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

[Joe <abcdeasy@xxxxxxxxx>]

John, The Princeton has a preamp section as do all tube amps.  It just
has less gain than the BJ preamp stage.   Also, the Princeton has a
fixed bias class AB push pull output stage just like the BJ.    The BJ
can make a pretty good harp amp if the preamp gain is lowered with a
tube swap.  I would suspect that you would not have to worry about a
tube swap in the Princeton due to its lower gain structure.  Looks
like a real nice amp !  Enjoy.  --Joe

On Oct 7, 12:20 am, "John F. Potts" <h...@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> 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
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