Gomez G-Spring features an Accutronics 4AB3C1B 2-spring reverb pan, a 12AT7WC NOS JAN Philips miniature tube for preamp, a NOS RCA 6K6GT power tube for reverb driver and an ECC83S JJ/Tesla miniature tube for reverb recovery.
On Fender Vibro King, V1A (12AX7) serves as a preamp for theReverb Drive, or Dwell control. The Dwell control feeds V3 (6V6GTA), a small power tube which drives the Reverb. V2B (12AX7) amplifies the Reverb return. It has a 4AB3C1B 4-SPRING reverb pan.
I had always heard that the Vibro King’s ’63 Fender Reverb didn’t actually sound too similar to a real outboard tank. But I had no idea how big of a difference it was until I had both on hand!
So here’s a comparison of the Vibro King’s onboard reverb against a Gomez G-Spring, one of the best Fender-style outboard reverbs money can buy!
Random noodling and settings were just off the top of my head. And the video quality isn’t too great, but it’s better than nothing, right?
Given I had never played an outboard reverb, I thought the onboard reverb sounded outstanding. I almost regretted that I had made an order for a Gomez G-Spring just prior to getting the VK. That is, until the G-Spring showed up. I can’t speak for every outboard unit, but the G-Spring just blew it away.
I did a quick video demo back then to show the comparison. Believe it or not, the difference between the two was much greater in person. The VK didn’t last very long with me after that.