1962 FENDER REVERB 6G15

Fender Reverb 6G15 from 1962, in superb condition and perfect working order.

This unit comes from the first golden age of amplified music, a period marked by the emergence of effects that played a pivotal role in the artistic innovation of the era. From manipulating magnetic tape to create the first artificial echoes to developing the plate reverbs in Germany, this led to an innovative design introduced by Hammond: the spring reverb. This system is used to mechanically induce audio signals into a network of springs, creating a simulated reverberation. Hammond had been using this system in its electric organs for several decades, and in 1959, they introduced a compact module that not only brought this much-desired effect to recording studios but, more importantly, allowed for direct integration into guitar amplifiers.

Fender, already a pioneer of tremolo since the mid-1950s, definitively embraced modern effects in 1963 with the introduction of the Fender Vibroverb, its first amplifier with built-in reverb. Two years earlier, however, another device had appeared: the Fender Reverb 6G15, a standalone unit placed between the guitar and the amplifier – essentially, a precursor to modern effects pedals. The unit was a resounding success, defining the signature sound of 1960s rock, particularly surf rock, and inspiring a host of imitators: among others, the Vox Reverberation Unit heard with The Shadows, and the Grampian Type 636, which became synonymous with reggae and dub at the end of the decade.

The 6G15’s circuit is rudimentary, consisting of only three tubes: a 12AT7 dual triode for preamp (here replaced by a 12AX7 providing slightly more gain), a 6K6GT to drive the reverb springs, and a 12AX7 dual triode, one half of which is used to process the output level of the spring tank and the other to condition the direct audio signal from the effect’s input. Three controls are also included: Dwell, for adjusting the duration of the reverb effect; Mixer, for balancing the levels of the clean and reverb signals; and Tone, for reducing the high-frequency content of the reverb signal.

The example shown here is from the second year of production, the label stamp dating to August 1962. It features the typical aesthetic characteristics of Fender’s brownface era, with the flat logo screwed onto the front panel, a brown Tolex-covered cabinet, and a front panel with a wheat-colored fabric (according to Teagle & Sprung’s nomenclature). It is exceptionally well-preserved in its original condition, including its original transformers, potentiometers, spring tank, hardware, and screws, exactly as it was when it left the assembly line – even the bracket used to secure the spring tank during transport is still present! Only the handle has been replaced with a repro part, featuring a reinforced coating for greater durability. We took great care in restoring this reverb unit, replacing the original power cord with a modern one that includes chassis grounding and the old electrolytic capacitors. All tubes were tested with a tube tester and found to have the desired emission characteristics. The remaining passive components (signal capacitors and resistors) were carefully measured and checked to ensure they all allow the unit to operate as intended. A complete cleaning of all connectors, tube sockets, selectors, and potentiometers was performed. These procedures, necessary for the unit’s safe operation and optimal performance, were carried out with the aim of preserving as much of its original appearance as possible. After its time in our workshop, this 6G15 Reverb is ready for decades more of music.

110V model, 220V-110V power adapter included.