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Average Price: $750

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$701+

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Description

The Fender Quad Reverb Silverface 1972 is a testament to classic tone, offering vintage enthusiasts a chance to experience the distinctive sound of the early '70s. Known for its four 12-inch speakers, this combo amplifier delivers a full, rich sound that easily cuts through any mix. The Silverface design is not just about aesthetics; it represents an era of tonal evolution, pairing beautifully with its powerful 100-watt output.

This amp is particularly noted for its clean tones and lush reverb, making it a preferred choice for genres ranging from rock to jazz. Its straightforward control panel includes Bass, Middle, Treble, and Reverb knobs, giving players precise control over their sound. The addition of a Vibrato channel with Speed and Intensity controls further enhances its versatility, allowing musicians to dial in shimmering, atmospheric effects.

Fender's reputation for build quality is evident in the Quad Reverb's robust construction, ensuring it withstands the rigors of both studio sessions and live performances. This amp is a piece of history that not only provides an authentic vintage tone but also connects today's musicians with the legacy of its iconic predecessors.

Key Features:

  • 100-watt output power
  • Four 12-inch speakers
  • Silverface design from the early 1970s
  • Clean tones with lush reverb
  • Vibrato channel with Speed and Intensity controls
  • Robust construction suitable for studio and live use

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Quad Reverb 2-Channel 100-Watt 4x12" Guitar Combo
Finish Silverface
Year 1972 - 1976
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Direct Output No Direct Output
Electronics Tube
Model Family Fender Quad Reverb
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 4 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 100
Power Tube Type 6L6
Reverb Spring Reverb
Series Fender Vintage Silverface Amps
Speaker Configuration 4x12"

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Fender Quad Reverb Silverface 1972?

The Fender Quad Reverb Silverface 1972 is known for its clean, bright tones with plenty of headroom, thanks to its 100-watt power output and 4x12" speaker configuration. It also features a lush spring reverb and vibrato, making it ideal for classic rock, surf, and country music.

Is the Fender Quad Reverb Silverface 1972 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Fender Quad Reverb Silverface 1972 is well-suited for live performances, especially in larger venues, due to its powerful 100-watt output and four 12-inch speakers. Its robust volume and clean tones can easily cut through a band mix.

How does the Fender Quad Reverb Silverface 1972 handle effects pedals?

The Fender Quad Reverb Silverface 1972 takes pedals very well, offering a clean platform that enhances modulation, delay, and overdrive effects. Its tube-driven circuitry provides a warm response that complements a wide range of pedals.

What type of tubes does the Fender Quad Reverb Silverface 1972 use?

The Fender Quad Reverb Silverface 1972 uses 6L6 power tubes, which contribute to its powerful output and clean tonal characteristics. These tubes are known for their durability and ability to produce a rich, full sound.

Does the Fender Quad Reverb Silverface 1972 have a master volume control?

No, the 1972 model of the Fender Quad Reverb Silverface does not feature a master volume control. This means that to achieve natural tube overdrive, the amp needs to be played at higher volumes.

reallygrilli

reallygrilli

1972 quad reverb

Video thumbnail for 1972 quad reverb by reallygrilli

1972 quad reverb

reallygrilli

reallygrilli

Video thumbnail for Victor litz music Fender quad reverb demo tremolo and reverb by Music Man

Victor litz music Fender quad reverb demo tremolo and reverb

Music Man

Music Man

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Quad Reverb Silverface 1972.

User experience

  • Vintage RCA tubes are highly valued for their ruggedness and long lifespan compared to modern tubes, and should be retained if replaced.

    Source
  • Despite removing speakers, the amp remains heavy due to its bulky transformers, a factor to consider for those planning frequent transport or gigs.

    Source
  • Owners report that the amp maintains clarity at high volumes, making it suitable for genres like garage and psych rock.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Quad Reverb's clean tones pair well with effects pedals like the Big Muff, enhancing its versatility for various rock genres.

    Source
  • The amp's loudness and headroom make it better suited for larger spaces or practice studios rather than small venues or home use.

    Source
  • The amp is noted for its supernatural level of loudness, which can cause physical discomfort despite not initially seeming loud.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Updating the bias circuit to match the AB763 Twin Reverb can optimize tube performance and potentially improve the amp's tonal clarity.

    Source
  • Intercepting the reverb return and running it into the "normal" channel allows for added tonal control over the reverb signal, enhancing flexibility and sound quality.

