Fender Blackface Pro Reverb

Model/Circuit Number: AA165 
Years of Production:
1965-1967
Era: Blackface
Configuration: Combo
Controls: Black, forward facing w/ white labels
Knobs: Black skirted w/ chrome center, numbered 1 – 10

Faceplate

  • Front: Normal: In, In, Bright Sw, Vol, Treb, Bass – Vibrato: In, In, Bright Sw, Vol, Treb, Bass, Reverb, Speed, Intensity – Pilot Lamp
  • Rear: AC Outlet, Polarity Sw, Fuse (2A), Power Sw, Stby Sw, Speaker, Ex. Speaker, Vibrato Jack, Reverb Jack, Reverb Out, Reverb In

Cabinet

Covering Material

Logo: Grille mounted, raised, chrome & black script
Weight: 53 lbs. (24 Kg)
Speaker

Effects: Reverb, Tremolo
~Watts: 40 watts
Tubes

  • Pre amp: Normal: 7025 Vibrato: 7025, ½ 7025, Phase Inverter: 12AT7 (long tailed), Other: Reverb Driver: 12AT7 Reverb Recovery: ½ 7025 Tremolo: 12AX7 (photoresistor)
  • Power: 2 x 6L6GC

Bias: Fixed w/ bias adjustment pot.
Rectifier: GZ34 / 5AR4

Comments:

11 thoughts on “Fender Blackface Pro Reverb

  • June 27, 2011 at 7:41 am
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    I just acquired a 1965 Pro Reverb in mint condition.  There is no amp like it.  Full sound with two 12 inch speakers.  Greatest reverb I’ve ever heard.  Why don’t they make amps like this anymore?  I’ll have this amp ’til the day I die.  It’s so great, I’ll will it to my nephews.

    Reply
  • June 30, 2015 at 3:34 pm
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    I found a Pro Reverb at a rummage sale that they were going to throw away – put some tubes in, and it’s great!

    The speakers need refoaming, though. From what I can tell they are Altec Lansing D120F – it’s hard to see, because the label is scratched.

    Where can I find a refoaming kit for this particular speaker? Thanks –

    Reply
    • February 23, 2016 at 4:59 am
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      hi Bill,

      It is tempting to think the Bassman and the Pro Reverb are “the same circuit” because they carry the same aa1165 number. They are not. The AA1165 Pro circuit is significantly different from the AA1165 Bassman in several key areas. These differences are essential design changes that have a substantial and obviously audible effect on overall circuit performance. Some key differences are:

      1.) rectifier/B+ supply. The aa1165 Pro is a GZ34 tube rectifier, while the aa1165 Bassman B+ is solid state. This means (among other things) a different mains transformer!
      2.) The output transformer is substantially larger and is wound to a different ratio in a Bassman. Huge tonal difference here too
      3.) The tone circuit voicing for the normal channel Pro and bass channel Bassman are vastly different.
      4.) The stock vibrato circuit in a Pro substantially affects total circuit gain, compared to the normal channel of the Bassman.

      I agree with you, these are both great amps. However, based on these and other differences it is simply not accurate to say that he Pro is “…essentially a Bassman in a combo with reverb…” Unless you are also willing to say the same thing about any Fender with two 6L6 power tubes, 12AX7 preamp tubes, and fixed bias.

      Cheers!
      CBG

      Reply
  • July 9, 2015 at 1:01 pm
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    I’m pretty sure Utah speakers were also used in Pro Reverbs in ’65…Pro Reverbs to me always had a ton of low end and is also a very loud amp. This was my initial impression. When I learned later that Pro Reverbs have the AA165 circuit (not the AB763) then it all made sense. The AA165 circuit is the circuit used in Bassman heads — which are also real loud and FULL of low end. The Pro Reverb is essentially a Bassman in a combo with reverb.

    Not as sweet sounding as the AB763 reverb combos, in my opinion, but a solid choice for loud Rock and Roll, just like a Bassman. Takes pedals great.

    Reply
  • September 11, 2017 at 9:42 am
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    I am playing a 64 blackface pro with celestian cream speakers…delicious tone!

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  • February 2, 2018 at 12:19 pm
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    i have a blackface pro reverb #on back is A 04850 what the year in it production #5

    Reply
  • February 12, 2020 at 1:48 pm
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    I too was one who’s first gigging amp was a silverface 1973 Twin Reverb. Too LOUD!!

    I own a 1967 blackface Pro Reverb. It came stock with dual Jensen speakers, 220739.These do indeed have the most wonderful sounding reverb of any Fender amp. Mine is, without a doubt the cleanest, closest to mint of any Fender I have ever seen, and I’ve seen quite a few. I own a 1959 tweed harvard, a ’65 blackface deluxe, a ’79 silverface Princeton reverb (same circuit as blackface) a Bandmaster reverb and a 1973 Champ. I also used to own a ’67 Showman and another silverface Twin, with JBL D 120 F’s.
    So, when I tell you this amp is REALLY mint, I am not BS-ing you. It still has the tilt back chrome legs and they are immaculate. It is also for sale, if anyone is interested. Do your research and get acquainted with what a mint version is really worth. I will not take any less then top dollar for it.

    Leave a note here if you are interested and I will provide contact info. Thanks for listening… -Kev

    Reply
    • February 26, 2021 at 6:18 pm
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      VERY INTERESTED! doctortwang@gmail dot com

      Reply
  • February 25, 2022 at 2:25 pm
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    I have a ‘66 pro reverb. A 05967. Thinking of selling it. Looks like it has Celestion G12-50 speakers and mesa str 415 power tubes.

    Reply

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