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Topic: Reissue 65 Fender Twin |
Dennis Stambaugh
From:
New Oxford,Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 17 May 2007 3:40 pm |
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I was calling around music stores and found a new Reissued 65 Fender Twin Reverb with 15" eminence speaker for $750. I haven't gone to look at it yet.I would like to hear forum members opinions pro and cons on the twin for pedal steel guitar.Thanks in advance for your comments.
Denny S |
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Jerry Malvern
From:
Menifee, California, USA
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Posted 17 May 2007 7:07 pm
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| I have that very same amp, which by the way is no longer being sold by Fender. Mine breaks up a little early than it should, most likely preamp tubes, so I'm told. I use it mostly at home, would have to mike it at most gigs, but it's a tone monster. |
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Tom Jordan
From:
Wichita, KS
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Posted 17 May 2007 7:37 pm
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hmmmm, Fender still lists it on their website and many stores are still offering it. At 85 watts it should be pretty danged loud. It may break up earlier than a "silverface" but pre-amp tube change can set that back a bit...I played around with one at GC and am considering that or a blues deville....decision, decisions...sounded great throughout the volume range but ya gotta turn the tone knobs 
Tom |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 18 May 2007 6:29 am
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I have the Twin Reverb re-issue with the 15" speaker. I like it a lot.
I also have an original early silver face (pre master volume) with JBL speakers from the factory. |
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Jerry Malvern
From:
Menifee, California, USA
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Posted 18 May 2007 7:56 am
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| Tom, you are correct, the Custom 15 IS still available, my error. |
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Jerry Malvern
From:
Menifee, California, USA
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Posted 18 May 2007 7:58 am
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| Dennis, if that amp is new, it's a great buy for only $750 |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 18 May 2007 8:04 am
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| I think maybe I muddied the water. We are talking about two different amps: the re-issue "Twin Reverb" and the re-issue "Custom Twin Reverb". |
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Tom Jordan
From:
Wichita, KS
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Posted 18 May 2007 5:19 pm
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sounds like a good deal...there are two current re-issues...the '65 Twin and the '65 Twin Custom. Both amps are "black faces" @ 85 watts, with the Custom containing a 15' speaker verses two 12's. I think I saw that somebody else here is using one (recent "favorite amps" threds). Muscian's Friend lists the Custom as coming with casters and an "embroidered" amp cover...and I think the legs.
I'm looking closely at either one as well as the Blues Deluxe and Bandmaster re-issue. I have played tele through the Blues and Twin and really like either. I need to get my steel to GC and ry that as well...lot of money to plunk down without being able to try it....then there's that awsome Vibroluxe... Oh yeah! A little pricey but it is hand wired...bet it is worth the money from the available reviews.
Erv...if yours is the re-issue '65 Twin Custom could be talk you in to a "Steel Player's review?
Tom |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 19 May 2007 5:53 am
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Tom,
When I play pedal steel, I use a rack system I've set together.
When I play non-pedal I like either the original Twin Reverb or the re-issue Twin with the 15" speaker. I have always felt that a 15" speaker brings out the low tones better. On some of my Stringmasters, I have been known to put bass strings on the bottom 4 strings on one of the necks. I used to play with a polka band in my youth and this was a real kick. |
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Jim Sliff
From:
Lawndale California, USA
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Posted 19 May 2007 6:08 am
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| Quote: |
| It may break up earlier than a "silverface" but pre-amp tube change can set that back a bit |
Specifically, changing the V2 tube (the second preamp tube from the right, looking at the back of the amp), if you play through the vibrato channel, to a 5751 tube will give you less gain, resulting in later breakups. The amp should also be biased ( a power tube "idle" setting adjustment that should cost about $35 at most shops, or you can buy a tool for $25-100 and learn to do it yourself) slightly on the cold side for cleaner sounds; on the hotter side if you like a warmer tone and are not going to turn the amp up much above 5 or so.
If you pull two outer or inner pairs of power tubes, rebias and install an 8-ohm speaker you've pretty much made yourself a '64 Vibroverb of sorts, one of the most sought-after Fender amps. If you don't play loud that would be a much better way to set up the amp - a Twin turned up to 2 or 3 usually sounds thin and weak.
All that being said - for $750 I'd find a silverface Twin from the 70's with 2 - 12" speakers (only avoid the 135-watt and "red knob" models - they can be decent amps but are not really the same amp as the Twin in question) - it's built far better than the new printed-circuit board amps and will do nothing but increase in value over the years. They are also FAR easier to service. $750 should get you a good one with enough money left over for some minor servicing if needed.
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No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional |
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