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Average Price: $1,500

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$300

$701+

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High-end

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Description

The Fender Vibro King Amplifier is a testament to timeless craftsmanship, echoing the golden era of classic guitar tones while integrating modern advancements. This all-tube combo amplifier captures the essence of a '63 Reverb unit seamlessly blended with a hand-wired '59 Bassman, delivering a rich tapestry of sound that is both responsive and touch-sensitive. Its robust 60-watt output ensures you have the power needed for any performance, while its custom speaker array of three 10-inch Jensen P10R speakers with Alnico magnets provides clarity and warmth that seasoned guitarists crave.

Designed for the discerning musician, the Vibro King features meticulously crafted point-to-point hand wiring and a built-in vintage tube reverb with comprehensive controls over dwell, mix, and tone. The new vibrato circuit, complete with speed and intensity controls, offers a dynamic range of effects that can be tailored to your unique style. The amp's birch plywood open-back cabinet not only enhances its sound projection but also adds a touch of elegance to its aesthetic. With the added convenience of an effects loop, tilt-back legs, and a 2-button footswitch for vibrato and the "Fat" switch, this amplifier is a versatile addition to any setup.

Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the Fender Vibro King Amplifier is designed to inspire and elevate your musical expression.

Key Features:

  • 60-watt all-tube combo amplifier
  • Three 10" Jensen P10R speakers with Alnico magnets
  • Point-to-point hand wiring
  • Built-in vintage tube reverb with dwell, mix, and tone controls
  • New vibrato circuit with speed and intensity controls
  • Birch plywood open-back cabinet
  • Effects loop and tilt-back legs
  • Includes a 2-button footswitch for vibrato and "Fat" on/off

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Vibro-King 60-Watt 3x10" Guitar Combo
Finish Blonde
Year 1994 - 2002
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Tan
Electronics Tube
Model Family Fender Vibro-King
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 60
Power Tube Type 6L6
Reverb None
Series Fender Custom Shop
Speaker Configuration 3x10"

FAQs

How many watts is the Fender Vibro King Amplifier?

The Fender Vibro King Amplifier is rated at 60 watts, providing ample power for both stage and studio use.

What kind of speakers does the Fender Vibro King use?

The Fender Vibro King features three 10-inch Reissue “Blue Frame” speakers with Alnico magnets, known for their warm and dynamic sound.

Does the Fender Vibro King Amplifier have built-in effects?

Yes, the Fender Vibro King Amplifier includes built-in effects, enhancing its versatility for various musical styles.

Is the Fender Vibro King suitable for gigging?

With its 60-watt output and robust build, the Fender Vibro King is well-suited for live performances, offering powerful and clear sound.

What type of power tubes does the Fender Vibro King use?

The Fender Vibro King uses 6L6 power tubes, which contribute to its rich and full-bodied tone.

Fender

Fender

Guthrie Trapp Demos the Fender Vibro-King | Fender

Video thumbnail for Guthrie Trapp Demos the Fender Vibro-King | Fender by Fender

Guthrie Trapp Demos the Fender Vibro-King | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender Vibro-King 20th Anniversary Amp - Epic in Every Way by Andertons Music Co

Fender Vibro-King 20th Anniversary Amp - Epic in Every Way

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Fender Vibro-King Amp FSR Limited Edition 1 of 25 | CME Gear Demo | Joel Bauman by Chicago Music Exchange

Fender Vibro-King Amp FSR Limited Edition 1 of 25 | CME Gear Demo | Joel Bauman

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for Review Demo - Fender Vibro-King 20th Anniversary Edition by Premier Guitar

Review Demo - Fender Vibro-King 20th Anniversary Edition

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for Band of Skulls' Russell Marsden on the Fender Vibro King | Fender by Fender

Band of Skulls' Russell Marsden on the Fender Vibro King | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender Vibro King - Extremely VERSATILE and a True MODERN CLASSIC! by Johan Segeborn

Fender Vibro King - Extremely VERSATILE and a True MODERN CLASSIC!

