Fender Vibrolux 6G11A Model Tube Amplifier (1962), made in Fullerton, California, serial # 01935, brown tolex covering finish.

This Vibrolux Model 6G11A is a fine example of one of the true gems from Fender's often under appreciated early 1960s "Brown" period. Although there are always transitional amps from any era, more changes to Fender's line occurred in 1960 than any other year.

In this period the Vibrolux became the more powerful sibling of the 15-20 watt Deluxe and Tremolux, sitting between these and the bigger 2x10" Super. Covered in the tan/brown Tolex just coming into use as the '60s dawned, the front-mounted control panel and all-new layout were just some of the long lasting innovations ushered in around this time. The dual 6L6 power section yields around 30 watts of "clean and distortionless power" claimed Fender in their 1960 catalog, which is ironically filled with iconic amps that would soon change the course of guitar history with their powerful overdriven tones!

This amp's tube chart bears the stamp KL, dating the amp to December of 1961 and the serial number indicates approximately 2000 units had been made at this point. The 6G11A's control layout is identical to the Tremolux, featuring two independent channels, one labeled normal and one bright. Each channel has two inputs and controls for volume, treble and bass, in addition to depth and intensity controls for the onboard bias-vary tremolo. Like its lower-powered sibling, the Deluxe, this model also sports a single 12-inch speaker.

Height is 18 1/2 in. (47 cm.), 23 in. (58.4 cm.) width, and 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm.) in depth at deepest point.

This Vibrolux is a somewhat worn-in but great-sounding example. The cabinet is overall in good shape for its age, save for just a few minor blemishes primarily along the edges and corners. The brown Tolex covering is otherwise very clean and the front panel is mostly free of notable wear with all the lettering is nicely intact. The front grille cloth covering is showing heavier wear, including some staining and a couple punctures. Sadly, the plastic Fender logo is no longer present. The handle appears to be an older replacement, showing minor wear and plenty of life left in it. The amp comes with a more recent brown padded slip cover.

Electrically, the Vibrolux is mostly original, with some typical replaced components. The speaker is a newer 12" Celestion G-12 "Vintage 30". While somewhat heavier than the original Oxford this is sonically a very nice compliment to this circuit. The power transformer is a later CBS-era Fender replacement, dating to the 21st week of 1968. The choke and output transformers are original, bearing the codes 606-140 and 606-145, dating them to the 40th and 45th weeks of 1961. Visible pot codes all date to '61 as well, save for the 2nd channel volume control, which appears to be an older replacement. The amp has received our typical routine maintenance, including the replacement of all electrolytic caps, a three-prong power cord, all sockets, pots and jacks cleaned and power tubes biased to spec.

This is a fabulous-sounding example of a very rare and great-sounding amp from this short-lived era in Fender's history, offering a great-sounding tremolo and a great punchy breakup at higher settings. With somewhat more headroom and clarity than the brown Deluxe and Tremolux, this Vibrolux is a very versatile gigging or recording amp that can keep up with a louder playing situation with pristine cleans as well as the classic cracking overdrive of the brown-era Fenders. Overall Very Good Condition.