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Post subject: 1975 Silverface- Need some advice
Posted: Sat May 31, 2014 9:40 am
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I recently stopped into Sam Ash and found a Silverface that had just been bought in by the store that day. When I gave it a test run there was some flubbiness and buzzing when hitting a B on the low E string. The sales guy didn't notice this when testing the amp himself. So now it has been sent out to their tech to be checked out. They're asking $850. Not sure if this is a steal or a reasonable price... Will post pics after work...


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Post subject: Re: 1975 Silverface- Need some advice
Posted: Sat May 31, 2014 9:53 am
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Their asking price is about $200 more than it's worth (assuming they actually fix it before putting it out on the sales floor).

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: 1975 Silverface- Need some advice
Posted: Sat May 31, 2014 10:10 am
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That's what I was thinking. I'd really like to pick up a Twin Reverb for gigging- something that I can play out that will hold value. I'd love to buy an original blackface but that's not ideal for toting around to gigs. Any advice on that?


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Post subject: Re: 1975 Silverface- Need some advice
Posted: Sat May 31, 2014 10:34 am
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Vintage blackface or silverface, what's the difference? They each weigh the same.

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Post subject: Re: 1975 Silverface- Need some advice
Posted: Sat May 31, 2014 1:25 pm
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Sorry, should have clarified- not a weight issue, just concerned about gigging with a much more expensive amp. What's a good middle-ground with these amps? Looking to spend under $1000


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Post subject: Re: 1975 Silverface- Need some advice
Posted: Sat May 31, 2014 2:02 pm
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Silverface what?

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Post subject: Re: 1975 Silverface- Need some advice
Posted: Sat May 31, 2014 3:36 pm
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woltertom wrote:
Sorry, should have clarified- not a weight issue, just concerned about gigging with a much more expensive amp.


Amps are made to be played.

Last weekend I took my '64 Vibroverb out......

Image

I guess they're worth a few clams.

:wink:

I have no concerns whatsoever (other than having the best possible tone).

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Post subject: Re: 1975 Silverface- Need some advice
Posted: Sat May 31, 2014 6:01 pm
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I hear ya, Arjay. Again, I'd like to stay under $1,000 but would be willing to spend more. Just looking for some general advice on what year range I might want to look for- I'm not sure if there were better years than others.

Thanks for your patience... I tend to get a bit scatter-brained when I get siked up on a new piece of gear.


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Post subject: Re: 1975 Silverface- Need some advice
Posted: Sat May 31, 2014 6:16 pm
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The silverface TR's are not bad platforms but buy something older than a '77. That year, the amp was re-designed as an ultra-linear model featuring a max output of 135 watts (allegedly). They don't sound any better than the old 85- or 100-watt versions, just a whole lot heavier to lug around. Most SFTR's left Fullerton with a pair of Oxford 12T6's -- sonically unremarkable to anyone with even average hearing capability. Some had the optional JBL D120Fs which while sounding much better, add significantly to the already hefty weight of the amp. Celestion V30's or something from the Warehouse line is a much more sensible alternative. Silverface TR's built after 1970 used the flimsier cabinet construction -- lapped rabbet-joint corners and Velcro-affixed grill frame. Earlier silverfaces share their furniture with the old blackfaces (finger-joined corners, screw-in baffle board). The AA270 circuit revision is probably the pick of the litter as far as stock Fender tone goes -- it's also one of the easiest circuits to back-date to the AB763 configuration.

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Post subject: Re: 1975 Silverface- Need some advice
Posted: Sat May 31, 2014 6:25 pm
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Great info, much appreciated. The sales guy did make a point to tell me (with much excitement, of course) that its 135 WATTS!! as if it's a real selling point for a tattooed guy like me. I currently play a Mesa Mark IV that runs around 85 watts...

Thanks,
Tom


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Post subject: Re: 1975 Silverface- Need some advice
Posted: Sat May 31, 2014 7:20 pm
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Another consideration i've had is a Dual Showman. I found a '73 in near-mint condition for $895...


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Post subject: Re: 1975 Silverface- Need some advice
Posted: Sat May 31, 2014 7:23 pm
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woltertom wrote:
Another consideration i've had is a Dual Showman. I found a '73 in near-mint condition for $895...



Same as Twin Reverb but in piggy back variant .. :shock:


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Post subject: Re: 1975 Silverface- Need some advice
Posted: Sat May 31, 2014 7:43 pm
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Retroverbial wrote:
Silverface TR's built after 1970 used the flimsier cabinet construction -- lapped rabbet-joint corners and Velcro-affixed grill frame.


Good point - my '73 Bassman 100 head seems very flimsy to me. I'm considering building either a new cabinet or converting it to a single 12" combo.

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Post subject: Re: 1975 Silverface- Need some advice
Posted: Sat May 31, 2014 8:05 pm
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jimolson1963 wrote:
Retroverbial wrote:
Silverface TR's built after 1970 used the flimsier cabinet construction -- lapped rabbet-joint corners and Velcro-affixed grill frame.


Good point - my '73 Bassman 100 head seems very flimsy to me. I'm considering building either a new cabinet or converting it to a single 12" combo.


That's a lot of power to waste on a single driver. As I recollect, the Bassman 100 uses the same width chassis as a TR. You could easily "transplant" it into a TR-sized enclosure and use a pair of 12's (or a single 15" if you're so disposed). I have a Bassman 135 and it's as wide as my '78 Twin Reverb.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: 1975 Silverface- Need some advice
Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2014 10:51 am
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I know but the dual cabinets are too darned heavy to lug around. :lol:

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