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Tube Amps-do I want a newer 65 Twin Reverb?

866 views 50 replies 23 participants last post by  TeleLUVR  
#1 ·
Hey guys-bit of background before anyone gets too technical.. Been playing guitar since the late 80s, university/marriage/kids/job change/parents needing help=took basically a 25+ year hiatus. When I picked-up my old Cort headless guitar years later and plugged it into my Peavey Audition 30=not the inspiration I needed as a guy in my mid-50s looking to get back into it.

Bought a new MiJ strat and a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, but the amount of noise from that amp playing at low volume=not good. Even though the local music shop seemed astonished, I traded that back-in against a new, 100W Katana and have enjoyed that ever since.

I've now spent a year+ getting pedals in front of that thing, and love the sound I'm getting with my single coils, but I also know a tube amp can close the gap between where I am where I want to be. A baritone will be in the near future too, so feel free to comment based on that?

So here is the question-I've read the 65 Twin Reverb is a great amp, newer less fixable if it needs it...sounds amazing on YT reviews.. I'm a basement dwelling-player mostly, only gig stuff=I'm a bass player. I'm now seeing a 65 Twin Reverb at around $700 in great condition but have read they're very heavy, seems everyone agrees on the quality of sound, etc. I'm tempted, but struck by the fact that it's way heavier, and way WAY louder than I need. I mean-won't be leaving the house really, so who cares...BUT...if this Twin Reverb is bound to have a fair amount of background noise until it's @ eardrum-piercing levels...?

I play my Katana @ the 5W setting 99% of the time/I should probably wait and see if I'm gigging with a 6 string before I get one of these sweet-sounding boat anchors..?

If any of you more experience guys can suggest a small tube amp that might rival ( or better?) the sound of a Twin Reverb (vibrato etc.) only in a much smaller package/lower power?

thanks!
 
#48 ·
UPDATE: A used Blues Junior has entered my life, and I love it. Missing the Vibrato part of the wish list guys but have to say, the 100W Katana was quiet all weekend. What a sweet sounding amp, it's a tweed with the Jensen. Previous owner probably cleaned the switch plate with a solvent=95% of the printing is missing but otherwise...condition is like new, and the sound is awesome. So dynamic compared to the solid state Katana, which I do have a lot of affection for regardless.

Anyway guys-thanks so much for the valuable input, got me looking at options I had never considered. Learned a lot!