It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 9:32 pm

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 22 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Go to page 1, 2  Next
Author Message
Post subject: Considering CyberTwin SE amp
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 6:53 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2007 6:06 pm
Posts: 86
Location: Massachusetts
Hi!

I am considering buying the CyberTwin SE amp. I just want to know what people think of it. If you love it, why? If you don't like it, why? If you decided not to buy one, why? Are the motors prone to breakdown? How are the effects?

I would be replacing a 5 year old Mesa Boogie 50 watt rectifier combo unit with one twelve inch speaker. Great amp, but a few issues.

I know the sound is different, but how does the quality of the Fender compare with the Mesa?

Thanks!

Len


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 7:47 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Jul 25, 2007 5:40 am
Posts: 13
I've got a Cyber Twin SE and love it. Prior to the SE I had the original CT. I liked the original but knew that Fender would add a few more bells and whistles which they did.

A little background on me. I am 39 years old and have been playing since I was thirteen. I have been in several bands (nothing that would qualify as successful) and still gig several times a year. I also did some studio work when I was in my 20's again very small time. I play rock, blues, country, jazz and fusion.

The CT SE is very versitile and sounds great. I have had no reliability issues with it and can get any style's sound out of it. I can get Van Halen, Brad Paisley, SRV, Hendrix, Metallica, Chet Atkins, Pantera, AC/DC, Jimmy Page, Clean Jazz tones, tweaked correctly you can plug in an acoustic/electric and they all sound convincing.

The effects are great and very tweakable. I use the delays, chorus, flange, wah, and phaser and get great results.

One thing I particularly love is that the amp can be loud for gigs but also works great as a bedroom amp while still sounding really good. Too many amps only sound like an amp when cranked. If Fender ever comes out with a Third edition of the Cyber Twin I will be the first to buy it and the SE is great. I believe in these amps that much.

PeAcE


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 7:56 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2007 6:06 pm
Posts: 86
Location: Massachusetts
"A little background on me. I am 39 years old and have been playing since I was thirteen. I have been in several bands (nothing that would qualify as successful) and still gig several times a year. I also did some studio work when I was in my 20's again very small time. I play rock, blues, country, jazz and fusion."

Similar to me, although I have 11 years on you!

"The CT SE is very versitile and sounds great. I have had no reliability issues with it and can get any style's sound out of it. I can get Van Halen, Brad Paisley, SRV, Hendrix, Metallica, Chet Atkins, Pantera, AC/DC, Jimmy Page, Clean Jazz tones, tweaked correctly you can plug in an acoustic/electric and they all sound convincing."

I like versatility- that is important to me. The clean tones are REALLY important to me. Can it hold clean tones at high volume? Tough for an amp to do.

"The effects are great and very tweakable. I use the delays, chorus, flange, wah, and phaser and get great results."

How do you think the effects compare to the Boss pedals in terms of quality?

"One thing I particularly love is that the amp can be loud for gigs but also works great as a bedroom amp while still sounding really good. Too many amps only sound like an amp when cranked. If Fender ever comes out with a Third edition of the Cyber Twin I will be the first to buy it and the SE is great. I believe in these amps that much."

How do you think the overall build quality compares to the Mesa? Has yours ever been in the shop for any reason? I am concerned about all of those motors on the knobs.

Thanks!

Len

PeAcE[/quote]


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 10:31 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Jul 25, 2007 5:40 am
Posts: 13
As for the clean tones: I can crank the amp to around 5 which is my unmiced outdoor gig volume and the sound quality stays the same as at 1. You can get a rockabilly Scotty Moore thing, country spank clean, Mark Knopler Sultans of Swing, with the acoustic scoop timbre you can make a regular strat sound very much like a piezo equiped guitar. You have lots of flavors of clean available.

Comparing the effects to BOSS effects: I can't say. Never have run BOSS. I have run Ibanez: Tubescreamer, Compressor, Stereo Chorus and the CT SE compares favorably with them plus the ability to tweak more. I've also used some ZOOM effects and the CT SE beats the Zoom stuff by miles. The CT SE delays are astonishing as good or better than anything I've ever heard.

