In the pantheon of great amps, there are few that stand the test of time like the Fender Princeton and its signature clean tones. There’s that long, luscious spring reverb that lets players dial in everything from ethereal echoes to cavernous swirls. There’s that recognizable Princeton tremolo, which pulses with pure Fender character through every passage and performance. And then there’s the unmistakable tonal character that only a Princeton can offer; growling lows, shimmering highs and the classic breakup of the 6V6 tubes and 10 in. speaker when pushed to the brink.
The Princeton, in its most classic form, has been revered as a stage and studio must-have, and its presence on the most famous albums and riveting stage shows of all time further substantiates that claim. Clearly, its rich tone and responsiveness have given it an unmistakable voice. Fender’s latest partnership with Custom Guitar’s Friend and Guitar Center, however, proves that even the most perfect amplifier has room for modification.
That updated collaboration—the Fender Limited Edition Princeton 112 Bordeaux Reserve—ups the ante on the tone box that made its way in to the living rooms, studios and stages of Fender lovers. It incorporates one of the most popular Princeton mods—the inclusion of a larger, 12 in. Jensen P12Q speaker—allowing for a fuller frequency response, a perceived volume boost and clearer midrange. The exciting effort is an extension of Princeton legacy that, literally and figuratively, has been simply unheard of outside of the garages and tool benches of gearhounds and mod addicts.
“We wanted to do something different for Fender fans that they haven’t seen or heard before,” said Rick Heins, Fender product development manager for amplifiers. With its stellar combination of new features, striking good looks and improved full-frequency response, the Limited Edition Princeton 112 Bordeaux Reserve delivers on that promise without sacrificing the signature sound of the amp prized and recognized for well more than a half-century.
The relationship between classic Fender amps and Jensen speakers has long existed, and they’ve long been part of the recipe that results in those beloved tones. But true to its namesake, the switch from 10 in. to 12 in. speaker serves up a little something extra for tone chasers—crystal clear wine glass fidelity with plenty of low-end punch and attitude when cranked—a slight differentiation from the tonal quality of the famous Princeton.
The Limited Edition Princeton 112 Bordeaux Reserve is a drool-worthy collectable for the discerning amp enthusiast seeking a cosmetically unique amp as well. Also in line with its moniker, the Bordeaux Reserve features a classy yet understated wine red textured vinyl covering and, paired with traditional wheat-colored grille cloth, offers an air of sophistication that only a Fender Princeton can exude.
The Bordeaux Reserve is available exclusively at select Guitar Center locations as well as Custom GuitarsFriend.com and GuitarCenter.com.
Power: 15 watts (tube) Tubes: 12AX7, 12AT7 (preamp); two 6V6 (power amp) Single channel Two inputs Speaker: 12 Jensen P12Q Controls: volume, dual-band EQ, reverb, speed, intensity Long-spring Fender reverb and tube tremolo (œvibrato) Impedance: 8 ohms 1/4 in. output jack Limited-edition wine red vinyl covering and wheat grille cloth "Limited Edition" FSR badge Fitted cover and two-button footswitch included Cabinet material: birch/pine Dimensions: 19.75 x 16 x 9.5 in. Weight: 34 lb.Order this special amp
SPECIFICATIONSLimited Edition '65 Princeton Reverb 15W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp Bordeaux Reserve
Custom Guitar's Friend Gold Coverage
Gold Coverage goes above and beyond the manufacturer's warranty to protect your gear from unexpected breakdowns, accidental damage from handling and failures. This plan covers your product for one, two, three or up to five years from your date of purchase, costs just pennies per day and gives you a complete "no-worry" solution for protecting your investment.
Gold Coverage Includes:
Unexpected and unintentional spills, drops and cracks Normal wear and tear Power surges Dust, internal heat and humidityOther plan features include:
For products over $200, No Lemon Policy applies. If it fails for the same defect 3 times, it is replaced on the 4th breakdown. (Does not apply to failures due to drops, spills, and cracks) For products under $200 experiencing the above failures, a Custom Guitar's Friend gift card will be issued for the full price of the product + tax. Shipping fees covered if required for repair or replacement Plans are transferable in the event merchandise is sold Plans are renewable on new gear*Limitations and exclusions apply. See terms and conditions for program details
Term for New Gear begins on date of purchase but does not replace the store return policy or manufacturer coverage.
