• From: North Andover, MA
  • Registered: 2010-03-23
  • Posts: 35

Topic: NAD-Bought a 135 watt twin from a friend

I know these are not the most desirable amps, but I needed a solid clean amp to pair with my JTM45.  The twin itself is actually quite warm sounding which I found surprising given their reputation for being sterile sounding.  It is clean, clean, and did I mention clean.  No dirt from that amp at all.  Paired with the JTM45, it sounds awesome.  The low end is solid, and the JTM provides the breakup, compression, and sweetness. 

I need to do some work on it...the filter caps and all electrolytics need to be replaced.  The speakers are Peavey Scorpions from the 80s and are actually OK sounding for now, but I will probably replace those in time.  The "vibrato" ticks, so I am not sure if that is a lead dress issue or a component issue, I will have to troubleshoot that.

These amps have a reputation for having "spaghetti" wiring and this is no different.  In fact, it makes a spaghetti bowl look organized.  I think I will clean up the lead dress a bit, and do a solid once over on it.  The coupling caps are the blue drops, I don't know if I will change those or not...Then I will build it a new cab, because I like my cabs to be a bit more sturdy than the late 70's Fender cabs.  And I prefer a floating baffle, not the dadoed ones.  While I am at it I might make the cab a bit taller in case I want to put a 15" speaker, or 4x10 baffle in there some day.  Some of the higher wattage Eminence 10s sound really good. 

Now I just need to start lifting some weights to tote this thing around because a roadie is out of the question!

-Hillcountry

Amps: Hand Made JTM-45, 18 Watt TMB, AB763 Pro, Route 66 Clone.
Guitars: 2007 R8 Les Paul Iced Tea Burst, Refinished 83 Les Paul Studio, , Homemade 50's S style guitar.
Effects: Micro Vibe, CryBaby, Fulldrive II, OCD, Fat Boost V1
  • From: BC, CANADA
  • Registered: 2010-12-29
  • Posts: 121

Re: NAD-Bought a 135 watt twin from a friend

Congrats! How about some pictures? Those Twins are very cool amps. I had a 76 a few years back and loved it. It's gone now and I have major sellers remorse sad You're right about the loud clean...mine was just starting to breakup with the MV on 7. On the other hand the right pedals in front sound really good!

For the vibrato noise you might want to try a different 12AT7...like maybe a ballanced JJ. it worked for mine.

RP

Hillcountry wrote:

I know these are not the most desirable amps, but I needed a solid clean amp to pair with my JTM45.  The twin itself is actually quite warm sounding which I found surprising given their reputation for being sterile sounding.  It is clean, clean, and did I mention clean.  No dirt from that amp at all.  Paired with the JTM45, it sounds awesome.  The low end is solid, and the JTM provides the breakup, compression, and sweetness. 

I need to do some work on it...the filter caps and all electrolytics need to be replaced.  The speakers are Peavey Scorpions from the 80s and are actually OK sounding for now, but I will probably replace those in time.  The "vibrato" ticks, so I am not sure if that is a lead dress issue or a component issue, I will have to troubleshoot that.

These amps have a reputation for having "spaghetti" wiring and this is no different.  In fact, it makes a spaghetti bowl look organized.  I think I will clean up the lead dress a bit, and do a solid once over on it.  The coupling caps are the blue drops, I don't know if I will change those or not...Then I will build it a new cab, because I like my cabs to be a bit more sturdy than the late 70's Fender cabs.  And I prefer a floating baffle, not the dadoed ones.  While I am at it I might make the cab a bit taller in case I want to put a 15" speaker, or 4x10 baffle in there some day.  Some of the higher wattage Eminence 10s sound really good. 

Now I just need to start lifting some weights to tote this thing around because a roadie is out of the question!

-Hillcountry

Guitars: 2002 Gibson R8, 2008 Gibson SG Standard, 1977 Fender Statocaster, 1979 el Degas Les Paul Custom, 2011 Epiphone JB Les Paul
Amps: 1982 Marshall 4010
  • From: North Andover, MA
  • Registered: 2010-03-23
  • Posts: 35

Re: NAD-Bought a 135 watt twin from a friend

Good tip on the 12AT7...I'll have to try that.  I have a few lying around I can use.  It probably needs new tubes, but the 6L6s are GE's and sound good.  All of the preamp tubes look original.

Amps: Hand Made JTM-45, 18 Watt TMB, AB763 Pro, Route 66 Clone.
Guitars: 2007 R8 Les Paul Iced Tea Burst, Refinished 83 Les Paul Studio, , Homemade 50's S style guitar.
Effects: Micro Vibe, CryBaby, Fulldrive II, OCD, Fat Boost V1
  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: NAD-Bought a 135 watt twin from a friend

That sounds like a cool project for you!  I'd love to have an amp like that.  Clean head room seems to be a thing I lack right now.

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