RE: [Harp-L] Re: Princeton Reverb Reissue

chicago bluesman <chicagobluesman@xxxxxxxxxxx> · Sat, 20 Dec 2008 20:46:51 +0000

I've been wondering how the Princeton Reverb reissue sounds, too...and was glad to see this question posted.  I can attest to the fact that Big Walter played through a Princeton--I saw him regularly from 1979 until his death in 1981 and he played through a silverface Princeton (no reverb) and used a stock (ok, this I'm assuming...nobody was into mic mod's in those days) JT-30, with an in-line switchcraft volume control.  I always assumed the Princeton was a '70's issue.

I use a '68 princeton--one with the aluminum trim around the grill--for practice and love it.  But I've been wondering about checking out either the new princeton reverb reissue or the oddball princeton recording amp that seems to have come and gone in the past year or so...  Anyone have anything good to say about the princeton recording amp?

Thanks,

John

> From: kingley@xxxxxxx
> To: hvyj@xxxxxxx; Harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2008 19:59:12 +0000
> CC: 
> Subject: [Harp-L] Re: Princeton Reverb Reissue
> 
> 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
> >>
> >
> 
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