Silverface Twin Reverb vs. 65 RI

[RumorsOFsurF]

I am in the market to buy a twin reverb.  I'd like a blackface, but that is a pipe dream!    I can afford a 65 reissue, but I think I'd rather have a Silverface.  A person can usually pick these up for the same or less money than a new one. Also, they are  handwired with no PC boards.  I think in the long run the Silverface will be the better investment.  I believe the prices on these will only go up in the next few years.
My only concern is reliability on a vintage amp that could have been owned by an idiot... :-\


Also, does anyone have experience with Pro Reverbs or Super Reverbs?  I know they are only 40 watts...

I have a Hot Rod Deluxe.  It works well in small clubs, but outdoors and big rooms tend to swallow it. It's a great sounding amp, and plenty loud, but it breaks up to early.  Even when mic'd and played at 2-3.  I just want lots of clean Fender headroom.  Would a Super or Pro be a better choice, or should I just go with the Twin?

There's a 69 on  the local Craigs, but no pics.  Recently serviced with some caps replaced, clean bill of health for 900...
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/msg/301467668.html

Help me, I have GAS!!!!

[zhivago]

I'd go with the silverface Twin, personaly...I like the fact that they're PTP and very affordable.

just make sure you have a tech look it over and you'll be fine...these amps have been usualy gigged loads, so it's good to have them checked out....

...keep in mind they are super-heavy and super loud, by the way.


I personaly use a blackface 1965 Tremolux...that's rated at about 35 Watts, and I've never had a need for more volume....depends on the music you play as well though...I use a double boost pedal to kick my amp into overdrive, and doing that to a twin would probably break every window on my street....and the next street!


in any case, you can't go wrong with an old Fender that's been serviced...and they will definitely appreciate in time.

[mjet]

I'd agree - get a SF Twin and if you want any mods done you can pretty easily have it "blackfaced" - but bear in mind that some people buy them with that in mind and end up preferring the SF sound. They're everywhere - just buy one for a good enough price that you've got a hundred or two left aside in your budget for a complete servicing. Most amps that I've bought on eBay were in generally good shape but were a bit past their recommended service cycles.

[mynameisjonas]

i´ve owned a '75 twin reverb (silverface with master volume) for several years, and i gotta say it´s one of the most versatile amps i have ever owned. and i don´t think they are that heavy, compared to my bandmate´s ampeg vt-22 the twin is feather-weight
with the  master volume it´s possible to achieve a nice clean sound at most any volume above bedroom level. if you are in a situation where you have to turn down the master really low, just turn up the regular volume a bit.
i´ve played a few gig with a '65 reissue, and even though it was a tad warmer sounding, i still prefer the SF for gigging because of the MV.

[Sauerkraut]

two threads in this section that might be helpful:

index.php?topic=3161.0

&

index.php?topic=3329.0

[pullover]

I have a 76 Super Reverb and I love it. The only thing that I don't like is (like any tube amp) you have to really crank it to get it to sound full. If it's the same for a Twin then you're going to be really, really, REALLY loud. Personally I think the Super, Pro reverb, or the Bassman are the perfect gigging amps. Though heavy, they are loud enough for any show situation, and can be turned down low enough for almost any situation. If you need to mic it then you are playing in front of a really large crowd in a big place. Mine is beat up a little on the outside, but I opened it up and the insides look awesome, I rely on it. I am going to replace the speakers on mine eventually, but that and regular tube maintenance are the only issues I can see with owning a Silverface amp. The only plus I can see the reissues having over a Silverface is the better speaker quality, I think the reliability of them is going to be short lived. Put new speakers in a Silverface and then see if you still want to blackface it.
Another consideration for you to think of before buying a twin is what the other band members using. If they all have 20 watt tube amps or smaller, and your bassist only has a 100 watt solid state bass amp, you might be blowing them out of the water with a twin.

[RumorsOFsurF]

Another consideration for you to think of before buying a twin is what the other band members using. If they all have 20 watt tube amps or smaller, and your bassist only has a 100 watt solid state bass amp, you might be blowing them out of the water with a twin.

The other guitarist in the band plays a 65RI Twin Reverb, and the bass player has some huge SWR rig with a single 15 cab and a 2-10 cab..(LOUD! ).
We play at reasonable volumes, but my amp breaks up too much at these levels...(Remember, I play country! ) If I need overdrive, I'll use a pedal.

I'm still thinking Silverface Twin...I love the Super Reverb, but it would be heavier than a Twin, and less wattage.

How about a Super Six??? 

[Jay]

Gawd I love the super six.  It's like the Hummer of amplifiers but without the guilt of being environmentally insensitive.  I'd never be able to use one though.  My head would explode.

[Infliktor]

I too love em.  I have one that..It does sound great at bedroom volumes...pushes alot of air

I thought I had a picture mine. Cosmetically mine is not  as nice as the one above.  Under the hood its top notch

[mezcalhead]

Great pic, Rumors .. !

Where's mjet? He used to use a Super Six as a bedroom practice amp.

[aen]

I'd go for the reissue.  My dad has one that I did some recording with, and I loved it.  I had a silverface twin for a while, but it broke up waaaaay to early for a twin.

[mjet]

Great pic, Rumors .. !

Where's mjet? He used to use a Super Six as a bedroom practice amp.

Sorry, didn't hear you. As a matter of fact I can't hear anything! What?!? 

[fullerplast]

Sorry, didn't hear you. As a matter of fact I can't hear anything! What?!? 

LOL!



You guys bust me up...

[LHR]

Another option is the '65 Reissue Twin Custom 15.  Have it, love it.  It is a seriously fine amp.

[eggwheat]

Id go for the original every time! haha I use to have two super six's in stereo..great sound and looked really cool running 12 ten inch speakers! but a little bit heavy    fender acutally made a JBL loaded version which weighed a ridiculous amount...stupidly rare now.