11 best fender vintage tube preamps

Fender Vintage Tube Preamps are specialized audio components designed to enhance the sound quality of electric guitars and other musical instruments. They are typically used in conjunction with amplifiers to shape and refine the signal before it reaches the power amplifier stage. Here's what you should know about Fender Vintage Tube Preamps:

  1. Purpose: Vintage Tube Preamps are primarily used to add warmth, coloration, and tonal character to the sound of an electric guitar or other instruments. They are commonly employed by musicians seeking to achieve a classic, vintage amplifier tone.

  2. Tube Technology: These preamps utilize vacuum tube technology, also known as valves, which are renowned for their ability to produce rich and harmonically complex tones. Tubes play a significant role in shaping the audio signal's characteristics.

  3. Tone Shaping: Fender Vintage Tube Preamps typically feature a range of controls such as EQ (equalization) knobs, gain, and volume adjustments. These controls allow musicians to shape the tone to their preferences, emphasizing certain frequencies and creating specific tonal qualities.

  4. Classic Fender Sound: Fender is known for its iconic amplifier tones, such as those produced by vintage models like the Fender Twin Reverb or Fender Deluxe Reverb. Vintage Tube Preamps from Fender aim to replicate or emulate these classic Fender amplifier sounds, making them highly sought after by guitarists looking for that signature Fender tone.

  5. Compatibility: Vintage Tube Preamps can be used with various amplifiers and speaker setups. They are often connected between the instrument and the amplifier, either in the amplifier's effects loop or in-line with the instrument cable.

  6. Versatility: While these preamps are designed to capture the vintage Fender sound, they can also be used to add tube-driven warmth and coloration to the signals of other amplifiers, expanding their tonal capabilities.

  7. Professional and Home Use: Fender Vintage Tube Preamps are used by both professional musicians and enthusiasts alike. They are a valuable tool for studio recording and live performances.

  8. Collectibility: Vintage Fender Tube Preamps, especially those from earlier eras, can become collectible items due to their historical significance and unique tonal qualities. They may also appreciate in value over time.

In summary, Fender Vintage Tube Preamps are specialized audio devices that incorporate vacuum tube technology to shape and enhance the sound of electric guitars and other musical instruments.They are known for their ability to reproduce the classic Fender amplifier tones and are popular among musicians seeking vintage and warm sound characteristics.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best fender vintage tube preamps on the market
  

Fender Pure Vintage Preamp Tube Shield, 2 Pack

Fender

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Tube Shields

  • Fender Model#0990723000

Fender Pure Vintage 9-Pin Amplifier Tube Sockets (2)

Fender

Based on 10 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Genuine Fender amplifier 9-pin tube sockets.

  • Package contains 2 sockets
  • Genuine Fender replacement parts
  • Package Weight : 0.022 pounds
  • Package Dimensions: 15.24 L x 2.54H x10.16W(centimeters)

User questions & answers

Question: Will this work with Fender Champion
Answer: It fits very securely if the straps are the right length (I had to adjust mine) so it should work for any type of bike.

Fender Groove Tubes GT-12AY7 Select Amplifier Tube

Based on 81 reviews Check latest price

Product description

GT-12AY7 tubes pass every Groove Tubes premium certification for micro phonics, hum, physical characteristics and function. Quite simply the best 9-pin triode preamp tubes you can buy - specifically designed and tested for musical instrument amplification and standard equipment on Fender amps. Outstanding and consistent performance for mixing and matching to get a signature tone from your amp. Low-gain tube used in very early Fender amps. Can sub for a 12AX7 to lower gain and produce a slightly warmer tone. Great for harp or blues where softer, more compressed distortion at lower volumes is desired. Medium/soft gain.

  • 9-pin triode design
  • Lower gain than 12AX7
  • Great for harp and blues guitar
  • Thoroughly tested
  • Warranty Included

User questions & answers

Question: when i purchase one of these am i getting a pair or just one
Answer: Mine came as a package of one tube.
Question: Is the paint orange or red
Answer: Odd question. Its red.
Question: Will this make my micro dark hybrid sound more bluesy or tubey because right now it's a bit harsh
Answer: Yes it will take some edge off your preamp
Question: Is this compatible with 12ay7/6072a
Answer: Yes. It is a standard 12ay7 and works in any application that calls for a 12ay7.

