™
FENDER® PROFESSIONAL TUBE AMPLIFIERS
VIBRO-KING® INTRODUCTION
ALL TUBE PREAMP AND POWERAMP
GENERATE THAT TONE AS ONLY
TUBES CAN
Congratulations on your purchase of a Fender®
Vibro-King Professional Tube Amplifier. The Vibro-
King is a single channel all tube combo amplifier built
entirely using point to point wiring. Moreover, each
Vibro-King amplifier is individually hand-crafted from
the finest components available and assembled at
the Fender Amplifier Custom Shop in Corona,
California, USA.
MAGNETIC INTERFERENCE REDUCING
CHASSIS ELIMINATES UNWANTED NOISE
AND RADIO INTERFERENCE
FENDER
SPECIAL
DESIGN
HIGH
PERFORMANCE SPEAKERS
The All-Tube Vibro-King features 3 Reissue “Blue
Frame” 10" speakers with Alnico Magnets speakers
and is rated at 60 Watts R.M.S. into 2Ω. Furthermore,
the Dwell, Mix and Tone knobs control the all-tube
reverb allowing a “custom” designed reverb tone. Still,
the footswitch offers the ability to remotely switch on
and off both the Vibrato and Fat features. With the
built-in effects loop, adding an external signal
processor is a snap.
ROAD-WORTHY
COMPONENTS,
AND
CAPABLE
MUSICAL
OF
HANDLING THE MOST DEMANDING
PERFORMANCE SITUATIONS
CONSTRUCTED
FROM
HAND-
SELECTED WOODS,
RUGGED CORNER JOINERY FOR
ENDURING RELIABILITY
EMPLOYING
Designed for the most discriminating of guitarists, the
Vibro-King produces tones ranging from the crystal
clean to a smooth yet smooth overdriven crunch.
Couple the Vibro-King with the optional Vibro-King
212 Enclosure and you have an amplifier that is
undoubtedly The King of Tone.
COVERED IN GENUINE TOLEX® FOR
LONG LIFE AND LASTING GOOD LOOKS
In order to thoroughly understand the operation,
features and functions of your Fender® Vibro-King®
Professional Tube Amplifier, please read and refer as
needed to this operation manual. By doing so, your
amplifier is sure to provide you with years of trouble-
free music making and maximum playing enjoyment.
FRONT PANEL FUNCTIONS
A. INPUT 1 - Plug your guitar in here.
D. MIX - Adjusts the “wet / dry” ratio of the Reverb.
Lower settings produce a “drier” guitar sound with
B. INPUT 2 - A lower impedance and sensitivity input less Reverb. A higher setting will produce a “wetter”
than input 1, useful for guitars with active pickups. or heavier Reverb signal in the mix.
NOTE: Input 2 may also be used for chaining multiple
amps together. With your guitar plugged into input 1, E. TONE - Adjusts the overall tonal characteristics
insert a cord in the number 2 input and connect the of the Reverb. Lower settings produce a darker
other end of the cord to another amplifier. The Reverb sound while higher settings produce a much
number 2 input now acts as a Y jack sending the brighter sound.
guitar’s input signal to another amplifier.
F. FAT - In the up position, this switch boosts the gain
C. DWELL - Adjusts the amount of Reverb sustain. of the preamp in a frequency range best suited for an
Lower settings create a “choked” or gated effect, electric guitar. This results in an overdriven or “fatter”
while higher settings produce a bouncy or saturated sound at lower volumes.
(water dripping in a cave) effect.
G. VOLUME - Adjust the overall volume of the Vibro-
King Amplifier.
H. TREBLE - Adjusts the level of high frequencies of K. SPEED - Adjusts the speed of the Vibro-King’s
your Vibro-King. NOTE: Like many vintage amplifiers, Vibrato feature. Turning this knob clockwise
all tone controls are pre-distortion and adjusting increases the speed of Vibrato oscillation.
them determines how the amplifier will overdrive.
L. INTENSITY - Adjusts the level of signal
I. BASS - Adjusts the level of low frequencies of your modulation of the Vibro-King’s Vibrato feature.
Vibro-King. Performance Tip: When overdriven, the Turning this knob completely counter-clockwise turns
tube power amp enhances bass frequencies. It may the Vibrato feature off. The Vibrato feature can also
be necessary to use lower bass settings when be turned off via the footswitch.
playing at high volume settings.
M. PILOT JEWEL - Illuminates when the Vibro-King
J. MID - Adjusts the level of the mid-frequencies of is receiving power. Should this bulb burn out, turn off
your Vibro-King.
and unplug the amplifier, unscrew the pilot jewel and
replace the lamp with a type T47 bulb.
