Speaker Replacement Fender 68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb 2x10 Reissue - A Comprehensive Guide
Replacing the speakers in your Fender '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb 2x10 reissue amplifier can significantly alter its tone and performance. The stock speakers, while decent, might not fully cater to every player's preferences. Upgrading to higher-quality speakers can unlock a world of tonal possibilities, enhancing clarity, warmth, punch, and overall responsiveness. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of selecting the best speakers for your Vibrolux Reverb and provide step-by-step instructions on how to safely and effectively replace them.
Understanding the Fender '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb
The Fender '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb is a beloved amplifier known for its vintage-inspired tone and moderate wattage. It's a versatile amp that excels in various musical genres, from blues and rock to country and jazz. The amp's 2x10 speaker configuration contributes significantly to its unique sound, offering a balanced blend of warmth, clarity, and projection. The original speakers in the reissue model play a crucial role in shaping this sound, but they might not be the perfect fit for every player. This is where speaker replacement comes into play, allowing you to tailor the amp's tone to your specific needs and preferences.
Stock Speaker Analysis
Before diving into speaker replacements, it's essential to understand the characteristics of the stock speakers in your '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb. These speakers are typically chosen by Fender to provide a balanced and versatile sound suitable for a wide range of playing styles. However, they might not excel in any particular area. For example, some players might find the stock speakers lacking in low-end punch or high-end clarity. Others might desire a warmer or more aggressive tone. Identifying the limitations of the stock speakers is the first step in choosing the right replacements. The stock speakers are designed to handle the amp's power output, which is crucial to consider when selecting replacements. Overpowering the speakers can lead to damage and poor performance. Knowing the power handling capacity of the amp helps narrow down your speaker options.
Why Replace Speakers?
There are several compelling reasons to consider replacing the speakers in your Fender '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb. The most common reason is to improve the amp's tone. Different speakers have different tonal characteristics, and swapping out the stock speakers can dramatically alter the amp's sound. For example, you might want to add more bass, enhance the midrange, or brighten the highs. Speaker replacement allows you to fine-tune your amp's tone to match your playing style and musical preferences. Another reason to replace speakers is to increase the amp's power handling. If you frequently play at high volumes, you might need speakers that can handle more power than the stock ones. Upgrading to higher-wattage speakers can provide more headroom and prevent speaker distortion. Speakers can also wear out over time, leading to a loss of performance. If your speakers are sounding dull or distorted, it might be time to replace them. New speakers can breathe new life into your amp, restoring its original tone and responsiveness.
Choosing the Right Speakers
Selecting the right speakers for your Fender '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb is a crucial step in achieving your desired tone. The vast array of speaker options available can be overwhelming, but understanding the key factors will help you make an informed decision. Consider your tonal goals. What kind of sound are you trying to achieve? Do you want a warmer, brighter, more aggressive, or more balanced tone? Identifying your tonal goals will help you narrow down your speaker options. Research different speaker brands and models. Each speaker brand has its own unique sonic signature, and different models within a brand can also have distinct characteristics. Reading reviews, listening to sound samples, and consulting with other guitarists can provide valuable insights. Match the speakers to your amp's power. It's crucial to choose speakers that can handle the power output of your '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb. Overpowering the speakers can lead to damage, while underpowering them can result in inefficient performance. Aim for speakers with a power handling capacity that is equal to or greater than the amp's output.
Key Factors to Consider
When choosing replacement speakers, several key factors come into play. Speaker size is a critical consideration, as the '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb uses 10-inch speakers. You'll need to select replacements that are also 10 inches in diameter. Power handling is another crucial factor. As mentioned earlier, the speakers should be able to handle the amp's power output without distortion or damage. Speaker sensitivity, measured in decibels (dB), indicates how loud a speaker will be for a given input power. Higher sensitivity speakers will produce a louder sound at the same volume setting on your amp. Tonal characteristics are perhaps the most important factor to consider. Different speakers have different frequency responses, which affect the overall tone. Some speakers are known for their warm and smooth tone, while others are brighter and more aggressive. Speaker impedance, measured in ohms, must match the amp's output impedance. The '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb typically has an output impedance of 4 ohms, so you'll need to choose speakers that are either 8 ohms each (wired in parallel) or 16 ohms each (wired in series) to achieve the correct overall impedance.
Popular Speaker Choices for Vibrolux Reverb
Several popular speaker choices are known to work exceptionally well with the Fender '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb. Jensen speakers are a classic choice for Fender amps, known for their vintage-inspired tone and clarity. Models like the Jensen C10R and P10R are popular options for the Vibrolux Reverb. Celestion speakers are another excellent choice, offering a more British-voiced tone with plenty of warmth and punch. The Celestion G10 Greenback and G10 Gold are popular choices for rock and blues players. Eminence speakers provide a wide range of options, from vintage-voiced to modern-sounding. Models like the Eminence Legend 1058 and Ragin Cajun are popular choices for the Vibrolux Reverb. Ultimately, the best speakers for your amp will depend on your individual preferences and playing style. Experimenting with different speakers is the best way to find the perfect match for your tone.
Step-by-Step Speaker Replacement Guide
Replacing the speakers in your Fender '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed with basic tools and a little patience. However, it's essential to take safety precautions to avoid electrical shock or damage to your amp. Always unplug the amplifier from the power outlet before working on it. This is a crucial safety precaution that should never be overlooked. Gather the necessary tools. You'll need a screwdriver (usually a Phillips head), a wire cutter/stripper, and possibly a soldering iron and solder, depending on the wiring connections. Take pictures of the existing wiring. Before disconnecting any wires, take clear photos of the speaker wiring. This will serve as a reference when you're reconnecting the new speakers, ensuring that the wiring is correct.
