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Average Price: $874

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$300

$701+

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Description

Dive into the world of classic tones with the Fender Concert from the Rivera Era, a legendary amplifier known for its rich history and exceptional sound quality. This combo guitar amplifier is part of Fender's renowned lineage, offering musicians the right blend of vintage warmth and modern reliability. Perfect for both stage performances and studio sessions, the Fender Concert is equipped with a robust all-tube design, delivering a versatile tonal palette that caters to a wide range of musical styles.

Musicians appreciate the Concert for its ability to produce clear, articulate tones at any volume level, making it a trusted choice for countless guitarists. Its layout is straightforward yet effective, providing easy control over your sound with intuitive knobs for volume, treble, middle, and bass. Additionally, the lush onboard reverb enhances your soundscapes, adding depth and dimension to your performances.

Whether you're chasing the iconic clean sounds or seeking a touch of overdrive, the Fender Concert (Rivera Era) stands out as a reliable partner in your musical journey. Its durable construction ensures longevity, while its classic design pays homage to Fender's storied past.

Key Features:

  • All-tube combo amplifier design
  • 60 Watts of power output
  • Onboard reverb for enhanced sound depth
  • Intuitive control layout with volume, treble, middle, and bass knobs
  • Versatile tonal range suitable for various musical styles
  • Durable construction with a classic Fender design

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Concert 2-Channel 60-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo
Finish Black
Year 1981 - 1987
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Model Family Fender Concert Amp
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 60
Power Tube Type 6L6
Reverb Spring Reverb
Series Fender Vintage Rivera Era Amps
Speaker Configuration 1x12"

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Fender Concert (Rivera Era) amp?

The Fender Concert (Rivera Era) amp is known for its sparkling clean tones and robust overdrive. Its 60-watt power and 6L6 power tubes deliver a classic Fender sound with warmth and clarity, suitable for a variety of musical styles.

Is the Fender Concert (Rivera Era) suitable for gigging?

Yes, with its 60-watt output and 1x12" speaker configuration, the Fender Concert (Rivera Era) provides ample volume for live performances, making it a reliable choice for gigging musicians.

Does the Fender Concert (Rivera Era) amp have built-in effects?

Yes, the Fender Concert (Rivera Era) features built-in effects, including spring reverb, which adds depth and ambiance to your sound.

How does the Fender Concert (Rivera Era) handle pedals?

The Fender Concert (Rivera Era) is well-regarded for its ability to take pedals effectively, allowing you to expand your tonal palette with additional effects.

What is the speaker configuration of the Fender Concert (Rivera Era)?

The Fender Concert (Rivera Era) features a 1x12" speaker configuration, which provides a balanced sound ideal for both practice and performance settings.

Vertex Effects

Vertex Effects

Why is Nobody Talking About This Amp?

Video thumbnail for Why is Nobody Talking About This Amp? by Vertex Effects

Why is Nobody Talking About This Amp?

Vertex Effects

Vertex Effects

Video thumbnail for 1982 - 1983 Fender Concert II Rivera Tube Amp By Scott Grove by Groovy Music Lessons

1982 - 1983 Fender Concert II Rivera Tube Amp By Scott Grove

Groovy Music Lessons

Groovy Music Lessons

Video thumbnail for Fender Concert II (1984) Rivera Era Hand Wired PRS Custom 24 THIS THING IS LOUD Demo & Review by Musicianandteacher

Fender Concert II (1984) Rivera Era Hand Wired PRS Custom 24 THIS THING IS LOUD Demo & Review

Musicianandteacher

Musicianandteacher

Video thumbnail for Fender Concert 2 Paul Rivera design last real Fender Amp? by Kan Lyd

Fender Concert 2 Paul Rivera design last real Fender Amp?