Build quality: I've never had my SE in the shop ever. This amp is solid the cabinet construction is tight. I haven't had any glitches with the electronics, motorized knobs, switches, or inputs/outputs. I know that Mesa is pretty anal about perfection so you will have to be the judge on whether it meets or exceeds Mesa's standards. I do know the amp can withstand live gigs in both indoor and outdoor extremes. I've played summer gigs in 100 degree heat and fall gigs when it was 40 degrees and had no problems with reliability of the amp.

In 40 degrees I had some problems making my fingers work but the amp did fine.

PeAcE


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 4:36 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 7:25 am
Posts: 356
Hi lenrabinowitz,

I too have a Cyber Twin SE, and love it.

About your question about comparing the quality of the CT SE with a Mesa Boogie - I've never had a Mesa Boogie. So all I can say about quality is that I've always thought of Fender equipment as top quality. And it's NEVER let me down, or given me cause to change that opinion. And that's been my opinion since about 1964.

And of Fender's amps - IMO - the Cyber Twin SE is right at the top of their line.

Why do I like it? It gives me the sounds I like. It weighs less than my TRRI, but will give that sound. It has wheels. (wheels and lighter weight are nice on old backs :) )

Mine is one of the first CT SEs. I was told it was one of those used at the NAMM show that they were introduced in. The point is - it is about one of the oldest CT SEs. And it's still doing just fine. No breakdowns that I recall. I would call that fairly reliable. :D

The only effects I use frequently are the Reverb and Amp Tremolo. I sometimes use the Mid Boost+Tape Echo. Too my ears, they sound good. As for the other effects - that would be up to what you like to hear.

Some of the other things I like about it are - it has an effects loop - and the XLR outs. I use the effects loop for a Boss Loop Station pedal and I use the XLR outs for going to my recorder.

I have made some recordings of some of my attempts at "instrumental blues". Some with a Jazzmaster, some with a couple of Strats, and one with my arch top, but all with the Cyber Twin SE.

You may not like my choice of settings, or playing or style, but the recordings would give you an idea of what the CT SE can sound like given those limitations, if you can look over that.

If you want to listen, my songs are at

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=882298&content=music

If you do go there - Thanks For Listening and I hope you like them.

IMO - The Cyber Twin SE is THE Best amp I have ever had. And very well could be the best amp ever built.

One thing about it - if you try one - give yourself, and it, some TIME. Time to discover what this fantastic amp can do. And then be prepared to be continually impressed, as time goes on, at how it still has a deepth that you had not found before.

Looking back - I feel that I didn't even start to appreciate the CT SE until I had it at least six months - maybe a year. Remember - the speakers need some time to loosen up, and it takes some time for everything to settle in on any amp.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2008 5:32 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician

Joined: Fri Sep 19, 2008 1:53 pm
Posts: 483
Location: usa
best amp in the world. it has many wonderful tones, is not one dimensional (not a one trick pony, it's more like a stable of all sorts). i sincerely doubt you would want another amp after the ct se.

johnny.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2008 8:14 am
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 7:25 am
Posts: 356
Johnny didn't mention it, but he makes a great editor program for the CT SE.
It becomes indispensable after you use it a while. It's called the Cyber Commander. It not only lets you edit any preset, but gives you control over the amp in real time. I use it every time I use my CT SE, if only for the control it gives me.

If you get the CT SE, you might want to check into his editor too.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2008 4:48 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Mon Sep 01, 2008 10:04 am
Posts: 508
Location: Ohio
Hello Everyone,
First of all, Happy Holidays to all.
I've been browsing this section of the message board and this seems to be the best place to post this.
I am considering buying a CT-SE, and I have read the posts here from all the people who currently own them. The reviews seem favorable enough. I'm no stranger to editing sounds and preset patches since I'm a die-hard ADA preamp user, and I still own six of them and use them regularly. It appears that the editing and storing of sounds and effects with the CT should be a breeze. I'm also considering buying G-Dec to use as a practice/composition amp, and also to use it to create useful guitar tone/effect patches. I'm not sure if it will work this way, but if I create sound patchesin the G-Dec, would I be able to copy and store them into a Cyber-Twin via MIDI sysex dump? Is that something that other players here do, or am I going the long way around the block just to get next door?

