This power-packed pre-CBS 1964 Princeton Reverb just rolled into the shop and has quickly earned the top spot as the best sounding black panel PR to find its way to us. Sounds like a bit of the old fashioned salesman hype, but with a few staffers who own 60s Princeton Reverbs making the claim, this one's about as bonafide as it gets.

Paired up with a well broken-in Weber Signature 10 Alnico speaker, there's a surprising amount of low end and dynamic range. It almost feels like a baby Deluxe Reverb in that regard, without compromising the sweeter, warmer overall tonality of a PR. The Reverb is especially impressive; it's got the classic 60s Fender bounce but there's an overall smoothness to the decay that makes it sound more lush and dimensional than we're used to hearing in these shorter pans.

And the breakup?!?! Watch out! While BFPRs aren't known much for having a particularly satisfying crunch tone (especially when compared to earlier Fenders), this one's got more low-mid character that feels much more balanced without being too raspy in the top end. Paired up with a tele and pushed to 6-8 on the volume, you've got some instant Americana and Roots Rock tones available.

The amp was recently serviced by our favorite local amp doctor, Stan Day, which included a recap and replacement of the 12AT7.

A truly great vintage Princeton Reverb is one of the most complete and versatile combos in existence, and this amp couldn't be more proof of that.