A GUITAR AMPLIFIER, VIBROLUX-AMP, 6G11

Mark Knopfler added a second Fender Vibrolux to his collection when he purchased this amp in 2005. His first Vibrolux dates back to the early Dire Straits days circa 1977 and was famously used to record 'Sultans Of Swing,' with a Strat, and 'On Every Street', with his Gibson Super 400. Ron Eve, Mark’s guitar tech 1986-1996, told us that both a Fender Vibrolux and Vibroverb were always brought to the studio for variety of sound. 'For really pure tone, I need a real Fender Vibrolux – the old brown tolex one,' Knopfler told Vintage Guitar magazine in 2014. Easily distinguishable from its forerunner by the absence of a Fender logo on the front grille, this Vibrolux was first used by Knopfler at British Grove Studios during recording of his 2007 solo studio album Kill To Get Crimson, specifically for the song 'Punish The Monkey', which was released as the album’s lead single in America.

Most recently, the amp was tested for sound on different songs during sessions for Knopfler’s tenth solo studio album at British Grove in 2022, although ultimately it was not used to record. 'Mark will often give [guitar tech] Mr. Saggers a long list of instruments to bring into the room and tune, ready for action,' revealed Guy Fletcher in 2011. 'Amplifiers and speaker cabinets are also subjected to this rigorous process. All in all, it's the only sure-fire way to be absolutely sure you're getting the best sound possible... “for the song”.'