Hi Tony, thanks for looking and I've enjoyed your comments here since I started trying to find CT info. I'm not that far away, so, maybe I'll get to see you demonstrate it live sometime

Anyway, I'm in the pits of despair right now; the CT I bought got here, but, turns out it's not the SE (as advertised) and, not only that, it's still the 1.2 firmware. Much as I had my heart set on the SE, I think I could have lived with the first edition, if only fender was willing to send me the upgrade kit to 1.3, but, no such luck. Luckily, Guitar Center is going to be decent about the mixup and refund the cost and shipping, so, I've just wasted some time.

But, it does raise the issue; is there someway to get the upgrade kit without going through an 'authorized' service center? I've been building computers since they were just bundles of 'do it yourself' chips and boards and am pretty comfortable about swapping chips out, and, there are some decent deals around on what almost inevitably turn out to be firmware 1.1 and 1.2 versions.

As for the footswitch, my only question really is whether I could make my own 4 button quick select, since the one I bought was missing any pedals (and some knobs too) which was more than made up for by the price (if it had been an SE.)

A switch that you hit and it *stays* either open or closed would seem to me liable to confuse the amp, if you hit them *all* to 'on' or 'off'.

Joe

This is where the confusions lays, the 'version' update wasn't a firmware upgrade.

A few of the original CTs were shipped with faulty logic chips, and the amp chassis was found too weak to support the preamp tubes. Any excessive bumping of the CT caused the tubes to become microphonic. The reason I know is that my CT was one of the first built, and had a faulty logic chip. I didn't have the tube rattle...

The fix, or upgrade, was that Fender overnighted my amp tech a new chip, and a chassis kit that had a bar that added more support, that is all, nothing else. My CT was worked great ever since, well almost, after a load-out I found that the value wheel had been smashed in after my CT tipped over.

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Tony Houston

This entire post was copied from another forum in 2001

Version 1.3 upgrade from another forum

Here is an all inclusive list of everything included in the "Rattle Kit" referenced by Fender Tech Note #TN 01-3 issued December 2001.

2 Tie Wraps
2 12AX7WA GT Tubes
2 PCB Mount 9 pin Tube Sockets w/collar
1 Support Chassis Cyber Twin (Retrofit Version)
1 PCB Stabilizer
1 Cyber Twin Tube Shield Stabilizer
2 Tube Stabilizers
1 IC Flash ROM C-T HOST (v. 1.6 or higher)
1 IC Flash ROM C-T DSP (v. 1.2 or higher)
and 14 miscelaneous screws for various things...

Needless to say, this list was fairly extensive when compared to what I have seen done to some of the other CT's out there for their surgeries.

I haven't had any time to play it yet, but I can report that it is now DSP Version 1.3

Also, upon external visual inspection, looking through the vents on the back of the amp, I can see there is a huge piece of rubber pretty much encapsulating the tube shields.

Yeah, I remember reading that post. The value wheel is flaky now, so I don't trust my CT for giggin', but I do record with it. I really miss the tonal colors I chose for songs at our shows with the CT. With the prices dropping on used one, I may get another one.

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Tony Houston

I have had the value wheel replaced twice on my 1.3 Cyber-Twin. It is a relatively inexpensive repair.

Well, I did some checking around and, apparently a fender service center will do the upgrade for free (hopefully that's for real) along with with a couple of minor things, so, I'm keeping the CT. Just playing around a little, without really getting in to the mods I'm already in love with the straight clean Twin Reverb sound, minus the temolo and with the reverb backed off.

Now for the learning curve

Joe

It's more the PC board, than the knob itself, I think.



I didn't think there was a learning curve, I just trusted my ears. But not really ever having vintage Fender amps, I became more educated about how those amps sounded.

Oh, yeah, I used a Digitech control 7 MIDI foot controller with the CT for awhile, this was before Fender brought out the CT version. I never got one, I had all my custom presets in order, and would turn around and dial up a preset when needed.

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Tony Houston

I've recently had to retire my original cybertwin that I've been gigging with for many years now. The input started intermittently flaking out on me by going into a loud crackling spasm that wouldn't clear until I turned the amp off for a while, such as until the next set. I'd plug into the PA when it happened. I got in the habit of turning the amp off in between sets and it seemed to help for reliability sake. I also had a bad tube along the way [rattle] and switched it out for a JJ replacement set that the amp never liked power wise, so I put original spec GT's in and that seemed to be the ticket, until the problems started up again. Checked all connections while I was inside too. But I had enough and switched out to a Frontman 212r just this week. I also use a pod X3L and it working out well. I'll eventually get the CT serviced and it will still be used for recording, but gigs are out for now. Like I said, I have the original version and for all these years it's been killer great.

