Fender 1965 Princeton Reverb Black Panel with Pre CBS features

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Here's another Blackpanel Princeton Reverb for you - this one is an early 1965 model that's been professionally serviced and runs perfectly.

The Princeton Reverb is a small, harmonically rich combo that breaks up naturally at manageable volumes. The 6V6 power section, output transformer, and 10-inch speaker combine to produce that compressed, bloom-heavy clean-to-crunch transition the Princeton Reverb is known for. The onboard spring reverb and vibrato are fully functional. Transformers are all original and date to late 1964/early 1965, which is consistent with a very early production blackface Princeton Reverb.

The blackface Princeton Reverb was introduced in mid-1964 as part of Fender's transition away from the brownface designs. The AA1164 circuit in this amp — 12 watts through a single 10-inch speaker — became one of the most copied small-combo designs in electric guitar history. Early production examples like this one have a nickel-plated chassis that remains cleaner than the later, galvanized chassis and stands out as a pre-CBS feature. The combination of original iron and correct-era components makes this a legitimate collector piece, not just a player's amp. 

The cabinet and baffle are original and unadulterated, covered in original black tolex in excellent condition. The grille cloth is original silver sparkle, also in excellent shape. The lower back panel is from a Super Reverb - I cut it down and wrapped the original tolex around the panel. 

All transformers are Schumacher units: power transformer codes date to the 40th week of 1965 (606-540), output transformer to the 4th week of 1964 (606-4-38), and reverb transformer to the 39th week of 1965 (606-539). All are original. The speaker is a CTS 10-inch, manufacturer code 137, date code 704 — a 1977 Fender labeled replacement that suites the amp perfectly. Potentiometers, knobs, handle, chassis, and cabinet are all original. The rectifier is a JJ GZ34. Power tubes are Delco 6V6s. Preamp tubes are a mix of JJ ECC83s and one unmarked unit.

Overall condition is excellent for a 60-year-old amp. The cabinet, baffle, chassis, grille, and tolex are all in excellent shape with no notable damage. Filter caps have been replaced — this is standard maintenance on a vintage amp this age and is not a negative. The power cable has been upgraded to a grounded three-prong.  I updated the bypass caps, hiding them in the original cardboard sleeves for an authentic look.  The bias cap was replaced before the amp arrived here. All the original parts are included.  We tested all the tubes, cleaned the tube sockets, jacks, and pots - the amp has been fully detailed.

The amp weighs 29 lbs 12.5 oz. Cabinet dimensions are 20 inches wide by 16 inches tall by 9-3/8 inches deep. The footswitch is from the late 60s/early 70s and in very good condition. No cover, no documentation. Power cable is a grounded upgrade. Notes: grounded power cable upgrade.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Date: 1965
• Where Is Date Noted?: Serial#, codes
• Weight: 29lbs 12.5oz
• Dimensions: w 20" x h 16" x d 9-3/8"
• Watts: 12 watts
• Case/Cover?: none
• Covering Material: tolex
• Covering Color: black
• Covering Original?: yes
• Cabinet Material: pine
• Cabinet Condition: excellent
• Cabinet Repairs/Changes: none
• Cabinet Original?: yes
• Grille Style: silver sparkle
• Grille Condition: excellent
• Grille Original?: yes
• Baffle Material: pine
• Baffle Condition: excellent
• Baffle Original?: yes
• Baffle Repairs/Changes: none
• Chassis Material: metal
• Chassis Condition: excellent
• Chassis Original?: yes
• Chassis Repairs/Changes: none
• Knobs Original?: yes
• Handle Material: rubber
• Handle Original?: yes
• Speaker 1 Brand: CTS
• Speaker 1 Size: 10"
• Speaker 1 Manufacturer Code: 137
• Speaker 1 Date Code: 704
• Speaker 1 Condition: very good
• Speaker Original?: 1977 Fender issue
• Power Transformer Manufacturer: Schumacher
• Power Transformer Manufacturer Code: 606
• Power Transformer Date Code: 5-40
• Power Transformer Original?: yes
• Output Transformer Manufacturer: Schumacher
• Output Transformer Manufacturer Code: 606
• Output Transformer Date Code: 4-38
• Output Transformer Original?: yes
• Reverb Transformer Manufacturer: Schumacher
• Reverb Transformer Manufacturer Code: 606
• Reverb Transformer Date Code: 5-39
• Reverb Transformer Original?: yes
• Reverb Onboard: yes
• Reverb Tank Original?: yes
• Tremolo Or Vibrato Onboard: vibrato
• Pedal Included?: yes
• Pedal Condition: very good
• Pedal Original?: yes
• Rectifier Tube: GZ34
• Rectifier Tube Brand: JJ
• Power Tubes: 2 x 6V6
• Power Tube Brand: Delco
• Preamp Tubes: 2 x ECC83, ECC81, 7025
• Preamp Tube Brand: JJ, ?
• Potentiometers Original?: yes
• Filter Caps: replaced
• Internal Repairs: yes
• Power Cable: grounded upgrade
• Accessories Included: none
• Documentation: none
• Notes: grounded power cable upgrade.  Lower back panel is a cut-down part from a 1960s Super Reverb

Excerpts from real online end-user reviews:

"A very tuneful amp, ideal for those looking for the tone of a good Fender amp at manageable volume levels." - Guitar Pick Zone
"It combines the classic good looks of the pre-CBS 'blackface' with the mis-named Vibrato effect and that great spring reverb." - MusicRadar
"The best that you can get if you're looking for that blackface clean but on the edge sound." - Thomann User Review

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By completing your purchase you are agreeing to this shipping policy. Shipments require signature on delivery, no exceptions. Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely. If there is damage, retain all packing materials intact, photograph them immediately, and send the photos to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com.

Amplifiers: We take additional precautions to prevent common shipping damage. Depending on the amp, this may include removing tubes, pulling the chassis from the cabinet if heavy transformers present a drop risk, or removing heavy speakers that could crack baffles in transit. Reassembly is required on delivery — we label everything clearly. These measures add to shipping costs but reflect hard-won experience. Vintage amplifiers (20 years or older) are sold as-is — all amps are tested in our shop upon intake and again before shipping. We cover shipping damage but cannot be responsible for the failure of vintage components in instruments that are 20 to 50-plus years old.