To start off I have a VOX AC15 H1TV which has no reverb. I was thinking of picking up a reverb pedal until someone I know came up with this for sale.
I guess I am looking for opinions of this unit as well as any suggestions you may have. Overkill maybe or is can you dial it in to have subtle reverb?
Thanks!
p.s. Proteus (aka the Godfather) your opinions, reviews, analysis and information is much appreciated by me!!!
My advice, if you got the money go with either a vintage or a handwired clone. Gomez, Marsh ETC.
I have owned all and really can't say enough about Dario Gomez and here is a link:
http://www.gomezamps.com/g-spring.html
I live and die by a tank over a pedal. YOu will too when you try one.
The reissue is.... ok. IF you have a cheap used one then buy and and graduate later and keep as a backup.
I really like the Tank Billy Zoom is just starting on production wise, and if you scroll up you can see. It is the bomb. HANDS off a Blonde one, cause I'm working on that.....
I would take a reverb unit over a pedal anytime, when it comes to just sound, but of course it never does.
A pro to getting a pedal of is usually they are cheaper, smaller, and never really need any maintenance.
Still I'd go with the tube reverb head.
You can dial in subtle reverb with a tank.
Thanks a bunch for the info, I appreciate it.
I played Billy's little kahuna at NAMM and it kicked serious ass
Buy it and let Billy Zoom do a handwired conversion for $200. It'll sound awesome.
If you really like the direct sound of your AC15H1TV, you should be aware that the Fender will alter that sound. Especially the EF86 channel.
I have both, among other amps and a verb pedal and have struggled with this problem for years. The input circuit on the tank will load your PU's differently, has different drive and overload characteristics, and sounds much different than the amp channel. Also note there are at least two versions of the reissue. Mine is also a '94.
Can't coment on on BZ's approach. Perhaps he will elaborate.
I'll also add that there are good reasons why BZ and others have taken to improving the basic Fender Reverb...
That's the same reason that I bought my Fender Reverb Tank - because the old AC30s had no onboard reverb. I had put up with its somewhat harsh tone but now I just use it with a graphic EQ and it helps a lot! 
The EQ will help with the harshness of the input stage, but won't alter the other negatives that have kept my Fender Reverb on the shelf for a very long time.
One way to get around some of the problems is to use it in a buffered loop. There are loop switching pedals from Radial and others that might solve the problem.
There is a vacuum tube buffered loop design in one vol of The Ultimate Tone that is intriguing. I just haven't had the time to explore further.
In the meanwhile there are some really good reverb pedals today...
Great stuff guys. I am planning eventually of getting the Carl Martin Octaswitch that is a true bybass switching system with a buffer.
I will send BZ a message to find out what he recommends as well.
Thanks again for everyones input!!
I used to own the Fender Reissue Reverb tank. Mine was made when they where made in USA as opposed to Mexico where the current ones are made. It was ok but it doesn't have the soul that an original or well made clone would have. I currently use and Electro Harmonix Cathedral. I'm not hung up on recreating surf or spring sounds and I actually love the plate setting in the Cathedral (...and I hate digital plate reverbs). I run a handbuilt, point to point wired Fender Princeton Reverb head with a long 3 spring reverb tank and the Cathedral stacks up very well. I like to run parallel effects (wet clean signal mixed with dry dirt) so using the built reverb of the amp for me is not really an option. For the money, the reissue tank isn't bad. You couldn't touch a well made clone for what the reissue's are probably going for. That said, there's some pedal options out there that might sound just as good. I'm not a strict purist. There is magic in well made (...and the key is well made) old and new gear. If it sounds good it is good...
