Retro ’64 (1st Edition Jan. ’25. Reserve via Inquiry form)

Details

The Retro ’64 is a circuit that is based on a Princeton Reverb – the compact, iconic tube amplifier known for its unique blend of simplicity, rich tone, and portability. The Retro ’64 features upgrades and modifications that enhance its tone, extend its lifespan, and reduce noise.
Initially released in 1964, the Princeton quickly became beloved by both studio musicians and players on smaller stages, offering an appealing combination of clean, sparkling tones and a smooth, organic overdrive when pushed.
The Princeton is famous for its use by many legendary musicians, including Duane Allman, who reportedly used it for his slide guitar parts on Derek and the Dominos’ “Layla.” Its iconic tone is also heard in several Steely Dan guitar solos, cementing its place in music history.

The Retro ’64 captures the original vibe and more!  See Specifications for full a list of enhancements.

I recently had the chance to test out the Retro '64. "It captured the magic and soul of your favorite small amplifier. With built-in Reverb and Tremolo, this compact powerhouse is perfect for recording sessions and small gigs. Its manageable volume and overdrive control offer versatility, while maintaining the warmth and sparkle you expect from a great tube amp—despite its small size."
"I want one!"

Features

The amp is powered by two 6V6 tubes, producing about 12 watts. This lower wattage gives it a distinctive sound, especially when cranked. The Retro ’64 has a smaller, more intimate presence compared to larger Fender amps like the Deluxe Reverb (which produces 22 watts). We have added components to the power section to lengthen the life of the tubes, deal with heavy overdrive and sweeten the overdrive tone.
Supporting the power section, the Power and Output transformer sizes have been increased to improve reliability and tone. A larger output transformer will deliver better low frequency sound and hold together better under overdrive conditions.
It is normally equipped with a 10-inch speaker which, contributes to a chimey, clear high-end and a punchy midrange with tight, responsive bass.

The Retro ’64 control layout includes Volume, Bass, Treble, Reverb, Speed, and Intensity.
It also has a footswitch that allows you to toggle the reverb and tremolo effects on and off.
The tone stack is relatively simple, just Bass and Treble making it a great amp for players who want to find their ideal tone quickly.

Reverb and Tremolo are key to the character of the Retro ’64 . The reverb is lush and warm, while the tremolo is based on bias wiggle, capable of deeper, more pronounced modulation compared to the optical tremolo used in other Fender amps.
The Reverb circuit in the Retro ’64 is one of the key features that gives it its signature sound. The circuit uses a classic long 2-spring reverb tank design, providing lush, warm, and musical reverb that’s both subtle and expressive. The sound is iconic for its smooth, natural feel that has been a hallmark of Fender amps for decades. Circuitry has been added to reduce or eliminate nasty blocking distortion at high volume levels.
The Tremolo on the Retro ’64 and the Princeton Reverb is highly regarded for its depth and intensity. The amp’s bias-based tremolo (which works by altering the power tube’s bias) creates a more dramatic effect compared to the optical tremolo found in other Fender amps. When dialed in, it provides a rich, throbbing modulation, making the amp excellent for classic surf rock, blues, and rockabilly tones. The Retro ’64 Tremolo speed is slower than a stock Princeton making it more useable.
With a small 9 1/2″x16″x20″ cabinet, the Retro ’64 weighs only 27.5 lbs, making it highly portable. It is easy to carry along with a guitar case, making it ideal for practice or studio work. The cabinet is made of pine and the chassis is aluminum both of which reduce weight

The Tone of the Retro ’64 is generally clean and clear at lower volumes, with a smooth, slightly scooped midrange (typical of Fender amps). As you increase the volume, it begins to break up, producing a slightly “browner” tone with more distortion in the lower frequencies. This contrasts with amps like the Deluxe Reverb, which stays cleaner at higher volumes due to its larger output.

Just like the original Princeton, the Retro ’64 Phase Inverter uses only half of a 12AX7 tube, which is a design choice that results in more phase inverter distortion. This contributes to its distinct, gritty sound when pushed hard. Circuitry added to this stage, mellows the phase inverter’s overdrive behavior by preventing nasty sounding double frequency blocking distortion.

The Retro ’64 hand-wired amp stands out due to its affordable price, compact size, and iconic tone that ranges from Fender clean, chimey highs to creamy overdrive. With its built-in reverb and tremolo, it’s a fantastic amp for players seeking a classic American Fender sound with a small footprint. While it may not offer the headroom of larger Fender amps, its natural breakup, ability to take pedals beautifully, coupled with many component improvements, it is a versatile and sought-after amp for a wide range of musical styles.

Specifications