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Video thumbnail for 1994 Fender Vibro-King Amp by keithb7

1994 Fender Vibro-King Amp

keithb7

keithb7

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptionally powerful, delivering a full frequency response that lower wattage amps can't match

  • Versatile reverb and tremolo provide a wide range of expressive tones

  • Highly dynamic, responding well to different playing techniques and hand positions

  • Unique sound qualities for both guitar and bass, offering complex and satisfying tones

  • FAT switch enhances solos and thicker sound for single coils

  • Capable of producing lush and expansive soundscapes at high volumes

  • Combines classic Fender tones with modern usability in a stylish package

  • Offers a pleasing breakup without the brittleness found in some other high-wattage amps

  • Excellent for both gigs and studio settings with its balance of power and clarity

CONS

  • Heavy and cumbersome to transport without assistance

  • High volume levels may cause issues in residential settings due to noise

  • Reverb may produce unwanted chiming sound when set above certain levels

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Vibro King offers a unique tone stack trick for low volume overdrive by setting bass, mid, and treble to 0 and adjusting volume and tone knobs.

    Source
  • Original models feature a 6v6 tube for the reverb driver, while later versions use an el84, impacting tonal character.

    Source
  • The Vibro King has an unusual negative feedback loop and an FX loop after the first V1A and reverb signal, adding to its distinct sound.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners highlight the amp's surprising compatibility with acoustic guitars, offering a rich, versatile sound that isn't typically associated with large amps.

    Source
  • Owners note the amp may sound underwhelming at low volumes, requiring significant volume to achieve optimal tone.

    Source
  • Shipping costs for the Vibro King can be prohibitively high, especially in regions with limited second-hand markets.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Vibro King is commonly compared to the '60 or '61 Bandmaster 3x10 combo, emphasizing its design lineage and tonal similarities.

    Source
  • The Vibro King's signal path mimics early '60s surf amps, with reverb as a separate circuit before the preamp, differing from the classic 763 circuit.

    Source
  • Victoria Golden Melody/Silver Sonic is cited as a close alternative, offering a Brown/Blonde Fender circuit with BF-style reverb.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite its incredible sound, the Vibro King is noted for being extremely loud, making it more suitable for gigs than home use.

    Source
  • It's been noted that the Vibro King is more suited for exceptional occasional use rather than regular gigging due to its weight and volume.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Vibro King weighs approximately 75 lbs, making it a heavy option for gigging musicians concerned with portability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The biasing process is unconventional, requiring adjustment until the low end disappears and then reversing slightly until it returns.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Vibro-King 20th Anniversary Amp Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Fender Vibro-King 20th Anniversary Amp blends vintage charm with modern flair, making it a versatile choice for blues and classic rock aficionados. Its rich harmonic overdrive and world-class reverb are standout features, though the amp's weight and touchy tone controls could be drawbacks. Despite its hefty price, the Vibro-King's responsive dynamics and robust sound make it a modern-day classic for those who appreciate a dynamic, vintage-inspired tone palette.

positive

A Royal Tribute to Fender’s Vibro-King - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Fender Vibro-King Amplifier stands out as a tonal powerhouse with its 60-watt output and versatile speaker configuration, capable of delivering both pristine cleans and gritty overdrive. Its dedicated reverb and tremolo controls are a delight for those who appreciate these effects. However, the amp's weight and reverb circuit issues, particularly with the older EL84 models, can be drawbacks. The Vibro-King's unique EQ settings require some patience to dial in, making it a potentially challenging amp for those not inclined to experiment. Overall, it’s a niche product that rewards those willing to explore its capabilities.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Gary Clark Jr uses Fender Vibro King Amplifier

Gary Clark Jr

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via guitarworld

In this 2019 Guitar World article, Gary Clark Jr says that he used a Gibson SG and a Fender Vibro-King to record the song "Gotta Get into Something" on the album This Land.

