Fender

Tom Higgins · Post by **Tom Higgins** » 20 Dec 2007 4:15 pm

I`m trying to determine the age of a SF Twin Reverb that I`ve acquired.On the chassis top,the numberT354967 was ink-stamped.The black transformer was stamped 022756 above606725.The silver tranny read 022889 above 606735.The speakers are EV SRO`s.I was also curious about the rectifier,doesn`t seem to be tube type.Sounded great with a Strat,hope it does with a ProII as well.Thanks in advance for your comments.
Tom

Papa Joe Pollick · Post by **Papa Joe Pollick** » 20 Dec 2007 5:19 pm

Tom,Look on the inside of the cabinet and you should find a paper label on the side wall.It will have the tube info and all the info neaded to tell when it was made.Post those numbers and letters and some one here on the forum will tell you what you want to know.It does use a solid state rectifier,not tube.As for sounding good with a Strat,they go together like a hand and a glove.

You lucky dog...PJ

Bob Carlucci · Post by **Bob Carlucci** » 20 Dec 2007 5:28 pm

your codes date the transformers as made in 1967...most 67's were blackface however..... I would think your amp is a 1968, possibly one of the very first silver face Twins... If it has the "drip edge" around the speaker grille cloth it is certainly a 68... bob

Tom Higgins · Post by **Tom Higgins** » 20 Dec 2007 5:31 pm

Hey Joe,said where you goin`....never mind,...the tube chart is all that`s left inside the cab.I can see where some paper was torn from the opposite side.No date on the tube chart.Would the EV`s be OEM?
Thanks

Bob Carlucci · Post by **Bob Carlucci** » 20 Dec 2007 5:33 pm

No EV's in the 60's that I am aware of.. Oxford,Jensen, Utah, JBL... bob

Tom Higgins · Post by **Tom Higgins** » 20 Dec 2007 5:52 pm

Bob,I have approx.a quarter inch aluminun strip framing the grill,if that`s what you mean.I knew I`d have the answer soon here on the forum,the collective knowledge of this membership is staggering.
Thanks,
Tom

Jim Sliff · Post by **Jim Sliff** » 20 Dec 2007 10:12 pm

Tom - what is the serial number that is embossed/stamped into the metal on the back of the amp? That will pin it down much more precisely, as there's been in existence for a few years now a comprehensive database of Fender amp serial numbers.

From the description, though, I'd date yours as a late '67-to-early-'68. Contrary to what Bob implied above, the "drip-edge" trim silverface amps were introduced in mid-1967, not '68 as many think.

Transformer numbers are not as reliable as chassis numbers in dating an amp - transformers were ordered in bulk and kept in bins, often being pulled over a long period of time; chassis numbers were stamped on the production line. Tube stickers are OK, but often unreadable, missing or fakes.

The date range for an amp with those transformers could mean it's essentially a blackface Twin...or one of the dreaded early silverface circuits (I kind of doubt it, though) - if the latter it's not a major project to convert it to blackface specs, though it needs to be done by a competent tech.

Fender amp serial number database:

http://www.tcguitar.com/articles/gagliano_pt5.html

Tom Higgins · Post by **Tom Higgins** » 21 Dec 2007 5:54 am

Hi Jim,
The number,to the right of the black switchplate is A 11250.More questions...The reverb only works in the *Vibrato* channel,the speed and intensity knobs do nothing as there is no vibrato discernible.Is this vibrato only activated with a footswitch,which I don`t have,or is there another problem,tube etc.? Thanks.

Edit:You`re correct,A11250 indicates 1967,according to the chart.

Jim Sliff · Post by **Jim Sliff** » 21 Dec 2007 7:19 am

Tom, reverb on Fender BF/SF amps IS only on the vibrato channel, which also has (as part of the reverb circuit) an additional gain stage. Vibrato, obviously, is also only on that channel.

The vibrato will not work without a footswitch, or a small alligator clip , RCA plug with the leads soldered together, or something else to short across the jack. The trem takes some juice out of the circuit, though, so I don't recommend anything but a switch - you don't want to leave it on and just turn up the intensity knob. Any generic footswitch will work with a phone plug to RCA adapter, or you can find vintage-style footswitches with RCA plugs on the web at various dealers.

Papa Joe Pollick · Post by **Papa Joe Pollick** » 21 Dec 2007 8:00 am

Tom.I have a Fender double foot switch from the 60's that will plug right in to your twin.I forgot that I even had it until this thread.I have no need for it,so if you want it I can let it go for $65.00,shipped.Let me know..PJ

Here's a pic.Had just enough battery to take one shot

Tom Higgins · Post by **Tom Higgins** » 21 Dec 2007 11:16 am

Joe,
That`s a cool footswitch.Let me know your address,and I`ll send a MO tomorrow.
Thanks,
Tom

Papa Joe Pollick · Post by **Papa Joe Pollick** » 21 Dec 2007 12:25 pm

Check your mail Tom..

Tom Higgins · Post by **Tom Higgins** » 21 Dec 2007 2:40 pm

Hi Joe,
Paypal sent,thanks for making it available.
Tom

Bob Carlucci · Post by **Bob Carlucci** » 21 Dec 2007 7:35 pm

Jim is correct, there were some late 67 Twins with the drip edge, but not many, and a very few early 69's from what I have heard.... anyway as I stated in my post, yours is most likely a 68,certainly no earlier than a late 67, or later than a very early 69...but like I said, you may have one of the very first silverface Twins...

Here is a quick tutorial.. take for example trannie # 606-7-35...

606 is the manufacturer code..

7 is the last digit of the two digit year of manufacture 1967...

35 is the week of manufacture IN 67.. 35th week of 1967 is when the trannie was assembled.. and then who really knows exactly when it went into the amp

By the time the part was installed in a chassis, it would be at least late 1967, but more likely 68... I either case, it is an early SF and it one of the truly great classic Fender amps!!...bob

bob

Tom Higgins · Post by **Tom Higgins** » 22 Dec 2007 8:52 am

Thanks, Bob,it`s good to know that a SF could be so highly regarded,I thought only the BF`s were seen in that light.