1968 Fender Deluxe Reverb: The First of the Silver Panel Era

Why the 1968 Deluxe Reverb Matters

The 1968 Fender Deluxe Reverb represents a pivotal moment in amplifier history—the final year of the coveted silver panel era before Fender transitioned to the aluminum-trimmed "silverface" cosmetics in 1969. These amplifiers were built during Leo Fender's last influence on the company before CBS fully implemented their cost-cutting measures, making 1968 models among the most sought-after vintage Fender amplifiers by collectors and professional musicians alike.

What makes 1968 special:

• Last year of the classic silver control panel with black faceplate

• Peak era of hand-wired construction with premium components

• Original Oxford 12K5 speakers still standard equipment

• Tube rectification with GZ34 rectifier tube for natural compression

• Premium transformers built to Leo Fender's original specifications

• The sweet spot between early blackface complexity and later silverface simplicity

Historical Context

In 1968, Fender was in transition. CBS had acquired the company in 1965, but Leo Fender's design influence was still strongly felt in the manufacturing process. The Deluxe Reverb had been introduced in 1963 as part of the revolutionary blackface series, and by 1968, the design had been refined to perfection through five years of continuous improvement.

The 1968 production year saw Fender still using premium components that would later be cost-reduced: cloth-covered wire, large transformers, and hand-selected tubes. Factory workers still took pride in hand-wiring each amplifier, a practice that would gradually give way to printed circuit boards in the early 1970s.

Notable artists using Deluxe Reverbs during this period included blues legends like Albert King and rock pioneers like Robbie Krieger of The Doors. The amp's 22-watt output provided the perfect balance of clean headroom and natural tube overdrive that defined the sound of late-1960s American music.

Detailed Identification Guide

Serial Numbers and Dating

1968 Deluxe Reverb amplifiers typically have serial numbers in the A20000-A35000 range, stamped on the tube chart inside the chassis. However, the most reliable dating method involves checking transformer codes and tube dates.

Transformer Codes

1968 models typically feature:

• Power transformer: 606-8-XX (where XX represents the week of 1968)

• Output transformer: 606-1-XX format

• Reverb transformer: 8014 or 8015 part numbers

Tube Chart and Components

• Tube chart: Should show "AA864" circuit designation

• Original tubes: Typically shipped with RCA, GE, or Sylvania tubes dated 1967-1968

• Capacitors: Blue Astron or Sprague "Atom" electrolytics

• Resistors: Allen-Bradley carbon composition throughout

Visual Identifiers

1. Control Panel: Silver anodized aluminum with black printing

2. Knobs: Black "radio" knobs with silver caps (6 total)

3. Pilot Light: Jeweled red pilot light

4. Tolex: Black tolex with silver grille cloth

5. Logo: "Fender" script logo in upper right corner of grille

6. Speakers: Oxford 12K5-6 with "465-XXX" date codes

Detailed Physical Specifications

Electronics

• Power Output: 22 watts RMS

• Tubes: 2 x 6V6GT power tubes, 3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes, 1 x 12AT7 reverb driver, 1 x GZ34 rectifier

• Controls: Volume, Treble, Bass (Normal channel); Volume, Treble, Bass, Reverb, Speed, Intensity (Vibrato channel)

• Inputs: Two inputs each for Normal and Vibrato channels

• Speaker: Single 12" Oxford 12K5 (8 ohms)

Physical Dimensions

• Weight: Approximately 43-45 lbs (head and cabinet)

• Dimensions: 24" W x 20" H x 9.5" D

• Cabinet: Pine construction with finger-jointed corners

• Chassis: Steel with cadmium plating

Original Accessories

• Footswitch: Fender 2-button footswitch for reverb and vibrato

• Cover: Black vinyl with Fender logo

• Warranty card: Often found tucked behind the chassis

Tonal Characteristics

The 1968 Deluxe Reverb represents the pinnacle of Fender's "blackface" tone, offering:

Clean Tones: Crystalline clarity with tight bass response and sparkling highs. The GZ34 tube rectifier provides natural compression that makes clean tones feel more "played-in" than solid-state rectification.

