Fender Vintage 1968 “Black Line” Twin Reverb w 2x12 Factory Installed JBL D120e

Description: The 1968 “black line” Fender Twin Reverb belongs to a unique transitional period in Fender amp production, marking the shift from the highly sought-after “blackface” models (1963–1967) to the “silverface” era (1968–1982). The “black line” models from 1968 stand out because they retained some blackface circuit characteristics while introducing silverface cosmetics, making them especially prized among collectors and players. Here’s what differentiates the 1968 “black line” Twin Reverb: Key Differentiators of the 1968 “Black Line” Twin Reverb 1.Cosmetic Features • Silverface Panel with Black Vertical Lines: The 1968 black line amps feature the new silverface control panel but with thin black vertical lines on either side of the control labels. This design was only present in early 1968, later replaced by a silverface panel without the black lines. • Drip-Edge Trim: Surrounding the grille cloth is an aluminum “drip-edge” trim, giving it a distinct silverface look. This trim was used until about 1969. 2.Circuit Characteristics (AB763 vs. AC568) • Blackface Circuit (AB763): Most early 1968 black line models retained the AB763 circuit, which was the same as in the blackface amps of previous years. This circuit is renowned for its clean headroom, warm tone, and responsiveness. • Transitional Circuit (AC568): Around mid-1968, Fender began implementing changes toward the AC568 circuit, intended to “clean up” the sound by increasing negative feedback and introducing a unique bias balance setup. This circuit revision wasn’t universally popular due to a colder, less harmonically rich tone. • Black Line Models Often Had AB763: Most early 1968 black line Twin Reverbs were shipped with the blackface AB763 circuit, though some may have seen partial or full conversion to the AC568 during production. It’s common to find amps from this period with hybrid or transitional circuit configurations, as Fender inconsistently rolled out the changes. 3.Bias Circuit Changes • Introduction of Bias Balance Circuit: The AC568 circuit introduced a “bias balance” control instead of the traditional bias adjustment, which balanced the current between the two power tubes rather than allowing a full bias adjustment. This change was meant to standardize tube performance but resulted in a colder tone. Black line models with AB763 circuits do not have this bias balance, preserving the warmer blackface tone. 4.Sound and Performance • Classic Blackface Tone: Black line models with the AB763 circuit deliver the classic blackface Twin Reverb sound: bold, full-bodied cleans with excellent headroom and touch sensitivity. • Hybrid Models: Some black line amps feature a blend of AB763 and AC568 characteristics, making them unique in their tonal response. Even black line models with AC568 often had slight variations in components that could give them a warmer tone than later, full silverface models. 5.Collectibility and Value • Rarity of Black Line Models: The black line Twin Reverbs are highly collectible because they were produced for only a short period in early 1968. Their transitional nature—combining blackface circuitry with silverface aesthetics—makes them especially desirable among players and collectors. In essence, the 1968 black line Twin Reverbs are valued for their classic blackface tone with a distinctive silverface look. If you’re looking at one of these, check the circuit (AB763 vs. AC568) to understand the tonal possibilities fully, as these amps can have minor variances depending on the production batch. The black line models offer a mix of Fender history and tone that represents the best of both worlds. This particular unit received a reverse feedback mod that completes the black face circuit altogether. It can be switched

Price: 2800 USD

Location: Novato, California

End Time: 2024-11-29T22:14:12.000Z

Shipping Cost: 45 USD