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Post subject: Apology to my Twin...
Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2012 8:08 am
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Aspiring Musician
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So as some of you know I've been exploring the idea of modding my Fender Twin Reissue... I did a "half-power" mod where I disconnected a speaker and removed two power tubes, and was contemplating doing a reverb mod where I would run the reverb out through the Normal imput so I could use the EQ to shape the reverb tone... Well, the amp made a funny low level hum that seemed to be ramping up... I caught it quickly, powered down, replaced the two power tubes, and reconnected the speaker... problem solved. No problems whatsoever since then... I think my amp was trying to tell me something.

I'm sorry Twin, I meant no disrespect... you were made to make ears bleed, not be stuffed in the corner of a potpourri scented bedroom covered with dolls and bears. Your thunderous low end, and seemingly limitless, shimmering clean headroom was made not just for me to enjoy, but the whole block. You were insulted, and I'm sorry I ever tried to make you something you weren't. Half-power... that's for sissies. I see the error of my ways.

SO, as an apology, I found you a used pair of Eminence Commonwealth speakers at a steal ($120 for the pair :) ) They're rated at 225 watts so you'll never feel half-powered again. At 25lbs a piece, you'll surely break my back, though I don't care, I probably deserve it. Maybe you'd allow me to install a set of shiny new casters, to accommodate for my shortcomings, certainly not yours. I'm sorry that I couldn't afford vintage JBL's for you but perhaps these will be a suitable substitute for the time being... I'll get you those JBL's someday baby. Now, let's hug it out, peel some paint off the walls, rattle some windows, and entertain the neighbors.
XOXOXO, JamGuy


Last edited by JamGuy on Sat Nov 10, 2012 9:27 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Post subject: Re: Apology to my Twin...
Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2012 9:14 am
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Very poetic and well said. A twin by any other name is but a twin.

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Post subject: Re: Apology to my Twin...
Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2012 10:38 am
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The amp was just giving you a not so subtle reminder that Leo got it right the first time. :lol: :lol: :lol:

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Post subject: Re: Apology to my Twin...
Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2012 6:05 pm
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JamGuy wrote:
...run the reverb out through the Normal imput so I could use the EQ to shape the reverb tone... ...


What were you thinking? :roll:

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Post subject: Re: Apology to my Twin...
Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2012 4:28 pm
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:lol:

That'll Learn ya!

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Post subject: Re: Apology to my Twin...
Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2012 6:33 pm
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Quote:
JamGuy wrote:
...run the reverb out through the Normal imput so I could use the EQ to shape the reverb tone... ...


What were you thinking?


I found a bunch of amp mods at some place called Fenderguru.com... I was curious to try a few out. I don't know the first thing about how or why amps work, or what you should or shouldn't do to them. But, that's why I asked a few questions on the forum before proceeding... I'm glad I didn't try the reveb one before asking... that seems to have ruffled a lot of feather. Hey, live and learn. Maybe someday I'll delve into the world of amps and try to make a little tube amp from a kit or something so I can get some sense of how they work... 'til then, I'll let Fender keep making amps and leave well enough alone.

I'm not sure where new speakers fit into the "leave it alone" line of thinking, but I needed one speaker to mount in my new cab...
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Post subject: Re: Apology to my Twin...
Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 7:58 pm
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Quote:
That'll Learn ya!


Well, the not so subtle hint really turned out to be a dying power tube today... probably exacerbated by the fact that I was messing around with them during my attempt to half-power things. I suspect it's been on it's way out for quite some time. It has been intermittently "popping" and making other strange sounds for months... the tubes are pushing 7 years old so they don't owe me a thing at this point.

Seems my amp's holding a bit of a grudge and not willing to kiss and make up. Perhaps a new quartet of power tubes will patch things up. It's cheaper to tick my girlfriend off.


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Post subject: Re: Apology to my Twin...
Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 8:54 pm
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Pulling two tubes and disconnecting one speaker did not cause the tube to fail. Obviously, as you now know, the tube giving problems should have been changed long ago. Any idea if your bias was set correctly? Improper bias can contribute to tube failure. :idea:

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Post subject: Re: Apology to my Twin...
Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:29 pm
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no idea about the bias... I assume it was fine.The amp has never been serviced before and it's about 7 years old. Given that it sees near daily use, and sometimes a few hours a day, it's probably no surprise that the tubes need replacing. The preamp tubes all seem good to go however... no issues there. I'll have to swing it by the shop to get it rebiased once I get the tubes and speakers installed.


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Post subject: Re: Apology to my Twin...
Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:36 pm
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When installing new output tubes, definitely check the bias before using the amp. In fact, it's a good idea to check the bias whenever you first get a tube amp, as even new amps are often incorrectly biased, and you never know how the bias was set by a previous owner on a used amp.

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Post subject: Re: Apology to my Twin...
Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 9:57 pm
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Quote:
definitely check the bias before using the amp


Will do! The speakers arrive tomorrow and I'm going to get those loaded... tubes later in the week. Then she's off to the shop for a tune up.


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