Is this any good for Steel Guitar ?

basilh · Post by **basilh** » 19 Apr 2004 6:24 pm

I.ve just bought a Fender 'Twin' http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10171&item=3716244128

and was wondering if this cab and speaker combination would suit Steel ? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10171&item=3719119767

Basil

------------------

Steel players do it without fretting

http://www.waikiki-islanders.com

Tyler Macy · Post by **Tyler Macy** » 19 Apr 2004 9:29 pm

There are better twins out there, but that showman cabinet should sound great (it better at over 100lbs!)

basilh · Post by **basilh** » 20 Apr 2004 1:25 am

I thought the 'Twin' would be good because it has easily adjustable balance and bias.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>E E . V9 & V11 T ROUBLE LED* - Functional only with
the S TAND BY switch in the UP p o s i t i o n . This LED
glows re d when either the V9 or V11 tube has failed.
F F. FUSE V9 & V11 (F1)** - Protects the amplifier fro m
damage if the V 9 or V 1 1 tube were to fail. If this fuse
fails, replace the tubes in locations V 9 & V11, this fuse,
then set the BIAS and B A L A N C E.
GG. BIAS ADJUSTMENT - Trim adjustment used in
conjunction with BIAS test points to set the proper
tube BIAS.
HH. BIAS TEST POINTS - Test points used to measure
output tube BIAS.
II. BALANCE TEST POINTS - Test points used to
m e a s u re the B A L A N C E between power tube
sections.
JJ. BALANCE ADJUSTMENT - Trim adjustment used
in conjunction with the BALANCE test points to set
the proper tube BALANCE.
K K . V10 & V12 FUSE (F2)** - Protects the amplifier fro m
damage if the V 1 0 or V 1 2 tube were to fail. If this fuse
fails, replace the tubes in locations V 1 0 & V12, t h i s
fuse, then set the BIAS and B A L A N C E.
LL. V10 & V12 TROUBLE LED* - Functional only with
the S TAND BY switch in the UP p o s i t i o n . This LED
glows re d when either the V10 or V12 tube has failed.
* The TROUBLE LEDs do not indicate tube wear.
Tubes may be “worn” and sound weak even when
the TROUBLE LED still glows green. DO NOT WAIT
FOR TUBE FAILURE TO REPLACE TUBES, (see
“Tube Replacement” on the next page).
** Only replace a failed fuse with the proper type as
indicated under “Specifications” on the next page.
The fuse item F1 & F2 are used for tube failure
protection. If a fuse repeatedly fails, consult with an
authorized Fender service technician.
Visit Fender online at:
OUTPUT TUBE BIAS & BALANCE ADJUSTMENTS.
1. Warm up the Pro-Tube amp for 2 minutes with STAND
BY switch DOWN and OUTPUT POWER set to FULL.
Set SPEED and INTENSITY to “1“ and toggle TREMOLO
OFF. Put the STAND BY switch in the UP position.
2. Remove the bias controls cover box.
3. Set BIAS: With a DC voltmeter, measure VDC between
the “GND” and “V9,V10” test points. Adjust BIAS for .06
VDC (60mVDC).
4. Set BALANCE: With a DC voltmeter, measure VDC
between the “V9,V10” and “V11,V12” test points. Adjust
BALANCE for zero (0) VDC.
5. Replace the bias controls cover box.
IMPORTANT
1. Make BIAS and BALANCE adjustments only when
necessary. Take your Pro-Tube amp to the nearest
authorized Fender Service Center if you are not sure
about the settings.
2. Always set BIAS first, then BALANCE.
3. If the output tubes (6L6GC’s) cannot be BALANCED,
replace the output tubes (V9, V10, V11, V12), then set
BIAS and BALANCE.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I would have thought that with such a comprehensive set of instructions AND the fact that the INTERNAL speakers can be disconnected so easily and external ones pluged in, that this particular model would suit....
So what are the "Better Twins out there" ?
Baz[This message was edited by basilh on 20 April 2004 at 02:26 AM.]