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  • Ty Segall's Quad Reverb allegedly sounds unique due to a Peavey transformer modification, suggesting a potential mod for distinct tonal qualities.

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Features and functionality

  • The Quad Reverb is a 4x12 combo with four 6L6GC power tubes, offering a distinctive clean sound with reverb and tremolo effects, similar to the Twin Reverb.

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  • The Quad Reverb is praised for its "honking foghorn roar," quickly transitioning from clean tones to an intense overdrive.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners suggest replacing brown capacitors from early 1972 models for improved reliability, especially if the amp is running its original components.

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  • It's advised to replace old electrolytic capacitors as a preventive measure to protect the transformers, although some owners prefer to keep original parts for historical value.

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Build quality

  • The amp's chassis is noted for its spacious, uncluttered design, which is surprisingly straightforward compared to other complex vintage models like the 5E3 or Blackface Bandmaster.

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  • The weight of the amp is significantly influenced by its large Schumacher transformers, which contribute to the overall heft.

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Value and pricing

  • An original 1972 Fender Quad Reverb was purchased for $900, considered a great deal compared to online listings with replacement speakers.

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Comparisons

  • The Quad Reverb is described as having a beefier bass compared to a Twin, thanks to its additional two 12-inch speakers.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
xaqary

LOUD. Loads of clean gain before driving the tubes to distortion.

4 stars...why? Well maybe for so many years of loyal service with very few repairs needed despite my terrible treatment of my road gear. It's much like you'd expect, a Fender Twin X2. Not the best of the Fender Twins of course but...well let's dig in-

**This is a review, however if you like the full specs can be found here: http://ampwares.com/amplifiers/fender-silverface-quad-reverb/

Strengths: -Loads of clean gain before you start to breakup -If you need loud, this will get it done-no question. -Sturdy -If you do push it/drive it into distortion it's nice musical tube harmonic compression. There are definitely better of course but... -If you wanna Fender Reverb & don't have a ton of cash these are usually pretty affordable

Weakness: -The guy is HEAVY & large. If you've on tour your back will know. That & it adds a new dimension to "Tour Tetris". the game you play loading all your gear into your vehicle. She does takes up a lot of space. -Feels unfair to compare it with other Fenders of the same type but- there definitely are better sounding models of say the storied Fender Twin Reverbs from certain eras/makes.

That said, I have recorded with it plenty but only for albums in bands where I play this amp when we play live. I want people to hear the record & come see us live & present the "same" sound.

I have better sounding amps for sure but most would need to be mic'd & supported by solid inhouse sound as some just aren't that loud. Can't always count on that when your starting out with a new band & play smaller venues. With the Fender Quad? Volume? Not at all an issue.

Plus, I'm still a child and just wanna play just ruthlessly loud sometimes.

Most important!!!

Go plug in & listen for yourself! What's right for you is only something you'll know...just don't go a pull a "Guitar Center Shredder" session. Nobody wants that guy around ;)

jimmarchi1

Tom Petty used one on American girl, nuff said.... underrated amp! weighs a tone though

jimmarchi1

erk, weighs a TON, Freudian slip

xaqary

That was awesome & +100 for awesome trivia. I never knew that was on American Girl!

jimmarchi1

rhythm guitar sound... I think it was a 60s strat and Campbell used a legit Fender Broadcaster through a mid-period deluxe (5C3 or 5D3, forget which one). The amps and the Broadcaster belonged to the studio.

xaqary

Nice, I love hearing this kinda stuff. I've actually got a hour & 1/2 Tony Visconti interview playing on the laptop while I'm pecking away on the iPad. Can't get enough.

jimmarchi1

even if he wasn't a god in his own right, Tony is great just for being an original Spider from Mars... or whatever they were when Tony was in that band on bass, I guess he was gone by the time they were the Spiders

xaqary

Tuns out it was a 2 part interview & loads of fun stuff in there. Over 2 hours of awesome anecdotes mixed with recording techniques used & break downs of sessions (more that JUST Heros.) Search Tony Visconti Red Bull Music Academy & its on Vimeo. Lots more too from the looks of it.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Chris Spencer uses Fender Quad Reverb Silverface 1972

Chris Spencer

Singer, Guitarist

Unsane

...
Verified via Tumblr

In a Tumblr interview with jnewton13, Chris Spencer mentions using a Fender Quad Reverb Silverface 1972, modified with a '71 Twin Reverb head.

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 Fender Quad Reverb Silverface 1972, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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ajbmuller

ajbmuller

Gear IQ 107

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