'63 Vibroverb - Guitar amplifier FENDER - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Guitar amplifier combo
Brand	Fender
Model	'63 Vibroverb
Power Output	40 watts RMS
Speaker Configuration	Two 10-inch Jensen speakers
Tube Complement	4 x 6L6 power tubes, 3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes, 1 x 12AT7
Controls	Volume, Treble, Bass, Reverb, Vibrato Speed, Vibrato Intensity
Inputs	2 x 1/4 inch instrument inputs (Normal and Bright)
Outputs	None (combo only)
Reverb	Built-in spring reverb with dedicated control
Vibrato	Built-in tube vibrato with speed and intensity controls
Cabinet Material	Pine with tweed covering
Dimensions (H x W x D)	20 x 24 x 10 inches (51 x 61 x 25 cm)
Weight	Approximately 45 lbs (20.4 kg)
Power Requirements	120V AC, 60 Hz (US standard)
Construction	Hand-wired eyelet board, point-to-point wiring
Maintenance	Periodic tube replacement; avoid dust and moisture; use only specified tubes
Safety	Ground pin provided; always use grounded outlet; allow tubes to cool before transport
Spare Parts / Repairability	Standard tubes and components available; serviceable by qualified technician
Included Accessories	Detachable AC power cord

Frequently Asked Questions - '63 Vibroverb FENDER

What is the power output of the '63 Vibroverb?

The '63 Vibroverb delivers 40 watts RMS through two 10-inch speakers, providing ample clean headroom for stage use.

What type of reverb does it have?

It features a built-in spring reverb with a dedicated control knob, offering classic surf and ambient tones.

Does the '63 Vibroverb include vibrato?

Yes, it has a tube-driven vibrato effect with separate speed and intensity controls for modulation.

What speakers are in the '63 Vibroverb reissue?

It comes loaded with two 10-inch Jensen speakers (model P10R), which contribute to its warm, punchy sound.

Can I use an external speaker cabinet with this amp?

The '63 Vibroverb is a combo amp without an external speaker output. To use an external cab, you would need a modification or a reactive load box.

What tubes are used in the '63 Vibroverb?

The power section uses four 6L6GC tubes, the preamp uses three 12AX7 tubes, and one 12AT7 serves as the reverb driver.

How should I maintain tube amps like the '63 Vibroverb?

Allow the amp to cool down before moving, avoid dusty/humid environments, and replace tubes as needed. Always have a qualified technician handle internal repairs.

Is the '63 Vibroverb suitable for pedal use?

Yes, its clean headroom and simple preamp take pedals very well, making it a versatile platform for various effects.

What is the weight and size of the amp?

It weighs approximately 45 lbs (20.4 kg) and measures 20 x 24 x 10 inches (H x W x D).

Can I bias the power tubes myself?

Biasing requires internal adjustments and should be performed by a qualified technician to avoid damage or safety hazards.

USER MANUAL '63 Vibroverb FENDER

Your "new" '63 VIBROVERB amplifier is living proof of the quality and longevity of Fender amplifier designs.

Fender first introduced the VIBROVERB in the early part of 1963. Unlike many of the other Fender amplifiers that were produced for years, this version of the VIBROVERB had a production life of less than 4 months. It is estimated that fewer than 600 VIBROVERB units were ever produced. This limited production is one of the reasons this amplifier has become highly sought after by vintage amp collectors. The VIBROVERB was the first Fender production model to have both reverb and vibrato as built-in “effects”.

The original VIBROVERB shows Fender in a transitional period with amplifiers changing from tweed covering to brown "Tolex" and eventually to black "Tolex." In the summer and fall of 1963, Fender changed the speaker configuration of the VIBROVERB to a 15 inch speaker and the brown "Tolex" covering changed to black. The single 15 inch model is also fairly rare, but the 2-10 version is legendary.

Fender's '63 VIBROVERB re-issue amplifier is based on the original cosmetics, sound and circuit. Every effort was made to be true to the original.

Several changes have been made for safety and reliability reasons. A printed circuit board is used rather than the phenolic "parts panel" of the sixties. A 3-prong line cord is required for safety reasons. Minor modifications to the circuit took place since certain parts are no longer available, but every effort was made to keep the original circuit values and sound the same. We resisted the temptation to "improve" the amp with features found on later models like master volume, effects loop or channel switching. In order to improve reliability, a solid state rectifier was used rather than a 5AR4 tube. Since the '63 VIBROVERB uses a solid state rectifier, there is one less tube and tube socket than an original VIBROVERB. All internal circuit voltage values have been precisely matched to the new solid state rectifier to insure exact sonic reproduction and no alterations to the "vintage" sound. On the original model, the Reverb / Vibrato Footswitch connected to the unit via 2 RCA style jacks; this has been changed to a more reliable 1/4" jack. The reverb pan cables now connect more securely to the chassis also.

