This week I dropped my 65 Twin Reissue for some routine maintenance including replacing some tubes, and tightening up tube sockets. The amp generally rides in a flight case when being transported, so it’s in pretty good condition. The biggest environmental impact to my amp is probably the temperature and humidity of the northwest. So far I’m pretty satisfied with this amp; it produces a characteristic Fender tone with plenty of clarity and volume. It’s likely I’ll eventually replace the speakers with something like Weber Californias, but the tone of the stock configuration is reasonably faithful to the original hand-wired models from the mid-60s. I have a suspicion that replacing the speakers will make the amp more efficient and produce a tighter punch at stage volume.
I recently discovered there is a great amp technician right in my neighborhood, and I’m looking forward to hearing the Twin when he’s gone through it. Once this amp is back from being beautified, I’ll probably drop off the Hot Rod Deluxe for a similar spa treatment.
On Wednesday 1/19 The Dudley Manlove Quartet performed at a private corporate party. This show marked the debut of substitute keyboardist Chris Joss, who is filling in for a few months while Mack Grout is off exploring the world. Chris and I went to high school together, performing in jazz band and occasionally noodling around. He was without question the most musically talented person in my high school – voted so by peers – and was always a lot of fun to hang out with. I’m delighted that he was available and interested in acting as a substitute for a few months. He was so well prepared that I actually had to remind myself it was his first show last night. Great music and great fun.
We played the usual assortment of jazz standards, pop hits and rock classics. It was an interesting audience composed of technology developers from around the world. The French members of the audience were quite attentive as we played (indicative of their taste and sophistication), but they were also thoroughly amused by Stefan pretending to herd invisible sheep – to the point where they repeatedly asked him to perform this odd little pantomime throughout the night (again, indicative of their taste and sophistication).
My Twin acted up a bit during the show and I think the tube sockets might need tightening. I plan to drop it off tonight at a newly discovered electronic repair shop in Burien. More information on this process will be forthcoming. All in all, great show and always a delight. Our next show is this weekend, also a private party. Those of you looking ahead to our next public performances should mark you calendar for Saturday 2/5 at the Showbox, and Saturday 3/5 at the Triple Door.
This week I dropped my 65 Twin Reissue for some routine maintenance including replacing some tubes, and tightening up tube sockets. The amp generally rides in a flight case when being transported, so it’s in pretty good condition. The biggest environmental impact to my amp is probably the temperature and humidity of the northwest. So far I’m pretty satisfied with this amp; it produces a characteristic Fender tone with plenty of clarity and volume. It’s likely I’ll eventually replace the speakers with something like Weber Californias, but the tone of the stock configuration is reasonably faithful to the original hand-wired models from the mid-60s. I have a suspicion that replacing the speakers will make the amp more efficient and produce a tighter punch at stage volume.