Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,470
High-end/Boutique
$300
$701+
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High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Custom Built Fender Princeton Reverb". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Custom Built Fender Princeton Reverb is more than just an amplifier; it's a time machine that transports you back to the golden era of rock 'n' roll. This all-tube combo amp captures the essence of the iconic '60s Fender amplifiers, but with a modern twist. Its custom-made Schumacher transformers and handwired tube sockets ensure that you get the authentic vintage tone that Fender is celebrated for, while its reduced negative feedback lets you overdrive faster and enhances touch sensitivity.
Equipped with a 10" Celestion speaker, this amp delivers a distinct rock 'n' roll sound that will elevate your performance whether you're in the studio or on stage. The classic Silverface design, complete with a silver-turquoise grille cloth, pays homage to its legendary predecessors while offering contemporary musicians the flexibility they crave.
The Princeton Reverb's modified tone circuit provides greater tonal versatility, especially when paired with effects pedals. Whether you're chasing that pristine clean sound or the gritty overdrive of rock, this amp adapts to your style. Its tube-driven reverb and vibrato circuits add layers of depth to your sound, making it a preferred choice for guitarists who demand both quality and character in their gear.
Key Features:
- All-tube combo amp with a modified tone circuit for greater tonal versatility
- 10" Celestion speaker for a rich rock 'n' roll sound
- Custom-made Schumacher transformers
- Reduced negative feedback for increased touch sensitivity and faster overdrive
- Tube-driven reverb and vibrato circuits
- Classic Silverface design with vintage aesthetics
- Includes 2-button footswitch and fitted cover
Product specs
| Type | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Output Power | 12W |
| Speaker Size | 1 x 10" Celestion Ten 30 |
| Preamp Tubes | 3 x 12AX7, 1 x 12AT7 |
| Power Tubes | 2 x 6V6 (power), 1 x 5AR4 (rectifier) |
| Reverb | Yes |
| Effects | Vibrato |
| EQ | 2-band |
| Inputs | 2 x TS |
| Footswitch I/O | 1 x 1/4" (reverb, vibrato) |
| Footswitch Included | Yes, 2-button footswitch |
| Bias Type | Adjustable Fixed |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 16" |
| Width | 19.875" |
| Depth | 9.5" |
| Weight | 34 lbs. |
FAQs
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What are the tonal characteristics of the Custom Built Fender Princeton Reverb?
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The Custom Built Fender Princeton Reverb is known for its warm, clean tones and smooth overdrive. It offers a classic Fender reverb and vibrato effect, making it ideal for genres like blues, jazz, and rock.
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Is the Custom Built Fender Princeton Reverb suitable for gigging?
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With its 12-watt output and 10" Celestion speaker, the Princeton Reverb is well-suited for small to medium-sized venues. It provides sufficient volume for intimate gigs, but may require miking for larger settings.
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Does the Custom Built Fender Princeton Reverb include a footswitch?
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Yes, the Custom Built Fender Princeton Reverb comes with a 2-button footswitch, allowing you to easily control the reverb and vibrato effects during performances.
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How does the Princeton Reverb handle pedals?
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The Princeton Reverb is highly regarded for its compatibility with pedals. Its clean headroom and simple circuit design make it an excellent platform for various effects pedals, enhancing its versatility in different musical styles.
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Is the Custom Built Fender Princeton Reverb too loud for home use?
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While the Princeton Reverb can be quite loud at its maximum output, its 12-watt power makes it manageable for home use, especially if you utilize its volume control for lower levels.
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Custom Built Fender Princeton Reverb.
User experience
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Vintage amplifiers are praised for their character and historical significance, offering a unique playing experience that newer models might not replicate.
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Owners of the Tone King Imperial Mk2 appreciate its versatility, excelling in genres from blues and indie rock to classic rock and surf rock.
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The '68 Custom can start to break up around volume level 4, which might not suit players seeking clean tones at higher volumes.
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Build quality
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The '64 Custom Princeton Reverb is noted for having superior components and cab quality compared to circuit board Princetons.
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Features and functionality
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The Tone King Imperial Mk2 lacks a mid control on the rhythm channel, similar to the design of classic Fender amps like the Princeton.
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New handwired models, like the '64 Custom, offer point-to-point wiring, which can be seen as a blend of vintage tone and modern reliability.
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The '68 Custom Princeton Reverb has a reduced negative feedback resistor, offering lower headroom and easier overdrive compared to the '65 Reissue.
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The '65 Princeton Reverb Reissue provides more clean headroom, making it superior for use with overdrive pedals.
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Comparisons
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The Carr Rambler, compared to the '64 Custom Princeton Reverb, is noted for being louder with its 6L6 tubes, more akin to a mini Twin or Pro Reverb.
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The Tone King Imperial Mk2 is praised for its Iron Man 2 attenuator, allowing for whisper-quiet practice without compromising sound quality.
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For those valuing investment and resale, the vintage 1966 model is seen as a better choice due to its potential for value appreciation over time.
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Some owners prefer the vintage 1966 model due to its historical value and unique tone, despite potential reliability issues compared to the '64 reissue.
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The '65 Reissue with a 12" speaker provides a different tonal experience than the standard 1x10, with increased clarity and headroom.
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Mods and upgrades
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Swapping the V1 tube for a NOS GE 5751 in the Imperial Mk2 offers better volume control and reduced attenuation at home volumes.
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The '68 has a halved cap in the tone stack, shifting low-end and boosting mid-range for a slightly altered tonal profile.
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The '68 Custom adds an 18K resistor in series with the bass pot, enhancing the bass response across all settings.
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Use cases and applications
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings
22
The Princeton Reverb is the only amp.
I had mine made custom by a builder. 10" Celestion Gold, Vox Fawn tolex, Oxblood grill cloth. Ryan Adams is a tone hero. Do the math.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVBBo1RFz2C/?taken-by=iamkylesmith
Artist usage
Add artist
Blake is seen talking about the amp he used while playing with Cass McCombs around the :25 mark of this video.
"He's got a silverface Princeton Reverb that somebody has deconstructed and put into a head and cabinet configuration."
The Heritage Auction list, as discussed on the Drum Forum, confirms that guitarist Tommy Tedesco used a custom built Fender Princeton Reverb. According to the auction description, "Custom made Princeton Reverb conversion by Paul Rivera expressly for Tommy Tedesco. The cabinet was custom built by Paul Rivera in September of 1979. The power transformer and the reverb transformers are circa 1970's while the choke and output transformer are dated early 1966. This amp has Hi and Gain pull pots along with a LiL Screamer label on the front."
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Custom Built Fender Princeton Reverb, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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