What is the primary purpose of this footswitch?

It is designed to provide hands-free control over the vibrato and reverb effects on compatible Fender amplifiers. This allows a guitarist to toggle these features on or off during a performance without reaching for the amplifier's control panel.

Which specific amplifier models are compatible with this unit?

The manufacturer explicitly lists the '65 Deluxe Reverb and the '68 Custom Deluxe Reverb as compatible models. It is designed to work with the specific internal switching circuitry of these amplifiers.

What type of connector does the footswitch use?

The unit uses a standard 1/4-inch plug. This is the typical jack size found on most guitar cables and amplifier inputs/outputs.

How long is the cable included with the footswitch?

The footswitch comes with a 12-foot cable. This length is intended to provide enough slack to reach from the back of an amplifier to a player's position at the front of a stage.

Does this footswitch require a battery or external power?

No, this is a passive switching device that does not require an external power supply or batteries. It draws the necessary switching signal directly from the amplifier via the 1/4-inch connection.

What are the two buttons labelled for?

The two buttons are designated for controlling 'Vibrato' and 'Reverb' independently. Each button acts as a dedicated on/off toggle for its respective effect.

Is the design considered 'vintage-style'?

Yes, the product is marketed as a 'Vintage-Style' footswitch. It features a classic aesthetic designed to match the historical look of Fender's most famous amplifier lines.

Can this be used to switch channels on an amplifier?

No, this specific model is designed for vibrato and reverb control. It is not intended for channel switching unless the amplifier's internal circuitry is specifically wired to use a 2-button 1/4-inch jack for that purpose.

Is the cable detachable from the footswitch housing?

Based on the manufacturer description, the cable is a 12-foot attached lead. It is hardwired into the footswitch unit and terminates in a 1/4-inch plug.

What is the typical price range for this replacement part?

The typical price for this Fender accessory is approximately £62. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current availability.

What materials are used in the construction of this footswitch?

The footswitch features a metal housing and robust mechanical switches. It is built to be functional and durable enough for regular stage and studio use.

Can this footswitch be used with other brands of amplifiers?

While it uses a standard 1/4-inch plug, it is specifically designed for Fender circuitry. Use with other brands may result in incorrect switching or no function at all, as internal wiring configurations for footswitches vary by manufacturer.

Gear article

Fender 2-Button Vintage-Style Footswitch

The Fender 2-Button Vintage-Style Footswitch is a dedicated remote control unit designed for specific Fender guitar amplifiers. It provides hands-free operation for built-in vibrato and reverb effects through a traditional 1/4-inch jack connection.

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Background and Design

The Fender 2-Button Vintage-Style Footswitch is part of Fender's 'Parts and Spares' range, intended as both a replacement for lost or damaged equipment and an upgrade for compatible amplifiers. It reflects the classic aesthetic of mid-century Fender hardware, featuring a simple metal housing and a rugged two-button layout. The unit is designed to withstand the rigours of stage use while maintaining a period-correct appearance for vintage-reissue amplifiers.

Functionality and Connectivity

This footswitch serves as a mechanical switch to toggle two distinct amplifier parameters: the vibrato (often technically tremolo in Fender terminology) and the reverb. It utilizes a standard 1/4-inch plug for connection to the amplifier's rear panel. The included 12-foot cable provides sufficient length for most stage setups, allowing players to position the switch comfortably on a pedalboard or directly on the stage floor.

Amplifier Compatibility

While many footswitches appear similar, this specific model is tailored for use with the Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb and the '68 Custom Deluxe Reverb. These amplifiers require a two-button configuration to manage their dual internal effects. The use of a standard 1/4-inch jack ensures a secure and straightforward connection without the need for proprietary multi-pin cables.

Construction and Utility

Built for durability, the unit features a simple yet robust design that is easy to operate during a performance. Its functional nature is paired with a stylish, classic aesthetic that matches the silverface and blackface styling of the amps it supports. The footswitch is an essential tool for guitarists who need to switch between dry and ambient tones or introduce modulation without manually adjusting amp dials.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of this footswitch?: It is designed to provide hands-free control over the vibrato and reverb effects on compatible Fender amplifiers. This allows a guitarist to toggle these features on or off during a performance without reaching for the amplifier's control panel.
Which specific amplifier models are compatible with this unit?: The manufacturer explicitly lists the '65 Deluxe Reverb and the '68 Custom Deluxe Reverb as compatible models. It is designed to work with the specific internal switching circuitry of these amplifiers.
What type of connector does the footswitch use?: The unit uses a standard 1/4-inch plug. This is the typical jack size found on most guitar cables and amplifier inputs/outputs.
How long is the cable included with the footswitch?: The footswitch comes with a 12-foot cable. This length is intended to provide enough slack to reach from the back of an amplifier to a player's position at the front of a stage.
Does this footswitch require a battery or external power?: No, this is a passive switching device that does not require an external power supply or batteries. It draws the necessary switching signal directly from the amplifier via the 1/4-inch connection.
What are the two buttons labelled for?: The two buttons are designated for controlling 'Vibrato' and 'Reverb' independently. Each button acts as a dedicated on/off toggle for its respective effect.
Is the design considered 'vintage-style'?: Yes, the product is marketed as a 'Vintage-Style' footswitch. It features a classic aesthetic designed to match the historical look of Fender's most famous amplifier lines.
Can this be used to switch channels on an amplifier?: No, this specific model is designed for vibrato and reverb control. It is not intended for channel switching unless the amplifier's internal circuitry is specifically wired to use a 2-button 1/4-inch jack for that purpose.
Is the cable detachable from the footswitch housing?: Based on the manufacturer description, the cable is a 12-foot attached lead. It is hardwired into the footswitch unit and terminates in a 1/4-inch plug.
What is the typical price range for this replacement part?: The typical price for this Fender accessory is approximately £62. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current availability.
What materials are used in the construction of this footswitch?: The footswitch features a metal housing and robust mechanical switches. It is built to be functional and durable enough for regular stage and studio use.
Can this footswitch be used with other brands of amplifiers?: While it uses a standard 1/4-inch plug, it is specifically designed for Fender circuitry. Use with other brands may result in incorrect switching or no function at all, as internal wiring configurations for footswitches vary by manufacturer.