Fender 68 Custom Pro Reverb - Combo Guitar Amp - Vintage Sound
The missing link between vintage clarity and modern power.
The Fender '68 Custom Pro Reverb™ pays homage to the classic "Silverface" look of the late '60s, while offering performance optimized for today's musician. With 40 watts of tube power, a 12-inch Celestion® speaker, and a lighter, more compact design, it offers exceptional headroom and an ideal platform for your effects pedals. Experience the authentic Fender tone, enhanced with spring reverb and tube tremolo, at Garage à Musique.
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The Clean Authority: Why is the '68 Custom Pro Reverb a modern classic?
Inspired by the original "Drip Edge" series, the '68 Custom Pro Reverb doesn't just rehash the past. Fender has shrunk its size to create an ultra-portable 1x12" combo, while maintaining the 40 watts of power needed to command the stage. The output transformer has been redesigned for a more tactile response and more musical clipping when pushed. Whether you're playing blues, country, or alternative rock, this amp delivers the signature brightness and surgically precise dynamics that Fender is known for, all with an unparalleled pedalboard platform at Garage à Musique.
Full Technical Specifications
Electronics & Power
| Characteristic | Details |
| Power | 40 Watts |
| Amplifier type | All lamps (Tube) |
| Canals | Single channel (Vintage Style) |
| Entrances | Two (1/4", Input 2 at -6dB) |
| Controls | Bright Switch, Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Reverb, Speed, Intensity |
| Effects | Spring Reverb, Tremolo (Vibrato) |
Speakers & Lamps
| Characteristic | Details |
| Speaker | 1 x 12" Celestion® Neo Creamback |
| Total impedance | 8 Ohms |
| Power lamps | 2 x 6L6 |
| Preamp tubes | 3 x 12AX7, 2 x 12AT7 |
| Straightener | Solid State (Diodes for improved attack) |
Construction & Look
| Characteristic | Details |
| Cabinet material | Lightweight Pine Plywood |
| Coating | Black Textured Vinyl |
| Grid fabric | Sparkling Silver (Silver-Turquoise) |
| Handle | Molded plastic with nickel-plated tips |
| Front panel | Silverface™ Style |
Dimensions & Accessories
| Characteristic | Details |
| Weight | 35 lbs (15.9 kg) — Ultra-light for 40W |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 17.15" x 22.36" x 9.34" |
| Footswitch | Included (2 buttons: Reverb/Vibrato) |
| Cover | Included (Fitted Cover) |
Comparative Analysis
Based on consensus from Guitar Player, Premier Guitar and expert forums.
| Alternative Product | Market Segment | Comparative Analysis | Available at Garage à Musique |
| Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb | Studio Standard | 22W, saturates more quickly. Less "headroom" than the Pro Reverb. | Available here |
| Fender '65 Twin Reverb | Ultimate Power | 85W, 2x12", massive sound but extremely heavy (64 lbs). | Available here |
| Vox AC30C2 | His British | Medium and bright character, but less depth in the bass. | Available here |
| Tone King Imperial MKII | Premium Shop | Built-in attenuator, incredible sound, but twice the price. | Product not listed |
| Fender '68 Custom Princeton | Domestic Use | 12W, perfect for home use, but lacks power for the stage. | Available here |
| Supro Keeley Custom 12 | Pedal Platform | Designed for pedals, but lacks the iconic Fender reverb. | Product not listed |
History & Evolution
The original 1960s Pro Reverb was often considered the "little brother" of the Twin Reverb, delivering 40 watts through two 12-inch speakers. The modern '68 Custom version simplifies this formula by switching to a single Celestion® Neo Creamback speaker. This choice drastically reduces the weight while maintaining impressive sound projection. The circuitry has been tuned to minimize negative feedback, allowing the amp to respond more organically to pick attack—a characteristic sought after by purists at Garage à Musique.
Cultural References & Artists
Mike Bloomfield - Utilisait souvent des amplificateurs Fender 40W pour son son blues saturé.
Keith Richards - Le son Fender Silverface est la base de son grain "crados-propre" en studio.
The Beatles (Era Let It Be) - L'utilisation massive des amplis Silverface lors du concert sur le toit.
