Fender 1957 Tweed Amp: The Studio Choice Of Saint Motel's "A Sharp"
Saint Motel lead guitarist A Sharp has a '57 Fender Twin-Amp Tweed amp. That is, in case you were unaware, a real find. But what makes this old amp special. Why does the owner like it. So often vintage gear is treated like a picture, hung on the wall and looked at. Here is an amp that gets used and has been used for over 40 years.
Tell me the story of your '57 Twin-Amp Tweed. Where did you get it, how long have you had it?
The Twin-Amp Tweed is actually a hand me down from my father. In the late sixties my pops was the lead guitar player in a psychedelic/prog band in Mexico city where he grew up. The amp was purchased at a pawnshop. I've had the amp since I was a kid so I've grown up listening to that rich Fender tone my whole life.
Why do you use it? What is it about the sound that you like?
Good question. To tell you the truth, when I was a kid I stuck with the Twin-Amp Tweed because I saw all these cats getting crazy over Marshall stacks and Les Pauls and I simply wanted to be different. That was my initial reaction. But, funny enough, the vintage Twin-Amp Tweed can sound just as heavy as a Marshall or Mesa in my opinion.
Fender '57 Twin Tween Reissue
What guitar (or guitars) do you use with it and why? What instrument sounds best with this amp?
I've used an ES-335, Tele, Les Paul, 12-string Rick, and of course my Strat. So far I am most impressed with my custom Strat because of the range of sounds I am able to create. I can go from Herman's Hermits to Sabbath in a split second!
Do you take it on the road? That would be pretty brave. If you do, or don't, tell me a little about maintaining this rather elderly amp? Anything particularly squirrelly or delicate?
That's a negative, Ghostrider. I do not take my vintage amp on the road. I mainly use it for recording because it is such a rare piece. It's in great working condition because my father refurbished it a few years ago.
Wise choice. What sort of player is going to appreciate the tone of a '57 Twin-Amp Tweed most? What style?
The Twin-Amp Tweed has a really “in your face” sound. The Strat tone is direct, compressed, dirty, and clippy. It's a great amp because you can achieve a heavier tone without being over the top. I would say anyone from a metal head to a meat head can appreciate the tone of the Twin-Amp Tweed. Ha ha.
The band are excited about their upcoming tour in support of their debut EP, ForPlay And will be playing the CMJ Music Marathon in NYC in October (their first time in New York.
Great Amp
Any Fender amp produced before the CBS era is killer. I'm sure the variety of tones this thing puts out is major. I wonder what kind of tubes...maybe some RCA's or some Mullards? That'd be sweet.
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57 tweed
I think most of these hand wired amps can sound amazing but you need good tubes,good speakers and some loving care.If its still too loud try the THD yellow jackets to tame it down to 18 watts.I carry them in my bag if I play a smaller room.cheers
57 Tweed Twin
I have had my 57 Twin Reissue for over 3 years. Been playing over 40 years, most of them professionally, and have had several great pre-CBS Fender amps. This one is my favorite. Exactly as A Sharp says, especially with a great strat. I have tried the Yellow jackets thing to tame it but found it lost it's distinctive tone. Now I use an Ultimate Attenuator (actually a load dump / re-amp system)for smaller clubs. This allows me to get that great 57 Twin cranked sound at any volume. No pedals needed, plug straight in and crank the amp to 7 or 8 and I'm inspired!
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