The idea of having access too all the great amp tones plus effects in one compact package is certainly appealing to me. The venues for live music have been getting smaller every year and taking my racks and ADA double-stacks, or my vintage amps just is'nt as practical as it once was.

I appreciate any feedback or recommendations about this.
Thank you in Advance.
-Harley 8)

_________________
I only have two brain cells left, and I'm saving them....for this weekend!


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2008 7:15 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2007 6:06 pm
Posts: 86
Location: Massachusetts
I ultimately decided not to buy one. I just couldn't quite trust it in the end. I talked to some repair people that didn't like it. It's probably the best modeler out there, but I just don't like modelers. Something in me knew I would not reall be happy with it.

I ended up with an Egnater 4212. Great amp- no regrets.

:D

Len


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 10:10 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist
User avatar

Joined: Wed Jun 27, 2007 4:15 pm
Posts: 46
Location: Ft. McMurray, Alberta
I have used/gigged a CT-SE since Xmas of '06. Although the amp does give you a great variety of very useable tones and effects, I just couldn't get the tones I was looking for. Also, I had a microphonic tube socket after about 4 months of use. I have also had to replace the tubes twice since then. So, 2 days ago I traded it in for a new HR Deville 4X10. This thing has tone for days. All that said, the CT-SE is still probably one of the most versatile amps out there. Make sure you get the foot controller!!


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 10:44 am
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Mon Sep 01, 2008 10:04 am
Posts: 508
Location: Ohio
Thank you Jeremy,
I'm a bit suprised that the amp was'nt still covered under warranty for the tube socket issue, that would seem to be a manufacturer's defect. I do plan to get the foot controller with it, for the types of tones/effects that I use, that would be a "must have" item. Especially with the idea that I would add a 2nd one to the MIDI chain for wider stereo separation.
A wide pallette of tones are what I'm looking for in an amp like this, and I know I'll have to sit down with it and edit the factory presets to death, since with just about every item like this, the factory usually sets exaggerated tones to show how far this amp can go.
Thank you for your feeback on this, I will check into warranties for it and the policies at the store about servicing issues.
-Harley 8)

_________________
I only have two brain cells left, and I'm saving them....for this weekend!


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 10:51 am
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Mon Sep 01, 2008 10:04 am
Posts: 508
Location: Ohio
lenrabinowitz wrote:
I ultimately decided not to buy one. I just couldn't quite trust it in the end. I talked to some repair people that didn't like it. It's probably the best modeler out there, but I just don't like modelers. Something in me knew I would not reall be happy with it.

I ended up with an Egnater 4212. Great amp- no regrets.

:D

Len

Thank you for your reply Len,
I've been reading a lot of the posts from the CT owners club thread in this forum, and it looks like for the most part, that these amps are pretty well built from the start. Of course there's always the oddball that gets by QC every now and then, just because of some kind of inconsistency in a component or two, but I guess that's to be expected in anything you buy these days.
I did look at an Egnater amp a few years back, and it had a decent tone, and Brian Egnater's design was pretty good, but it did'nt seem like it was durable enough to hold up on the road to me, so I passed it by. I could be completely wrong about that. The tones were good, but the amp was limiting to me in how I could use it with the rest of my gear, and quite expensive too.
-Harley 8)

_________________
I only have two brain cells left, and I'm saving them....for this weekend!


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 10:58 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2007 6:06 pm
Posts: 86
Location: Massachusetts
Repair people are always interesting to talk to- They get a view on the gear that players don't. I can imagine that the cybertwin is hard to work on. One of them referred to it as cotton candy. Guitar Center lowered the price on the SE by $300.00 because it doesn't sell well. Why? Well, who knows, but it becomes a kind of self-perpetuating circle.

Egnaters (Bruce, not Brian) have changed a lot in recent years. The one I got is not one of the hand made ones. It's made in China, weighs a ton, and seems like it is built like a tank. I have the 100 watt 2 x 12 combo unit and it is fabulous- tones that are like a Fender, Vox, or Marshall.

Having said that, I gave the Cybertwin serious thought, and I may yet again in the future. It is probably the best modeler out there.

