[Harp-L] Re: Princeton Reverb Reissue

[Paul Routledge <kingley@xxxxxxx>]

Thanks for the detailed info on the Princeton RI John.

I too heard that one of Big Walters favourite amps was the Princeton.
David Barrett and Dennis Gruenling seems to like them too.
Obviously though they were talking about the original Blackface  
Princetons, so to know that the Reissue is comparable is good.

I'm the kind of guy who likes a plug and play amp. So something like  
this could fit the bill perfectly.

I've gone the Bassman route, and tried other big amps. But they are  
not my cup of tea. I much prefer small amps for their tonal qualities.

Paul

On 20 Dec 2008, at 19:20, John F. Potts wrote:

> Paul,
> 	
> 	I've got one and i like it a lot. Supposedly, Big Walter Horton  
> used one of these. It sounds much louder than its rated 15 watts. It  
> has a deeper sound than a Blues Junior and is lower gain (which i  
> consider to be a good thing).  I prefer a 10 inch speaker for harp,  
> anyway.  Among other things, i happen to believe 10s don't get as  
> shrill as 12s do when played at volume through hot tubes and I  
> prefer the tonality of 10s.  To my ear they sound tighter,  have  
> more punch and better texture and are more responsive for harmonica  
> playing through a cupped mic. In my experience, 12s do NOT  
> necessarily sound deeper or darker than 10s for harp. The Princeton  
> has one 10.  I used to have an original Princeton Reverb and the re- 
> issue is reasonably comparable.  The reverb is really rich--much  
> deeper than a Blues Junior.  i was thrilled when Fender decided to  
> reissue this amp and i immediately sold my Blues Junior to get one.
> 	
> 	The stock tubes sound slightly harsh (probably okay for guitar), so  
> one of these days I'll probably replace them with JJs for a slightly  
> smoother tone.  But, tube swaps are neither necessary nor  
> recommended with this amp.  I plan to put a set of tilt back legs on  
> it, too (Fender is now making a set of 14" tilt back legs which  
> would be just  the right size). But the amp is good to go right out  
> of the box and IMHO needs no modifications for playability with  
> harmonica.  Btw, the amp comes with a very nice cover that is made  
> from a canvas like fabric--not vinyl.
>
> 	It's a terrific little amp.  Very portable and easy to carry, but  
> has a BIG sound. It also works very well with effects, if you're  
> into that. I sort of wish it had a mid range control, though.  But i  
> sold my Blues Junior (which does have a midrange control) in order  
> to get it.  For larger gigs it would need to be mic'd, but for  
> smaller rooms it's fine. i play into the 2d input to reduce feedback  
> potential.  It's not my only amp, but I recommend it highly. It's  
> expensive, and different players' financial circumstances may vary,  
> but I think  you get what you pay for.  Great amp for harmonica!
>
> 	Hope this helps.  if you have any more specific questions, let me  
> know.
> 		
> 	JP