Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I was wondering how they compare to the Fender 63 Revern Reissues?

It's got to be better, it has more knobs!

Is that a stand alone reverb unit, or an amp head with reverb? I've never seen a stand alone reverb unit that had volume and master volume, or treble and bass.

Thanks for the posts guys.Yes,it is a stand alone reverb unit like below are the specs:

The Guyatone FR-3000V Tube Reverb Unit
Designed to emulate the sounds of the greatest vintage tube reverb units
Features Accutronics 4AB3C1B long reverb tank.
Each unit is Loaded with New Old Stock GE 6K6GT, JAN GE 5751, and JAN GE 12AT7WC tubes, tested and burned in prior to loading.
Reverb Level control determines degree of reverb effect
Individual Bass and Treble controls allow for precise tonal control over the reverb signal
Individual Level and Master Volume controls allow for a wide variety of saturated reverb tones
Direct Bypass switch allows for Dry/Reverb mix or Reverb only output signals
Remote bypass using optional footswitch (Guyatone SB-2 recommended)
Dual front/rear inputs allow for mounting in rack or road case
20” Long x 7.5” Tall x 9.5” Deep, Weight = 18 Lbs
3-year parts and labor warranty

Think it sounds like this?

I found a review of the Guyatone in Vintage Guitar Magazine:

BIG OR SMALL, IT'S ALL GOOD - GUYATONE EFFECTS DELIVER, REGARDLESS OF SIZE

BY Bob Tekippe

REVERB! - King of guitar Effects

If there’s an extracurricular sound guitarists most want, its reverb. Maybe because even if they’re playing the most low-down, dirty dive, they can sound more like they’re playing the Beacon, Fillmore, Ryman, or Radio City.

Since Fender introduced the EccoFonic in 1959, many forms of reverb, including tape, tube-driven, solidstate, and digital have come down the pike. One of the latest worth a close look is Guyatone’s FR3000V. Set apart from other outboard reverb units by its use of NOS GE6K6GT, JAN GE5751, and JAN 12AT7WC tubes, the unit is traditional in its use of the industry-standard Accutronics ABC1B reverb pan.

The FR3000V’s cabinet is covered in black tolex with plastic corners, and its Plexi-style front panel gives it a familiar English look. At 20” x 7 ½” x 9 ½” it does need some space. Inside, wiring is clean and simple.

The FR3000V is a full-featured unit; input and master volume controls allow for a near-infinite number of saturation adjustments and tones, and there are individual bass and treble controls along with reverb volume. There are two inputs (one each on front and back) and one output, as well as an input for an optional remote bypass switch and a direct-out switch for a dry/reverb mix.

To give the FR3000V a listen, we used an early-70’s Fender Stratocaster with an all-tube Peavey Delta Blues 210 amp. We plugged the FR3000V into the effects loop of the Peavey and set the amp to the clean channel. Setting the Guyatone to the recommended “sweet and deep reverb” setting, we were greeted with just that – big, deep, smooth, fat reverb that added depth and warmth to the signal with total transparency. Fabulous!

Many outboard reverb units sound outboard, but not this one. All of our Strat’s pickup positions sounded great, with the middle and neck being the standouts. We compared the FR3000V to the Peavey’s onboard Accutronics 4EB2C1B reverb and found it to be lusher and deeper, giving the amp more life. The tone controls let us dial in tones ranging from smooth to slightly harsh. We set the unit to the recommended “Reverb with Spring Sound” setting and got markedly springier sound, reminiscent of the best vintage outboard units. The “Saturated Lo-Fi” setting gave huge reverb with long trails.

We next plugged the FR3000V through the front of the Peavey (instead of the effects loop) and found the same great sound, though it was more sensitive to feedback. The FR3000V was no noisier than the onboard reverb in the Peavey, unless you really pushed the master. Switching the Peavey to the overdrive channel, we found the same great natural reverb tone. Again, the FR3000V will feedback if pushed past normal, but this is typical especially in overdrive.

The FR3000V is one of the best outboard reverb units we’ve heard, mostly because it sounds like part of an amp. If your amp lacks reverb, or you simply want a better reverb, the Guyatone FR3000V is a very good bet

The unit sounds quite versatile in the review. If you like the sound and don't mind the size, go for it!

I bought a much smaller, solid state spring reverb called the "Sole Mate", made by Van Amps. I gew weary of bringing my Fender stand alone RI reverb unit; one extra box to lug around, another cable to run, another footswitch to run(and a noisy one at that-the footswitch suffered from poor grounding that I've been unable to rectify), and something else to plug in. I like the Sole Mate because it does the job, and fits in my pedal board. The sound is plenty reverb-y for me, though it's not as complex as the Guyatone. I tend to like to keep things simple with respect to reverb controls; I like the single control knob that the Blackface Fender amps have, and love the reverb sound that comes out of them.

Here's the link for the Sole Mate:
http://www.vanamps.com/solemate.htm
I bought one with cream colored Tolex. Here's what they look like:

Thanks Paul.I never saw that Sole-Mate before.I looked at the website and watched the vids it looks and sounds great and looks alot more conveient than a big tank.Unfortunetly I ordered the Guyatone from Musicians Friend a couple of days ago because they had a blemished one for $382(still $100 more than the Sole-mate).I guess I try it and if I don't like it I can send it back.According to Vanamps website there is a dealer about 5 miles from my house(never even knew about this store)so maybe I can go there and check out the Sole-mate if I decide not to keep the Guyatone.Anyway thanks again for telling me about the Sole-mate.

I got my Guyatone today and it was broken.Signal passed through but no reverb.Just static and feedback.I sent it back.I think I will go check out the Sole-mate.

Fate?