Fender Vibratone

$1,549.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (2)

2 Critic Reviews

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Page last updated Jun 10, 2026

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We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 10, 2026.

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5.0 (1)

$1,549.00 2 available Used

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Average Price: $1,549

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

In the Guitar Amplifier Cabinets category, Fender Vibratone is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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High-end

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Description

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Unleash a symphony of swirling soundscapes with the Fender Vibratone, a rotating speaker cabinet that’s been a secret weapon for guitarists since its inception in the late '60s. Originally designed to offer the lush, rotary effects of a Leslie cabinet in a more portable form, this unique piece of musical history allows you to inject your performance with a distinctive, undulating sound.

Crafted during the golden years of 1968 to 1972, the Fender Vibratone was born from the collaboration of Fender and Leslie under the CBS umbrella. This cabinet is not just an accessory but a transformative tool for any guitarist looking to explore new sonic territories. With its built-in footswitch, seamlessly toggle between two speeds, letting you effortlessly adapt to the mood of your music.

The Vibratone’s rotating speaker mechanism creates a dynamic, three-dimensional sound that adds depth and movement to your playing, offering a rich, immersive experience that stands out on stage or in the studio. Whether you're chasing the classic tones of yesteryear or forging new paths, this cabinet is a testament to timeless design and innovative sound.

Key Features:

Rotating speaker cabinet for dynamic sound modulation
Built-in footswitch for easy speed control
Originally produced from 1968 to 1972 under the CBS era
Designed to emulate Leslie rotary effects in a portable format

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Vibratone 1x10" Rotating Speaker Cabinet
Finish	Black
Year	1967 - 1972
Made In	United States
Categories	Guitar Speaker Cabinets
Color Family	Black
Speaker Configuration	1x10"

FAQs

What effect does the Fender Vibratone produce?: The Fender Vibratone produces a unique modulation effect that combines elements of chorus and vibrato, achieved by a rotating speaker mechanism inside the cabinet.
How does the rotating speaker in the Fender Vibratone work?: The Fender Vibratone uses a rotating styrofoam baffle in front of a 10" speaker to create its signature sound, with two speed settings for modulation effects.
Can the Fender Vibratone be used with any guitar amplifier?: The Fender Vibratone is best paired with powerful, 4-ohm rated amplifiers like the Fender Bandmaster or Bassman, which complement its sound characteristics.
Is the Fender Vibratone suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Fender Vibratone is suitable for live performances, offering a distinct and dynamic sound that enhances stage presence with its rotating speaker effect.
What type of speaker is inside the Fender Vibratone?: The Fender Vibratone features a 10" Jensen loudspeaker, known for its clear and articulate sound, behind the rotating baffle.

Videos

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Brad

Vintage Fender Vibratone Leslie Speaker-Gravity Music Gear-Demo Video

Brad

I Got a Fender Vibratone Cabinet

Eric Haugen Guitar

fenderguru.com Fender Vibratone

fenderguru.com youtube

THE FENDER VIBRATONE: LESLIE VIBES IN A FENDER SUIT!

The Riff w Nik Sevigny

Fender Vibratone / Leslie 16 - Rotating Guitar Organ Speaker Cabinet / Analog Tremolo Vibrato Chorus

roger brainard

1968 Fender Vibratone

Dan Burke

Fender Vibratone Rotary Speaker Cabinet - VGW

Vintage Guitar Workshop

Reviews

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Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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The Fender Vibratone uses a proprietary connector that includes a crossover to protect its 10" 4-ohm speaker from damaging frequencies.
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The Vibratone's rotary mechanism is actually a spinning horn in front of the speaker, not the speaker itself rotating.
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Setup and maintenance

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It's recommended to replace the original two-prong power cable with a three-prong plug to prevent electrical shock.
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Serial numbers may be scratched off, but dating can be done through speaker or pot date codes, though it requires careful handling to avoid electric shock.
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Use cases and applications

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The Vibratone can be used as an extension speaker with a footswitch to toggle between the internal speaker and the rotating speaker for versatile sound options.
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Owners describe the unique "in the room" feel of a rotary speaker as distinct and spatially immersive, unmatched by pedals for live settings.
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Value and pricing

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The Fender Vibratone, if in good condition, can be valued at around $4,000, especially due to its vintage status and unique sound capabilities.
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Motion Sound rotary speakers are mentioned as a more affordable alternative, typically available for $300-$500 on resale platforms.
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Mods and upgrades

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The MERCOTAC brand mercury contact can be used to connect to a rotating speaker box when building a DIY rotary speaker.
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Comparisons

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The Neo Mini Vent pedal is noted for effectively replicating the Vibratone's sound in a more portable form.
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User experience

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The impractical weight and size of the Vibratone make it less appealing for live gigs but ideal for studio or home use where portability isn't a concern.
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Other

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Cannibalizing old organs for their rotary speakers is a viable DIY method for enthusiasts looking to create their own Vibratone experience.
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Critic Reviews

Fender’s Vibratone Will Set Your Head Spinning - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Fender's Vibratone offers a vintage modulation experience reminiscent of a Leslie cabinet but tailored for guitarists. It's praised for its unique swirling effect, achieved through its rotating Styrofoam rotor that creates Doppler-style modulation. However, its design can be cumbersome, with a heavy 77-pound cabinet and a tendency to sound muddy or bass-heavy without modifications. Users might need to replace the speaker for better stage presence and simplify the internal wiring for reliability. While modern alternatives and pedals exist, the Vibratone's authentic mechanical swirl remains unmatched, making it a niche choice for those seeking a classic, albeit complex, sound.

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The Fender Vibratone Brought Acid-Tinged Sonics to Recordings by Jimi Hendrix, the Byrds, Cream, Pink Floyd, Todd Rundgren and Stevie Ray Vaughan | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

The Fender Vibratone remains a revered piece of gear for its authentic rotary-speaker sound, famously used by legends like Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Its unique, swirling Doppler effect is unmatched by modern digital emulations. However, this vintage cabinet is bulky and not easily portable, weighing around 70 pounds, which poses challenges for gigging musicians. While it's a sonic treasure for those seeking an authentic experience, the Vibratone demands a serious commitment in terms of transport and maintenance. For those seeking convenience, modern alternatives like the Uni-Vibe pedal offer a more practical yet less authentic solution.

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