Fender Silverface Twin

[LedZepp007]

Hi all,

It's idiot face again. I've been thinking more and, given my inability to work with wood, living in an apartment, etc., I thought it might be easiest to simply buy a vintage amp and mod it as a first project.

I was just offered a 1973 silverface Twin Reverb (with CTS speakers, original circuit, working) for $700. Worth it? Worth working on?

Thanks!

[Charlie Wilson]

Early silverface twins sound pretty good unmodded. That seems like a good price if the amp is in good shape and working order.
CW

[LedZepp007]

Early silverface twins sound pretty good unmodded. That seems like a good price if the amp is in good shape and working order.
CW

Thanks! I believe that it is the first year that they included a MV on the twin. Think that would matter?

[ToneMerc]

I think it's worth it, it wasn't that long ago that you could pick them up for $550-600 and I see them now for $900-1100 which is crazy.

TM

[LedZepp007]

So, would it be something I wouldn't want to mod due to increased future value?

I'd love to use it to gain skill in soldering and amp theory.

[Colossal]

So, would it be something I wouldn't want to mod due to increased future value?

I'd love to use it to gain skill in soldering and amp theory.

If you are serious, I'd do it from the ground up. Study every schematic you can, read the Must Read list posted here in the forum and then buy a chassis, transformers, and parts. If you can draw the schematic of the amp you intend to build from memory and can name and understand the role of the components, you've gained skill in theory. Turn that practical knowledge to applied and build your amp from the ground up. You won't butcher a potentially valuable vintage amp where you will surely make mistakes the first time, and you will spend a lot less money with far greater return.

My $0.02

[Charlie Wilson]

What I would do, if you decide to purchase the amplifier, is learn about servicing amps and keep it stock(no mods). You may love the sound of the amp just as it is. If you want to modify things, do easily reversible mods that you can read about on this site and plenty of others. The main thing before you do any of this is get a basic knowledge of electronics and especially SAFETY. There are voltages in an amplifier even when it is not plugged in that can kill you. Two of my favorite sources for learning about electronics and tube amps are the NEETS(Navy Electronic training course) and Dave Funk's Tube amp book(mainly Fender stuff).
CW

[LedZepp007]

So, are we in agreement then that $650-700 is a decent deal for the amp?

I really appreciate everyone's help.

[jelle]

Yes, decent money. And do not expect that modding amps is easy. I would not start modding a perfectly great amp as a way to learn these things.

A kit would be a much better approach towards this goal. Webervst sells kits.

jelle

[Gibsonman63]

That's a decent price on the amp, but it will be overkill for an apartment!

I would start with stock. Chances are that the amp has been serviced over the years. See what has been changed over the years and why and mark up a copy of the schematic if there are any differences.

There are lots of easy subtle mods for Fenders. You won't hurt the value of the amp much if you avoid drilling holes and keep the original parts just in case. There are creative ways to add more controls if you decide you need them that don't involve irrepairable damage.

[vibratoking]

I have a 73 SF Twin with JBL D120Fs. It is my least favorite amp. Doesn't take pedals well and is very stiff. I don't consider it an amp that will increase in value with time, but I could be wrong.

[drew]

That's a decent price on the amp, but it will be overkill for an apartment!

+1 Back-breaker too.

[matt h]

(deleted)

[LedZepp007]

Thanks all. I was able to get the amp for $650. It's dirty and has wear, but with original speakers and guts. Only thing non-original are tubes. Still works just fine. 1973 definitely. Decent price?

I'd like to start with cleaning it up thoroughly (suggestions welcome) and then rebuilding it. Would like to blackface the amp. Speakers are CTS. Given the circuit layout and tube compliment, the modification possibilities are endless.

[Stevem]

Its at least gonna need power supply filters unless it was in near constant use which includes replacing the bias circuit filter(s).

If your wire a switch in its speaker feed you can at least get half volume by dropping one speaker out for home usage !