I have the same amp that was made right before yours was made. SN# AB009075!

I recently acquired a Custom Vibralux Reverb-amp in a trade. It does say Made in USA on the front black panel and has the white knobs. I appreciate all the comments above about the specific mods that have been made to what already appears to me to be a pretty nice amp. The reverb is not working right now but what I’m really intrested in finding out is how to date this thing. The serial # is AB009076…

It’s noisy because both channels share reverb and tremolo. The secret known to most experienced players of brown/black/silver face amps is to pull the V1 tube, so voltage only goes to the second channel. Bruce Zinky designed this amp to have one or the other channel manually disconnected by the user. Those who know, know.

I owned a Custom Vibrolux reverb. Bought it on e-bay and was highly surprised @ how noisy it was. Had the Fromel Supreme installed and it is one of the finest amps I’ve ever owned. I have always wondered why Fender let this amp out until they figured out how to make it right.

I bought mine used in 2008 or so at Parkway Music in Clifton Park, NY to use for recording. My only worry when I bought it was that it was a bit noisy. The owner switched out the 12AX7 in the #1 spot for a 12AT7 and that fixed it for me. Nice and quiet. As far as Blackface/Brownface; I’ve owned at least 7 Blackface Vibrolux Reverbs since 1968 and I am super happy with my CVR. I DO use a Fender Princeton Recording amp for recording now. It is the BEST!!