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Would you swap 04 Hot Rod Deville 2x12 for 78 Fender Twin Reverb with Master Volume (135 Watts)
Yes 56%  56%  [ 5 ]
No 44%  44%  [ 4 ]
Total votes : 9
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Post subject: Re: HELP PLZ! QUESTIONS RE 1978 Fender Twin w MV control THA
Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2011 8:56 pm
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A small collection... :lol: :lol: :lol: man that's beautiful everytime I see it and what I like, it is a unique collection there's examples there that make me starry eyed...like that Brown Pro with 2x10s..... :wink:


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Post subject: Re: HELP PLZ! QUESTIONS RE 1978 Fender Twin w MV control THA
Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2011 9:54 pm
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Thanks, Reb.

BTW, I unloaded my Stage 100 DSP today via C/L ad to make room for a minty '67 drip-edge silverface Deluxe Reverb which should arrive later this month.

Thus, there are no transistors or chips remaining in my amp room.

:mrgreen:

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: HELP PLZ! QUESTIONS RE 1978 Fender Twin w MV control THA
Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2011 5:38 am
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:shock:

WOW!

That's not only an incredible collection they are all so pristine!

Which is your fav?

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Post subject: Re: HELP PLZ! QUESTIONS RE 1978 Fender Twin w MV control THA
Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2011 5:40 am
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Retroverbial wrote:
Thanks, Reb.

BTW, I unloaded my Stage 100 DSP today via C/L ad to make room for a minty '67 drip-edge silverface Deluxe Reverb which should arrive later this month.

Thus, there are no transistors or chips remaining in my amp room.

:mrgreen:

Arjay

:lol: :lol: I think those transistors and chips cause allergies...I trust you're already feeling better! :D
Looking forward to a review of that beautiful '67!


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Post subject: Re: HELP PLZ! QUESTIONS RE 1978 Fender Twin w MV control THA
Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2011 8:28 am
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Well the deal's done! 8)

I officially own the old girl and have a buyer for my Deville.

Paid 600 for the Deville about 4 months ago.
Sold it for 600 today.
Bought the Twin for 600.

She needs a little love (cosmetically) but really impressed me at rehearsals.

I'll post pics when I can so I can get some suggestions on how to return some of her former glory :wink:

I'm going to get to know her for a while before I decide what if any changes to make.

I think I will replace the pre-amp tubes but that's about it for now.

Thanks for all the input. Now I have to go vote on the poll question lol
:mrgreen:

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Post subject: Re: HELP PLZ! QUESTIONS RE 1978 Fender Twin w MV control THA
Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2011 10:00 am
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I recommend a full bench-check for that chassis with special emphasis on the power supply and the output stage. If it needs new filter and biasing caps, only premium parts rated for 500VDC and above should be used. The same caveat applies to power tubes -- no cheapies here, the plate voltages are brutal with these monsters. The pre-amp requires 7025's which are no longer manufactured. If these require replacement use the commercially-equivalent 12AX7A. These tubes have a lower noise floor and provide a better S/N ratio -- thus, the amp will idle more quietly. Be sure to use a 12AT7 with balanced transconductance in the V6 (phase inverter) position. The 470-ohm/1-watt screen resistors located on each of the power tube sockets are prone to thermal degradation as they age and should be inspected for any evidence of damage. Replace as necessary (metal oxide types may be used in lieu of the original carbon-comp components).

Anyway, have a ball and enjoy the amp -- I think you made a wise choice.

HTH

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: HELP PLZ! QUESTIONS RE 1978 Fender Twin w MV control THA
Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2011 10:58 am
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:shock: Let me get my Am Guru to English dictionary out....:)

I obviously have a lot to learn here.

I plan to check the preamp tubes this weekend visually just so I know what I have. Is there a way to know wether or not they need replacing? Someone mentioned that at tube could be the reason why the reverb isn't what I thought it would be.