Tim Whitlock · Post by **Tim Whitlock** » 20 Apr 2004 6:30 am

Basil - The D130-F sounds fabulous through my "65 Twin Reverb Re-issue". I've heard that "The Twin" is a different animal, but in what way I don't know (looks like the same tube configuration to me). Try some searches on the "Electronics" forum. I think it's been discussed before. In any event, that cabinet looks like a GREAT investment as the D130's are becoming scarce.

basilh · Post by **basilh** » 20 Apr 2004 8:17 am

Hi Tom.... I believe that you play a"1000" also...
See what you think of my sound in the mid 60's with a '1000' and a Vox AC30..
www.waikiki-islanders.com

and
http://www.waikiki-islanders.com/html/live_1.html

and
http://www.waikiki-islanders.com/html/live_2.html

Allan Todd · Post by **Allan Todd** » 20 Apr 2004 9:13 am

Basil,
I agree with Tyler,and I think he is referring to the silver faced twins,if you can locate one with standard or blown speakers,and replace them with one of the 15"JBL`S you will not be dissapointed (ideal for steel )in effect you will have a vibrosonic with a spare speaker! I can make you a new baffle board no prob`s, I have two twins one with 2x12 jbl`s and the other with 1x15 jbl and they do the biz,
by the way did you recieve my email thanking you for your efforts regarding accommodation for the Newbury festival?
Allan

Brian Davis · Post by **Brian Davis** » 20 Apr 2004 10:20 am

I think all the value in that cab may be in the JBLs. I had inquired about the larger silverface era "tall" cabinets sometime before in the electronics sections and got some boos from the peanut gallery.

I've also owned a "The Twin" in the past and I think for your purposes you would only want to use the clean channel. There are 2 other distortion channels, the second of which you will probably find uselessly overdriven even for 6-string. And, then, I have also owned a 135w late model silverface Twin and it was by far the cleanest, most beautiful sounding amp for steel ever. But heavy, heavy, heavy...try to find one of these if your back is strong. It's worth it.

basilh · Post by **basilh** » 20 Apr 2004 12:24 pm

Alan...glad you got 'fixed up' for accomodation at Newbury......
I'll talk to you at the festival and we'll see what we can sort out re the 15" baffle..
I think the amp WILL suit my needs... I actually use a Peavey Nashville 112 on stage for C/W gigs...I need the fender set-up to go with my Fender 1000 that I use for Hawaiian and Standards...
I also have
http://www.mrgearhead.net/faq/pdf/guitarpdf/Satellite_SFX.pdf

to go with the 'Twin'
Baz

Michael Hillman · Post by **Michael Hillman** » 20 Apr 2004 2:57 pm

Played (bass) with a steel player for years who used a Twin Reverb, as did our lead player. he eventually switched to a Peavey - I always liked the sound of his Twin, hope that isn't just from too many nights on the bandstand. I believe you'll like it.

Michael Hillman · Post by **Michael Hillman** » 20 Apr 2004 2:59 pm

Basil - also- our steel player used a 1000 for many years, until he met Maurice Anderson in 1977 and bought an MSA double 10.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 20 Apr 2004 5:34 pm

Looks good to me, Basil!

Tim Whitlock · Post by **Tim Whitlock** » 21 Apr 2004 9:33 am

Basil - I checked out your mp3's. I'm very impressed with both your tone and your playing. Really terrific! Your 1000 tone through the AC30 is really stunning! Clear but with warmth and just enough bite. I'll be ordering one of your CD's very soon.

Everyone please give a listen. This is some fine playing! - Tim

basilh · Post by **basilh** » 21 Apr 2004 12:54 pm

Mahalo Tim.....
the Waikiki Islanders live albums and the EMI ones are the Fender 1000... all the other recordings are using one or another of my 1970 Emmons PP's.
baz