1970 super reverb with Allen mods

[sparky_8]

Have a chance to pick one up, but wanted to get some thoughts from you guys...

Here are the details...
Fender Super Reverb previously owned and modified by David Allen (Allen Amplification - http://www.allenamps.com/). 1970 Fender Super Reverb chassis (s/n A45217, Silver Face, not master volume). Modified to pre-'67 AB763 "Black Face" circuit configuration - For this chassis year, these were simple mods dealing with the negative feedback circuit and dropping voltage resistors.

More significantly, David added switch-selectable circuitry to allow the amp to run either 6V6 or 6L6 output tubes. 6L6 tubes are normally used in this family of amp (Super Reverb, Twin, Bandmaster, Dual Showman etc...) and in this dual configuration provide about 40 watts of audio output power. 6V6 tubes are normally used in the Deluxe Reverb and provide around 20 watts.

This amp is currently configured with 6V6 tubes and is essentially a Deluxe Reverb on steroids. Changing the output tubes to 6L6 types (louder, more headroom) requires a re-bias of the plate voltages (which are significantly different between the two tube families). The rear panel "ground-select" switch (now obsolete on all safely rewired amps) is used to select the output circuit for either 6L6 or 6V6 tubes (see pic below).

This Allen-modified chassis has a repro blackface front panel and is installed in a repro 4X10 cab equiped with four Jensen "Special Design" speakers (three w/out labels and one newer with - a P10R, made in Italy). Like the original 4X10 Super Reverbs, all four speakers are wired in parallel for a nominal 2-ohm load (the output transformer was designed for a 2-ohm load). The amp looks showroom new, and is clean and smoke-free.

Finally, I'd have to add that with this amp, even with the mods, you are dealing with a piece of gear that was originally assembled some 40 years ago and it still has most of the original components.


He's asking $850 which is right at market for an unmodded one... Is it worth the investment? Can I get back out of it in good shape if I decide I don't like it?

[meterman]

sounds pretty cool to me and you know the rep of the modder, if you plan on keeping & playing it could be a great amp. I would have loved the option to easily run 6V6s in my '71 Super Reverb for lower output at times. Not sure how resale would be but I'd be surprised if you took a beating on something cool like this even if it is highly modded....

[sparky_8]

Thanks... that's kinda what I'm thinking...

[tommytomcat]

If I were in the market for one, I'd jump on this... But, if you're asking will this amp appreciate in value and you'll be able to sell it for $1500 in 6 mos. No, this is a player not an investment... but you should always be able to sell it for close to $850-900.

[sparky_8]

Originally Posted by tommytomcat

If I were in the market for one, I'd jump on this... But, if you're asking will this amp appreciate in value and you'll be able to sell it for $1500 in 6 mos. No, this is a player not an investment... but you should always be able to sell it for close to $850-900.

That's the ticket! I know it would be a player amp for sure. And that's what I'd need/want it for...

Thanks!