Any good reason I shouldn't trade my Fender Model T for a First Gen T?

[jdfarrell81]

I can hear the air being sucked out of the room! 

I've always thought my Fender T was a fine amp, but I have a chance to trade my Fender T for a fully-functional, silver-knob First Gen T. I don't feel unsatisfied with my Fender, but I've always loved the sound of the true Model T, and, as someone who does double-duty on bass and guitar, the idea of a all-around workhorse like the Sunn T is really appealing.

I tried running my bass through the Fender T, and it was abysmal. I should have expected as much.

So, my question: Can any of you good folks--maybe those who have experience with both the Sunn and Fender versions--think of any solid reasons to choose the Fender over the Sunn? I suppose I'm afraid of buyer's remorse, though that seems unlikely. It's just that the Fender has been my baby for quite a few years.

If any of you true Model T owners have words of encouragement, I'd like to hear those as well. In fact, I'd like to hear those most of all.

Thanks and cheers!

- James

[mckinnon audio]

   Hi there,I'd trade in a heartbeat !! Never owned / used the Fender version,but use to own a mint 1st Gen. T but due to finances at the time I had to sell it,one of my biggest regrets.The T sounds incredable with any Fender bass,I doubt the Fender version could compare in sound,response,etc.,especially if you're using it for bass.Good luck,Mel.

[jdfarrell81]

A scholar and gentleman, always!

Thanks, Mel.

[Isaac]

I haven't used the Fender T, so I don't have a feel for how it sounds, but it is a dedicated guitar amp, as opposed to the original Model T, which was more of a "one size fits all" workhorse. As such, I can imagine some guitarists finding the Fender T to be a better guitar amp, more versatile in the tones it can produce, and so on. Some might even find it preferable as a bass amp, I dunno. I'm a bass player, so for me it would be a no-brainer: first gen all the way. Might be the same for you. But I can see how a guitarist might feel differently.

[django7866]

I would say Definitely trade it!!!! I use to have a fender T and sold it to buy a 1st gen. Model T Totally worth it. It really works great for guitar. Now if I had the money to buy a vintage model t and did not have to sell the Fender I would have keep the fender T. I agree it is a great amp! I only wish I could really describe the difference in Tone, But i change my sound for the best!!!!!   

[jdfarrell81]

Thanks Django. You were the man I was hoping to hear from. Much appreciated!

[django7866]

No Problem!!!! So did you end up trading or still deciding?

[jdfarrell81]

I spent a few days listening to nothing but Earth and Wino, and the choice became obvious.

Done deal!

[django7866]

Congrats!!! I think you will feel the same as I did when I played through a first Gen. There is something that was missed seeing and hearing bands that use vintage Model T,  you know they sound great, but there is nothing like play through one using your own equipment.

[jdfarrell81]

I played through the my new Model T for the first time today, and it's definitely a different beast than the Fender version. I finally understand what some of the more experienced guys on this board meant when they described the Model T as "hi-fi." It's thick and dense, but so clear. Very aggressive for bass. Maybe too aggressive for some styles of music. All in all though, great stuff.

Through a stroke of dumb luck, I got a 2nd Gen Model T the day before I got the 1st Gen. I haven't played the 2nd Gen yet, but it's a fun opportunity having a 1st Gen, 2nd Gen, and the Fender model under the same roof. Only one of them gets to stay, so it'll be an interesting (and difficult!) process to decide which one I keep.

[scotzoid]

Eeny, meeny, miney, moe...

[jdfarrell81]

After playing the 2nd Gen this afternoon, I'm sure that the Fender won't be sticking around, but I'm starting to think that both the 1st Gen and 2nd Gen will have to stay.

Playing the two vintage T's side by side is really instructive. They sound VERY different, but I love both for different reasons. For me, the 1st Gen is a superior guitar amp; the tone is massive but articulate. I like the bass tones I get from the 1st Gen as well, but it's difficult to get a clean bass tone. I like a good, crunchy bass tone as much as the next guy, but it doesn't work for every situation.

As for the 2nd Gen, the guitar tone is a bit harsher than the 1st Gen. The distortion doesn't sound as musical. Don't get me wrong, it still sounds quite good, but it has more of a biting high end that I wasn't crazy about at first. Though, as soon as I put a dirt box in front of the amp, that biting distortion transformed into a tight, crunchy, almost thrash-like, high-gain beast. The 2nd Gen seems to be a bit "hotter" than the 1st Gen, at least the amps I'm playing. With a bass, I REALLY like the tones I'm getting out the 2nd Gen. Of the two, I think this will be my go to amp for bass.

The verdict so far: They both have unique strengths and weaknesses, but they compliment each other well. I'm couldn't be happier with the pair.

[django7866]

That is awesome man I too have a first and second gen. I will get to play both this weekend totally stoked!!!! And your right about the way they sound good description.