Displaying reviews 1-10
Back to top
PreviousNext »
I've seen a few comments regarding the lack of the standby switch as a "con" for this amp. I just bought one myself online (haven't yet received it so I can't comment on other pros/cons yet, but....) the lack of standby is not a limitation on this amp and here's why: The PRRI uses a GZ34/5AR4 rectifier tube which has a cathode and the heater filament has to heat the cathode. So there is a slow startup of the rectifier in this case and it very gently provides B+ to the rest of the amp as it starts up. So there's no need for a standby, as the nature of this rectifier tube essentially has it built in.Fender Limited Edition '65 Princeton Reverb 15W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp Bordeaux Reserve
.Best FENDER Amp available! There will always be a "Vintage Snob" in every forum, group, review section, etc. Unfortunately not everyone has access or enough money for a vintage amp, nor do they want to take care of the maintenance of an old amp.
I searched every Fender amp in stores both local and online. This amp is the one to get.
Most people don't have any need for a high powered amp. They are too loud for personal use and too loud for small club gigs as well. An amp is not just a PA for your pedals. The amp should be your sound! This amp is great. Push the power tubes, then roll off your volume on your guitar. You get beautiful power tube cleans with great dynamic response, then roll up your guitar volume to achieve pure tube heaven distortion. Not fake pedal distortion through a loud clean amp, actual power tube distortion with all the dynamic response you could want. Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Beach Boys, Eagles, Ventures, etc. All the Fender American Sound goodness at a volume you can use.
The constant arugment is Deluxe vs Princeton. Deluxe is too loud for most people but it has the coveted 12" speaker. Princeton is best volume level at 15 watts but the tone of the 10" is undesirable to many. Now you can have your cake and eat it too! 15 watts and 12" speaker! Awesome.
Fender Reverb and Fender Tremolo (Vibrato) is sweet sounding.
Special wine and wheat covers are gorgeous. Better than boring black and silver anyday.
You won't be disappointed. (and if you just have to use pedals, it makes pedals sound their best).
Fender Limited Edition '65 Princeton Reverb 15W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp Bordeaux Reserve
.I've never owned a Princeton Reverb with a 10 inch speaker. I had the Super Champ XD when it came out and that 10 incher was no fun. Even with replacing it with a Ragin' Cajun the amp sounded small to me...no bottom end. Then I bought a Blues Jr with a 12 inch C Rex, and I thought it was 12 times better. I had looked at the regular Princeton Reverbs and considered getting one, but the 10 inch issue nagged at me and I never could pull the trigger. Then they popped out this little beauty in LTD Ed and I snapped it up. Holy Cow, it is miles above the Blues Jr. It has an Italian-made Jensen speaker. The bass is so incredible. The whole amp can sound as deep as the ocean, with 3D sound overtones. Reverb as cavernous as you could want. Add in a touch of Tremolo and just say WOW! Much, much more clarity than the Blues Jr. (twice the price though!). If you like Fender cleans, THIS is the amp for you! Only gripe is no effects loop.
Fender Limited Edition '65 Princeton Reverb 15W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp Bordeaux Reserve
.I pretty much just play in my home and with friends occasionally, so I am not a professional gigging musician. I was really searching for a simple, classic 15w range amp that wouldn't get the cops called on me from my neighbors every time I wanted to play. For a long time I was using a stock Blues Jr., which for the longest time worked pretty well. However, the reverb wasn't all that great on it and it didn't have great volume control - it was either pretty quiet or super loud. I ended up selling it to a friend and started searching for something possibly better.
I played everything. I live in NYC and there are music store everywhere that stock a huge range of amps. I was willing to spend money, too. After 10's of trips to all the music stores, this amp ended up being the one that I fell in love with over and over when testing against all the others.
