to say "Thank You". Great stuff, even better sound, and awesome information. Wouldn't mind hearing a P90 hollowbody through that thing

[@lkb3rd]

Another great choice is a old Silverface Champ or Vibro champ. It doesn't have reverb, but the Vibro Champ has the vibrato/tremelo. It isn't loud aneough for anything but the quietest drummer if with a group, BUT... If you're just playing at home, you can turn them up to 5 or even 10, where they start to do their thing, and you won't damage your hearing, like we witnessed happening in this demo :/ ;) They sound fantastic like all the Fender tube amps do imo.

[@Cheguebuddha]

Very nice demo! Thank you!

[@jessegimbel]

Thank you for watching! Got some new demos up now and more coming. Anything in particular you’d like to see?

[@calvinstulip]

Excellent tone, sir. Very nice.

[@jessegimbel]

Thank you!

[@curnla]

Thanks so much for this review. I have the standard version of the DRR and this review has convinced me to buy a Jensen P12Q for it.

[@LeeChavezMusic]

Solid demo, Jesse!

[@jessegimbel]

Thank you!

[@BadChizzle]

That amp is so sweet! Great video work and playing as usual. Not sure if I commented the first time I watched this, so I'm chiming in now. Oh yeah, love your Strat too!!!

[@jessegimbel]

You're too kind! I think their demos are my favorite on KZbin (and Andy is a really nice guy). My only complaint is that while Andy is an incredible player, the fact that he plays without a pick can make it really difficult to judge some sounds they get - nothing will ever sound harsh when played this way so it makes everything sound smoother than it might sound for normal playing. But that's minimal. I absolutely agree about the amps though, between the Fender/Vox I'm set for clean/light OD!

[@miken2213]

REVERB IS MY FAVORITE SOUND'', AND OBVIOUSLY IS NOT ONLY MINE'', BUT MANY FOR FENDER TO OF BUILT THIS GREAT AMP''

[@redcthulhu]

Finally a good demo of this amp!

[@jessegimbel]

It sure does. I like a pretty reverby sound for the material I'm writing now and still I generally keep the reverb around 4. When I first got the amp I was amazed how much reverb it had on tap. The tremolo is certainly bold too.

[@jessegimbel]

That's exactly right, the standard '65 Reissue's speaker stays very clean even at high volumes, while this version breaks up pretty low, so it's more useable for recording and shows that aren't for hundreds of people unmiced. Sidenote, I've got a silverface Bassman as well!

[@starskystar]

Thanks for the great informative demo. Really appreciate you taking the time.

[@jessegimbel]

Glad to hear it! Interesting you changed the speaker, since the speaker is literally the only thing that's different sound-wise about this amp from a standard Deluxe! And the whole point of the speaker vs. the standard is that it has less headroom (and therefore less bottom end too)! Good to hear you got things how you want them though, congrats on your new amp!

[@jessegimbel]

Thank you! The SM7 is my go-to when I want to get a pretty natural close-miced sound. It's the big brother to the SM57 so it doesn't seem like too out-of-the-box of a mic to use, though I don't see people using it constantly. It gets picked for probably 80% of electric guitar recorded here (for the close mic, often paired with a room mic, for my own personal stuff anyway).

[@jessegimbel]

You're too kind! Interesting comments, I'll have to check out the SuperJet. I have a 1966 Ampeg Reverberocket II and I've often thought of it as a much darker Fender amp. Fender and Ampeg are by far my two favorite amp companies.

[@TheYearThree]

nice aesthetics with the amp + guitar setup man! and of course, nice sound. thanks for the demo.

[@nicero870]

Probably the most pleasant and informative gear review I've seen. Great aesthetics, too. I play a Tele through the Princeton Reverb Reissue and love the clean sounds. I mike it for live use and it does just fine, but have to use a pedal for drive (and I don't like to use pedals). Based on this, I may just check out the 10 inch relative equivalent Jensen to this speaker. Thanks again for a great review!

[@jessegimbel]

I do love the reverb on this amp! Couldn't help but smile. I'm actually working on some material now that uses quite a bit of reverb, though still not quite that much. I love that reverb-soaked Fender sound. I think the neck pickup is my favorite, honestly. I think of the middle pickup as the "normal" sound, and use the others if I need something biting (bridge) or fat and scooped (neck). I do use all of the pickups more than I have on any other guitar I've owned.

[@guitargus]

The Fender " Electric Blue " Deluxe Reverb has a Celestion Blue Alnico speaker rated at only 15 watts. That is why the retail was $ 1899.00. I would think that your Deluxe Reverb with the 40 watt Jensen Alnico would run a bit cleaner at higher volumes. Now don't get me wrong the Electric Blue is one sweet sounding amp, however I am a fan of clean sounds. Your review was very good. Some advertisements do show the improper speaker listing for the Electric Blue amp.

[@markwolfe4444]

Nice demo. Your first demo sounds like "Go For the Exit" by Boston Spaceships.

[@codypotter93]

Fantastic playing. Simple and elegant.

[@jessegimbel]

I love it! I'm sure it's not the only kit I'll ever have, but it's very nice and really versatile. It has gotten used for sessions here for folk music, rock, metal, hip hop, all sorts of things, and it has always been great. Like any kit of course you need to tune it well to make it sound good, but this one works well with all different tunings, there isn't just one sweet spot. Really great kit.

[@jessegimbel]

That depends on your volume situation at home and what kind of tones you like. Personally I like the sound of the Deluxe a bit better, but if you want anything other than totally clean sounds then it's going to be loud (especially with the standard edition). If you want some drive but can't blow the windows out the Princeton Reverb might be a better choice. Both are great amps, I hope to get a Princeton at some point!

[@cabaretampere]

Excellent demo. Shame I can't find this version used, the low gain break up sounds great.

[@jessegimbel]

You're in luck! Other than cosmetics, the only difference is the P12Q speaker, which you can buy separately (maybe even used and broken in). Speakers are easy to change, and standard DRRI's are much easier to find used than this version. Then all you'd be missing is the cosmetics. This amp looks beautiful but a standard that sounds like this would be beautiful too!

[@cabaretampere]

Jesse Gimbel Thanks, I went for the new 68 custom princeton in the end, mostly for the lower output and early break up. If that doesn't work for me it's good to know I can go for a deluxe mod instead! I'm new to higher end amps, and video's like yours help a lot to research them. I particularly like that you didn't just play a load of blues noodling. Other demos make these amps out to be very American blues specific.

[@jessegimbel]

I understand. I'm not a terribly bluesy player. I have respect for the blues (original, old blues mostly), but it's just not what I find helpful when I'm looking for sound demos. A lot of amps will sound great for single notes and leads but have weird reactions to chords. Gain staging does weird stuff. How do you like the 68 Custom Princeton? I'd one to try one myself. I actually just bought a nearly mint vintage 1968 Princeton Reverb and so far I'm loving it. I guess it's for the most part what the reissue is based on, and I'd be curious to see how similar they are, though they're not supposed to be identical. Keep me in the loop with how you like your new amp.

[@jameshaire4033]

I caught mine barely used on Reverb with a watched search. You can do the same on eBay - set up a saved search and turn on notifications. There have been 4-5 listed on both sites over the last six months or so. They sell fast, so you will be watching out. Casually checking every week or two will not likely get you one. You can also find this at a discounted rate for an 'open box' sale, i.e. an amp that was opened for some reason, possibly a return. Sweetwater currently still sells this color as an exclusive, and will list open box items on both their website and on eBay.