Dan

I have had problems with other amps and rack units that sounded like what you discribed.

The "fix"??
I found that over time the quarter inch plug in's become "dirty" (looks like a slight carbon build-up). My "fix" was to clean them with a Q-tip soaked in alcohol. Then wipe them out good with dry Q-tips. I also clean the cord plugs, when I feel like it's needed

It's worked for me.

Good Luck

P.S. (edited to add)
The tube pins and tube sockets sometimes need "cleaning" too

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In GOD We STILL Trust!!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

Hee, hee, I know the Cyber series is dead, but my son gave a Blu-ray player that has internet connection, and watched the Cyber-Twin story on YT again last night. I'm still really impressed the development of the CT (the Mustang amps share the same DNA) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz9vbi57xOg.

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Tony Houston

Re: Cyber series dead:
They still show the Cyber-Twin SE as a current model.
Is there anything "official" saying it's gone? (or is it just a vicious rumor? )

_________________
In GOD We STILL Trust!!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

I've had one now for a few months after getting rid of my c deluxe, I love it.
The deluxe was nice but the SE smokes it. I got the fender midi controller with it also.
Very underrated amplifier.

B

I'm new to this forum. I found it while searching for information on the Cyber Twin SE. So, thanks for the info I've been able to garner already, as well as what I expect will be some great suggestions to this post.

I have an opportunity to purchase from the original owner a very lightly used 2009 Cyber Twin SE. It never left the owners smoke free home. He ended up not needing or using this amp so it's been pretty much unused the past year or two. If I understand Fender's warranty correctly, the remaining balance of the factory 5 year warranty can be transferred to me on the original sales receipt (is that right?). This amp looks brand new, no marks, rips, tears, etc.; has the cover, footswitches (not the MIDI controller footswitch box though), works perfectly, etc. He is set on his price of $675. Not sure if that is reasonable or not. From the few I've seen on ebay the prices and conditions are all over the map. Like I said, this one is perfect.

I returned to playing guitar about 2 years ago, after not playing for over 30 years (my big bad!). So far, I've just been playing acoustic, but I'm ready to add electric to my arsenal. I hope to pick up a Telecaster soon (wish I had kept my 69 Telecaster I had when I was playing back in high school!). Of course, I need an amp to go with it (and I wish I had kept my old Bandmaster as well!). An acquantenance has a Cyber Twin SE and raves about it, so I started researching them. Looks like it might be a nice way to get the sounds of the classic tube amps without the huge costs and hassles. I'm not interested in getting anything that will be overly complex to use as my needs are fairly basic, and I want to avoid something that is prone to problems. But I like the idea of having the ability to go in a variety of musical directions with one amp.

I'd appreciate any advice and suggestions from all you Cyber Twin users out there.

Brad - I received an email message from you via the Forum moderator, but I have no idea how to reply to it (and it's not in my PM inbox on this forum), so hopefully you will see this post.
In answer to your question: I did not purchase the Cyber Twin SE, for a variety of reasons - primarily because I really don't know where I will go with playing electric. I don't even own an electric guitar yet! I was also concerned about the complexity of the CTSE and quite frankly, at this stage of my life, and my playing ability, I don't want to add more challenges to my "re-learning" the guitar! Plus, after looking at what amps are currently available (new) at the local guitar store I realized there are a ton of really nice amps to be had in the $500-600 range. So, I passed on the CTSE. When/if I purchase an electric guitar, then I'll work on picking an amp. I probably will stick with something simple - a basic tube amp with trem, reverb, gain, etc, and see how my playing develops before adding all the fx stuff.

hi all of you, cyber-twini te salutant.
first and one for all I apologize for my English which is perfectible by far.
being French (nobody's perfect..) this is not my mother language and you may expect to be patient from time to time, so thank you in advance.

this preamble said, I'm proudly coming to the club of CT players,
I own mine since a pair of days (!).
I was looking for a head for which my back should thank me.
but after two months of searching in Europe I finally got a combo found not so far from home:
a CT 2000', serial M118068 (if there is a room to date it precisely), V1.2, with it's 4 switches pedal cover and paper book, in very good cosmetic and sounding divinely.
the price I paid for it ? 450€ (in $ +30%) not given but nothing equivalent on the market even the last Super champ X2 tubed or Mustang V much more cheaper by far, and I really wanted one.
I must say that it took nearly a week to read all that stuff you posted along the years !
very interesting things here, an 'Alibaba's cave' on the subject where I have found a lot of answers, so thank you everyone for this treasure!
therefore that does not means that I have no question, but I hope the benefit of my digging will help my questions to be more accurate and pertinent.
to read from you..

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musicalement,
Pierre.