I also replaced the V6 12AX7A with a 12AT7, but went one step further that really brought this amp alive on both channels. I replaced the speaker with an Eminence TT-15. This amp is Fender Heaven now. Channel two (the Guitar) channel, sounds every bit like a really good Fender Twin now. Very punchy, clean and no coloring. It’s very even all the way across all strings now. I really didn’t think this amp could be improved on this much…what a huge surprise. My Telecasters sound unbelievably great thru this amp. I highly recommend this speaker change/upgrade if you want to get the most from this amp.

I replaced the 12AX7A (V6) for a Brimar 12AT7. In doing so, It brought the gain down a bit, but the tonal results for me are outstanding. Channel One (Steel Channel) now sounds very much like a Deluxe Reverb with a hundred watts under the hood. Definitely a must for Telecaster-Country picking. Channel Two (Guitar Channel) has retained most of that “Tweed” feel, but smoother and much more articulate. I didn’t think this amp could ever be improved on, but this change is very much to my liking.

I prefer the Steel channel for at home and studio use. Not as much gain on this channel, and very much Fender Twin Reverb-like tone and feel on this one. The guitar channel has LOTS more gain. It’s still Fendery sounding, but more “Tweedish’ to my old ears. I use this channel more for live playing when I need more loud, clean sounds without having to push the amp much. My ’52 AVRI Tele sounds best thru this channel, while my ’92 AM-Std loaded with Texas Specials sounds better to my ears on the Steel channel. It’s definitely like owning two amps in one. Bruce Z was absolutely correct in his equation regarding what this amp is and isn’t. I’m the guy who wrote to him about this amp years ago.

Pete, I love both channels but I personally go into the “Steel” channel more for the sweeter glassier tones. The “Guitar” channel is a bit browner/tweedier sounding to my ears. You can even jumper both channels like you would on a 4-input Marshall or tweed Bassman – both channels are “in-phase” of each other unlike most Fender reverb amps. I occasionally do this and it gets real thick and meaty. But I still prefer going into the “Steel” channel by itself most of the time. You could have a tech modify the “Guitar” channel for more versatility. For example, I had a tech change the slope resistor on that channel from the stock 100K value to 56K for a darker and warmer Marshally voice. You could even go as low as 33K for more warmth, but the 56K sounded the best to my ears. Another option is changing out the “Middle” control pot from the stock 10K value to a 25K value. You still can get the original range of the original pot, but then you gain more mids/fat if you want it. The possibilities are abundant. It really is like having 2 amps in 1.

I just have a question for all you Custom Vibrasonic owners out there: When using a Tele, what is your preferred channel and EQ settings on this amp? I realize the “GUITAR” channel adds some additional midrange, but I’d like to hear what works for you guys in a country band setup, (especially in a recording scenario). I just acquired this amp, and it aleady has a ton of miles already on it in 2022, and I’m already favoring the “STEEL” channel….it’s a little sweeter, no matter what instrument I have plugged-in (whether lapsteel or guitar).