Bill Frisell - Maître du son "clean" spatialisé avec réverb et trémolo Fender.
Jeff Beck - A souvent utilisé des combos Fender pour leur dynamique de réponse.
John Mayer - Bien que fan de Dumble, il utilise des Fender 6L6 pour sa base sonore.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the difference between a '65 and '68 Custom circuit?
The '65 is a faithful reissue of the original circuit (cleaner, more compressed). The '68 Custom is modified to saturate a little earlier, has less negative feedback for more dynamics, and takes gain pedals better thanks to its mid-range control.
Is 40 watts too much for playing at home?
The '68 Custom Pro Reverb has a very gradual volume control. However, it's a powerful amp. To get a natural overdrive at low volumes, you'll need to use an overdrive pedal—a surgical solution for your neighbors in Quebec.
Why a Neo Creamback speaker?
The Celestion® Neo Creamback uses a neodymium magnet. It delivers the rich, woody tone of classic Creambacks while weighing approximately 50% less, allowing this amp to weigh only 35 lbs.
Is the reverb digital?
No, this is a genuine tube-driven spring reverb. It offers a depth and organic "drip" that no digital simulation can perfectly replicate, available from Garage à Musique.
Can I connect an external speaker?
Yes, the amplifier has an external speaker output. Make sure to match the impedance to 8 ohms to avoid damaging the output transformer.
What is the "Bright" switch?
It adds extra brightness to the high frequencies. This is especially useful if you're playing with humbucker pickups or if you want your sound to cut through the mix more in a noisy environment.
Does the amp produce a lot of hiss?
The '68 Custom circuits are designed to be more sensitive, which may result in a slight residual hiss greater than the '65 models. This is the price to pay for a more lively and organic touch response.
Is the tremolo optical or tube-driven?
It's an authentic tube-driven Fender tremolo. It modulates the signal smoothly and warmly, creating that legendary "pulse" effect heard on thousands of albums.
Is this a good amp for jazz?
Excellent. Thanks to its 6L6 tubes and power reserve, it offers deep and round clean tones that do not easily saturate, ideal for complex chords.
Do I need to "bias" the bulbs if I change them?
Yes, like most Fender amps of this power, a bias adjustment by a technician is recommended when replacing the 6L6 power tubes to ensure optimal performance.
The Clean Authority: Why is the '68 Custom Pro Reverb a modern classic?
Inspired by the original "Drip Edge" series, the '68 Custom Pro Reverb doesn't just rehash the past. Fender has shrunk its size to create an ultra-portable 1x12" combo, while maintaining the 40 watts of power needed to command the stage. The output transformer has been redesigned for a more tactile response and more musical clipping when pushed. Whether you're playing blues, country, or alternative rock, this amp delivers the signature brightness and surgically precise dynamics that Fender is known for, all with an unparalleled pedalboard platform at Garage à Musique.
Full Technical Specifications
Electronics & Power
| Characteristic | Details |
| Power | 40 Watts |
| Amplifier type | All lamps (Tube) |
| Canals | Single channel (Vintage Style) |
| Entrances | Two (1/4", Input 2 at -6dB) |
| Controls | Bright Switch, Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Reverb, Speed, Intensity |
| Effects | Spring Reverb, Tremolo (Vibrato) |
Speakers & Lamps
| Characteristic | Details |
| Speaker | 1 x 12" Celestion® Neo Creamback |
| Total impedance | 8 Ohms |
| Power lamps | 2 x 6L6 |
| Preamp tubes | 3 x 12AX7, 2 x 12AT7 |
| Straightener | Solid State (Diodes for improved attack) |
Construction & Look
| Characteristic | Details |
| Cabinet material | Lightweight Pine Plywood |
| Coating | Black Textured Vinyl |
| Grid fabric | Sparkling Silver (Silver-Turquoise) |
| Handle | Molded plastic with nickel-plated tips |
| Front panel | Silverface™ Style |
Dimensions & Accessories
| Characteristic | Details |
| Weight | 35 lbs (15.9 kg) — Ultra-light for 40W |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 17.15" x 22.36" x 9.34" |
| Footswitch | Included (2 buttons: Reverb/Vibrato) |
| Cover | Included (Fitted Cover) |
Comparative Analysis
Based on consensus from Guitar Player, Premier Guitar and expert forums.
