Fender Deluxe Reverb or Princeton?

**Gitfiddler** · 01-04-2026, 08:04 PM

Another option for anyone considering a Princeton Reverb or Deluxe Reverb is the mid-80's Rivera-era Princeton Reverb II.
It's a true hand-wired, point-to-point amp that is fantastic for jazz, has 20-22 watts, 12" speaker and a very dynamic EQ range. It weighs much less than a Deluxe Reverb, but can keep up with them at gig volume levels.

Current prices are rising but still fairly reasonable.

Over the years I've owned two of these rigs, and still have one with the optional Fender-branded EV12 speaker. Its clean sounds come close to a Deluxe Reverb, but lacking the 'sag' since PRII's have a solid state rectifier.

Here's a site dedicated to PRII amps:

FAQ for Princeton Reverb II

**Freddels** · 01-09-2026, 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by joebloggs13

I just took delivery of a Louis Electric Columbia Reverb, which is Lou's take on a vintage blackface Princeton circuit. There are differences though. The biggest being that it has a Mids control, which is fantastic. It's also got a 12" speaker and is 18 watts with 6v6s. It can take 6L6s, which would give you 28 watts. I think mine is plenty loud for most situations with the 6v6 set. It is such a great sounding amp for jazz. A more powerful vintage sounding Princeton with a Mid control...win win.

I also have a Louis Electric Columbia. In addition to what was listed, it's also under 30lbs.