
( Brand: Fender ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: AA964 ), ( Model: FENDER PRINCETON AA964 PRE-CBS ), ( Amplifier Type: Combo ), ( Impedance: 8 Ohms ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States ), ( Suitable For: Electric Guitar ), ( Power: 12w ), ( Amplifier Technology: Vacuum Tube ), ( Product Line: Fender Princeton )
The Fender '64 Princeton Reissue Amp, model AA964, is a stunningly authentic recreation of the classic 12-watt guitar amplifier that first became iconic in the 1960s. This amplifier, inspired by the Pre-CBS era, exudes a vintage charm that every musician seeking an authentic Fender sound cannot ignore.
Design and Features - Visual Appeal combined with Authentic Pre-CBS Tone:Nestled in a vintage-style rectangular cabinet, this '64 Princeton reissue is a nod to Fender's rich heritage while offering modern reliability and convenience. Measuring approximately 22" x 18" x 10", its compact and manageable size makes it perfect for smaller venues and home practice sessions. The cabinet is dressed in Tweed covering, a signature of the era, adorned with a Brown grille cloth, and paired with a chicken-wire speaker cage, evoking memories of early Fender amps.
Amplifier Controls - Tone Shaping for that Unique Pre-CBS Sound:This amp houses essential controls, including volume, treble, and bass knobs, as well as an input jack and a 1/4" extension speaker jack. Its 6V6 power tubes contribute to the classic Fender tone, adding dynamic response and reliability. The output transformer, chassis, and tone stack components are carefully recreated to provide that rich sound characteristic of Pre-CBS Fender amplifiers.
Inconsistencies and Variations that Made the Original special:Minor differences that make this reissue special include 5AR4 rectifier tubes, variccoil, and JJ ECC83/12AX7 preamp tubes, lending each unit subtle variations, making it distinct and unique. The use of these components adds authenticity and character to this amplifier.
Sound and Performance - Authentic Pre-CBS Fender Tone:The Fender '64 Princeton Reissue Amp delivers a warm, bright, and full-bodied sound that is reminiscent of the original models. The tone ranges from sweet, chiming cleans to overdriven, gritty tones with ease, making it ideal for diverse playing styles and genres. Given its rich headroom, it s possible to push the amp into satisfying power tube saturation, emphasizing its visible bias switch for more aggressive sound.
Setting up and Connecting - Flexible Hookup Options:Setting up the '64 Princeton Reissue Amp is simple and straightforward. Connect your guitar via the input jack, plug it into a power source through the power cable, and your journey towards producing mesmerizing Pre-CBS Fender tones begins. Additionally, this amp has a 1/4" extension speaker jack, which means you can connect a second speaker cabinet for added flexibility and volume when desired.
Utilizing this iconic and well-loved piece of Fender history in today's music scene is an absolute joy. The '64 Princeton Reissue Amp is an exceptional investment for those desiring the authentic Pre-CBS Fender tone. With its vintage design, bold features, and unparalleled sound quality, this amplifier is sure to be an prized addition to your music arsenal and inspire countless musical moments.
The Fender Princeton Reissue '64 Amplifier (Fender Amp Model: AA964) is a popular choice among guitarists seeking a vintage tone and Fender's classic design. This amplifier is a faithful reproduction of the original Princeton amps produced in the 1960s. In this analysis, we will examine the primary pros and cons of investing in this tube amplifier.
Pros:1. Classic Tone: The Fender Princeton Reissue '64 retains the iconic tone from the original 1964 Princeton amplifier. This vintage tone is desirable for its warm, full sound that is ideal for blues, country, and rock music.
2. Versatility: Despite its vintage design, the AA964 offers several features that make it flexible for various playing styles. These features include:
a. It has a 12AX7 preamp tube that provides more headroom, allowing for a cleaner sound at louder volumes.
b. Its rear-panel toggle switch offers both American and British-style tone stacks, giving you more flexibility in tone shaping.
3. Durable Construction: The Princeton Reissue '64 features a closed-back cabinet that reduces unwanted speaker resonances and provides better protection for the on-board components. It is constructed in Fender's USA facility, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship.
4. Size and Portability: Compact and lightweight, the Princeton Reissue '64 is an excellent option for both home and gigging musicians. It offers a significant power increase compared to the original Princeton (12 watts vs. 15 watts), making it suitable for small to medium-sized venues.
Cons:1. Price: The Fender Princeton Reissue '64 is more expensive than some other solid-state and cheaper tube amplifiers on the market. However, the increased price is justifiable considering its pedigree and high-quality construction.
2. Limited Power: The 15-watt output of the Princeton Reissue '64 might not be powerful enough for larger venues or heavy distortion. Those seeking a louder, more powerful amplifier may want to consider a higher-wattage model, like the Fender Deluxe Reissue '65, which is capable of 22 watts.
3. Tube Microphonics: Tube amplifiers, including the Fender Princeton Reissue '64, are susceptible to microphonics, particularly when the speakers and tubes vibrate due to high-frequency sound input or physical impacts. This can create a "thumping" or "pumping" noise, which might be unsettling for some musicians during performances.
4. Maintenance and Tube Replacement: Maintaining a tube amplifier, like the Princeton Reissue '64, requires regular upkeep due to the inherent complexity of vacuum tubes. This includes occasional tube replacement and regular bias adjustments.
Conclusion:The Fender Princeton Reissue '64 is an excellent choice for guitarists who desire a classic Fender tone suitable for various playing styles, portability, and durability. Although it may have some downsides like being more expensive, limited power output, susceptibility to microphonics, and increased maintenance requirements, the benefits largely outweigh the drawbacks for those looking for a faithful reproduction of the legendary 1960's Fender tone.
Any questions, just ask. One of the last Pre-CBS Princeton's and best impinge had pleasure plugging into. The Tremolo is so sweet. Head stamp: TB5264 52 week of 1964.
1964 Princeton AA964. OT Stamp: 606-5-02 2nd week of 65. Solid, solid amp. Tube Chart Stamp: NL 12/1964.
Its sounds great, no buzz or hum, very quiet. And a Russian set of Soviets as backups. Its Fender clean. It brings out all the nuance of your playing.