Fender Princeton Reverb vs Deluxe Reverb – Battle of Tube Amps!

Specifications

The Princeton Reverb and the Deluxe Reverb are fairly similar in terms of specifications. Both use the same 6V6 valves and Jensen speakers. The Deluxe just has a 12” speaker and the Princeton a 10” (although some exclusive models such as this one has a 12″ speaker).

Both amps also have two-band EQs, Reverb, and Vibrato. They are even about the same size with the Deluxe just being slightly taller and a bit wider.

The two biggest differences between the amps are in their power and features. The Deluxe Reverb is a 22-watt amp while the Princeton Reverb is almost half of that at only 12-watt.

The Deluxe also has two channels – a normal and a vibrato while the Princeton is only a single channel amp. Both amps have two instrument inputs.

Tone

Because both amps use the same valves and speakers, they have a very similar sound.

Both amps have a very crisp and clean tone. The Princeton is a bit brighter and twangier than the Deluxe. The Deluxe has an overall fuller tone and is a bit warmer than the Princeton.

The difference in clean tone is subtle but substantial enough to be noticeable. That difference does become more apparent when you start to drive the amps.

The Princeton Reverb maintains its crisp tone when overdriven. It is a very clean overdrive with only lower notes distorting slightly.

The Deluxe Reverb, on the other hand, has a much more prominent overdrive. It is much dirtier than the overdrive on the Princeton and even a bit chunky.

Adding reverb and vibrato is where the differences in tone go back to being subtle. Both amps have excellent sounding effects, but the Deluxe’s effects do feel a bit more vibrant.

I think that is just because of the dedicated vibrato channel on the Deluxe. The amp is able to process effects a bit better, giving it a more lively sound.

Both amps handle pedals very well, however. This allows you to add whatever effects you want to your sound without losing any of the quality.

The Deluxe still does handle overdrive and distortion better, so I would not try to add too much of it to the Princeton.

Uses

Both amps are great as either simple practice amps, as a part of your gigging rig, or even for doing some studio work.

Both amps are powerful enough to let you comfortably practice with them without disturbing your neighbors or even housemates. The two instrument inputs also make both amps great for jam sessions with a friend.

For gigging, the Princeton is going to be limited to smaller venues and bars because of its lower output. The Deluxe will have an easier time in larger venues. Both amps have external speaker outputs at the back. So, if you have the budget for it, you can connect them to large cabinets and use them in bigger venues.

I would suggest placing them on angled amp stands no matter what. This is just to ensure that their sound is aimed at your ears and not your ankles since they’re not that high-powered.

Both these amps have been used on countless records over the decades. You can comfortably take either one of them into a studio and know that you’ll be getting an excellent quality recording every time.

Because the Princeton Reverb doesn’t handle overdrive and distortion as well as the Deluxe Reverb, it is a bit more limited in the types of music it can be used for. It is a versatile amp that can do a wide range of styles, but the Deluxe is certainly better suited when it comes to heavier genres like rock and punk.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a classic reverb amp with a clean sound that has been heard on countless records, the Princeton Reverb is the way to go. But if you’re willing to spend a bit more, the Deluxe Reverb packs a stronger punch and can rock out with the best of them.