'69 Twin Reverb- Yay or Nay?

[EETStudent]

A local guy is selling a 100% original, '69 Drip Edge Twin Reverb. Cosmetically about an 8-8.5. Cabinet looks very clean, and the grille has no rips or tears. Everything is original, including blue label Oxford speakers, tubes, all electronics, hardware, etc...

He is asking only $475, which I believe to be a steal. I have yet to play it, but he says it plays fine although its not very loud. That doesnt really concern me, as it could be probably use a retube, rebias and a cap job. My question is- what would the true value of this amp be as it stands, versus the true value if I properly restored it(if needed)? Im thinking either way I could get 1K+ out of it. Thoughts?

[Hiker]

Repairs are a consideration. Ultimately, you have to decide if you think it's worth it. (After seeing it.)

You might enjoy this thread with a similar topic.

[twangplank]

Sounds like a pretty good deal depending on the amount of repairs. I can tell ya from experience there are a ton of tubes in that thing. The tube would be fairly expensive by itself. I do love twins though and that's almost a blackface

[twangplank]

Who am I kidding I'd be all over it lol

[supersam]

I'd be all over that!! The drip edge ones I've seen go for near $1000, however it depends on how much it would take to get it working properly. Seems like you could get if fully checked out with fresh caps, tubes, etc, and still be in good shape price wise.

[BobbyZ]

If it were near me I'd buy it just for the cab. I really don't what to mess with retolexing the one for my 65.

[max_twang]

Asking price of $475? Buy it, fix it up and enjoy it!

I did the same thing with a mid-70's Twin and I love it -- even for "just" using it at home. It's a great amp. If you're lucky, the amp will have a set of RCA blackplate 6L6's that are in working order. Those alone are worth a bunch of dough. At that price (and I'd make a lower offer b/c it's going to need work) you can always flip it if you change your mind.

[EETStudent]

Im thinking I'll jump on it. As much as I appreciate Twin Reverbs, I dont see myself using it as a player. Too loud, too clean, although beautiful in its own right.

BUT, it could have a magical tone that I wont be able to part with, or Ill be able to make a few bucks.

[SoK66]

I'd check it out thoroughly before plunking down the cash. Look inside for hacks. 69's had that early SF circuit and many have by now been blackfaced. Not a show stopper, they sound better converted to BF specs.

[stantheman]

I've got one - and that's what I paid - back in '96.
Smoking DEAL - at that price even if it was unrepairable I could "part it out" and make beaucoup bucks - just the drip-edge grille/baffle alone, the trannys, speakers, chassis...
even the tail logo is fifty bucks or better, the reverb/vibrato switch with RCA plugs, plus the cab is real and "Funk Certified."

Truth be told: Many of us actually prefer Drip Edge these days because of the glut caused by the '65 ReIssues with their Blackface Panels - Drip Edge was TWO YEARS ONLY - and that's all She wrote...

[Starrman44]

I'd do it in a heartbeat. Low enough money wise to get it in the house and then take your time to come up with the money to restore it...

[jh45gun]

I would buy it and before worrying about the tubes do a cap job and see how it sounds then worry about tubes unless some tube shows an obvious issue like red plating ect. Myself I would keep it. your 24 might be darn hard to find a good amp like this when your my age.

[GigsbyBoyUK]

Agree with jh45 above. I had two amp techs replace tubes trying to fox a problem that ultimately was down to caps. Cost me 150+ for no real reason. Get a good tech to fit what needs to be fixed first (ie what's causing this to be be not very loud) and then see which tubes, if any, need changing.

[zoppotrump]

go get it !

[J.Rodney]

Go get it.A bargain wont wait on you,lots of people will buy that amp over the phone if they find out about it.

[muchxs]

Yeah, grab it. That's the right amp for the right price. As long as some drill happy maniac hasn't converted the chassis into a Japanese lantern there's nothing that can't be repaired on that amp.

Guys... remember what I said about a good one comin' along at the right price?!!

[SoK66]

Originally Posted by muchxs

.........As long as some drill happy maniac hasn't converted the chassis into a Japanese lantern there's nothing that can't be repaired on that amp.

Lol, yes, and look for a "Torres Engineering" sticker, too. ;-

[BobbyZ]

Originally Posted by SoK66

Lol, yes, and look for a "Torres Engineering" sticker, too. ;-

Yes the multi channel Marshall, Vox, Matchless, Mesa, Peavey,Crate, Dumble, Trainwreck, Dr.Z, mod never worked out too well.

[Paul in Colorado]

Buy it. Everyone should own a classic Twin Reverb once in their life.

[SamClemons]

Great price, but you may have to sink another 100-200-300 into it to get it in primo condition.