[Harp-L] Re: Princeton Reverb Reissue

Paul Routledge <kingley@xxxxxxx> · Sat, 20 Dec 2008 19:59:12 +0000

Thanks John.
I will have to go and check one out, if I can find one here in the UK
Paul
On 20 Dec 2008, at 19:52, John F. Potts wrote:
Paul,

	If you want to just plug in and play, this Princeton Reverb Reissue  
certainly fits the bill.  Btw, I HATE the Fender Bassman -- I don't  
like anything about it and I've never understood why so many good  
players like that amp so well.  I do like my Fender Super Reverb  
Reissue, though, which has four 10s and is supposed to have some  
circuitry in common with the Bassman. Go figure.  Maybe it's the  
extra reverb stage that makes the difference.

	Anyway, the Princeton Reverb is nothing like a Bassman. Completely  
different animal. It's not really like the Super, either -- besides  
being smaller, it's lower gain and has a different sort of response.  
If you prefer small amps, the Princeton Reverb Reissue is a terrific  
small harp amp. IMHO, it's a terrific harp amp regardless of size.
		JP

On Dec 20, 2008, at 2:30 PM, Paul Routledge wrote:
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