What a Great Amp!

What no one seems to mention about the 2x12 Low-Power Tweed Twin (including Fender) is that both high-gain channel inputs (bright and normal) each parallel into 2 input tubes - both sides of a 12AY7! On the way out, the signals are then mixed together and sent to each respective volume control. Why? Who knows. But maybe that's why it's called a "Twin." (The low-gain inputs each go to one input of a 12AY7.)

Beyond being an interesting and unique circuit, the dual-rectifier 'LP' Twin sounds fantastic! Built to the original, 1957 'vintage' specs, it's not as hot as a Super - the overdrive doesn't saturate (at least not with both 5U4GB rectifiers and the vintage-spec 12AY7s installed) so it's a cleaner tone, but with a lot of punch and power. Not too bright or bass-heavy at any setting, the tone controls are very forgiving.

The OEM Jensen P12Qs used here (reconed to A12Q/B12Q specs) are a great match for the Twin as they simply convey the information the guitar and amp are supplying without adding any additional tonal artifacts of their own. They compress nicely, stay together tightly, and handle the power gracefully - while breaking up a bit with high gain. No cone cry or ghosting at all.

Really Fun and Satisfying to Play...

It's a great starting point to set all controls midway (where the amp is already delivering great performance) and tweak from there. Tone and feel are totally consistent, and the controls simply do what they are supposed to without altering the baseline response - which is just terrific. The bass can be rolled-out considerably, making neck pickups sound more like bridge pickups (if desired) and the bass tone itself is not as woolly as found on most other Tweed-Era Fender amps, it's much tighter. Lots of natural midrange as well, and the highs are clear without any harshness. Also cleans up beautifully by just picking lightly - even with the amp dimed. Tracks pretty fast, too. Each guitar's particular characteristics are always present, making swapping guitars a lot of fun. The 'Low-Power' Twin is a very musical amp.

Quiet, yet Loud:

This is the quietest amp I have ever played. Even dimed it's essentially silent at idle - no hiss or hum whatsoever. Just amazing. Volume wise, it's around 40 watts output, but I find it possible to sit next to the amp while it's cranked and not experience any fatigue. It's loud, but not that loud.

Plug and Play:

Due to the unique input wiring arrangement, channels cannot be jumpered; but you can 'Y' in and blend both together. Also, one rectifier can be pulled to add a little more sag/compression. Additionally, 12AX7s can be subbed in to replace the 12AY7s at any and all positions to increase the amount of overdrive and generally make the amp more aggressive. Replacing only the leftmost 12AY7 (the gain/splitter stage) with a 12AX7 will replicate the Super (Pro & Bandmaster) gain profile.

Y'ing In to Both Channels:

'Y' in to both channels and it's a pretty amazing experience - I suppose going into four input tubes has something to do with that! Where the amp volume was reasonable in one channel, it gets a lot louder and more powerful cranking up two channels. Really sounds like two amps - moreso than any other amp I've played. Big, big tone. Yet, it still doesn't really saturate, just overdriving and staying on the cleaner/articulate side. Remains super quiet as well. But, man, the Twin really rocks. Keef tones all day long with a Tele, Clapton tones with a Strat! Humbuckers?.... look out!

If you're interested in the finest period-correct Low-Power 5E8-a Twin, or any other Tweed-era amp (or custom build) please write or give me a call at 239-689-5941. It would be my pleasure to build a great amp for you.

Best!

The 5E8-a Tweed Twin is a great amp. The 'reproduction' above is built exactly to vintage specs. Mercury Iron. 48.8 Lbs.