Last Updated on June 14, 2022
When did Fender stop handwiring amps? The answer is 1948. The amps were covered with varnished cotton twill. Despite being incorrectly called tweed, this woolen fabric was very hard on the hands. The amps from this period were very popular, both for their sound and circuitry. Tweed-covered amps remained available until 1963 and were often praised for their vintage look.
Silverface amps were built between 1967 and 1981
The first generation of Silverface amplifiers were built in 1967. They were equipped with shiny silver face plates and fancy aluminum trim around the baffle. This series of amplifiers was designed to be clean and loud, but the manufacturers changed their circuits in the mid-1970s, making them less clear and muddy. However, their lack of sparkle and power were still noticeable, making the amps desirable for many users.
The Silverface amplifiers were co-existing with Blackface amps for many years. Many of the models had their circuitry reworked and incorporated ultra-linear architecture. The new designs increased the output power from 100 to 135 watts. In addition, Silverface circuits were offered with a slightly modified Blackface cosmetic package from 1978 to 1982. These models differed slightly from the earlier Silverface amplifiers and did not have the word “Amp” after the script typeface model name.
The most accurate way to determine the year a Silverface amplifier was built is to use the serial number. It is important to note that the serial number refers to the chassis type, not the specific model of the amplifier. For example, a 5G5 brown Pro Amp has a serial number ranging from 00001 to 02000. Interestingly, some models share the same chassis type, such as the early 5G7 Bandmaster and the late 5G12 Concert.
They have a solid state reverb
Early solid-state Fender amps often had an overdrive channel and sounded muddy and “fizzy.” Today, they are known for their lush cleans and have improved reverb and tremolo units. The solid-state Fender amps usually house a hefty amount of onboard effects. While they’re still not quite as versatile as the tube amps, they’re still a great choice for recording.
When it comes to reverb, a solid state reverb from Fender is an obvious choice. These amps are not loud, but they do have some amazing sounds. The Deluxe Reverb, for example, has a vintage feel and is not loud. However, the classic Twin Reverb offers the kind of tone that only a tube amp can deliver. To make it even better, the Tone Master Twin Reverb also has a solid-state reverb circuit, which boosts the guitar’s tone.
If you want to emulate the sound of vintage Fender amps, you can opt for a Blues Deluxe. Its sound is not as warm and rounded as the vintage Blues Deluxe, but it’s still a great choice. While a tube amp uses a tube-driven reverb, solid-state reverb is more economical and works well for players who aren’t too fussy about the reverb sound. Fender amps that have a solid-state reverb feature also feature an effects loop that changes the sound of the amp even without any effects being plugged in.
They are hard-pulling beasts
A Concert handwired amplifier is a rock-solid beast with a 37-year-old exterior in great shape. Miked and ready for the stage at Guido’s Studio South, it is handwired by amp guru Paul Rivera to suit the artist’s playing style. The amp rules the game of Americana, rock and blues. Whether you’re trying to hit your acoustic guitar’s high-end treble or laying down some mellow funk, this amp has it all.
Unlike the mass-produced amps, which use printed circuit boards, a handwired amp requires each component to be connected by hand. This means connecting each capacitor and resistor directly to a tube. However, Fender’s genius came in the form of a ‘tag board’ with capacitators and resistors that can be wired by hand. The ’68 Custom Twin Reverb is a classic example, as is the Hot Rod Deluxe.
The Vibro Champ is a classic Fender guitar amp with Hall reverb and an upgraded speaker size for beefier low-end. The Vibro Champ is an iconic Fender guitar amp, having helped to make rock n’ roll history. Its Fullerton factory still produces its classic guitars. The Vibro Champ XD is a re-issue of the ’57 Champ. It uses five 12AX7 tubes and two 6L6 power tubes.
They sound different from vintage Fenders
A handwired Fender guitar amp is not exactly the same as a vintage one. While you can get a vintage Fender amp with handwiring, the sound is different and the guitar will need to be adjusted accordingly. In fact, vintage Fenders are generally easier to play because they have fewer strings than modern guitars. However, these amps are far from being obsolete.
The output transformer on a handwired Fender guitar amp is often very light, so it doesn’t add a lot of low end. Fender also uses Eminence speakers in their handwired amps, which often have better tones than Fender’s. A handwired Fender will sound better if you replace the filter caps, as the brand’s original ones may not work properly anymore.
A handwired Fender guitar amp will have a slightly glassy tone that comes from the black and brown panel. It will be brighter than a standard Fender. But it will have a slightly bluesy overdrive. The classic black and brown panel models were extremely popular and still sound great today. They were also popular with many players of that era. You can find many Fender models today with different tolex and grillcloth combinations.
When you purchase a Fender, you need to decide whether you want to go for a tube or solid-state reverb. Vintage Fenders had tube reverb, but solid-state reverb is more economical and sounds just as good. A solid-state effects loop is another feature that makes modern Fender guitar amps sound different from vintage Fenders. But whether you’re playing in a band or on your own, a handwired Fender will have different tones than a tube-driven amp.
They have black tolex
After a long period of handwiring their amps, Fender discontinued the practice and now only produces certain amps in a single style. The hot rod series is one example. These amps are inexpensive valve combos with powerful clean tones and harmonically rich drive channels. They are usually paired with one or more reverb circuits. When did fender stop handwiring amps?
Mass-produced amps use printed circuit boards, which eliminate the need for handwiring. Hand-wired amps require the guitarist to connect every component on the circuit by hand, including the tube sockets. Printed circuit boards make this process easier, but the circuit board also creates difficulties. Also, tubes should not be mounted directly to the circuitboard, as the solder joints can break. Additionally, filter caps are of low quality. In the boutique amp world, they are known as Illinois Capacitors.
The silverface amplifiers were replaced by a new breed of Fender designs. Fender was no longer able to keep pace with the market and had to compete with manufacturers more in tune with the demands of the guitar playing public. The market demanded more flexible tone controls and higher levels of distortion. Mesa Boogie and Marshall had already captured the guitar amp market, so Fender had to adapt.
They have silver grills
Fender discontinued handwiring their amps in the 1940s, but the reverb still carries the name “Purple Elephant.” After a number of failed attempts, the company finally decided to stop. But did Fender ever go back to handwiring their amps? No. Not until the 1970s, and even then they have silver grills. Fender amps that were handwired were able to retain their vintage look with a new grill cloth, which can be bought in 6-foot x six-foot sheets.
Fender amps with silver grills were not handwired anymore, but they were still handcrafted, and they have an enviable line of fans. These amps have an unmistakable history, and it’s not hard to see why. The first Fender amplifiers had a black tolex finish, which was followed by a silver one. Throughout this time, Fender produced a wide range of amps, from classic reissues to the latest in digital modeling technology.
Black reverbs had a black grille cloth, and by the late ’60s most of them were black. The Ross company was one of the few companies that continued to handwire their amps. It was only around 79 that Fender started using silver grills on their solid-state amps. During this period, Fender went back to using blackface cosmetics, and all of their Deluxe Reverbs made after that have black control panels and silver sparkle grille cloth.
About The Author
Zeph Grant is a music fanatic. He loves all types of genres and can often be found discussing the latest album releases with friends. Zeph is also a hardcore content creator, always working on new projects in his spare time. He's an amateur food nerd, and loves knowing all sorts of random facts about food. When it comes to coffee, he's something of an expert - he knows all the best places to get a good cup of joe in town.