Overdrive Character: When pushed, the 6V6 power tubes deliver sweet, singing sustain with musical compression. The relatively low 22-watt output allows players to achieve natural power tube saturation at manageable volumes.

Reverb Quality: The long-spring reverb tank produces the classic "surf" reverb sound that became synonymous with 1960s American music. The reverb circuit uses a dedicated 12AT7 tube for optimal signal integrity.

Vibrato Effect: The authentic tremolo circuit (Fender called it "vibrato") provides smooth amplitude modulation that can range from subtle shimmer to pronounced throb.

Common Issues & Modifications

When evaluating a 1968 Deluxe Reverb, watch for:

Common Problems

1. Electrolytic Capacitor Failure: Original filter caps often need replacement after 55+ years

2. Reverb Tank Issues: Springs can break or develop unwanted noise

3. Tube Socket Wear: Repeated tube changes can loosen socket connections

4. Pilot Light Failure: Original jeweled lights are fragile and often replaced

5. Control Cleaning: Dirty potentiometers cause crackling and dropouts

Typical Modifications

• Three-prong power cord: Safety upgrade that doesn't affect tone or value

• Bias adjustment pot: Allows for tube biasing optimization

• Modern filter capacitors: Necessary for reliability but should use period-appropriate brands

• Speaker upgrades: Jensen, Eminence, or Celestion speakers often replace worn Oxfords

Red Flags

• Circuit board modifications: Any printed circuit board additions significantly reduce value

• Master volume additions: Period-incorrect modifications that affect originality

• Incorrect transformers: Non-original transformers dramatically impact both tone and value

• Silverface conversion: Some amps have been converted to silverface cosmetics

Why Players and Collectors Value 1968 Deluxe Reverbs

For Players

• Perfect gigging volume: 22 watts provides excellent headroom for small to medium venues

• Versatile platform: Excellent foundation for pedals while maintaining tube warmth

• Recording favorite: The amp's balanced frequency response makes it ideal for studio work

• Reliability: Well-maintained examples remain dependable workhorses

For Collectors

• Historical significance: Last year of the silver panel era represents the end of an era

• Tonal benchmark: Many consider 1968 the peak year for Deluxe Reverb tone

• Investment potential: Consistent appreciation over the past decade

• Relative rarity: Far fewer survive than later silverface models

Selling Your 1968 Deluxe Reverb

If you own a 1968 Deluxe Reverb (or any vintage Fender amplifier), Edgewater Guitars offers:

• Premium Valuations: We understand that vintage amps require specialized knowledge and consistently pay 30-40% more than typical music stores

• Amplifier Expertise: Our team includes specialists who understand transformer codes, original components, and period-correct modifications

• Free Authentication: We can help verify originality and assess the impact of any modifications on value

• Immediate Payment: No consignment periods or waiting for buyers

• Secure Transactions: We handle high-value vintage amplifiers with appropriate care and discretion

Ready to sell your vintage Fender amplifier? Get your free valuation today or call us directly at (440) 219-3607.

Authentication Resources

Need help identifying your vintage Fender amplifier? Our free resources include:

• Fender Amplifier Serial Number Database

• Transformer Code Dating Guide

• Original vs. Replacement Parts Identification

• Vintage Fender Speaker Dating Guide

  
  

Related Vintage Fender Amplifiers

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• [1965 Fender Twin Reverb: The Ultimate Clean Machine]

• [1964 Fender Vibroverb: The Collector's Choice]

• [1963 Fender Tremolux: Pre-Reverb Perfection]

• [How to Sell Your Vintage Amplifier for Maximum Value]

Edgewater Guitars specializes in purchasing premium vintage amplifiers throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia. We travel to you for high-value vintage amps like 1968 Deluxe Reverbs. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation valuation.

Our vintage amplifier specialists have decades of combined experience in authentication, restoration, and valuation of classic Fender, Marshall, and Vox amplifiers. When you're ready to sell, trust the experts who understand both the music and the market.