Ultra linear Twin or AB763 Silverface?

[Ben Buettner]

I’m looking at two Fender Twins right now for sale in my area.
One is a late 70’s Ultralinear with original orange basket D120’s.
The other is a 69 silverface with an AB763 circuit. This one is set up with a single 15” Altec.

Which of these has more potential to dial in for ideal tone?

Appreciate your thoughts guys.

[Dave Mudgett]

This depends on what you're looking for, sound-wise, and also what the price differential is. I think they're both good platforms for pedal steel.

I personally prefer the earlier non-master-volume Twins, on general principle. This one has obviously been modified, with the 15" Altec. I would want to know any other modifications, did they cut the original (removable) baffle to house the 15" speaker or install a new one, is the original unmodified baffle still available, etc. A lot of steel players like 1x15" a lot, I generally prefer 2x12" in a Twin. But I do like a 15" Altec. I would be a bit concerned about blowing it in a Twin, though.

In general, earlier non-master-volume Twins are, other things equal, worth significantly more than the later and especially ultralinear models. To a guitar player, they are both 'clean machines', but the earlier ones will break up, the ultralinears tend not to. But modifications may alter that analysis.

If what you want is maximum clean headroom, the ultralinears are very good for clean pedal steel. I would demand to pay a LOT less for an ultralinear than a '69, again other things being equal - condition, originality, and so on. But the orange JBLs are a big draw. Perhaps my favorite overall speaker for pedal steel, if they're up to dealing with the power. And you don't mind the weight - a Twin with JBLs is heavy. I mean really heavy.

Of course, the details on each amp matter a lot. Originality, condition, sound - there's no substitute for playing them.

[Dave Campbell]

you can't lose with either.

i'm sure the 15" is lighter. i think the altec will be okay in there; i ran one in my silverface twin for years. it is a beautiful sounding speaker.

[Tim Rose]

I have both ..68 with jbls -- the UL is 15 to 20lbs more heavy - huge transformer. It stays at home next to the Peavey Mace ..think someone bolted the mace the ground. Tone wise I like the UL for steel and the 68 for tele. So..just get both.

[Ben Buettner]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I'll let you know how it shakes out.