The VIBROVERB is unique in Fender amplifier history by the implementation of its tone circuit. The VIBROVERB was the first and ONLY Fender amplifier to use this type of tone circuit. The treble control is "tapped," meaning it responds more like an active tone control allowing boost AND cut of high frequencies. Conventional Fender tone circuits provide a small amount of tone shaping even in the "0" position, but if the VIBROVERB Treble Control is set to about "5", the response is flat.

The speakers used in the '63 VIBROVERB are reproductions of the original speakers made by the Oxford Speaker Company. When Fender started work on this project, Fender contacted Oxford who still had much of the original tooling and documentation of this 10 inch speaker from the early sixties.

The power and output transformers used in the '63 VIBROVERB are built to the original specifications, which are still in the R&D engineering files at Fender's office. The same "direct-coupled" oscillator circuit is used for generating the vibrato. The reverb sound from the VIBROVERB is "warmer" than later Fender amps due to the unique reverb send and recovery circuit.

The cosmetics of the '63 VIBROVERB incorporate the brown "Tolex" and "Ecru" grill cloth used in 1963. We have re-tooled the "flat" Fender logo and have added the original tilt-back legs found on so many Fender amps through the sixties and seventies.

It is suggested that you read this manual thoroughly to understand all the features and functions of your new amplifier. The purchase of a Fender amplifier will provide years of musical enjoyment and the '63 VIBROVERB helps keep the Fender legend going strong.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE AMPLIFIER TO RAIN OR MOISTURE!

'63 VIBROVERB FRONT PANEL FUNCTIONS

A,B. NORMAL CHANNEL INPUTS - Plug-in connection for instruments. Input 1 provides 6 dB more gain that input 2. The NORMAL CHANNEL is affected by the VIBRATO feature only. The REVERB feature does not affect the NORMAL CHANNEL.
C. NORMAL CHANNEL VOLUME CONTROL - Adjusts the overall loudness of the NORMAL CHANNEL.
D. TREBLE CONTROL - Adjusts the amount of high frequency boost (accentuation) or cut (attenuation) in the NORMAL CHANNEL.
E. BASS CONTROL - Adjusts the amount of low frequency boost or cut in the NORMAL CHANNEL.
F,G. BRIGHT CHANNEL INPUTS - Plug-in connection for instruments. The BRIGHT CHANNEL provides extra treble boost, especially at low volume settings. Input 1 provides 6 dB more gain that input 2. The BRIGHT CHANNEL is affected by both the REVERB and VIBRATO features.

H. BRIGHT CHANNEL VOLUME CONTROL - Adjusts the overall loudness of the BRIGHT CHANNEL.
I. TREBLE CONTROL - Adjusts the amount of high frequency boost or cut in the BRIGHT CHANNEL.
J. BASS CONTROL - Adjusts the amount of low frequency boost or cut in the BRIGHT CHANNEL.
K. REVERB CONTROL - Adjusts the amount of reverberated signal that is mixed in with the original, dry signal. Turning the control full counter-clockwise turns the REVERB feature off. The REVERB feature can also be turned on and off using the footswitch. Note that the REVERB feature does not affect the NORMAL CHANNEL.
L. VIBRATO SPEED CONTROL - Adjusts the speed of the VIBRATO feature.

M. VIBRATO INTENSITY CONTROL - Adjusts the intensity of the VIBRATO feature. Turning the control full counter-clockwise turns the VIBRATO feature off. The VIBRATO feature can also be turned on and off using the footswitch.

N. PILOT LAMP - When the lamp is illuminated, the '63 VIBROVERB is receiving power. Should the lamp burn out, turn off the power, unscrew the red jewel and replace the lamp with a type T47 light bulb.

'63 VIBROVERB FOOTSWITCH FUNCTIONS

A. VIBRATO SWITCH - Push on, push off switch that turns the VIBRATO feature on and off.
B. REVERB SWITCH - Push on, push off switch that turns the REVERB feature on and off.