Fender '65 Twin Reverb 85-Watt 2x12-Inch Guitar Combo Amp

Fender

Based on 126 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This amp has seen action in every imaginable venue and remains indispensable to this day. Be it rock, jazz, country or anything else, this is what a clean electric guitar sounds like - or add an upside-down Stratocaster® guitar and a fuzz box ... The 85-watt (at 4 ohms) reissue ’65 Twin Reverb® features four 6L6 Groove Tubes® output tubes, four 12AX7 preamp tubes, two 12AT7 preamp tubes, two 12” 8-ohm Jensen® C-12K speakers, dual channels (normal and vibrato), Fender® reverb, vibrato, two-button reverb and vibrato on-off footswitch, tilt-back legs, black textured vinyl covering and silver grille cloth.

From the Manufacturer

This amp has seen action in every imaginable venue and remains indispensable to this day. Be it rock, jazz, country or anything else, this is what a clean electric guitar sounds like - or add an upside-down Stratocaster guitar and a fuzz box ... The 85-watt (at 4 ohms) reissue '65 Twin Reverb features four 6L6 Groove Tubes output tubes, four 12AX7 preamp tubes, two 12AT7 preamp tubes, two 12" 8-ohm Jensen C-12K speakers, dual channels (normal and vibrato), Fender reverb, vibrato, two-button reverb and vibrato on-off footswitch, tilt-back legs, black textured vinyl covering and silver grille cloth.

  • 85 watts of the purest, loudest, cleanest, most legendary guitar tone on the planet.
  • Two 12” 8-ohm Jensen C-12K speakers offer incredible clarity and note separation.
  • Legendary all-tube Fender reverb offers spacious ambience and surf-worthy splash and crash.

User questions & answers

Question: Does the Super Reverb have an effects loop
Answer: I measured 44 mm at the narrowest point, so probably. Just FYI, it comes from PRC, so expect a long wait.
Question: How does this amp compare with the Mustang modeling amps in terms of clean tone and overall value? I have a pedalboard for overdrive sounds
Answer: I have only tried a 700x23 tire
Question: Does the fender '65 twin reverb reissue actually contain two independent amplifiers ?? two completely independent sets of volume and tone controls
Answer: Yes it has no threads of any sort
Question: It's loud enough to a live gig
Answer: Doesn’t seem like it.

Fender Super Champ X2 15-Watt Guitar Amp Head

Fender

Based on 103 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Super Champ X2 Head offers great low-power tube sound in compact design that presents the same great features as its 15-watt, dual-channel combo sibling. It’s designed for use with the new SC112 Enclosure or other 8-ohm speaker enclosure. Made in Ensenada, Mexico, the Super-Champ X2 Head features a voicing knob for selection of 16 different amp types (Tweed, Blackface, British, Hot Rod, metal and more), 15 effects with level control, dual-channel switching (footswitch optional), tap tempo control for precise delay time adjustment, 1/4” line output and USB output for speaker-emulated digital recording. Fender FUSE™ software (available as a free download) allows even more tonal versatility, with customization of amp voicing and effects defaults, effects parameters deep editing, and online access to free Fender community content.

  • 15 Watt tube power amp with two 6V6 tubes and one 12AX7 preamp tube
  • Voicing knob with 16 different amp types (Tweed, Blackface, British, Metal, etc.). Handle-molded plastic strap with nickel-plated Caps
  • 15 effects with effects adjust control, TAP tempo control for delay time/modulation rate adjustments
  • Two Channels with Channel Switching Format and optional footswitch
  • USB output for speaker-emulated digital recording

User questions & answers

Question: Need a cab
Answer: straight from the bottle. A garden sprayer works great
Question: weight
Answer: Don't think so, I used it on my soft brown leather sofa.
Question: Can the line out be used to plug into a di box to connect to a pa without defeating the speaker out so that you can still hear sound from a cabinet
Answer: if its sold by Amazon its always returnable as long as the listing didn't say NO RETURNS, just look at original listing.
Question: what do you believe the max venue size would be for this guy. seems under powered
Answer: Yes, let it dry, rub it off, and vacuum it off. should do the trick.

