Cyber Twin Question

[Rick Maxwell]

Has anyone ever used a Cyber Twin for Steel Guitar? It is a great guitar amp with tube preamp and modeling or shaping of Fenders vintage models
Pro? Cons? Opinions?

[David Doggett]

The problem I see with these is that they are fairly expensive amps with built in modeling. Eventually the modeling will be dated, and you will be stuck with it in your amp. Maybe you can download updates for a Cyber Twin, I don't know. But I would rather have a good amp with a separate modeling and effects unit(s). You can later trade up on the modeling and effects, without having to buy a new amp.

But maybe they are a workable solution for someone who wants the simplicity of a single unit, and who likes the particular models and effects of the Cyber Twin (I doubt if I would, but I haven't tried one).

If you want to go that route, you should also check out other amps with built in modeling and effects, such as Line 6.

[Jon Light]

I used a house cyber-T once for a session. The owner/engineer wasn't much help setting it up because he's blind---truly! A blind ProTools wizard. He couldn't get anywhere with the LCD readouts. I spent maybe 10 minutes with it, primarily disabling as many bells & whistles as possible and was able to dial in a very acceptable twin reverb-y sound. I was impressed. I regretted not being a stoner anymore 'cause I could (and probably would) watch those motorized dials turn all day.
I agree that by now the amp's a couple of technological generations old---can't say when's the last time I saw one anywhere. But if someone wanted to give me one I'd snatch it up (and set it on a stand in the living room and watch them little dials turn.....)
I remember when they first came out and the first thing that came to mind was how much could I trust an amp on the stand that needs to boot up? But I use my Pod all the time so I guess I'm over that concern.

[Gary Baker]

Has anyone ever used a Cyber Twin for Steel Guitar? It is a great guitar amp with tube preamp and modeling or shaping of Fenders vintage models
Pro? Cons? Opinions?

I purchased the first generation cyber-twin as a six string amp or should I say amps?

The cyber-twin was VERY poorly marketed and much mis-understood. It is NOT a "modeling amp". There are no true "digital" algorithims to make this amp sing.

There are "REAL PREAMP TUBES" AND REAL POWER TUBES. When you choose one of the "Programed" amps it duplicates the schematics to a VERY true degree.

The effects are digital but the preamp, tone stack and power amp sections are all analog. It was the only way I could have a bevy of Fender amps that I always wanted. I've never had a lick of problems with it and yes all the knobs still auto adjust.

Now - as far as using it as a steel amp all I can say is it sounds the same as a Fender: Champ, Deluxe, Twin,Bassman, etc., etc. It does not have it's "own" sound but rather duplicates a large number of Fender and a few off brand amps.

I tried it and will stick with my Nashville 1000. But for six string - it's the cat's A**.

Blessings, Bo Baker

[Doug Earnest]

I really like mine! If you search (maybe in the old forum posts) you can find my settings for pedal steel. I called it Steel King before Fender ever made the SK amp.
My basic presets are made using the Vibro-King as the starting point because I kind of like some "bite" to the sound.
I'm fairly certain that updates are available for download, maybe off of the Fender forum site.
If I wasn't 1000 miles from my amp I would be glad to post the settings again.

[Rick Maxwell]

Thanks to all for feedback. I do have the first generation also and currently using a 65 twin setting.
I will slao try the vibro king and see what happens!
Just my opinion, having one amp with a bunch of amps inside, especially Fender amps, that really do sound good and some pretty cool effects is really nice. Also I've had no problems either and will just deal with that issue if it comes up.. Thanks again for the replies