The wattage was just right. It has AMAZING clean tones. The 12" speaker upgrade gave it much better low-end response. The reverb is incredible. It has vibrato. It took my overdrive pedal incredibly well. It's pretty small in size. The volume knob actually works. Treble and Bass knobs are very responsive. It can be used as an apartment amp for practicing at low volume, or can be pretty loud and gigable and hold its own next to a drum kit.
Basically, this is the perfect amp at a good price with all of the features I needed and not much more I don't need. It breaks up well around volume 6, which is way too loud for my apartment, so an overdrive pedal was a must. I was comparing it to the a lot of the Supro amps (which someone had reviewed against in a previous post here) and I think this amp is similar in tone, but has reverb - while costing a lot less. So much less, in fact, you could buy a pretty good guitar for the difference.
If you're looking for a good home amp with amazing clean tones that takes pedals really well, this is it. Put's the Hot Rod/Blues Jr. line to complete shame when you listen side by side.
Fender Limited Edition '65 Princeton Reverb 15W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp Bordeaux Reserve
.I purchased this some time ago – when M/F originally made it available with the Bordeaux (wine red) vinyl covering, wheat grille cloth, and 12" speaker.
There have been no mechanical/electrical issues to date. Flawless construction – a real beauty – and it came with a nice fitted vinyl cover (black).
The Princeton has nice tone when pushed, and it does not take much to get there – decent breakup at a relatively low volume.
I would also like to note that this is not my only amp. If I could only have one amp, this would not be it. Let me explain.
Several items of disappointment include (1) lack of a standby switch. At this price point, it should have one. Everyone knows that having and being able to use the standby function extends tube life. That is a fact. I thought this amp had one – never thought to verify its existence before making the purchase. (2) The amp has very little headroom. Clean volume is sparse, and is marginally acceptable. I expected more. (3) In order to use two external speakers – should one be so inclined – you need to have two 16-ohm speakers. This is limiting. Why Fender did not configure the amp with two inputs that would accommodate two 8-ohm speakers is puzzling – other manufactures do so with similar amps. (4) The stock 12" Jensen speaker (8-ohms) is okay – nothing great. For kicks, I unplugged the internal speaker, and plugged in a recent purchase – a Supro Black Magick 1x12 extension speaker cabinet (purchased from M/F). I cannot emphasize the noticeable difference and improvement in tone – much more muscular and ballsy sounding – exhibiting stellar dynamics that the Jensen lacks. The Jensen speaker has a very small magnet – the cylindrical cover is deceiving. I removed it (friction fitting made it rather easy) and discovered its demure size. Compared to the coconut-sized magnet on the Supro speaker, the magnet on the Jensen speaker is the size of a walnut. I mention this as a point of comparison, not criticism.
Fender Limited Edition '65 Princeton Reverb 15W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp Bordeaux Reserve
.
(3 of 4
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
This is an excellent choice if you are looking for the "Classic Fender Sound" in a grab and go package. it has surprisingly good headroom for a 15 watt amp. It is pretty much what I expected as I have owned many Fender amps over the past 50 years. I have used this amp at some smaller gigs and rehearsal spaces. The tone is very pleasent and both the Reverb and Tremolo are excellent.At it's price point, it is quite expensive! It is nice that it includes a cover and footswitch. It takes pedals nicely. I have had no problems in the 4 plus months that I have owned it.
For an amp this expensive, Fender should have engineered in a standby switch to preserve the life of the tubes. For that reason and the high price, I have rated this amp as a 4. Otherwise, it is a 5 for its quality, vibe, and tone
Fender Limited Edition '65 Princeton Reverb 15W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp Bordeaux Reserve
.From the first note, I absolutely loved the sound of this amp. It has such an organic and balanced sound that complements all of my guitars, including PRS, Strats, Gretsch, and especially my Teles. From 4.5 to 6 on the volume, the amp just blooms and comes alive. I am not as fond of the break up once the volume gets much beyond 7. It is perfect for playing at home and recording.
Aesthetically, this amp is just gorgeous. Between the sound and seeing the amp, I am just continuously inspired to play more.
Now to the quality. I played the amp for about two hours when the volume just started to fall off, and then the amp died. I checked the fuse, but it was fine. While doing that I noticed that the power transformer was scorching hot. It was then that I noticed I could smell a burning paint smell, probably from the transformer. I sent the amo back that morning to be replaced. Funny thing is that I had read another's review that had the same experience.