Preparing for the Replacement
Before you begin the speaker replacement, proper preparation is key to a smooth and successful process. Ensure your workspace is well-lit and free from clutter. This will help you see what you're doing and prevent accidental damage to the amp or speakers. Gather all the necessary tools and materials. This includes the new speakers, screwdriver, wire cutter/stripper, soldering iron (if needed), solder, and any other tools you might need. Familiarize yourself with the wiring diagram. If you're not confident about the wiring, consult a wiring diagram for the '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb. This will help you understand how the speakers are connected and ensure that you wire the new speakers correctly. Handle the speakers with care. Speakers are delicate components, and dropping them or mishandling them can cause damage. Always hold the speakers by the frame, not the cone, and avoid putting pressure on the cone.
Removing the Old Speakers
The first step in the speaker replacement process is to remove the old speakers from the cabinet. Remove the amplifier chassis from the cabinet. This usually involves removing screws from the top or back of the cabinet. Be careful when handling the chassis, as it can be heavy. Disconnect the speaker wires from the old speakers. Depending on the amp's wiring, the speakers might be connected with quick-connect terminals or soldered wires. If they're quick-connect terminals, simply pull them off the speaker terminals. If they're soldered wires, you'll need to use a soldering iron to desolder them. Carefully remove the old speakers from the cabinet. The speakers are typically held in place by screws or bolts. Remove the fasteners and gently lift the speakers out of the cabinet. Inspect the speaker mounting hardware. Check the screws, bolts, and other hardware for wear or damage. Replace any worn or damaged hardware to ensure a secure speaker mounting.
Installing the New Speakers
With the old speakers removed, you can now install the new ones. Position the new speakers in the cabinet. Align the mounting holes on the speakers with the mounting holes in the cabinet. Secure the speakers with the mounting hardware. Use the screws or bolts you removed earlier to secure the speakers in place. Tighten the fasteners snugly, but don't overtighten them, as this could damage the speaker frame. Connect the speaker wires to the new speakers. Refer to the photos you took earlier or the wiring diagram to ensure that you connect the wires correctly. If the speakers have quick-connect terminals, simply push the terminals onto the speaker terminals. If you're soldering the wires, make sure to create a clean and secure solder joint. Double-check the wiring. Before reassembling the amp, double-check the speaker wiring to ensure that everything is connected correctly. Incorrect wiring can damage the amp or speakers. Reinstall the amplifier chassis into the cabinet. Carefully slide the chassis back into the cabinet and secure it with the screws you removed earlier. Test the amp. Plug the amp into a power outlet, connect your guitar, and test the new speakers at a low volume. Listen for any unusual noises or distortion. If everything sounds good, gradually increase the volume to test the speakers at higher levels.
Post-Replacement Tips and Considerations
After replacing the speakers in your Fender '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb, there are a few additional tips and considerations to keep in mind. Break in the new speakers. New speakers typically sound stiff and lack the warmth and responsiveness of broken-in speakers. To break in your new speakers, play the amp at moderate volumes for several hours. This will allow the speaker cones to loosen up and reach their full potential. Experiment with different settings. New speakers can significantly alter your amp's tone, so it's worth experimenting with different settings to find the sweet spots. Adjust the EQ controls, volume, and other settings to dial in your desired tone. Consider speaker placement. The placement of your amp in a room can also affect its sound. Experiment with different positions to find the optimal placement for your amp. Regularly inspect your speakers. Check the speakers for signs of wear or damage, such as tears or cracks in the cone. If you notice any problems, it's best to have the speakers repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While speaker replacement is generally a straightforward process, you might encounter some issues. If the amp sounds distorted or weak, check the speaker wiring to ensure that everything is connected correctly. Incorrect wiring can cause these problems. If one speaker is not working, check the speaker connections and the speaker itself. The speaker might be damaged or the wiring might be loose. If the amp hums or buzzes, there might be a grounding issue. Check the grounding connections in the amp and the speaker wiring. If the speakers sound harsh or brittle, they might not be broken in yet. Give them some time to break in, and the sound should improve. If the problem persists, the speakers might not be the right match for your amp. If you're unsure about any aspect of speaker replacement, it's best to consult with a qualified amp technician. They can diagnose and resolve any issues and ensure that your amp is working properly.
Conclusion
Replacing the speakers in your Fender '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb can be a transformative upgrade, allowing you to tailor the amp's tone to your specific needs and preferences. By understanding the key factors involved in speaker selection and following the step-by-step replacement guide, you can achieve a significant improvement in your amp's sound. Remember to prioritize safety by unplugging the amp before working on it and handle the speakers with care. With the right speakers and a little effort, you can unlock the full potential of your '68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb and enjoy a world of new tonal possibilities. Choosing the right speakers involves considering your tonal goals, researching different brands and models, and matching the speakers to your amp's power. Following the steps outlined in this guide will ensure a smooth and successful speaker replacement, allowing you to enjoy the enhanced tone and performance of your upgraded amplifier. Whether you're seeking a warmer, brighter, more aggressive, or more balanced tone, the possibilities are vast, and the results can be truly rewarding.
