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Speakers for versatile tones in Twin Reverb?

PostPosted: Mon Mar 12, 2012 10:59 pm
by Granada
For many years I have been on a quest to find a simple solution to my tone needs. I'm a pretty simple guy when it comes to tones, I just want a nice pretty clean, bluesy tones (leaning towards a nice Tweed Deluxe) & classic rock (JTM45 AC/DC type tones), BUT I really want this all from one amp!

I have lately been experimenting with a 1970 Twin Reverb, and with a Half Gainer or Dual UnLimiTed it's close to doing what I want, but I feel that the speakers just aren't quite right. I currently have some Scumback H75's in there, I have also tried a G12H with an Celestion Gold, thinking that the Alnico speaker would give me a little something special, but it's just not right. I also have some G12-65's that I need to try, but previously these with my JTM45 didn't impress me much. I have a suspicion that I need to try some Eminence speakers in there, possibly the Swamp Thangs, Cannabis Rex or RW&B's but I'm just getting confused by the hundreds of different options available in "Speaker Land".

Alternatively, maybe I just have the wrong amp, my JTM45 is also loosely capable of what I want, but it's a bit lacking in clean headroom, and doesn't quite have the pretty clean I'm looking for, it's close though, and I'm happy to tweak either amp to get to a decent compromise.

Of course, I could spend years trying different things, but I'd like to get to a good solution soon, Any suggestions?

Re: Speakers for versatile tones in Twin Reverb?

PostPosted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 9:14 am
by hobbyist789
Granada wrote:I have a suspicion that I need to try some Eminence speakers in there, possibly the Swamp Thangs, Cannabis Rex or RW&B's but I'm just getting confused by the hundreds of different options available in "Speaker Land".

Yes, it is very confusing out there; I would recommend the Eminence Red White & Blues for nice tones & all-around versatility in your Twin. I've had really good luck with one in my Deluxe Reverb, especially when using all sorts of pedals—from the low-gain LTD-SR all the way up to a high-gain, hot-rodded RAT. Sounds great clean and with overdrive or distortion, at least to my ears.

Re: Speakers for versatile tones in Twin Reverb?

PostPosted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 12:39 pm
by David Barber
I like the Texas Heat speakers. What have you done to the Silverface Twin to improve the tone? Blackface conversion?

Re: Speakers for versatile tones in Twin Reverb?

PostPosted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 1:06 pm
by hobbyist789
David Barber wrote:I like the Texas Heat speakers.


^ Also a good suggestion.

It might also help to know that the Texas Heat is available in 4-, 8-, or 16-ohm ratings (to suit whatever output your Twin has). The RW&B comes in 8-ohm only.

Re: Speakers for versatile tones in Twin Reverb?

PostPosted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 1:13 pm
by Granada
Hi David,

TBH, I haven't touched it much. Fender amps are a relatively new thing for me, and I have been slow to understand what it will do, and what I can do with it.. Originally, I was planning on just using it clean, with a JTM45 or Plexi for the dirt.

I now realise that the Twin can get the dirt tones I like with pedals, so I really want to hone the Twin to be my "jack of all trades" amp.

I plan to start off by just giving it a good overhaul (check voltages, cap job, maybe tidy up the lead dress, bias properly), then I'm hoping to mod it for a touch more 3D sound, warmth and harmonic richness. Would Blackfacing sound like the right direction for this?

Re: Speakers for versatile tones in Twin Reverb?

PostPosted: Tue Mar 13, 2012 1:14 pm
by Granada
8 ohms are fine, my Twin has an 4 ohms OT

Re: Speakers for versatile tones in Twin Reverb?

PostPosted: Fri Jun 15, 2012 3:42 pm
by RussB
I really like Celestion Vintage 30's in my Twin. To me, they just sounded fantastic. Big smooth bvass, a bit of a mid bump, and sweet but not brittle highs