Fender Blues JR Limited C12N

Fender

Based on 71 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Blues Jr. Lacquered Tweed takes Fender's 15W gem and gives it the true vintage treatment with a lacquered tweed covering and a vintage-voiced 12" Jensen speaker. Its golden tones are generated by an all-tube signal path using a pair of EL84 output tubes and 3 - 12AX7 preamp tubes. Add renowned Fender reverb, flexible controls, FAT switch for mid boost, and you're in business. And just look at that chrome panel, that tweed finish with vintage-style brown and gold grille cloth, and those vintage pointer knobs!

  • Classic warm tube tone provided by the EL84 power tubes and 12ax7 pre-amp tubes
  • Foot switchable "FAT" option adds thicker tones and subtle overdrive
  • On board spring reverb for large echo effect
  • Enjoy years of durability from the lacquer tweed cabinet
  • Warm articulate tones provided by the Jensen P12N speaker

User questions & answers

Question: So am I buying a Harmonica or a tube amp. First paragraph is describing a harmonica in different keys
Answer: It's the amp. Clearly a typo with the first part of the description. And the amp is great
Question: How do you hook up an effects loop
Answer: You don’t, way better to run a befal board in series. This amp doesn’t need much, a tube screamer, your favorite wah pedal, maybe a delay, that’s it. It is an incredible tone machine. I put an expensive 10 band EQ on this amp thinking I might make the tone even better, not so, I pulled it out of the loop, amp better by itself.
Question: Are the tubes made by Fender? If not, what brand are they
Answer: Without taking the amp apart, I can see 3 GT tubes and one made in Russia. The last tube I can.'t see the label. Hope this helps, if not I can open the back for more info.
Question: I am going to purchase a slide/lap guitar. i am attracted to fenders mustang series, but have been advised to purchase a tube amp. any thoughts
Answer: The Blues Junior is a great sounding amp. I play my lap steel through it on occasion and it's a good combination. Most guitarists prefer the sound of tube amps. The Blues Junior is a big step up from the mustang series in terms of sound quality. It's also more expensive. Play your instrument through both and see if the difference in sound is worth the difference in money to you.

Product features

Fender Hot Rod Blues Junior III 15-W LTD Tube Guitar Combo Amplifier

Perfect for the seasoned harpist or those who are just starting out, the Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica is versatile enough for any level of player. With solid construction, a traditional shape and bright, articulate tone, this diatonic 10-hole harmonica offers the classic sound and long-lasting reliability of any genuine Fender instrument.

Features

  • Chromed metal covers for comfortable performance
  • Moisture-resistant ABS plastic combs for bright sound and tuning stability
  • Protective vented plastic case allows harmonica to dry after playing
  • Includes blister card package
  • Available in C, G, A, D, F, E, Bb and seven-key sampler set

Fender '57 Custom Champ 5W 1x8 Tube Guitar Amp Lacquered Tweed

Fender

Based on 21 reviews Check latest price

Product description

One of the most popular amplifiers of all time lives again in the 57 Custom Champ. Renown for its flexibility, ease-of-use and knockout tone this is the classic sound heard on thousands of recordings. A wide variety of playable tones inhabit this hand-wired performerfrom crisp, classic cleans to naturally compressed overdrive that responds remarkably to guitar volume and picking dynamic changes.The Fender 5F1 circuit used in the 57 Custom Champ has become legendary for its heightened dynamic response and sweet sounding tube overdrive when pushed. A 12AX7 preamp tube matched to a classic 6V6 power amp tube generates this in-demand overdrive. When the volume is cranked, this little wonder sings with the natural compression and rich even-order harmonics of a power tube working at peak output in Class A topology. The 8-in. Weber Alnico speaker stays true to the classic Champ sound, compressing to create fat tone at higher levels while more than ably reproducing the raunchy tones found at the top of the amps volume knob. The hand-wired circuit includes newly sourced yellow coupling capacitors chosen for their authentically vintage Fender tonesparkly cleans and creamy overdrive with smooth top end and round mids.Onstage this amp looks great, retaining classic Champ visual appeallacquered tweed, chickenhead knob, leather handle and 1/4-in inputs for low or high output instruments are all here. In the studio, the 5-watt design means youll be able to explore the full range of available tones without overloading sensitive microphones (or your ears). Updated components, hand-wired craftsmanship and a classic circuit design all combine to create the 57 Custom Champ, a style-spanning performer. Includes a protective cover.