REAR PANEL FUNCTIONS
A. LINE CORD - The Vibro-King is equipped with a F. EXTERNAL SPEAKER JACK - Plug-in connection
grounding type supply cord to reduce the possibility for an external speaker enclosure. This jack is wired
of shock hazard. Be sure to connect it to a grounded in parallel with the main speaker jack and must ONLY
AC receptacle. DO NOT ALTER THE AC PLUG.
be used in conjunction with the main speaker jack. If
this jack is used without the main speaker jack, no
B. FUSE - The fuse is in the AC supply of the sound will be produced. The external speaker jack
amplifier and will help to protect the amplifier in the should be used with the 4Ω Vibro-King 212 speaker
event of an electrical fault or tube failure. If a fuse enclosure. Under this configuration, the resulting
blows, replace it only with one of the same type and speaker load will be optimum for full power.
rating. (Refer to the specification page to determine
the correct fuse type and rating for your amplifier). G. FOOTSWITCH (INCLUDED) - Plug-in connection
NEVER use a fuse with a higher current rating as for the footswitch. The footswitch allows the remote
this could damage the equipment and present a On / Off selection of the FAT and VIBRATO features.
serious safety hazard. If the amplifier repeatedly Using the footswitch overrides the front panel FAT
blows fuses, it should be taken to an authorized select switch .
Fender service center.
H. EFFECTS RETURN - This
C. POWER SWITCH - Turns the AC power ON and 1/4 inch, unbalanced, TS, input
OFF. When the amplifier is in the OFF position, the jack is designed to accept signal
amplifier is completely shut down.
from an external processing
device, such as a digital delay or
D. STANDBY SWITCH - When the power switch a chorus unit.
and this switch are ON, your Vibro-King is ready to
perform. In the STANDBY position, power is I. EFFECTS SEND - This 1/4
supplied ONLY to the tube filaments and sound will inch, unbalanced, TS, output
NOT come out of the amp. Using the STANDBY jack is designed to feed an
SWITCH during short breaks eliminates tube warm- external
signal
processing
up time and will increase tube life.
device, such as a digital delay or
a chorus unit.
E. MAIN SPEAKER JACK - This is the main plug-in
connection to the speakers and must always be used
as their primary connection.
TUBE REPLACEMENT
TROUBLESHOOTER’S CHECKLIST
If the amp is set up but does not
function, check the following items:
Tube life varies depending upon
playing style and application with
power tubes having a much shorter
life than pre-amp tubes which can last
for years. For continued optimum
performance from your amplifier, the
tubes should ONLY be replaced with the same type
tubes as specified on the tube location label inside
the cabinet.
• Is the amp power cord properly
plugged into an electrical outlet?
• Is there power to the outlet?
• Is the fuse blown?
• Is the speaker(s) properly connected to the
amplifier?
• Is the amp on standby?
• Are the amplifier VOLUME, TREBLE, MID and
BASS controls above 0?
• Is the instrument volume control turned up?
• Is the instrument plugged into the amplifier?
A simple way to check if the tubes are worn is to
replace the set in your amp with your spare set. (You
do carry spare tubes and fuses, don't you?)
When changing the tubes, ALWAYS unplug the
amplifier and remember THE TUBES ARE HOT!
Either wait for the tubes to cool or use an insulated
oven mitt to remove them from your amplifier.
(Eliminate any effects pedals and try another
guitar cord.)
Check under all tube covers to see if the tube
filaments are glowing.
• First, replace the OUTPUT tubes in the amplifier
and listen.
If, after checking all of the above, your amplifier is not
performing correctly, consult your nearest authorized
Fender service center.
• Next, re-insert the original output tubes. Replace
the PRE-AMP tubes and listen.
• Finally, try replacing both the OUTPUT and PRE-
AMP tubes and listen.
COVERING CARE
If there is a marked improvement in the tone of your
amp at any point in this procedure, leave the new
tubes in your amp and purchase another spare set.
Your Vibro-King is covered in genuine
Tolex for long life and lasting good
looks. To clean the Tolex covering,
use a sponge and a light soapy water
solution. Avoid spilling liquids on the
operating surfaces, grill, volume and
tone controls, switches and speakers. ALWAYS
unplug your amplifier before cleaning or approaching
it with fluids.
Your Vibro-King's tube compliment consists of:
• Two 5881 Tubes (part #099-5090-000),
• Five 12AX7A Tubes (part #099-5091-000),
• One Special Design 6V6 Tube (part #099-5093-000).
SPECIFICATIONS
TYPE
CSR 4
PART NUMBER
081-1070 (100V)
081-1000 (120V)
081-1040 (230V)
081-1030 (240V)
POWER
REQUIREMENTS
100V AC, 50/60 Hz 195W
120V AC, 60 Hz, 195W
230V AC, 50 Hz, 195W
240V AC, 50 Hz, 195W
POWER OUTPUT
60W into 2Ω
INPUT IMPEDANCE
INPUT 1: 1 MΩ
INPUT 2: 136 kΩ
TUBES
FUSE
Four (4) 12AX7A Tubes
Two (2) 5881/6L6 Tubes
One (1) 6V6 Tube
3A 250V fuse for
100V and 120V versions
1.6A 250V fuse for
230V and 240V versions
SPEAKER
Three (3) 8Ω Reissue “Blue Frame”
10" speakers with Alnico Magnets (P/N 037617)
FOOTSWITCH
2 Button Footswitch, Controls
Fat and Vibrato Select
(P/N 041273)
DIMENSIONS
WEIGHT
Height:
Width:
Depth:
25.5 in 64.8 cm
24.75 in 62.9 cm
10.5 in 26.7 cm
72 lbs
32.7 kg
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
WARNING:
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE, REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY. Service by persons other than Fender
authorized service technicians may void the warranty.
THIS UNIT MUST BE EARTH GROUNDED.
A Product of:
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
Corona, CA 91720 USA
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