Also how do you bias these? I did this on the deville and it was quite easy. Just had to check the voltage running through the tubes and adjust a screw until the right voltage was read. I think it was 60Mv if I remember correctly.

What would spec be for this amp?

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Post subject: Re: HELP PLZ! QUESTIONS RE 1978 Fender Twin w MV control THA
Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2011 12:22 pm
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The UL amps never had a true adjustable bias control. The circuit is equipped with an "output tubes matching" pot on the rear panel that functions similar to the AB165 Bassman's output-stage architecture. Likewise, the UL's have a "hum balance" control which -- allegedly -- nulls out any audible 60Hz oscillation via a sampling voltage taken off of a center tap on the power tranny. I never could get mine quite right so I sent it to my Fender-authorized amp tech who knows all the tricks. I'd recommend you do the same. A pro tech will likely also have a tube tester to check the amp's glass for gas, shorts, marginal transconductance, etc. I played my '78 TR for 23 years before it required any maintenance and after a re-cap, re-tube, and re-bias, it's been playing perfectly for ten years now.

Best of luck, HTH

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: HELP PLZ! QUESTIONS RE 1978 Fender Twin w MV control THA
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 6:23 am
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BMW2002Ti wrote:
I have JBL D120F's in my BF Twin Reverb and it projects SUPER CLEAN tone into the Stratosphere. The reverb in the amp is as good as any I've heard. So maybe the 12AT7 driver or 12AX7 (7025) recovery tube has gotten a bit tired on your Twin?

The UL Twin seems to have similar reverb section as most earlier Twin Reverbs. So, I'd suspect tubes or defective tank...

http://www.webphix.com/schematic%20heav ... _schem.pdf

You're right about the 12AT7 tube being tired. I had a spare 12AX7 7025 laying around so I tried it and the difference was huge. That tube is too noisy to be used in the reverb channel but it proved you right! Thanks for the help there:) How do you like the speakers you have in your amp? I'm looking for more bottom than what it currently has.

Cheers!

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Post subject: Re: HELP PLZ! QUESTIONS RE 1978 Fender Twin w MV control THA
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 7:52 am
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I have JBL's in both of my Twins -- factory OEM D120F's in the '78, K120's in the re-issue. Both sets sound as articulate as it gets......punchy, in-yer-face, with absolutely no trace of flab. To most folks though, they are an "acquired taste".

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: HELP PLZ! QUESTIONS RE 1978 Fender Twin w MV control THA
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 8:57 am
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You wouldn't happen to have any sound samples of the 78 and a strat by chance? :mrgreen:

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Post subject: Re: HELP PLZ! QUESTIONS RE 1978 Fender Twin w MV control THA
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 9:11 am
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Sorry, no.

There might be some on Y/T though.

HTH

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: HELP PLZ! QUESTIONS RE 1978 Fender Twin w MV control THA
Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2011 7:28 am
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I checked out YouTube extensively on the amp and most clips were gawd awful;)

Plus there was no reference to the speakers being used. I'm wondering about Rajun Cajun's

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Post subject: Re: HELP PLZ! QUESTIONS RE 1978 Fender Twin w MV control THA
Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2011 10:11 am
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Ragin' Cajuns are fine speakers, reminescent of a good Ipswitch-made Celestion V30 (highs rolled back a bit, heavier through the mids, with a solid bottom end). They'll sound a skosh more "sparkly" in an open-back combo cab and they have sufficient power-handling capability to withstand the onslaught of a 135-watt UL Twin Reverb. They'd be good choice I think.

HTH

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: HELP PLZ! QUESTIONS RE 1978 Fender Twin w MV control THA
Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2011 7:40 am
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Hi Arjay,

Just wanted to let you know that after some use, abuse and a few gigs I'm loving this amp!

Thanks again for all your advice.

There's a video clip of me ripping on a Matt Schofield tune called sifting through the ashes on our reverbnation page. Its only recorded with a video camera mic but you can get the idea of how it sounds.

http://www.reverbnation.com/thebarrelhousepoets

Cheers!

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