Kan Lyd

Kan Lyd

Video thumbnail for Fender Concert II ((1984) Rivera Era by Musicianandteacher

Fender Concert II ((1984) Rivera Era

Musicianandteacher

Musicianandteacher

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional clean tones rivaling Fender's iconic Twin Reverb

  • Powerful and versatile dirty channel with excellent channel switching

  • Great for slide guitar with mid boost feature

  • High wattage provides ample power for various venues

  • Suitable for multiple guitar styles from country to rock

  • Footswitch included for easy channel switching

  • Compatible with steel guitar for diverse musical applications

  • Offers a unique vintage sound reminiscent of classic Mesa Boogie amps

  • Proven durability with positive long-term user experiences

CONS

  • Quality control issues may lead to assembly errors

  • Some users experience initial sound quality problems needing modifications

  • Heavy and lacks vibrato feature

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Concert Rivera Era Combo (1981-1987).

Features and functionality

  • Jumpering the effects loop with a patch cable activates an extra gain stage, adding grit to the clean channel.

    Source
  • The reverb on this amp is only active when using the foot pedal, a unique quirk noted by owners.

    Source
  • The footswitch circuit uses a stereo cable input, which can be unconventional and may require custom solutions.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Known for achieving high gain tones reminiscent of the 1980s rock sound, in addition to classic Fender cleans.

    Source
  • The amp's cascading gain stack is highlighted as a feature uncommon in Fender amps, likening it to Mesa Boogie designs, suitable for players seeking versatility.

    Source

Build quality

  • Last of the hand-wired amps from Fender, adding a unique value for collectors and enthusiasts.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners of the 2x10" combo note its weight as a significant factor, commenting that it can be cumbersome for regular gigging due to its 60-pound heft.

    Source
  • Some users find the amp too powerful in small spaces, indicating that the 60W power can be excessive for home use without additional attenuation or pedals.

    Source
  • Owners mention the amp sounds best at high gain but recommend using an attenuator like the Rock Crusher to manage volume.

    Source
  • Despite its weight, it's described as versatile and has been used extensively for touring, though eventually replaced by lighter amps like the Deluxe Reverb.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Retubing with Tung-Sol tubes and a 5751 in V1 enhances the amp's tonal versatility, particularly for achieving desirable clean and slightly overdriven sounds.

    Source
  • It's possible to fit a 15" Jensen speaker into the cabinet, which fills the entire space and changes the sound profile.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners consider the amp a valuable find, especially in regions where it's rare, with a purchase price around $1,300 being justified by its unique features and build quality.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Recapping and retubing are recommended maintenance steps that have been reported to significantly improve performance, especially for those using vintage units.

    Source
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 6 Ratings

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artbarsnstripes

INCORRECT CONCERT

THE CONCERT SHOWN IS NOT THE RIVERA ERA CONCERT. THIS COULD BE THE REISSUE 60'S CONCERT OR AN ORIGINAL 60'S CONCERT. THE RIVERA ERA CONCERT'S ONLY SAY "CONCERT" AND NOT "CONCERT AMP"

From Gear Setup
R

Great amp

What a nice amp. Loud and heavy. I've got the 2x12 ext box also.

adam_michel

Poor Mans Dumble???

(With Mods, Some Say Yes)

Artist usage

Add artist
See how David Gilmour uses Fender Concert Rivera Era Combo (1981-1987)

David Gilmour

Guitarist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via Photo

A couple of Fender Concerts were sold at auction for $77,500 as part of Christie's The David Gilmour Guitar Collection auction. The listing has the following description:

FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, FULLERTON, CIRCA 1982 AND 1983 A PAIR OF GUITAR AMPLIFIERS, CONCERT One bearing the serial number F332178, stamped on the chassis, the other stamped F210503 18 ½ in. (47 cm.) high, the cabinet; 23 ¾ in. (60 cm.) wide; 11 in. (28 cm.) deep

