1995 Fender ’63 Vibroverb Reissue – Model 6G16

Here’s a superb example of one of Fender’s rarer and most sought-after reissue amplifiers: a 1995 Fender ’63 Vibroverb Reissue, based around the legendary 6G16 Brownface Vibroverb. This example carries chassis date 1/4/1995 and serial number AB05445. Produced in the USA for only a relatively short period, these amps have developed a strong following among players who appreciate the distinctive character of Fender’s early-’60s Brownface era.

The amp is in excellent overall condition for its age. The original brown Tolex is particularly good, with just a few light scuffs and marks from careful use. The overall appearance is exceptionally clean, and it is supplied with its original Fender footswitch. Our workshop technician has given the amplifier a thorough inspection and it is working exactly as it should.

The 1990–95 Vibroverb Reissue uses a modified version of the original 6G16 circuit and delivers around 35 watts from a pair of 6L6 power tubes. The valve complement comprises 2 x 6L6, 5 x 12AX7 and 1 x 12AT7, with the amplifier combining Fender’s familiar spring reverb and bias-vary tremolo circuits. The reissue also uses a solid-state rectifier rather than the tube rectifier found in the original Brownface design.

This particular example is fitted with its original USA-made Eminence Legend 10" speaker drivers, giving the amp a wonderfully articulate and immediate response. The 2x10 format is an important part of the Vibroverb character, delivering a tight, fast response with plenty of clarity and a very pleasing spread when played at volume.

Tonally, this is a very different Fender from the later Blackface sound. There is a warmth and midrange presence to the Brownface voicing that gives the amplifier considerably more body, while the 6L6 output section retains the familiar Fender clarity and headroom. Clean tones are rich and dimensional, with plenty of harmonic detail, while pushing the amp produces a beautifully rounded overdrive with a little more grit and character than you might expect from a traditional Blackface Fender. The spring reverb is deep and musical, while the bias-vary tremolo has that wonderfully organic pulse that makes these early Fender circuits so desirable.

It is a superb amplifier for blues, roots, country and classic rock, but there is plenty of clean headroom for players who want to use pedals. The combination of the 2x10 speaker configuration, 6L6 power section, spring reverb and tremolo makes this a particularly versatile and inspiring amplifier.

The ’63 Vibroverb Reissue was only produced for a relatively short period, and good original examples are becoming increasingly difficult to find. This one is especially appealing thanks to its excellent condition, original Eminence speakers, original footswitch, documented chassis date and full workshop inspection.

A genuinely superb USA-made Fender valve combo, offering that distinctive Brownface character in a very usable and beautifully presented package. A wonderful example of a rare and highly regarded Fender reissue.