Fender Super

The Fender Super is a celebrated guitar amplifier with a rich history, known for its warm tones and versatility.

History of the Fender Super

• Origins (1947-1963): The Fender Super was initially introduced in 1947 as the Dual Professional, which featured two 10-inch Jensen speakers and produced 18 watts using two 6L6 tubes. It was renamed the Super later that year. In 1955, the amp's circuit underwent significant changes, switching from 6L6 to 6V6 tubes before reverting back to 6L6 in subsequent models. The 5F4 model introduced in 1958 featured Presence, Bass, and Treble controls, along with separate volume controls for microphone and instrument inputs.
• Evolution: The Super underwent further redesigns in the early 1960s, with the introduction of the 5G4 model featuring a new onboard vibrato circuit and a larger chassis. By mid-1961, the 6G4-A model became prevalent, offering approximately 40 watts of power and retaining its tube rectifier for a unique tonal character. The Super was known for its sweet sound, praised by vintage amp enthusiasts.
• Super Reverb Introduction (1963): In 1963, Fender launched the Super Reverb, which combined the Super's features with built-in reverb and tremolo effects. This model became iconic for its lush sound and versatility, making it a favorite among musicians across genres.
• Silverface Era (1968-1982): The Super Reverb transitioned to a silverface design in 1968 while retaining much of its original circuitry. Although production continued until 1982, many early silverface models still featured blackface circuitry.
• Legacy: The Fender Super and Super Reverb have left an indelible mark on music history, influencing countless guitarists and remaining highly sought after by collectors and players alike.

Popular Settings

• Clean Tones:
  • Volume around 4-5 for warm cleans.
  • Treble set at 6 and Bass at 4 for balanced clarity.
  • Ideal for jazz or country styles.
• Overdriven Tones:
  • Increase Volume to 7-8 for natural tube breakup.
  • Treble around 6-7 with Bass at 3-4 for a rich crunch.
  • Suitable for blues-rock or classic rock tones.
• Magic Six Setting:
  • A popular starting point is the "Magic Six" setting: Volume at 6, Treble at 6, Middle at 3, Bass at 2.
  • This configuration accentuates the amp's tonal characteristics effectively.
• Reverb Settings:
  • For built-in reverb models, set Reverb around 3 for subtle ambiance.
  • Adjust based on personal preference and room acoustics.

Notable Players

• Jimi Hendrix: Hendrix famously used Fender amps throughout his career, including the Super Reverb during live performances to achieve his iconic sound.
• Stevie Ray Vaughan: Vaughan utilized the Super Reverb for its warm clean tones and dynamic response during his legendary performances.
• Eric Clapton: Clapton has been known to use various Fender amps, including the Super Reverb, contributing to his signature blues tone.
• Other Artists: Many musicians across genres have embraced the Super Reverb for its versatility, including jazz guitarists who appreciate its clean headroom and rock players who love its natural overdrive characteristics.

Summary

The Fender Super remains an iconic amplifier celebrated for its rich tonal palette and historical significance in shaping modern music across various genres. Its enduring legacy continues to inspire guitarists seeking classic sounds from a reliable platform.