Fender Pro Reverb - Changing the Output Transformer

[Gravelrocks]

I have a blackface Pro Reverb that I use as a jazz amp. It sounds nice for solo or duo stuff, but when in a trio setting with a drummer, the amp doesn't maintain that super clean sound as much as I'd like. I've been contemplating selling it, and buying a Twin, but my amp tech said he could make the Pro louder and bigger sounding by putting a Bassman OT in it.

Has anyone ever modded a Pro Reverb by doing this, and if so, how were the results? I know it's never going to be a twin, but will this give me a lot more headroom than what I have now?

Thanks!

[Jahn]

Have you tried a more efficient speaker? Might be far less invasive than changing the iron.

[schmidlin]

PM sent.

[Claytone]

The short answer is Yes, you will improve the amp's headroom, clarity and most important, reliability if you upgrade the transformer to a Bassman-sized OT or PT. You gain a lot and lose nothing in the way of vintage correctness as it is an easily reversible mod. My tech did this to my 1960 Tweed Tremolux so that I could actually play it with a band in clubs rather than stare at it in my living room.

[riffmeister]

That is exactly what the Pro Reverb needs, IMO.

[zenfreud]

If you like the clean headroom, I'd sell it and buy the Twin.

[smolder]

The pro is perfect the way it is. I'd buy a sf twin and try it for a while (650 - 850), and then sell the one you rarely us.

[modernp]

I love the early pro's I used to turn mine up loud enough to get a little grind and then clean it up with the v pot on the guitar. The last thing I would do is change anything about a pro.

[slider313]

Keep the Pro and leave it original. Buy a used Twin Reverb reissue for the drummer gigs.

[jay42]

Originally Posted by Gravelrocks

my amp tech said he could make the Pro louder and bigger sounding by putting a Bassman OT in it.

Bigger sounding....yes...you'll prefer it...actually louder...oooch...not sure you'll notice a lot of improvment there. If you just need a bit more, this is a good idea. You might see 5 more watts. Ask your tech if he has access to one that's already been done so you can do an A/B test.

[sabby]

Originally Posted by slider313

Keep the Pro and leave it original. Buy a used Twin Reverb reissue for the drummer gigs.

This.

There's a sweetness to smaller OT amps. They may have less headroom and depth of bass, but the treble is softer and they compress wonderfully when driven.

Don't molest you Pro, unless it's already been modded.

[zzmoore]

That is a time proven "mod".
You will not notice, nor are you wanting "louder"......you will have more clean headroom, which is what I believe your jazz ears are searching for.
Obviously, you will be keeping the original OT, the "value" of your amp will not be compromised.
I think the OT swap will do what your are needing......you can always re-install the original OT.....
Have you ever played a Bassman Head.?
Also, look into some new Eminence speakers for more dB. I do not think you have any real "need" for a Twin......
Best

[riffmeister]

I have two of the same amp......VVT Lindy Fralin, 2x6L6 40 watts......one with "stock" size OT which is like a Pro Reverb and the other with an "oversize" OT which is like a Bassman. The larger OT gives the amp more depth of sound (esp in the low end) and more clean headroom. But it still compresses nicely when turned up, just like the smaller OT version, and it stays tighter overall. It's a real improvement for my needs. I think a larger OT in the Pro Reverb will do just what the OP wants. (might need a speaker change, too)

[nic'o'caster]

- change the tubes to improve headroom
- change the speakers for higher efficiency ones (Emi C-Rex, Jensen Neo, ...)
- change the iron to avoid flabby bass or farting tones
- change the amp, even if close sounding a Twin is a different animal !

[Gravelrocks]

Do you think a Swamp Thang and Cannabis Rex run together would provide me a lot more volume/headroom than a 70's celestion and alnico Tone Tubby?

Originally Posted by zzmoore

That is a time proven "mod".
You will not notice, nor are you wanting "louder"......you will have more clean headroom, which is what I believe your jazz ears are searching for.
Obviously, you will be keeping the original OT, the "value" of your amp will not be compromised.
I think the OT swap will do what your are needing......you can always re-install the original OT.....
Have you ever played a Bassman Head.?
Also, look into some new Eminence speakers for more dB. I do not think you have any real "need" for a Twin......
Best