[Harp-L] '65 Princeton Reverb Re-issue

["John F. Potts" <hvyj@xxxxxxx>]

JG,
	I just sold my Blues Jr. to apply the proceeds to purchase of a  
Fender Princeton Reverb Re-Issue.  These are totally different amps.   
BJ has a pre-amp stage. PR is Class A and has no pre-amp stage.  BJ  
has a 12" speaker. PR has a 10" speaker and deeper reverb and   
generally more depth of tone and more "balls".  BJ can sound shrill  
when the tubes heat up, but may be more versatile than the PR because  
of it's pre-amp stage, FAT switch and midrange control.  But I much  
prefer the sound of the PR and the PR's reverb is better by orders of  
magnitude. The PR also sounds better with most of the mics I use and  
(like the BJ) sounds much bigger than its nominal rating of 15 watts.  
My BJ was black tolex.  The tweed version of the BJ is supposed to  
have an upgraded speaker.
	
	I'm not primarily an amp guy (I prefer to go into the board),  but i  
usually have a big amp and a small amp around if needed for a gig or  
jam and just to fool around with.  I used to have an original  
blackface Princeton Reverb and was glad when Fender reissued this  
amp.  I recently played through one in the showroom and it's very  
close to the original.  Really nice for harp if you don't need a big  
amp (like a Super Reverb reissue, my other favorite).  BJ must be re- 
tubed to control feedback.  I'm not sure that tube swaps are of any  
use in a PR.   Supposedly Big Walter frequently used one.  I think  
the PR RI is a MUCH better harp amp than a BJ. Others may disagree.  
Anyway, I plan on buying one. Is it worth the $?  Who knows, but i  
think it's sufficiently superior to the BJ to justifiably cost more.
	
	But, all things considered, if i have a choice, i still prefer to go  
into the PA board when I play out .
	
	JP