Len


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 11:34 am
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Mon Sep 01, 2008 10:04 am
Posts: 508
Location: Ohio
lenrabinowitz wrote:
Repair people are always interesting to talk to- They get a view on the gear that players don't. I can imagine that the cybertwin is hard to work on. One of them referred to it as cotton candy. Guitar Center lowered the price on the SE by $300.00 because it doesn't sell well. Why? Well, who knows, but it becomes a kind of self-perpetuating circle.

Egnaters (Bruce, not Brian) have changed a lot in recent years. The one I got is not one of the hand made ones. It's made in China, weighs a ton, and seems like it is built like a tank. I have the 100 watt 2 x 12 combo unit and it is fabulous- tones that are like a Fender, Vox, or Marshall.

Having said that, I gave the Cybertwin serious thought, and I may yet again in the future. It is probably the best modeler out there.

Len


Hi Len,
Thank you for the correction. It's been quite a few years since I looked at that amp, and in fact, that one was a 2x12 combo, I'm not sure of the power. This amp was also made in China, and components are all attached to a single PC board. This is the part I do not like about most of the modern tube amps today. The area of the PCB where the power tube sockets were located, did not have adequate support near the tube sockets. It would not be difficult to snap the board when changing tubes if you forget about this little detail after a few years of playing this amp. The PCB on that particular amp that I looked at, also looked very flimsy to me, it just did'nt seem heavy enough. Maybe that is something they improved over the years. I don't know. I've never looked at another one since that time.
I agree, that talking with a tech does give you a better idea what to expect with an amp like the Cyber-Twin, and there is a place near me where they would be willing to do work like this. They've repaired a lot of my old ADA gear when that's needed it. So, I'm not too overly concerned about that if Fender recognizes them as an authorized repair shop.
Thank you again.
-Harley 8)

By the way, I forgot to mention, Fender claims this is not a modeling amp, but rather an amp with reconfigureable tone blocks and EQ's. I'm not a fan of modelers either, and this is why I don't know if sound tones that I can create on a G-Dec can be transferred to the Cyber-Twin. G-Decs are modelers.

_________________
I only have two brain cells left, and I'm saving them....for this weekend!


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 3:25 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician

Joined: Fri Sep 19, 2008 1:53 pm
Posts: 483
Location: usa
"Repair people are always interesting to talk to- They get a view on the gear that players don't. I can imagine that the cybertwin is hard to work on. One of them referred to it as cotton candy. Guitar Center lowered the price on the SE by $300.00 because it doesn't sell well. Why? Well, who knows, but it becomes a kind of self-perpetuating circle. "

Most repair people pine for the things they are familiar with, especially tube amps. Yes, they will say things like "they don't make them like they used to", and on and on it goes. Yes, you will be a returning customer (with tubes, you will see why). Yes, you will buy tubes in search of the golden set of tubes. I have heard the same rubbish my whole life (I am 54). Ultimately, you will come to realize a few things: yesterday's technology was just that: yesterday's technology with all its limitations and no, things really weren't better in the good old days (but you were younger then and to your mind, things were simpler, rosier, comfortable, etc...), despite our own pining for the good old days.

Do not fear the unknown, learn to embrace modern technology (and inevitable change) and get the maximum you can out of it. Don't be afraid to move on. Avoid nostalgia and the status quo - it makes you old and dated.

And now for some myth busters: I use 2 SEs all the time for a 3-D effect - I gig with them, they been on the road (but admittedly, the road was not that long). I have at this time 4 SEs and 2 CTs. Since I have had them, none have broken down, not to mention the fact that 2SEs and 2CTs are constantly being pounded in the lab. So to the "techs" I would say my experience has been quite different, it seems cotton candy is what they might be dishing out!

What I enjoy about my SEs:
1. rock reliable to date
2. great tone, no, not just great, really great
3. versatile, everything I would ever need is in the SE (and I have no desire for any other kind of amp at this time)
4. the SPDIF output plugs right into studio mixing equipment, the SE fits into a recording studio quite well, better than any other amp i have owned.
5. computer controlled. Cyber Commander is just the start. Other things are on the way.

Ciao,
Johnny.


Last edited by johnny stecchino on Sun Dec 28, 2008 4:58 pm, edited 2 times in total.

Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 22 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Go to page 1, 2  Next

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: