Fender '65 reissue vs. '68 custom differences

'65 Twin Reverb & '65 Super Reverb

'65 Deluxe Reverb & '65 Princeton Reverb

'68 Twin Reverb & '68 Vibrolux Reverb

'68 Deluxe Reverb & '68 Princeton Reverb

Fender '65 Reissue

Designed to sound as close to the original as possible, the ‘65 Reissues are assembled in Corona, California and feature Jensen speakers (One C12K for the Deluxe and two C12Ks for the Twin, four P10Rs for the Super and one C10R for the Princeton), Schumacher transformers, traditional tremolo and tube-driven reverb to create that classic, “Blackface” sound so many players desire.

They do have PCBs (Printed Curcuit Boards), as opposed to the original’s “hand-wired” circuitry, but the components (capacitors and resistors) are the same values as amps from that period. They also have hand-wired tube sockets and other parts for added strength.

Tonal Characteristics

Bright, scooped midrange that is known as the “Blackface” sound, pronounced “Wine Glass” highs from the Jensen speakers and a slightly more polite power amp for crystal cleans that can also be cranked for great overdriven tones.

Who’s it for: Players that love the original versions but are priced out of owning vintage amps, blues players, country players, rock players, guitarists trying to get classic “Blackface” sounds (a la Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, John Mayer), American-made amp enthusiasts, traditionalists, avid Fender collectors.

Fender '68 Custom

Modified to combine the best of traditional “Blackface” sounds and modern features, the 68 Customs feature the look of the silverface amps from 1968 with player-centric modifications to appeal to the more modern player. The 68 Customs are assembled in Ensenada, Mexico and also feature PCBs and hand-wired tube sockets.

Similarities to the ‘65 Reissue

• Schumacher transformers, traditional tremolo and tube-driven reverb
• Traditional “Blackface” tone circuit on the “Vintage” channel.

differences from '65 reissue

• Celestion Speakers (V Type, 70-watt speakers in the Twin and Deluxe, Ten 30-Watt speakers in the Princeton and Vibrolux) for a more modern, punchy sound that breaks up nicely when pushed• Reduced negative feedback for a more “touch-sensitive” feel, quicker break up and added harmonic richness.
• Shared tremolo on both channels (Princeton is excluded since it’s only one channel). Because of this the 68 channels are wired in phase and can be blended for more tonal options, via A/B/Y box. ‘65 Reissues only have reverb and tremolo on the “Vibrato” side and both channels are wired out of phase!
• “Custom” channel features a 50s Tweed “Bassman” tone circuit for more low mids and sooner breakup. ‘65 Reissues have the same “Blackface” tone circuit on both sides. The 68 Princeton Reverb has only one channel so it features the “bassman” tone circuit.
• Deluxe Reverb has the bright cap removed on the “Vintage” side to make the amp more pedal-friendly. The ‘65 Deluxe has the bright cap, like the original. 

Who’s it for: Players that love their amps to break up a little sooner, rock players, alternative players that like something a little different, players that use pedals, players that love the look of “Silverface” amps.