So, that experiment didn’t’ really work out! Serious lack of bottom end. Presumably due to an impedance mismatch. The Big Ben is 8ohm where the amp wants a 4ohm load. The original speaker is back in for now. I’m considering having a second baffle cut for a 2×12″ configuration. I’ve got a pair of Eminence Canis Major drivers to test out with this set up. I’m guessing this will dish up some fairly standard Twin Reverb type tones. Cheers

Hey everyone, I have been lucky enough to pick up a 96 custom vibrasonic a couple of months ago. Wow! What an amp! It came with a cheap replacement 15″ speaker (qtx) which was really preventing the true tone of the amp from coming through. I disconnected the 15″ speaker & hooked up a 12″ Eminence Canis Major in a closed back cab for a comparison test and the first thing I noticed was a considerable increase in volume. It sounds like a 100 watt amp now with classic Fender clean tone. I have ordered a 15″ Eminence Big Ben to use in the combo and I’m hoping for similar results to the Canis Major. Obviously the tone will differ a little as the Big Ben is ceramic vs the AlNiCo of the Canis and the closed back vs open back factor will undoubtedly play a big part. I will post an update next week after I have installed the Big Ben and had some play time. Cheers

Alexander, I doubt very much that you will be able to get this amp to break up. You’ll need to get yourself a decent distortion pedal for that. I have this same amp. The only complaint I ever had was the stock speaker would “fart” out on me when I pushed it on low notes thru my Tele. So, I found an EVM 15L and put it in the amp. I couldn’t be happier. It’s one of my favorite amps and I do gig with it, I kept the stock speaker to put back in the amp in case I would ever decide to sell it, but I really can’t see that ever happening, as this is an exceptional Fender amp.

I purchased the 1996 Custom Vibrasonic a couple years ago and i love it. My only questioned is how do i get this amp to break up a bit? Being a womping 100 watt amp i don’t think it’s possible. But i would love some feedback – Thanks.

Sorry just seen your comment! I actually traded it for an american pbass for my step son. Killer amp, i never could get the thing to stop crackling, rigjt after i had it biased and tubed it was quiet for a minute than the noise started up again. Had this on the road for 12 years never let me down. Im playing a 72 twin and in 2 days picking up a 64 bandmaster with a showman 2×15 d130 speaker cab. Cant beat the warmth of a hand wired fender amp!