Should I buy this Twin?

Martin Abend · Post by **Martin Abend** » 11 Nov 2001 2:21 pm

Hi group,

someone offered me a 70s Silverface Twin, the amp I always wanted to have. I've heard a few and there never was one I didn't like. Now the owner (someone I've know prior to his offer) told me that he didn't like the amp since it sounded kinda funny to his ears. He's a studio owner and heavily into Marshalls and he only bought it in case someone needed it.

He only wants app. 450 USD for it, and that includes a heavy duty flightcase. I have not the chance to hear it first, but it's supposed to be in a a very good condition and I trust this guy. Should I go for it? I have to sell my beloved HotRod deluxe for it which is just not loud enough.
What do you think? If it really doesn't sound like it's supposed to be, would it be expensive to have it worked over? I really don't want to sell my HotRod ending up with an amp that sucks...

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martin abend Pedal-Steel in Germany
s-10 sierra crown gearless 3 x4 - Regal RD45 - fender hotrod deluxe

Steve Feldman · Post by **Steve Feldman** » 11 Nov 2001 2:53 pm

Sounds like a deal that's hard to beat. The flight case alone has got to worth a good chunk of what you're paying for. It would be good if you could figure a way to swing it without having to sell your existing amp, though. Good luck.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 11 Nov 2001 5:01 pm

If it's in good shape (tubes and speakers are OK), I'd say "grab it"! As Steve said, the case alone is worth $100-$150(used), so that makes the amps real price $300-$350. That would even be a good deal over here!!!

(The H/R Deluxe is a nice little Blues amp, but it doesn't have enough clean power for live PSG stuff.)[This message was edited by Donny Hinson on 11 November 2001 at 05:04 PM.]

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 12 Nov 2001 4:52 am

Buy that Twin Martin.
at that price and in Europa to boot, it's a good deal.
try puttin a JBL or 2 in it when you get the chance !
Steel dig them Fenders

Dave Van Allen · Post by **Dave Van Allen** » 12 Nov 2001 7:46 am

I vote YES, BUY IT. (but what else would I say?

)

good price. even if it needs work to make it not "sound funny" (which for someone enamored of marshalls to say is not necessarily surprising- it may well mean the Twin sounds JUST LIKE IT'S SUPPOSED TO)... at that price you can afford a refurb.

good luck and let us know how it works out...

[This message was edited by Dave Van Allen on 13 November 2001 at 09:56 AM.]

Martin Abend · Post by **Martin Abend** » 12 Nov 2001 9:44 am

Thanks, guys,

I think I'll go for it. He can't send it to me before december, so I'll have to wait... I had hoped I could use it for my first gig on the 1st of december, but that will not be possible...oh, well.

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martin abend Pedal-Steel in Germany
s-10 sierra crown gearless 3 x4 - Regal RD45 - fender hotrod deluxe

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 13 Nov 2001 11:59 am

Just some facts so that you are better aware of what's what--

There are 3 Silver Face Twins--a transitional model that is basically the same as the BlackFace (I think?), a master volume model (much ridiculed by some guitarists, I have played steel thru one and thought it sounded great), and the 'ultralinear' 135 watt master volume w/ pull boost model--this is the same amp as the Vibrosonic except for the 2x12" speakers vs. 1x15". This model cannot be blackfaced. This is also probably the least expensive Twin on the vintage market. My Vibrosonic sounds great and the pull-boost, although it introduces some strange harmonic distortion, fattens and warms up the amp nicely (I'd never use this for overdrive or distortion--use a stomp box for that).

I have heard great stuff about the Weber speakers and if I ever need to replace the JBL D130F I would look at the Cali 15" for sure. A Cali 12, BTW, costs $75 US. This is a ceramic magnet. I definitely may be mistaken but I think the JBL is Alnico and the Weber Alnico version costs a whole bunch more.

Please keep us informed, Martin.

Bob Carlson · Post by **Bob Carlson** » 13 Nov 2001 3:23 pm

Martin,
If you're going to use the amp with a pedal steel, get a Nashville 400 like I did. It's hard for me to say this, being such a big Fender Twin fan, but it blows my Twin away...big time on the steel.

If you plan on using it on a standard guitar, jump on it.

I was lucky and able to keep my twin to use with my Tele.

Bob Carlson.

Martin Abend · Post by **Martin Abend** » 14 Nov 2001 12:03 am

Bob,

Peavey steel amp are not distributed in Germany since Peavey dosen't believe they will make big bucks with it over here. Very seldom you'll find a nash 400, but they are mostly overpriced as hell. I've heard steel with twins and I like the sound a lot.

thanks for your tip.

And Jon,

I didn't know that there are 3 kinds of twins around! I'll keep my eyes open

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martin abend Pedal-Steel in Germany
s-10 sierra crown gearless 3 x4 - Regal RD45 - fender hotrod deluxe

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 14 Nov 2001 6:47 am

i find that Twins are ok for E9 and Guitbox, but if it don't have a 15' speaker, it don't like C6 that much ...
Steel what ?

Tele · Post by **Tele** » 14 Nov 2001 1:41 pm

Martin,

you could have bought mine, still hot-rodded with 15"speaker

but now its on ebay.
Good luck with the other one
Andy

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1962 Sho~Bud D-10 : 1969 Emmons D-10 : Bigsby T-8: 1959 Gibson Super 400CES :1957 Standel 25L15
about me
My steels

Martin Abend · Post by **Martin Abend** » 14 Nov 2001 2:22 pm

hey tele,

you asked 1500.- DM, that's quite a difference! If you don't sell it, I'll definately consider it at this price...

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martin abend Pedal-Steel in Germany
s-10 sierra crown gearless 3 x4 - Regal RD45 - fender hotrod deluxe

Bob Carlson · Post by **Bob Carlson** » 14 Nov 2001 7:55 pm

Martin, I thought my steel sounded fine with my twin also, until I heard it with the 400.

It's ok with the twin at low volume, but rev it up a little and it would start to distort.

BC