See how Lee Ranaldo uses Fender Vibro King Amplifier

Lee Ranaldo

Singer, Guitarist

Sonic Youth

...
Verified via Sonicyouth

Lee used Fender Vibro King according to the linked site (photo here: http://www.sonicyouth.com/mustang/eq/09leeamp5.jpg)

See how Ronnie Wood uses Fender Vibro King Amplifier

Ronnie Wood

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

The eighth paragraph of this Vintage Guitar interview explains that Ronnie Wood used a "new Fender Vibro-King" on his new album.

See how Richie Kotzen uses Fender Vibro King Amplifier

Richie Kotzen

Singer, Guitarist

Poison

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Richie shows the on/off switch on his pedalboard that controls the vibrato circuit on the Fender Vibroking amp.

See how Brad Paisley uses Fender Vibro King Amplifier

Brad Paisley

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Brad Paisley

Brad Paisley uses the Fender Vibro King Amplifier, as highlighted in the "Brad's Gear | Amps" section on his official website. This amplifier is featured in songs such as "Come On In," "All I Wanted Was A Car," "Bigger Fish To Fry," and "She's Her Own Woman."

See how Mick Jagger uses Fender Vibro King Amplifier

Mick Jagger

Singer

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via YouTube

Mick Jagger uses the Fender Vibro King Amplifier for live performances. In the official video "The Rolling Stones - Streets Of Love - Live," it is evident that he employs two Fender Vibro King amplifiers in a dual amping setup to achieve a wider sound.

See how Brendan Benson uses Fender Vibro King Amplifier

Brendan Benson

Singer, Guitarist

The Raconteurs

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 7:21 minute mark, when the camera passes through Brendan's amps you can see the Fender Vibro King.

See how Bruce Kulick uses Fender Vibro King Amplifier

Bruce Kulick

Guitarist

Kiss

...
Verified via Kulick

"Played it through a Fender Vibro-king amp that was at George's Shut Up And Play studio. No pedals, just the bass pickup of the red stratocaster and a lot of finger plucking! We were very happy with the results and the song is finally hitting the high mark that I am striving for."

See how Russell Marsden uses Fender Vibro King Amplifier

Russell Marsden

Guitarist

Band of Skulls

...
Verified via Photo

According to Band of Skulls guitar player Russell Marsden, "My main amp for recording was a Fender Hot Rod DeVille 212, which I absolutely love but it's been breaking down a lot. So I just got a Fender Vibro-King, and I think I'm probably going to go to Hell for using it because it sounds so good."

"It's probably the best amp I've played through," he said of the VibroKing. "No matter where I stand on stage, it's tremendous."

See how Nils Lofgren uses Fender Vibro King Amplifier

Nils Lofgren

Singer, Guitarist

Crazy Horse

...
Verified via Reverb

In 2017, Nils Lofgren opened an online account on Reverb's website, on which he sells his own pieces of gear. So far, a lot of items have been sold, including the Fender Vibro King amplifier.

See how Waddy Wachtel uses Fender Vibro King Amplifier

Waddy Wachtel

Guitarist, Composer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Waddywachtelinfo

"I use two different rigs on stage. With Stevie I use my old 50 watt Marshall, but with the Waddy Wachtel Band I use two Fender Vibro Kings. Very loud they are!!!"

See how John Oates uses Fender Vibro King Amplifier

John Oates

Singer, Guitarist

U.S.A. for Africa

...
Verified via Guitar

"I used some vintage amps, a Fender VibroKing. A CryBaby wah-wah a lot, obviously. I even used some Line 6 equipment with the electronic wah-wah."

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 Vibro King Amplifier, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Fender Telecaster
Fender Telecaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
4
Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar
Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Gibson J-200
Gibson J-200 Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
2
Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve
Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve Guitar Amplifier Stacks
1
Gibson L7-N
Gibson L7-N Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1
Ibanez GE10 Graphic Equalizer
Ibanez GE10 Graphic Equalizer Equalizer Effects Pedals
1

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