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Average Price: $4,000

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Sunn Model T Amplifier Head is a legendary icon in the realm of guitar amplifiers, known for delivering a distinctive and powerful sound that musicians have cherished since its initial release. Designed originally in the late 1960s and revived due to overwhelming demand, this amp head is celebrated for its ability to produce a thick, rich tone that can seamlessly transition from clean melodies to aggressive distortion. It’s particularly favored by rock and metal guitarists who seek that classic, raw sound.

The Sunn Model T is equipped with a classic tube architecture that offers exceptional warmth and dynamic range. Its simple, yet effective control layout allows musicians to easily dial in their preferred sound, making it a versatile tool for both studio recordings and live performances. With two channels at your disposal, you can effortlessly switch between clean and overdriven tones, ensuring that your sound remains as dynamic and expressive as your playing style. Whether you’re jamming in a small venue or performing in a large arena, this amplifier head has the power and presence to fill any space with a commanding sonic footprint.

Key Features:

  • Classic tube architecture for warm, dynamic sound
  • Two channels for versatile sound options
  • Simplified control layout for easy tone shaping
  • Revered by rock and metal guitarists
  • Ideal for both recording and live performances

Product specs

Brand Sunn
Model Model T
Finish Black
Year 1970s
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Heads
Color Family Black
Direct Output No Direct Output
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 2 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 3 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 100
Power Tube Type 6550
Reverb None

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Sunn Model T Amplifier Head?

The Sunn Model T is known for its powerful, clean headroom and rich, warm tube-driven sound. It offers a robust low-end response and a distinctive midrange, making it ideal for genres like rock and metal.

How much power does the Sunn Model T Amplifier Head deliver?

The Sunn Model T Amplifier Head delivers 100 watts of power, making it suitable for both studio and live performance settings where ample volume and headroom are required.

Does the Sunn Model T Amplifier Head have built-in reverb?

No, the Sunn Model T Amplifier Head does not have built-in reverb. It focuses on delivering a pure, uncolored tube tone without additional effects.

How many inputs does the Sunn Model T Amplifier Head have?

The Sunn Model T Amplifier Head features three inputs, allowing for versatile connectivity options for different instruments or sound sources.

What type of power tubes does the Sunn Model T Amplifier Head use?

The Sunn Model T Amplifier Head uses 6550 power tubes, which contribute to its powerful output and characteristic tonal warmth.

Greg's Guitar Lessons

Greg's Guitar Lessons

Shootout: Vintage Sunn Model T vs. Fender Re-Issue Model T

Video thumbnail for Shootout: Vintage Sunn Model T vs. Fender Re-Issue Model T by Greg's Guitar Lessons

Shootout: Vintage Sunn Model T vs. Fender Re-Issue Model T

Greg's Guitar Lessons

Greg's Guitar Lessons

Video thumbnail for Sunn Model T Reissue Demo by Six String Show

Sunn Model T Reissue Demo

Six String Show

Six String Show

Video thumbnail for Sunn Model T: Vintage vs. Fender Reissue by Does It Doom?

Sunn Model T: Vintage vs. Fender Reissue

Does It Doom?

Does It Doom?

Reviews

PROS

  • Active EQ in v2 allows extensive tone shaping

  • Capable of both pristine cleans and thick harmonic distortion

  • Uniquely excels in doom metal with signature sound

  • Compatible with a wide range of cabs due to versatile impedance settings

  • Maintains clarity and headroom at both gig and bedroom volumes

CONS

  • Original tubes may be unreliable and require replacement

  • Clean tones not as refined as some competitors

  • High market price, especially for vintage models

  • Requires significant volume to achieve signature distortion

  • Market for replacement parts is becoming expensive

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sunn Model T Amplifier Head.

Use cases and applications

  • The Sunn Model T can double as a bass amp, effectively handling low tunings and providing dark, doomy tones.

    Source
  • The Model feT preamp pedal is praised for sounding nearly identical to the Sunn Model T, adaptable across setups including clean amps, power amps, and audio interfaces with cab sims.

    Source
  • The Model T's ultra-linear power amp prevents distortion at high volumes, making it suitable for musicians who require clean, loud amplification without compromising the low end.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Its neutral EQ with abundant bass makes it excellent for pedal integration, maintaining clarity even with heavy gain stacking and effects.

    Source
  • The Model T's unique sound partly derives from its ultra-linear power amp section, which can be emulated using a Fender Twin Reverb power section.

    Source
  • The Model T has a tremendously large .22uf final stage coupling capacitor, over 10x the size of some Marshalls, enhancing its full-spectrum sound and low-end handling.

    Source
  • The Model T's master volume allows for achieving medium to high gain tones without utilizing its full 150w power, offering more control over the amp's output.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some owners prefer the Sunn Model T over Matamp models for its superior pedal compatibility and tonal versatility.

    Source
  • The Ceriatone Model T clone, available fully built or as a kit, offers a more budget-friendly alternative to the original Sunn Model T sound.

    Source
  • Some users compare the Model T's sound to a Fender Bassman, highlighting its immense clean volume and capability to maintain clarity without distortion at high volumes.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Once affordable, the Model T's price surged due to its association with popular doom metal bands, despite no unique tonal characteristics.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The Model T's use of 6550 tubes was advantageous in the 90s due to the scarcity of quality EL34 tubes, reducing maintenance headaches for owners.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest integrating a Model T preamp pedal into a Fender Super Twin's power section for a more affordable replication of the Model T's sound.