  • Power: 5W (tube)Tubes: one 12AY7, one 12AX7 (preamp); one 6V6 (power amp)Single channelTwo inputs: normal, brightSpeaker: 1x8 Weber Special Design with Alnico magnetCabinet Material: Finger-Joined Solid PineCovering/Grille Cloth: BassmanHandle: Vintage-Style Leather with nickel mounting hardwareKnobs: Chicken-head style pointerProtective cover included
  • Renown for its flexibility, ease-of-use and knockout tone this is the classic sound heard on thousands of recordings
  • A wide variety of playable tones inhabit this hand-wired performerfrom crisp, classic cleans to naturally compressed overdrive that responds remarkably to guitar volume and picking dynamic changes
  • The Fender 5F1 circuit used in the 57 Custom Champ has become legendary for its heightened dynamic response and sweet sounding tube overdrive when pushed
  • A 12AX7 preamp tube matched to a classic 6V6 power amp tube generates this in-demand overdrive

User questions & answers

Question: Where is this made
Answer: Corona california, usa
Question: Does this come with a cover
Answer: Yes, the '57 Custom Champ comes with a fitted cover.
Question: Is this amp 110v or 220v
Answer: 110v
Question: Is this a good harmonica amp
Answer: No idea. My guess is that it would be overkill for a harmonica amp but I don't understand the specific needs of a harp player. You're always playing through a microphone for a harmonica, right? In that context it seems a bit ridiculous to spend this kind of money. Or is this question meant in jest?

Fender MTG Tube Tremolo Effects Pedal

Fender

Product description

The name Fender is synonymous with real tube tone. The MTG Tube Tremolo brings the hypnotic sound typically found in vintage amps and conveniently places it into a stomp box based around a genuine, U. S. made NOS 6205 preamp tube. The pedal features Level, Intensity, and Speed controls, three oscillator wave shapes, and a dedicated tap tempo foot switch which allows access to various note subdivisions. Designed by Fender’s in-house team of experts, the MTG Tube Tremolo is an all-original Fender circuit. The chassis is crafted from lightweight, durable anodized aluminum, and the amp jewel LED gives your pedal board an unmistakably Fender look. The switchable LED back-lit knobs ensure you can adjust your control settings on a dark stage.

From the Manufacturer

The name Fender is synonymous with real tube tone. The MTG Tube Tremolo brings the hypnotic sound typically found in vintage amps and conveniently places it into a stomp box based around a genuine, U.S. made NOS 6205 preamp tube. The pedal features Level, Intensity, and Speed controls, three oscillator wave shapes, and a dedicated tap tempo foot switch which allows access to various note subdivisions. Designed by Fender’s in-house team of experts, the MTG Tube Tremolo is an all-original Fender circuit. The chassis is crafted from lightweight, durable anodized aluminum, and the amp jewel LED gives your pedal board an unmistakably Fender look. The switchable LED back-lit knobs ensure you can adjust your control settings on a dark stage.

  • Analog Tube Tremolo
  • NOS 6205 preamp tube
  • Tap tempo
  • Powered via 9V adaptor (not included)

Fender '59 Bassman LTD 50-Watt 4x10-Inch Tube Bass Combo Amp

Fender

Based on 12 reviews Check latest price

Product description

In early 1952, the Fender® Bassman® amplified a great new invention - the Fender Precision Bass® guitar. At 50 watts, it competed easily with the common instrumentation of the day: horns, piano, small drum kit, and maybe even an electric guitar through a new 10-watt amp. Through the ’60s and ’70s, the original all-tube tweed 4x10” Bassman® was popular with rock, country and blues guitarists as a reliably great-sounding and easy-to-use guitar amp. In the ’90s, Fender released an affordable ’59 Bassman reissue amplifier to great acclaim. Many guitarists, tired of experimenting with preamps, equalizers and effects racks, rediscovered the simple pleasure of plugging into a Fender tube amp. The reissue Bassman’s wide stage coverage, touch-sensitive dynamics and full-frequency swirl make it perfect for building great tone with almost any guitar or effect, and it remains a staple of the Fender guitar amp line to this day.

