1979 Fender Princeton Reverb

The Silver-Panel Princeton Reverb is a great sounding amp and the perfect size and power for a grab-and-go gigging amp. It is also beloved for it’s role in recording, as evidenced by the huge rise in price for nice vintage examples.

This amp was nothing but problems when I got it and was completely fried - it didn’t turn on at all. A new Canadian made Hammond Power Transformer - an exact replica of the original Princeton PT - was installed and wired in as the old one had shorted internally. The electrolytic cap can was replaced with a new USA made CE brand exact replica for the filter section. The bias circuit and bypass caps were replaced with MOD brand electrolytics with upgraded voltage ratings. New 2 Watt Metal Oxide power dropping resistors were installed for better reliability and lower noise floor. A new 3 prong AC cord was installed to replace the old one which was frayed and the death cap was removed. The ground switch was also deactivated for safety. The broken SPST Power Switch was replaced with a replica made by Carling.

All the original tubes (which had never been changed) were all bad and needed to go. A brand new lineup of JJ branded tubes were installed. A 5751 in V1 to increase headroom, a 12AT7 in V2, 12AX7’s in V3/V4, a pair of matched 6V6GT’s, and a 5U4GB Rectifier. The 6V6GT’s Fixed Bias was set to %68 Class AB Plate Dissipation with a B+ of 375VDC. The tube sockets were all re-tensioned and new spring tube retainers were installed to stop the tubes from jiggling or falling out while they hang upside down. The pots were sprayed out and the amp was cleaned inside and out. This amp was fully brought back from the dead.