'63 VIBROVERB REAR PANEL FUNCTIONS

A. FUSE - The fuse is in the AC supply of the amplifier and will help to protect the amplifier and operator in the event of an electrical fault. If a fuse blows, it should only be replaced with a fuse in accordance with the listing at the fuse holder. If the amplifier repeatedly blows fuses, it should be checked out by a qualified technician. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should a fuse of a different type, higher current rating, or a fuse bypass be used, as this could damage the equipment and present a serious safety hazard.
B. GROUND SWITCH - The GROUND SWITCH is not functional, and is there to preserve the original appearance of the amplifier. The switch is not present in 100V, 230V, and 240V units.
C. POWER SWITCH - This switch turns the AC power ON and OFF. When the switch is OFF, the amplifier is completely shut down.
D. STANDBY SWITCH - This switch turns the amplifier on and off. In the STANDBY position, the amplifier is off; however, power is applied to the tube filaments so as to eliminate warm-up time. Use of this feature during short breaks versus using the POWER SWITCH will increase tube life.

E. MAIN SPEAKER JACK - Plug-in connection for speakers. This jack must always be used as the primary connection to speakers.
F. EXTERNAL SPEAKER JACK - Plug-in connection for an external speaker. This jack is wired in parallel with the MAIN SPEAKER JACK, and must only be used in conjunction with the MAIN SPEAKER JACK. Should the EXTERNAL SPEAKER JACK be used without also using the MAIN SPEAKER JACK, there will be no sound. Note that the amplifier is optimized for a 4 ohm speaker load, and that the speakers in the cabinet are wired for 4 ohms. Should a total load of more or less than 4 ohms be used, the amplifier will not put out its maximum power output before distortion occurs.
G. FOOTSWITCH JACK - Plug-in connection for the footswitch. The footswitch allows you to turn the VIBRATO and REVERB features on and off without having to operate the controls on the front panel. NOTE: The VIBRATO and REVERB features will operate without plugging in the footswitch.

LINE CORD

Your amplifier is equipped with a grounding type supply cord to reduce the possibility of shock due to electrical fault. Be sure to connect it to a grounded receptacle. DO NOT ALTER THE AC PLUG.

TUBES

The '63 VIBROVERB tube complement consists of two Fender Special Design 6L6WGC/5881's (part number 039214), five Fender Special Design 12AX7A's (part number 013341), and one Fender Special Design 12AT7 (part number 023531). Fender's Special Design Tubes provide optimum performance in this amplifier. For best results, replace with Fender original equipment tubes only. Tube location is printed on the tube label, inside the cabinet.

TOLEX COVERING CARE

The exclusive Fender Tolex covering on your cabinet is of the same material that was used on the original VIBROVERB. A very light soapy solution on a sponge may be used to remove dirt and residue that may accumulate in the grain. Be careful not to let liquid come in contact with operating surfaces. DO NOT have the amplifier plugged into a power outlet when cleaning.

TROUBLESHOOTER'S CHECKLIST

If the amp is set up but does not function, check the following items:

• Is the amp power cord properly plugged into an electrical outlet?
  • Is there power at the outlet?
• Is the fuse blown?
• Are the speakers properly connected to the amplifier?
  • Is the amp on standby?
• Is the amplifier volume control turned up above "three"?
• Is the volume control on the instrument turned up?
• Is your instrument properly plugged into the amplifier?

(Eliminate any effects pedals and try another guitar cord.)

If, after checking all of the above, the system is not performing correctly, consult your Fender Service Center.

'63 VIBROVERB SPECIFICATIONS

PART NUMBER: 120V 21-7200

100V 21-7270

230V 21-7260

230V UK 21-7240

230V NORDIC 21-7280

240V AUSTRALIA 21-7230

DIMENSIONS: Height:19-3/8" (49.2 cm).

Width:25" (63.5 cm).

Depth:8-5/8" (21.9 cm).

WEIGHT: 46lbs (21kg).

POWER OUTPUT: 40 watts R.M.S. minimum into 4 ohms.

OUTPUT IMPEDANCE: 4 ohms.

INPUT IMPEDANCE: Input 1, both channels: 1M ohms.

Input 2, both channels: 136k ohms.

FEATURES: Tube generated power amp Vibrato in both channels, Reverb in the Bright Channel.

Tilt-back legs.

POWER REQUIREMENTS: 100VAC - 50/60 Hz, 270 watts.

120VAC - 60 Hz, 270 watts.

230VAC - 50 Hz, 270 watts.

240VAC - 50 Hz, 270 watts.

SPEAKER COMPLEMENT: (2) 10" Oxford Speaker Company speakers with 7DF paper cones

and surrounds, 1-1/4" voice coils, and kraft paper coil formers like the original Vibroverb speakers (part number 037076).

SOUND: Legendary.

WARNING: NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY.