Fender Twin Reverb (reissue)

spaceman · Post by **spaceman** » Tue Jun 01, 2004 4:03 pm

Hello,

Is there anyone out there using the Fender Twin Reverb reissue amp with their Ricks ? I have 2 old AC-30's and a Marshall "Bluesbreaker" that I currently play through. I use a couple Rick 360 12 strings and a few 330 6 string guitars.
I want to start using a Fender (with reverb and trem) again. I had a Twin years ago and unfortunatly sold it. I would love to buy a 60's fender again, but don't have what it will take to buy one in great condition.
I hear that the reissue twin is great, except it isn't point to point wiring. Any thoughts ?

Thanks,
Spaceman

rick12dr · Post by **rick12dr** » Sat Jun 05, 2004 6:41 pm

I have 2 of them I got new the first year they were reissued[1991].I personally like them alot, and I use my '67 370-12 through them both.I've tried more recent editions of this amp, since Fender started putting some kind of Jensen 12" in them, but frankly, I thought that those speakers sucked.I have original Eminence in mine, though I am considering some aftermarket speakers, such as the Weber California 12, of which I have heard nothing but good things.Yeah, it can be argued
that these "aren't like the Real 60s BF amps", not point to point, dadada, but hey, No Two old BFs are going to sound the same next to one another or be consistent.This I know for a fact, because I've owned originals as well.A new RI isn't the only way to go; I've seen good cond. used RIs for under $800.You might also give the current '65 Super reverb RI a try as well; I also have a pair of these, and love them.A last note on RI amps; Fender just released recently a 1x15" version of the '65 Twin; it has a specially designed speaker that is going for the old 60s JBL D-130 sound.I tried that amp out just last week at Guitar Center, and it was pretty cool.

milo · Post by **milo** » Sun Jun 06, 2004 6:04 am

Don pretty much gave you all the information you need about these. The only thing I would like to add is that there is also the option of the 1970's silverface versions of the Twin Reverb. These are still point to point wired, and aren't that much different from the blackface models unless you get one of the "ultralinear" 135 watt versions. Most of the silverface Twins are selling for $600-800 so you may find a deal. Speaker brand/sound may or may not be an issue with these just like with the TRRI, and you may need to allow $100-200 for a cap job or some tubes but you're still in the price range of a new Reissue.

spaceman · Post by **spaceman** » Mon Jun 07, 2004 8:30 am

Hi Don and Jeff, thank you for your replys.
I thought about an early 70's twin without the master volume, I just haven't been able to locate one. I have seen a few used reissues though, I think I'll take my Rick to the store with me and try one out. Thanks again.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Tue Jun 08, 2004 4:33 pm

I don't know what kind of a tone you want but a black faced Bandmaster has a real pretty sound, great for a jangle Ric sound, very clear and pretty. Most of the old Fenders do, the old pro Reverbs are nice too. The old Supers are great for blues.

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 11:29 am

I have a c. 1973 Super Six Reverb (cut down to a 2x10) with a Master Volume. Compared to my 1968 Twin Reverb, 1969 Dual Showman Reverb, or 1968 Showman Reverb, it lacks mid-range punch needed for that classic 12-string sound. I attribute this lack of mid-range punch to presence of the Master Volume and concomitant circuit changes.

If my memory serves me correctly, the Dual Showman Reverb has the same circuit as the Twin Reverb. Late-1960s/early-1970s DSR heads can be found for around $500 or less.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 1:21 pm

Gary,
All those 100 watt 70's heads used the same chassis, Super Six, Twin, Dual Showman, there are a couple of others I can't think of off hand. I had to fix a Super Six Reverb in Lima and downloaded a schematic, they made about 5 different amps out of it, all they did was change the speaker configurations. Also you can't change the bias on those, all you can do is balance them.
A 60's Dual Showman also has the same chassis as a 60's Twin and probably any other 85 watt Fender has the same chassis.
Does your Super Six sound like a 70's Twin by any chance? If so add the other 4 speakers to get the Super Six tone back.

shamustwin · Post by **shamustwin** » Thu Jun 10, 2004 4:55 am

I had a super six back in the '70's. Had to take out the front seat of my VW to transport the dang thing.

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Thu Jun 10, 2004 2:13 pm

Bob, I don't have a '70s Twin for comparison, but I'm guessing that it does. It's definitely different from the sound from the late '60s Fender amps I have.

I have too many amps and the SSR will be going on the eBay chopping block soon.