[Harp-L] Re: Fender Twin '57



The Fender Twin '57 is the model 5F8.  I use a 5D8 which has its
inputs modified to the 5F8 spec.  This amp is the one that B.B. King
and Eric Clapton love.  I know BB uses a Black Face most of the time,
but Eric loves this one.

Its lay is, if it have four inputs.  V1 inputs 1 and 2.  V2 inputs 3
and 4.  Then these two tubes feed individually a cathode follower V3
that drives the tone stack.  Any of these tubes can be changed out for
tubes with less gain.  The last pre amp tube is the V4 phase inverter.
 The 5F8 has a grounded cathode on the output tubes, if I remember
correctly.  This gives it a bit more power than the cathode bypassed
5D8 which rates at 25 watts.  The phase inverter is calculated to be a
12AX7 and should not be changed.  It has little effect on the amplifed
signal so changing it will not help alter tone or eliminate feedback.

This model, might have two 5Y3GT rectifiers.  You can pull one to get
a browner, saggy sound, but becareful the 5Y3GT arcs under heavy load
and you can burn one up fast.  This amp has a sweet tone that is
comparable to none other.  It is slightly cleaner than most tweeds due
to the dual rectifier set up, but it has a lot of warmth.  It is a
push  pull class AB1 or 2, who really knows?  With 6L6 output tubes. 
Great amp and I think the reissue is point to point wired.

M.
Message: 5
Date: Sat, 5 Feb 2005 19:03:22 -0800 (PST)
From: Michael Fugazzi <mfugazzi67@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Harp-L] Fender Twin '57
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Message-ID: <20050206030322.25588.qmail@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I saw a reissue Fender Twin '57 at the local music store.  When I went
to check it out, there were four preamp tubes.  I found that
surprising.  Would this amp be any good for harp?  Anybody use one? 
It had two recitfiers (one can be removed), two power tubes.

It was suggested that three of the tubes be switched out for 12ay7's
(for guitar, and I am sure that would be the same for harp) but it
didn't say which ones.  Why would you leave one as a 12ax7?

This post is more for my understanding of amps then anything.  If I
had two grand for an amp, it would be a harp specific amp.

Mike

Mike Fugazzi
Harmonica/Vocals




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