What to do with a Super Twin Reverb Amp?

[TubeGeek]

A few months back I re-capped, calibrated and serviced three audio compressors for a recording studio and instead of payment, they gave me a 1979 Super Twin Reverb Amp with JBL K120's in it. 


I don't know if I want to keep the amp, I already built myself a AB763 twin reverb (first amp i ever built) so I don't really need this one to stick around.  The speakers might stay with me though.


The tolex is pretty rough on this one and I have a bunch of sea foam green tolex around that I could put to use and re-tolex the cabinet.  Not sure that would help sell it or not I happen to like sea foam green but others do not.


The amp itself has some issues too.  I just opened it up and found a burned up screen resistor and evidence of arcing on at least 3 of the power tube sockets.  They may need to be replaced at worst case scenario. First I will clean them up and see what I am dealing with.  The power tubes are mismatched.  One of the special EQ knobs is broken off, it may be hard to find a replacement knob.


I am considering fixing it up and selling either as-is or offering to re-tolex it for a fee or I can gut it and have some fun and build something else into the chassis.  That may be more of a job than fun.


Thoughts?


Are these still considered to be the ugly red headed step child of twin reverbs?

[TIMBO]

I don't have one of those, so.......................

You could send it my way.

[SILVERGUN]

That looks to be a great platform for a Steel String Singer, and I'd love to see you do it....the "Seafoam Singer"
If you haven't heard of this amp yet it's time to start your education.
IMHO it has the best pure clean sound you can get and there's plenty of documentation available over at TAG to get it done. This amp has a tight, snappy response, that also lends a rubbery feel to the strings...really has to be felt and heard to understand. I think it would be a wise addition to your studio... And would probably play well with those K120s
If I had a big UL OT and your talent and follow through, I wouldn't hesitate for a second.

[2deaf]

Leave the Distortion control in the "off" position.

[TubeGeek]

That looks to be a great platform for a Steel String Singer, and I'd love to see you do it....the "Seafoam Singer"
If you haven't heard of this amp yet it's time to start your education.
IMHO it has the best pure clean sound you can get and there's plenty of documentation available over at TAG to get it done. This amp has a tight, snappy response, that also lends a rubbery feel to the strings...really has to be felt and heard to understand. I think it would be a wise addition to your studio... And would probably play well with those K120s
If I had a big UL OT and your talent and follow through, I wouldn't hesitate for a second.

Interesting thought...I am gonna look more into it.  I know of the SSS but I haven't looked at the schematic or layout. 


The last Dumble inspired amp I built sold pretty quick, people love them.

[TubeGeek]

Leave the Distortion control in the "off" position.

 

[eleventeen]

Good that you got the JBLs. That's IMO where the value is.


An amp in that condition is problematic, first, because fewer and fewer people want Twin Reverbs. Many times I have thought of creating a magic chainsaw that could cut a Twin in half and have 2 Deluxes. If it was working properly, what would it be worth? $500 on a good day? You have to put $100 in Tolex and $100 worth of speakers and $100 worth of tubes and $100 worth of bench time into it. Unless an amp of that size or the steel amp project appeals to you....I think I would put in on Craigslist with no speakers "as is" for $200 and see if it goes away.

[TubeGeek]

I don't have one of those, so.......................

You could send it my way.

The shipping cost alone wouldn't be worth it!

[TubeGeek]

Good that you got the JBLs. That's IMO where the value is.


An amp in that condition is problematic, first, because fewer and fewer people want Twin Reverbs. Many times I have thought of creating a magic chainsaw that could cut a Twin in half and have 2 Deluxes. If it was working properly, what would it be worth? $500 on a good day? You have to put $100 in Tolex and $100 worth of speakers and $100 worth of tubes and $100 worth of bench time into it. Unless an amp of that size or the steel amp project appeals to you....I think I would put in on Craigslist with no speakers "as is" for $200 and see if it goes away.

Yeah exactly my other thoughts too.  The only reason I said yes to the barter was because of the jbl's.


I have a buddy who wants me to help him build a sunn 2000s project, this iron may fit the bill for that so it's possible he may end up with this amp as a donor.

[birt]

if you build something else in that chassis, make it a head. those things are way too heavy.