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Post subject: Where to start with my '74 twin
Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 2:19 pm
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Hi all,
I finally dug out my old twin to see if she would still light up. She hasn't been on for about 20 years! Shame on me! Well, she may be old but she still can twang. I was wondering what I should do to make her feel loved again. Re-cap, re-tube, some other nice mods? She is as stock as the day I bought her - still has the original tubes! The only change were the speakers (the original owner changed them - I bought her in 1975).

Can any of you give me some recommendations and tips?

Thanks in advance,
Bob


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Post subject:
Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 2:29 pm
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Just Leave her as she is!!! Exept for a recap or retube if it needs it!

If not broken, don't fix it!


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Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 1:24 pm
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i have a 74 twin reverb also and other than tubes, i wouldnt touch it!

may i ask, what speakers do you have in yours? i understand there may have been two or three variations of the speakers in '74.

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Post subject: Re: Where to start with my '74 twin
Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 3:10 pm
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Bob,

I assume from the name that you are in Ohio? I also own a 74 Twin that I bought from Mark Chatfield of The Godz, a Columbus-based band from the late 70s. Mark also owned Cowtown Music, if you go back that far...

Anyways, i just had a Fender amp tech go over my 74 Twin. (BTW, I live about 5 miles from Fender HQ in Scottsdale) He said that wholesale replacement of caps and other components is just asking for trouble. He tested each of them in my amp and none required replacement. I did have him re-tube, adjust the bias, and clean everything. Loud and Clean!

Regards,

Steve M.


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Post subject:
Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2007 10:56 am
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Thanks for the input. My twin has Sunn speakers. Don't know much about them. I'm still up in the air about what to do with my twin. Even if I were to take it to a tech and have it checked out and tuned up it still weights a ton and is big. I'm thinking of either selling it or putting the twin back in the shed. Maybe buy a blues Jr?

BTW, I am from Ohio. I grew up in Akron but left when I went to college (where I bought the twin). Haven't lived in OH for 30-some years (in CA now).


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Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2007 11:53 am
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Dude your killing me with all the She, Her deal. lol Anyway a good retube and bias and go from there is what I would do. A full recap would be great and couldn't hurt anything.


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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 3:53 pm
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You can't put that amp in the shed man, you gotta play it! Put some casters on it or get someone to make you (or make yourself) a little wheeled cart to roll it around on. That'll help a lot with transport


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Post subject: 74 Twin
Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 9:43 am
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Retube rebias
keep the twin and PLAY IT I love my twin except for the weight
butsince i don't travel too much it ususally stay in the studio


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Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 3:49 pm
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Home depot cart with the big rubber air-filled tires - skip the casters. Or build your own, but use the 4" wheels at a minimum. The skimpy amp casters are too small, won't roll over anything, and are something to vibrate or lose if you pop them out. for $80 you can have a convertible handtruck that can carry your amp, your bass player's amp, etc.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xr5/R-100071520/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

A must have for just about any gigging musician.


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Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 7:28 am
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I love my 74 twin, also have a 74 pro reverb. Yeah they are heavy, but worth the compliments on my tone. My first amp was a 65 blk face bandmaster I bought for $100.00 with 2x12 univox cab in 1977. I live with regret for selling her during hard times. Save for a blues Jr. which is excellent for small venues with open mic/blues jams. keep the twin.


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Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 1:48 pm
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As far as maintenance, have an amp tech look at it. Your filter capacitors are 30+ years old and may need replacing if there's signs of blistering, leaking etc. This won't affect your tone and makes it a safer amp to take back on the road.

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