1962 Fender Vibrasonic Amplifier
1962 Fender Vibrasonic Amplifier
1962 Fender Vibrasonic Amplifier, Model 6G13-A, SN: 01450
This is a beautifully preserved Fender Vibrasonic Amplifier, Model 6G13-A, with a production stamp of HL, indicating manufacture in August of 1962. The Model 6G13-A, a combo amplifier with a single 15” speaker, is the second version of the Vibrasonic with slightly less power and a slightly different tube configuration for the unique-for-Fender “Harmonic Vibrato.” The amp is powered through a pair of 5881 tubes in push-pull AB configuration. Additionally, there are four 7025 tubes, two 12AX7 tubes and a solid state rectifier. The power transformer is a Triad 68249 and the output transformer and the choke are both Schumacher creations, the output is marked 125A5A and 606-146, indicating manufacture in the 46th week of 1961 and the choke is marked 125C1A and 606125, indicating a build date in the 25th week of 1961.
The forward facing control panel was an innovation introduced on this model in 1960. Initially, the volume was placed third in line, after the treble and bass controls. This confused users, so the panel was changed to the one seen here, and forever after: volume, treble and bass. There are two sets of these, one for the normal channel and one for the vibrato. The vibrato shifts the phase of the low and high frequencies through two distinct pathways, creating the sonic illusion of a pitch shift, while only the phase is actually altered. It is a very rich sounding circuit, though it was later dropped, likely due to the extra costs imposed by the use of three additional tubes to accomplish the task.
Originally, the amplifier was equipped with the iconic JBL D130, which is no longer present. In its place is a fantastic sounding Ted Weber Calif15F performing duties ably. The electronics have been carefully serviced, all electrolytic capacitors have been replaced, the original “Molded” capacitors remain in place and are performing well. The chassis has been updated with the installation of a three prong cord and the removal of the “death” cap, ensuring safe function for years to come. The tubes are a mix of vintage examples, some with the branding rubbed off and some marked Sylvania, but all perform flawlessly. The pots are all original with legible date codes ranging from the 22nd week of 1962 to the 25th week of 1962. As a bonus, the jewel power light indicator is green, a variation unique to the brown-face era.
The exterior has survived beautifully, with the original brown Tolex showing a few small marks here and there and only one corner rub through on the right-hand back corner. The grill cloth is similarly clean, the flat Fender logo is aged in just enough to let you know that it is not brand new and the original plastic molded brown Fender branded handle survives in flawless condition. The original footswitch and a perfectly fitting recent amp cover are included.
The Vibrasonic sounds fantastic, with a wide variety of bass and treble tone options. Crank it up to five or so and you can play softly with a clean signal with plenty of crunch if you want to dig in a bit. The vibrato sounds lush and authoritative regardless of the speed, intensity or presence choices made.