Why Does the Vibrato Ch on Fender amps sound better

[nicksorenson]

Hi there,
I have a simple question. Probably a super simple answer but I don't know it so I'm asking...

all Black and silver fenders sound better through the vibrato channel. Why?

Thanks,
Nick

[stokes]

To use the BF and SF Twin as an example,if you look at the preamp the vibrato channel has an extra 1/2 12AX7 gain stage,even when the reverb or vibrato are not in use.

[nicksorenson]

To use the BF and SF Twin as an example,if you look at the preamp the vibrato channel has an extra 1/2 12AX7 gain stage,even when the reverb or vibrato are not in use.

So more gain = better and clearer sound?

[Tom Phillips]

So more gain = better and clearer sound?

Not always. In the Fender case the higher gain “vibrato” channel produces the sound and response that more (most) people like. I’d say it is “better” but not necessarily “clearer”. However, there are limits to everything. If “more gain = better and clearer sound” then everyone would want one of the available amps with insane gain.
Regards,
Tom

[stokes]

Like Tom says,most people prefer the "sound and response" of the extra gain stage.When pushed,the extra gain stage can distort more easily,but that is not always what you may want.To me the extra distortion is not necessarilly the most desireable aspect of the extra gain stage,but with the extra stage you get a better response when it is played"clean".It is more touch sensitive and has better overall dynamics,and much fuller sounding than the "normal" channel of these amps.When you are looking for a more distorted sound the extra stage will accomplish this better than the normal channel as well,so with the vibrato channel you sort of get the best of both.

[chipaudette]

Might have bright cap, too

On my 65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue, the "vibrato" channel also has a bright cap across the volume knob. The "normal" channel doesn't. Therefore, the vibrato channel will have more crispness to one's strumming.

If the amps you've played have a similar difference between the normal and vibrato channels, it might be the cause.

Chip