I have a '71 Pro Reverb as my main gigging amp and I'm looking for a small kick around the house amp. I have the opportunity to get either a SF Princeton Reverb or SF Deluxe Reverb (for a little more $$ of course)...and I've decided the SFPR is the way to go. Can anyone provide any reason to spend the extra bit for the SFDR?

If it's really just a home amp, then there is not much reason to get a deluxe over a princeton. If you intend to play with a band, it depends on how loud your drummer is and how much clean headroom you need. A well-tuned princeton sounds wonderful and is quite loud, but you might end up wanting the extra guts of the deluxe.

Yep, totally a home amp..maybe a coffee shop gig now and then...but I really don't know why I would ever choose to not use my Pro Reverb for any normal gig we play.

I actually prefer the princeton to the deluxe anyway.

D

The Princeton is such a cool sounding amp! I like Deluxes. But Princetons just seem to have that extra something, that other amps don't. Even the other Fender models.

I don't know if it's the matching of each component, just being right, or what it is. But, there's a 3D, chewy quality to the tones of a Princeton. Something I don't find in other amps.

quote:

Originally posted by E-D Ray Swain:
The Princeton is such a cool sounding amp! I like Deluxes. But Princetons just seem to have that extra something, that other amps don't. Even the other Fender models.

I don't know if it's the matching of each component, just being right, or what it is. But, there's a 3D, chewy quality to the tones of a Princeton. Something I don't find in other amps.

I was in a hurry at work when I made my post, but this really sums up what I meant when I said I preferred the Princeton. That 3D quality that I just don't find in many amps is captured perfectly in a Princeton. The Princeton was the first vintage Fender I spent much time with, and I've yet to find another model that makes me as happy as the Princeton. I do prefer the non-reverb model slightly, but it's hard to go wrong with either.

D

Thanks for the comments...I'm going to snag the Princeton Reverb. I've played a non-reverb Princeton a bit and really enjoyed it..looking forward the SFPR.

The need for headroom is key to the decision - drummer too. However, Brimars in a Princeton Reverb delivers the most stunning overdrive at a decent volume level.

I have a 1970 Princeton Reverb, and it's one of my all-time favorites. Amazing little amp that records like a dream and even has enough balls for a small-room gig.

Well, the Princeton Reverb wasn't available, the seller couldn't bring himself to part with it so I went with the Deluxe Reverb he had. It's a '79 and sounds really good. I'm happy with it so far but I'm still thinking that Princeton Reverb would be better suited for what I want to do with this amp.

My pal has 3 BF princetons for $800, pick what one you want.
But isn;t the nonverb one not nearly as good?

Yeah, I really like what the extra stage adds to the tones. For Blackfaces, you want the Reverb model.