Fender Super-Sonic Twin: back to the basics, with updates
(Dave Molter | Posted 2011-08-03)
Boutique amp manufacturers have been offering recreations of vintage Fender guitar amps, but with modern features, for some time, and Fender now has something of its own.
The Super-Sonic Series features high-performance, no-nonsense tube amps that create unmistakable Fender clean tones and expressive modern high-gain tones without masking the tonal character of the player’s guitar.
The new 100-watt Super-Sonic Twin combo contains several sonically versatile new features, including an Arena/Club switch that takes the power down to 25 watts (to preserve its great high-volume tube tone at lower “club gig” volume levels); a Notch Tune control that lets you move the midrange notch and fine-tune the distortion characteristics for a variety of American and British amp sounds; a rear-panel damping control that lets you select “normal,” “loose” or “tight” speaker response for sounds ranging from warm and loose to tight and focused; and the new Fender Automatic Bias control, which lets you easily set the output tubes to the recommended factory setting and to your preference of “hotter” or “cooler” bias with no need for meters or tools.
Other features include a Vintage channel for shimmering clean tone derived from Fender Twin Reverb® and Showman® amps or the thick, punchy sound of a 1960s-era Bassman amp®; a Burn channel for edgy breakup and distortion with variable compression, thickness and sustain; dual 12” Celestion® Vintage 30 speakers; tube-driven Fender long-spring reverb; effects loop with level control that also works as a footswitch-operated boost; custom Schumacher transformers; and a choice of Black/Silver or Blonde/Oxblood cosmetic treatments. Cover and pedalboard-friendly four-button footswitch included.
MSRP for the Super-Sonic Twin is $2,799.99 USD, with a street price of around $2,000.
Electronics
Line Out: PreAmp Out / Power Amp In
Extension Speaker Jack: One Extension Speaker Jack
Rectifier: Solid State
Controls: Vintage Channel: Gain, Treble, Bass, Mid, Volume, Twin Reverb®/Bassman® Switch; Burn Channel: Gain 1, Gain 2, Treble, Bass, Mid, Notch Tune, Volume; Reverb, Send Level, Return Level, Damping Control
Hardware
Hardware: Casters, Tilt Back Legs
Cabinet Material: Baltic Birch Plywood Cabinet
Tilt Back Legs: Yes
Amplifier Length: 11.31" (28.7 cm)
Amplifier Width: 26.26" (66.7 cm)
Amplifier Height: 20.25" (51.43 cm)
Amplifier Weight: 83 lbs. (37.65 kg)
Tubes
Preamp Tubes: 7 x 12AX7
Power Tubes: 4 x 6L6
Reverb Driver: 2 x 12AT7
Miscellaneous
Unique Features: Notch Tune Control, Damping Control, Automatic Bias Control, Arena/Club Switch
Accessories
Footswitch: 4-Button Footswitch Included
Knobs: Radio Knobs
Cover: Amplifier Cover