When the replacement came, I immediately turned it on and played it for 4-5 hours to make sure it wasn't going to melt down like the first, all the while monitoring the transformer temperature. It did not take long to get got. I measured the temp using an IR gun. Within an hour, the temp maxed out just above 140 degrees F. Again I could smell that hot paint smell, though I am not certain whether it is coming from the transformer or from the tolex/glue. Anyway, the temperature remains constant at ~140F. For comparison, I compared this side by side with my 1963 Princeton. The 1963 transformer also gets pretty warm, but it doesn't get much above 130F.
I have scoured the internet, and I have been unable to find any widespread problem with these reissue transformers, just my own experience and the other person's review. If my first one hadn't melted down immediately, I may not have been as aware and concerned about the temperature of the present one. I hope the first one was just a fluke.
Fender Limited Edition '65 Princeton Reverb 15W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp Bordeaux Reserve
.
(2 of 2
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
The Princeton arrived in perfect condition. I plugged it in and turned it on, first thing I noticed, it was quiet, no tube hiss. Second thing I noticed was that my guitars had never sounded that good before! Still playing with it and getting to know it, but right out of the box the sound was very satisfying.Fender Limited Edition '65 Princeton Reverb 15W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp Bordeaux Reserve
.I've got EL-84 and 6L6 amps. Both need to be LOUD or have an attenuator in order to drive the tubes into the sweetness of tube harmonics. This amp is the real thing. The 12 inch alnico speaker by Jenson makes the Princeton louder and sassier than the 10 inch. The craftsmanship is impeccable. I know because I gave the amp a thorough going over. The controls are high quality. The amp has very little noise, even with my Teles and Strats. Turn the volume over 4 or 5 and the amp starts to blossom. Much after 7 or 8 and it sounds SO nice. I compared this to the Deluxe, but I didn't need that much power. Anything over 3-4 of the Deluxe was too much for my tastes. If I need more oomph I'll up to my 2x12 cabinet or mic it. I like too that it's not going to throw out my back lugging this around. My only wish: a standby switch. But that's a nit pick. Try it out!
Fender Limited Edition '65 Princeton Reverb 15W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp Bordeaux Reserve
.Excellent amplifier! Seems to be partial to lower output pickups and single coils. This amp has so much more sonic character than any Deluxe reverb or Twin reverb I've ever played. Beautiful finish on the cab and the 12" Jensen tremendously improves this amplifier! This is the perfect amplifier for live use and recordings. Plenty of power, especially if you're mic'ing the amplifier. For me, the "sweet spot" is right around 5. I've recorded with this amp and I've played gigs with it and it sounds excellent! Here in a couple weeks, I'll be performing with three different acts for a couple of *very large* outdoors music festivals, and this will be the only amp I take to the stage. This will also be the only amplifier I take out on multiple tours this year. I don't have any doubts about it's capabilities. On a different note, the sound of this amplifier is just holy. The reverb is so lush and flow-y and the tremolo is infinitely more organic and natural than the tremolos that are produced by the Deluxes and Twins. This is hands down my favorite amplifier for cleans, and it takes drive pedals very well for a Fender Blackface amplifier!
Unfortunately, my amplifier did ship with a bad reverb tube, causing the reverb to fail (literally) within the first hour of play. (Come on Fender, we're dropping 1,300 bones for this amp, everything should work correctly!!) Luckily I had a spare 12ax7 that made for a quick fix. I've had this amp for about four months, and just recently the included footswitch stopped working as well. I understand that these footswitches are cheap little guys, but come on, that was kind of another bummer. Nevertheless, I am smitten with this amplifier and will keep it for the rest of my life!
**For gigs that aren't mic'd, or ask for A LOT of volume, I typically take my 4x10 Deville, because in the end, this little guy is just a (loud) 15w amplifier. On the plus side, this is HANDS DOWN my favorite amp to carry places because it's so lightweight!
Fender Limited Edition '65 Princeton Reverb 15W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp Bordeaux Reserve
.