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Average Price: $449

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$300

$701+

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Description

The Fender Red Knob 'The Twin' Amplifier is a versatile powerhouse in the world of combo guitar amplifiers. Renowned for its unique tonal versatility, this amp is a favorite among guitarists who crave both clean and overdriven sounds with precision and clarity. Equipped with dual 12" speakers, it delivers a robust soundscape that can fill any room with rich, dynamic tones. The amplifier's dual-channel design allows for seamless switching between clean and distorted settings, offering musicians the flexibility needed for varied musical styles.

With an output of 100 watts, 'The Twin' offers enough power for both intimate gigs and larger venues. Its red-knob control panel is a distinctive feature, adding a touch of character and nostalgia, hailing from Fender's late 80s and early 90s designs. Each channel is fully independent, with its own set of tone controls, allowing for customized sound shaping. This amplifier is also equipped with reverb and presence controls, ensuring your sound is not only heard but felt.

Key Features:

  • 100-watt output for powerful performance
  • Dual 12" speakers for rich, dynamic sound
  • Two independent channels with separate tone controls
  • Built-in reverb and presence controls
  • Signature red knob design for vintage appeal
  • Suitable for a variety of musical styles and settings

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model The Twin 2-Channel 100-Watt 2x12" Guitar Combo
Year 1987 - 1994
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black, Grey, Red, White
Electronics Tube
Model Family Fender Twin
Model Sub-Family Fender Twin Reverb
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 4 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 100
Power Tube Type 6L6
Reverb Spring Reverb
Series Fender Professional Tube
Speaker Configuration 2x12"

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Fender Red Knob 'The Twin' Amplifier?

The Fender Red Knob 'The Twin' Amplifier is known for its powerful clean tones with a rich, dynamic range. It features a spring reverb and offers a warm, full-bodied sound that is ideal for genres like rock, blues, and country.

Is the Fender Red Knob 'The Twin' Amplifier suitable for gigging?

Yes, with its 100-watt output and 2x12" speaker configuration, the Fender Red Knob 'The Twin' Amplifier is loud enough for live performances, providing ample headroom and clarity in various gigging environments.

How does the Fender Red Knob 'The Twin' handle effects pedals?

The Fender Red Knob 'The Twin' is well-regarded for its ability to take pedals effectively, thanks to its clean and robust tube-driven sound, making it a versatile choice for musicians who utilize a range of effects.

What type of power tubes does the Fender Red Knob 'The Twin' use?

The Fender Red Knob 'The Twin' Amplifier uses 6L6 power tubes, which contribute to its characteristic American clean tone and dynamic response.

Does the Fender Red Knob 'The Twin' Amplifier have built-in effects?

Yes, the Fender Red Knob 'The Twin' Amplifier includes built-in effects such as spring reverb, enhancing its sonic capabilities and versatility for different playing styles.

Mario Martinazzi

Mario Martinazzi

Fender THE TWIN Red Knobs Vintage Amp - DEMO HD

Video thumbnail for Fender THE TWIN Red Knobs Vintage Amp - DEMO HD by Mario Martinazzi

Fender THE TWIN Red Knobs Vintage Amp - DEMO HD

Mario Martinazzi

Mario Martinazzi

Video thumbnail for I don’t understand the BAD REPUTATION of Fender Red Knob THE TWIN! by Johan Segeborn

I don’t understand the BAD REPUTATION of Fender Red Knob THE TWIN!

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Video thumbnail for Fender The Twin / Red Knob Twin demo by Stefán Freyr Baldursson

Fender The Twin / Red Knob Twin demo

Stefán Freyr Baldursson

Stefán Freyr Baldursson

Video thumbnail for PLAYER'S REVIEW - Fender The Twin amp (Red Knob) by Steffen Brix (4K) by Steffen Brix

PLAYER'S REVIEW - Fender The Twin amp (Red Knob) by Steffen Brix (4K)

Steffen Brix

Steffen Brix

Video thumbnail for Fender The Twin RED KNOB by fatguitarggg

Fender The Twin RED KNOB

fatguitarggg

fatguitarggg

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Red Knob 'The Twin' Amplifier.

Comparisons

  • The Red Knob 'The Twin' is distinct from the "Evil Twin," which is actually the '94 Twin Amp, not the red knob version.

    Source
  • Compared to typical Fender amps, this model is said to have tighter, less "surfy" tones and includes an overdrive channel aimed at modern players.

    Source
  • While not as classic as a Twin Reverb, the Red Knob Twin offers excellent adjustability and a drive channel that competes well with high-gain amps like Mesa Boogie.

    Source

Build quality

  • It's noted that if a Red Knob Twin is still operational after 30-40 years, it likely has solid build quality, despite historical QC issues.

    Source
  • The pull pots on the amp are criticized for lacking aesthetic appeal and effectiveness, but they still provide functional versatility for tone shaping.

    Source
  • Plastic input jacks are prone to breaking and are difficult to replace, suggesting a need for careful handling or potential modifications.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that the volume surge issue on low wattage settings can be mitigated by switching the amp to standby multiple times.

    Source
  • One user described the amp as possessing plenty of bass and being suitable for use with a Korg SV-1 stage piano, highlighting its applicability in diverse musical contexts.

    Source
  • The Red Knob Twin weighs 78 lbs, but converting it to separate head and speaker cabs can make it more manageable for gigs.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • It's suggested to buy the amp for $200-300 due to its reliability issues, making it a budget-friendly choice for those seeking a powerful clean tone.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users suggest using regular jacks with fly leads soldered to the PCB as a solution to the problematic plastic jacks.

    Source
  • Some owners recommend considering a reverb pedal for better quality reverb, as the onboard reverb is criticized for poor sound.

    Source
  • Replacing stock speakers with Celestion V30s significantly enhances the sound quality, according to multiple owners.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 'treble boost' acts like a bright switch, enhancing high frequencies but also increasing unwanted noise from string handling.

    Source
  • The amp is noted for its ability to produce a clean channel that works well with keyboards, making it versatile beyond just guitar use.

    Source
  • The amp's Hi/Lo switch and option to run on two tubes allow it to function effectively as a lower wattage amp, suitable for home use with proper volume control.

    Source
  • The amp can run at 100W on HI, 25W on LO, and 15W with two power tubes removed, allowing for volume control while maintaining tonal integrity.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Replacing the 9-pin stereo input jacks is challenging due to their role in internal switching, requiring specific parts for repairs.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • While not favored for its guitar tone by some, the Red Knob Twin has been successfully used for loud, clean sounds in band rehearsals without complaints.

    Source
  • The amp excels in clean, blues, and jazz tones, especially using 1969 custom shop single coil pickups in a Stratocaster.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 19 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
gary_dizon

This is the early version of the Evil Twin

I got this amplifier in the late Eighties/early Nineties. The channel switching is great and also this has push pull knobs to change the equalization. You can get a great saturation and also drop the power with a switch.

The effects loop is great and the XLR out works well. The speakers were great and also have no breakup at lower volumes.

armin_rauls

I love the Clean Sound

In My Home Studio, even with all the modern stuff nexst to it, this one is and always will be my 1st choice for Clean Guitars.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Joe Weatherall uses Fender Red Knob 'The Twin' Amplifier

Joe Weatherall

...
Verified via Photo

Joe Weatherall is seen using a Fender Red Knob 'The Twin' Amplifier in a studio setting, as shown in a photo shared by Crosa Rosa on Facebook.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Red Knob 'The Twin' Amplifier, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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G

gaioshin

Gear IQ 51

metapizzacat

metapizzacat

Gear IQ 268

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