The Fender Concert amplifier was part of the II Series line produced by Fender under Paul Rivera from 1982 to 1986, among the last amplifiers to be made at Fullerton. The amps were designed with both a clean and mid-boost gain channel to compete with the Mesa Boogie Mark Series amps that were popular at the time. A stereo set up of the two Fender Concert amplifiers was first incorporated into David Gilmour’s session rig in mid-1984 and used during recording sessions at London’s AIR Studios for Paul McCartney’s 1984 soundtrack album Give My Regards to Broad Street. With his 1984 Candy Apple Red 57V Stratocaster (lot 56) fed into the two Fender Concert amps, Gilmour performed a memorable solo on the McCartney ballad No More Lonely Nights, requesting that his session fee be donated to a charity of McCartney’s choice. The Concert amps made a notable appearance at the legendary Live Aid concert in London’s Wembley Stadium on 13th July 1985 when David Gilmour performed a set as part of Bryan Ferry’s band, which included the songs Sensation, Boys and Girls, Slave to Love and a cover of John Lennon’s Jealous Guy. Numerous photographs and live film recordings exist of the performance, showing a total of four Fender Concert amplifiers stacked on top of four Fender speaker cabinets on the stage. The concert amplifiers remained in Gilmour’s session and stage rig through 1985, used during recording of Pete Townshend’s 1985 solo album White City: A Novel and for live performances with Townshend’s short-lived supergroup Deep End in October and November 1985, including a live performance on cult British television show The Tube on 11th October and two nights at London’s Brixton Academy on 1 and 2nd November in aid of Townshend’s Double O charity.

As documented on Gilmourish and on Spare Bricks, one of the Fender Concert amps was also used on A Momentary Lapse of Reason, particularly for the intro of "Sorrow".

intro; the guitar was recorded with a Big Muff into a Fender Concert combo and fed through Floyd’s Quad PA system at the LA Sports Arena.

Meanwhile, Kit Rae notes that Gilmour used four different Fender Concerts for Live Aid.

A modified version of the rig was used on July 13th, 1985 when Gilmour played a set of songs with Bryan Ferry's band for the Live Aid benefit concert in London's Wembley Stadium. Keyboardist/guitarist Jon Carin was a member of Bryan Ferry's backing band at this time, and he would later work extensively with Pink Floyd in that same period. David can be heard on Slave to Love and John Lennon's Jealous Guy. He used four Fender Concert combo amplifiers stacked on top of four Fender speaker cabinets. The lower cabs do not appear to be mic'd. As sated above, the clean channel of the Concerts sounded very much like a black face Twin Reverb.

See how Chris Buck uses Fender Concert Rivera Era Combo (1981-1987)

Chris Buck

Guitarist

Cardinal Black

...
Verified via YouTube

Chris Buck, a guitarist known for his work in rock and blues genres, utilizes the Fender Concert (Rivera Era) amplifier live, alongside a 1967 Fender Super Reverb. This detail is substantiated by a video directly from Chris Buck, titled "Why is nobody talking about this $600 amp? | Friday Fretworks," where he discusses and demonstrates the capabilities of the Fender Concert II, highlighting it as a forgotten gem from the 1980s. This video serves as proof of his use and endorsement of the amplifier in question.

See how Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas uses Fender Concert Rivera Era Combo (1981-1987)

Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas

Guitarist, Bassist

MUTEMATH

...
Verified via YouTube

Used for Odd Soul, as stated in this JHS Show livestream at 55:32.

Mitchell-Cárdenas: For Odd Soul, what happened was I did have the Mesa-Boogie amp, but that record, we used a lot of, and even records before that, we actually used very little bass amps to track [sic]. So I has this Fender... I still have it, this Fender Concert amp. I think it's from the mid-80s. And it sounds great on bass. So I took that out...

Josh H. Scott: I remember that.

Mitchell-Cárdenas: Do you remember that?

Josh H. Scott: I remember seeing that and thinking how weird that was.

Mitchell-Cárdenas: And so I used that, and... 'cause really the tone was coming— a lot of the tone was coming from that I believe, or helping it.

Genre Usage

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artbarsnstripes

artbarsnstripes

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