| Alternative Product | Market Segment | Comparative Analysis | Available at Garage à Musique |
| Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb | Studio Standard | 22W, saturates more quickly. Less "headroom" than the Pro Reverb. | Available here |
| Fender '65 Twin Reverb | Ultimate Power | 85W, 2x12", massive sound but extremely heavy (64 lbs). | Available here |
| Vox AC30C2 | His British | Medium and bright character, but less depth in the bass. | Available here |
| Tone King Imperial MKII | Premium Shop | Built-in attenuator, incredible sound, but twice the price. | Product not listed |
| Fender '68 Custom Princeton | Domestic Use | 12W, perfect for home use, but lacks power for the stage. | Available here |
| Supro Keeley Custom 12 | Pedal Platform | Designed for pedals, but lacks the iconic Fender reverb. | Product not listed |
History & Evolution
The original 1960s Pro Reverb was often considered the "little brother" of the Twin Reverb, delivering 40 watts through two 12-inch speakers. The modern '68 Custom version simplifies this formula by switching to a single Celestion® Neo Creamback speaker. This choice drastically reduces the weight while maintaining impressive sound projection. The circuitry has been tuned to minimize negative feedback, allowing the amp to respond more organically to pick attack—a characteristic sought after by purists at Garage à Musique.
Cultural References & Artists
Mike Bloomfield - Utilisait souvent des amplificateurs Fender 40W pour son son blues saturé.
Keith Richards - Le son Fender Silverface est la base de son grain "crados-propre" en studio.
The Beatles (Era Let It Be) - L'utilisation massive des amplis Silverface lors du concert sur le toit.
Bill Frisell - Maître du son "clean" spatialisé avec réverb et trémolo Fender.
Jeff Beck - A souvent utilisé des combos Fender pour leur dynamique de réponse.
John Mayer - Bien que fan de Dumble, il utilise des Fender 6L6 pour sa base sonore.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the difference between a '65 and '68 Custom circuit?
The '65 is a faithful reissue of the original circuit (cleaner, more compressed). The '68 Custom is modified to saturate a little earlier, has less negative feedback for more dynamics, and takes gain pedals better thanks to its mid-range control.
Is 40 watts too much for playing at home?
The '68 Custom Pro Reverb has a very gradual volume control. However, it's a powerful amp. To get a natural overdrive at low volumes, you'll need to use an overdrive pedal—a surgical solution for your neighbors in Quebec.
Why a Neo Creamback speaker?
The Celestion® Neo Creamback uses a neodymium magnet. It delivers the rich, woody tone of classic Creambacks while weighing approximately 50% less, allowing this amp to weigh only 35 lbs.
Is the reverb digital?
No, this is a genuine tube-driven spring reverb. It offers a depth and organic "drip" that no digital simulation can perfectly replicate, available from Garage à Musique.
Can I connect an external speaker?
Yes, the amplifier has an external speaker output. Make sure to match the impedance to 8 ohms to avoid damaging the output transformer.
What is the "Bright" switch?
It adds extra brightness to the high frequencies. This is especially useful if you're playing with humbucker pickups or if you want your sound to cut through the mix more in a noisy environment.
Does the amp produce a lot of hiss?
The '68 Custom circuits are designed to be more sensitive, which may result in a slight residual hiss greater than the '65 models. This is the price to pay for a more lively and organic touch response.
Is the tremolo optical or tube-driven?
It's an authentic tube-driven Fender tremolo. It modulates the signal smoothly and warmly, creating that legendary "pulse" effect heard on thousands of albums.
Is this a good amp for jazz?
Excellent. Thanks to its 6L6 tubes and power reserve, it offers deep and round clean tones that do not easily saturate, ideal for complex chords.
Do I need to "bias" the bulbs if I change them?
Yes, like most Fender amps of this power, a bias adjustment by a technician is recommended when replacing the 6L6 power tubes to ensure optimal performance.