Fender Tube Reverb Unit Versus Digital Options

admin · Post by **admin** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 3:46 am

I have a question and a follow-up for those who have explored reverb in some detail.

To begin, there are some that may describe the Fender Reverb Unit as a bit of a one trick pony, in that the range of reverb effects is limited with the mix, tone and dwell controls.

Proponents of digital rack mount effects gear argue that the range of reverbs available in concert with numerous other effects, most notably delay, not only rival the Fender Reverb Unit, but exceed it in terms of flexibility and tonality.

The follow-up is, for those who own or have played the stand alone Fender Tube unit or its reissue. With the proper adjustments to each of the mix, tone and dwell, what effects are you able to achieve and how many of these do you use? For example, do you still need a delay pedal at the end of the day in concert with your tube reverb to achieve the effect you need?

soundmasterg · Post by **soundmasterg** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 2:17 pm

Personally, I've never heard a digital reverb that sounds as natural as the Fender (aka Hammond) reverb design. I'm also the type of player that can take or leave reverb. If its there I'll use a little bit of it, but if its not there, it doesn't bother me. After all, the original AC30 doesn't have reverb, and neither did the '59 Bassman.

admin · Post by **admin** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 2:21 pm

Thanks Greg. I am inclined to agree. My reference, hit recordings aside, is the reverb in my Fender Twin Reverb.

I just wonder whether the Fender Reverb Unit is a one trick pony or whether the range of reverb allows for multiple effects.

I appreciate your response.

lyle_from_minneapolis · Thu Apr 12, 2007 3:56 pm

It's a very good trick that Pony does.

I've played with so many different styles of reverb in recordings, only to find in the end that less is usually more, and also that the Fender reverb sounds particularly nice and deep and warm.

As far as multiple effects based on a 1 through 10 reverb knob...it's a one trick pony.

admin · Post by **admin** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 2:28 am

Thanks Mark. There is nothing wrong with a Pony that your can consistently count on. Over the long haul it beats walking.

Perhaps what I am trying to determine is whether the reverb that is on a number of the classic surf recordings is purely the stand alone tube unit, or whether the classic surf sound also uses compression and delay components.

lyle_from_minneapolis · Fri Apr 13, 2007 5:06 am

I am no surf expert, but you may find there is also liberal use of either Tremolo or Vibrato, depending on the amp models. I would imagine the classic surf sound pre-dates delay, and I wouldn't venture (pun!) a guess on compression in their recordings, although I doubt it would be essential when played live.

I think you should head over to the Curmudgeon's surf thread! I'm sure Paul and George would know. (Not the Beatles...OUR Paul & George.)

kenposurf · Post by **kenposurf** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 7:35 am

Tube driven reverb is just that...the unit acts as a preamp and allows you the most variation in terms of how hard the signal hits the pan (dwell) as well as tone ..there is no sub for one when needed for surf/rockabilly/classic rock..can be mellowed for jazz etc..that said if you're just looking for a light ambience, buy a holy grail pedal..will give you a "simulation" of spring reverb and a pretty good "hall" setting ala Jimmy Page Zep era....

admin · Post by **admin** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 8:12 am

Thanks George. I have all the light ambience effects I can stand at the moment. My Fender Twin Reverb gives me a great reverb effect but alas I want the same warmth for other amplifiers that do not have reverb. Your insight is appreciated and I have heard the results from your music.

kenposurf · Post by **kenposurf** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 8:23 am

Peter..if you get one of the new reissues ones...swap out the 6v6 tube for a 6k6...the new ones sound great but should be checked over making sure all connections are solid...Charlie Kittelson did some work on one of my reissues and it came out very well...there are a couple of other small mods (different cap value) that you can make to get closer to an orignal...Neil Young has an outboard unit set up first position in his chain and uses it as a boost...all kinds of interesting things go on when you crank up the dwell..I do a lot of staccato picking and when the wrist starts to go I've found that I can go to all down strokes and let the reverb cover the upstrokes! Learned that one from DD...also if you can find a Victoria Reverberato (out of production) has a really nice reverb and a Fender blackface tremolo all in one box..

admin · Post by **admin** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 9:58 am

Thanks again George. I see that the Victoria Reverberato is available here for just under $1600 US. I realize your family might not thank me for this, but I thought you would like to know. Then again, as some say, there is no such thing as too much reverb.

kenposurf · Post by **kenposurf** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 10:21 am

Hah! Thanks..pretty sure Mark is not producing those any longer even though on the list..unless things have changed..I use an original blonde 60's unit and have a worked over reissue as a back up..if worse comes to worse I'll take Paul's and make him play dry! We use blackface amps so have that wonderful tremolo (think Stones Empty Heart) onboard..too much reverb..maybe but I'm in the mode to set up a pair of dual showmans each fed by it's own reverb unit via an A+B box...Peter, you know there is a strong growing market for surf music..might be time for you to take the plunge...so to speak..

admin · Post by **admin** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 11:13 am

I will shore up my reverb and then give it a try, George.

kenposurf · Post by **kenposurf** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 11:45 am

Doh...you'll be riding the crest of the new wave...

admin · Post by **admin** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 1:08 pm

Yes, but I'd rather not dwell on it.

kenposurf · Post by **kenposurf** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 1:19 pm

ouch...I'm wiped out