From the Manufacturer

In early 1952, the Fender Bassman amplified a great new invention - the Fender Precision Bass guitar. At 50 watts, it competed easily with the common instrumentation of the day: horns, piano, small drum kit, and maybe even an electric guitar through a new 10-watt amp. Through the '60s and '70s, the original all-tube tweed 4x10" Bassman was popular with rock, country and blues guitarists as a reliably great-sounding and easy-to-use guitar amp. In the '90s, Fender released an affordable '59 Bassman reissue amplifier to great acclaim. Many guitarists, tired of experimenting with preamps, equalizers and effects racks, rediscovered the simple pleasure of plugging into a Fender tube amp. The reissue Bassman's wide stage coverage, touch-sensitive dynamics and full-frequency swirl make it perfect for building great tone with almost any guitar or effect, and it remains a staple of the Fender guitar amp line to this day.

  • 4 inputs and 2 channels can be blended to produce an expanded array of authentic vintage tube tones.
  • Solid finger-jointed pine cabinet and 4-10" Jensen P-10R, 8 Ohm Speakers with Alnico Magnets contribute to a great vintage tone.
  • Internal bias pot makes it easier to experiment with various output tubes.
  • Fitted cover included.

User questions & answers

Question: SRV Tone from this amp
Answer: The one that I have is only 110 volts. The last time I saw a 220 was when I was in Germany and my amp there could be changed to all sorts of voltages. Very convenient.
Question: So is this 50 W as stated in the description, or 270 W as stated on the back of the item
Answer: It can be used with a keyboard, but its meant for bass guitar.
Question: Is this a bass amp
Answer: Yes, there will be a power cable included with the amp.
Question: where is this amp made
Answer: Yes, it should work if your double bass has a 1/4" cable connection with your pickup system.

Fender Groove Tubes GT-12AT7 Select Amplifier Tube

Based on 83 reviews Check latest price

Product description

GT-12AT7 tubes pass every Groove Tubes premium certification for micro phonics, hum, physical characteristics and function. Quite simply the best 9-pin triode preamp tubes you can buy - specifically designed and tested for musical instrument amplification and standard equipment on Fender amps. Outstanding and consistent performance for mixing and matching to get a signature tone from your amp.

  • 9-pin triode design
  • Consistent high output power
  • Recommended in vibrato or reverb circuits
  • Durable design
  • Warranty Included

User questions & answers

Question: I have a Blackstar HT-20 has 2 12AX7 tubes. Will these tame the od channel. I like a milder OD
Answer: It did for my hot rod deville. it made the amp lower and warmer and less brittle. IMO it made the not rod more like a twin.
Question: Will this work in a microphone preamp, namely an Aphex 107? I know people use these for guitar amps but I don't know if there's a difference
Answer: This tube can be used in place of any 12AT7. There is no physical or mechanical differences between tubes used in guitar amps vs.other audio applications.

Fender Blues Jr LTD C12-N Lacquered Tweed Cable Bundle

Product description

From Fender: The Blues Jr. Lacquered Tweed takes Fender's 15W gem and gives it the true vintage treatment with a lacquered tweed covering and a vintage-voiced 12" Jensen speaker. Its golden tones are generated by an all-tube signal path using a pair of EL84 output tubes and 3 - 12AX7 preamp tubes. Add renowned Fender reverb, flexible controls, FAT switch for mid boost, and you're in business. And just look at that chrome panel, that tweed finish with vintage-style brown and gold grille cloth, and those vintage pointer knobs! Specs: 15 watts 12" Jensen C-12N speaker Single channel and input Preamp tube overdrive Spring reverb FAT boost switch

  • Fender Blues Jr LTD C12-N Lacquered Tweed
  • Fender Professional 10' Instrument Cable Black S/S

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