    Source

User experience

  • The Does It Doom Agartha pedal is noted for producing excellent sustain through bass amps, though it remains crunchy even at low settings.

    Source
  • Owners note that the Model T's hi-fi lineage results in harmonically rich, saturated distortion that responds dynamically to picking intensity, providing versatility in tone.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 13 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jerome_colombelli

Unique

This amp is concentrate of power, loudness and darkness sound. Push preamp volume and master. Add a drive and/or a fuzz and this will become crazy. This also love effects! Difficult to find. Too expensive on the used market. But I love it.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Josh Homme uses Sunn Model T Amplifier Head

Josh Homme

Guitarist

Kyuss

...
Verified via YouTube

Can be seen in this video at the 2:07 mark. Was used in the recording of the self-titled album and is used live on occasion.

See how Matt Pike uses Sunn Model T Amplifier Head

Matt Pike

Guitarist

Sleep

...
Verified via YouTube

Behind Matt Pike, a Sunn Model T amp is seen in the middle of his stack. Timestamp: 6:46

See how Joe Walsh uses Sunn Model T Amplifier Head

Joe Walsh

Singer, Guitarist

Eagles

...
Verified via YouTube

https://youtu.be/IAQy1XtFcSM

In this YouTube video at 0.16 seconds a Sunn Model T first generation is behind Joe Walsh at knee level. It can be seen numerous times throughout the video.

See how Joe Trohman uses Sunn Model T Amplifier Head

Joe Trohman

Guitarist

Fall Out Boy

...
Verified via YouTube

"we've got the fender reissue model T's, the sunns" says josh newton trohman's guitar tech "we like them a lot they sound bad ass"

See how Stephen O'Malley uses Sunn Model T Amplifier Head

Stephen O'Malley

Guitarist

Sunn O)))

...
Verified via Photo

In this image, a Sunn Model T amplifier head can be seen behind O'Malley.

See how Ron Asheton uses Sunn Model T Amplifier Head

Ron Asheton

Guitarist, Bassist

The Stooges

...
Verified via Photo

In this instagram post, you can see Ron using a 1st gen Sunn Model T on a live gig with his band, New Order.

See how Mike Sullivan uses Sunn Model T Amplifier Head

Mike Sullivan

Guitarist

Russian Circles

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"Recently, I had the pleasure of watching a performance by Chicago-based instrumental post-rock/metal trio Russian Circles. On the night I took in the show, the band’s guitarist Mike Sullivan was concocting his tone cocktail with a Gibson Les Paul Custom, a slew of effects pedals, two Sunn Model T heads, and Emperor 4x12 and 1x15 cabinets."

-Lyle Zaehringer, Premier Guitar

See how Greg Anderson uses Sunn Model T Amplifier Head

Greg Anderson

Guitarist

Sunn O)))

...
Verified via Premierguitar

Greg states in the Premier Guitar interview, "We use vintage Sunn Model Ts from the early ’70s. They’re a crucial part of the show."

See how Takeshi Ohtani uses Sunn Model T Amplifier Head

Takeshi Ohtani

Singer, Guitarist

Boris

...
Verified via Photo

"Takeshi's back line on this tour. 1st gen Sunn Model-T x 3!!! "

See how Aaron Turner uses Sunn Model T Amplifier Head

Aaron Turner

Singer, Guitarist

Neurosis

...
Verified via YouTube

In this youtube video, Aaron can be seen using Sunn Mode T amplifiers.

See how Scott Shriner uses Sunn Model T Amplifier Head

Scott Shriner

Bassist

Weezer

...
Verified via Photo

According to Bassplayer interview (as of November 2014), Scott uses Sunn Model T amplifiers.

See how Tim Sult uses Sunn Model T Amplifier Head

Tim Sult

Guitarist

Clutch

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 28 second mark of the Burning Beard video, Tim can be seen using a Model T.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Sunn Model T Amplifier Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Boss FZ-2 Hyper Fuzz Fuzz Effects Pedals
1
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1
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1
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Community setups

Show yours
O

orion

Gear IQ 65

15 alternative and related items for Sunn Model T Amplifier Head, curated by the Equipboard community.

Electronic Audio Experiments Model feT

$249.00

similar sound cheaper alternative

A FET based preamp modeled after the Sunn Model T with power amp emulation as well.

Collateral FX Black Hole Sunn

 

similar sound cheaper alternative mod

A pedal clone of the Model T's preamp, with an additional gain boost.

Verellen Model V

 

similar sound

A handwired clone of the first gen Model T, by a small Seattle based builder.

Gehirn Enterprises Doom Lord Sunn model T Pre-Amp

 

similar sound cheaper alternative

A transistor based, pedal clone of the Model T's preamp, with a post EQ boost stage.

Sunn model T - 2nd generation

 

Vintage or Discontinued newer similar sound

The second generation, 'red knob' version of the Model T, with an altered tonestack.

EarthQuaker Devices Acapulco Gold V2

$129.00 - $155.00

similar sound cheaper alternative

A minimalistic dirt pedal, that uses an Opamp to replicate the breakup of a Model T amplifier.

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