T1-RVT Thunder 1 Reverb amp - what do you think?

[matsickma]

Well that MusicMan was likely the best version of "The Twin" when Leo sold Fender and teamed up for the MusicMan amps. Being a "Twin" it's a very loud amp so a 2-6L6 amp with 1-12 would have been likely sufficient for most applications and too loud for at home use.
M

 

[GGJaguar]

Leo had nothing to do with the MM amps. He was only involved with the guitars and basses.

 

[Default]

The cab on a T-1 tends to be sawdust and glue, so it is heavier than it should be. Later on, they moved to plywood for the sides, because the cabs weren't roadworthy.

 

[Eric66]

The cab on a T-1 tends to be sawdust and glue, so it is heavier than it should be. Later on, they moved to plywood for the sides, because the cabs weren't roadworthy.

Now, will I have to look at that T1-RVT again by removing the back panel to inspect the cab materials?!?

By the way I mistyped the Thunder 1 Reverb model in one of my last comments, a “C” instead of a “V”….

Anyhow regarding my Music Man, it’s hard for me to say if it’s a Fender “Twin Reverb” or a “Pro” equivalent. Both old models were available in 2 channels with different speaker combinations, maybe it’s just that my Music Man “212-HD 130” has all that power of the rated 130 wattage. All I know I can get sweet clean sound at high volumes that can cut through a large ensemble that includes a pounding drum set with my Starfire II and I had to put heavy duty rubber casters on it.

 

[matsickma]

I always wondered if Guild made the mid '60's amp cabs with the particle board for cost reasons or because HI Fi enthusiasts liked the particle board sound deadening influence of the cabinets? By the later 60's they returned to plywood. Actually I recall having a beige T1 with a single 12" or 10" speaker that had a pine cabinet.
M

 

[matsickma]

Hey GG,
I never followed Music Man amps that much but I thought Leo Fender had a connection to Music Man amps. I did a search that indicated the Leo Fender and Tom Walker designed the first Music Man amps. So not sure of the real story but I learned Fender was associated with Music Man and their amps looked a lot like Fenders.

 

[Eric66]

I was thinking Leo Fender was intimately involved in all aspects of the company including the development of the amplifiers. It seems that, looking back, I was an early adopter of these “hybrid” amps.

Glad you looked into it rather than me!

I’d have to look up in the Facebook Music Man group (of course I’m a member) or Google it to get a similar or same write up. I know I’ve seen some historical articles posted somewhere.

 

[Eric66]

The cab on a T-1 tends to be sawdust and glue, so it is heavier than it should be. Later on, they moved to plywood for the sides, because the cabs weren't roadworthy.

Re: “… sawdust and glue”

I examined some of the photos that I emailed and saw that the entire visible inside is covered with some kind of felt/bunting. Since the vinyl covering over the cab is in pretty good condition nothing is visibly exposed that I can see.

 

[mavuser]

That looks like an early T1-RVT. looks very clean. I would try to sell it for somewhat of a premium based on its condition. maybe to someone here. it will never be a Fender or a MM. But Guild amps are very cool. This may be the cleanest T1-RVT i've ever seen. Certainly with the earlier fish scale grill cloth, at least that I can remember. very cool.

 

[Eric66]

That looks like an early T1-RVT. looks very clean. I would try to sell it for somewhat of a premium based on its condition. maybe to someone here. it will never be a Fender or a MM. But Guild amps are very cool. This may be the cleanest T1-RVT i've ever seen. Certainly with the earlier fish scale grill cloth, at least that I can remember. very cool.

Thanks for that feedback. I’ll certainly continue to treat it with kid gloves and seriously think about resurrecting it.

It has a lot of accumulated dust inside (from my standards), I pulled a hanging clump of a dust ball from one of the speakers after I noticed it in a photo I was about to post at the top of this thread and then retook the shot that’s shown. I was hesitant to post the image of the front panel because it needs a good wiping but thought what the heck…..

 

[Default]

I always wondered if Guild made the mid '60's amp cabs with the particle board for cost reasons or because HI Fi enthusiasts liked the particle board sound deadening influence of the cabinets? By the later 60's they returned to plywood. Actually I recall having a beige T1 with a single 12" or 10" speaker that had a pine cabinet.
M

Cost. Magnatone/Estey did the same thing during the same time period.

 

[spoox]

The one I got the other month looks in the same condition thanks to the ratty cover that came with it. The fellow I got it from bought it off eBay due its more or less pristine condition thinking it would only need to be recapped, then discovered it needed a new speaker, output transformer, etc. He showed me it cost him around another $250 in parts. It looks like an almost new amp and sounds fantastic. I admit I was surprised as to its weight--it weighs as much as my Sho-Bud Xmas Tree amp!

 

[Eric66]

Yeah it’s heavy!
Thanks for the cost of parts info - for me there’s labor on top since I’m not hands on technical