Sunn t50c and Model Ts

[shibbz]

Are the Sunn t50c combos just a combo of the Model T? I notice it has reverb and the pre amp section looks a bit different, but they look and are named similarly. Anyone have any input? Or own both?

[jdfarrell81]

I've owned three T50C's and a reissue Model T. Aside from the reverb and power difference, yes, they're essentially the same amp. Of course, if you only run the T50C with its internal speaker, it will sound quite different from the Model T being played through a closed-back cab.

Thankfully, the T50C allows you to simply unplug the internal speaker and connect as many external cabs as you'd like, at least down to a 4 ohm load.

I enjoyed both amps, but I prefered the T50C because it can be switched down to 12.5 watts, which really allows you to crank the amp and get great, natural distortion. Even at 12.5 watts, it's ungodly loud. At the full 50 watts, it's loud enough for any gig.

The Model T reissue can be switched down to 25 watts from 100 watts as well. With the matching 4x12 cab, it's truly a phenomenal sound, but it's more power than many people need.

Neither amp has anything in common with the original Model T's, but both are fine amps in their own right. It really just depends on which one better suits your needs.

[shibbz]

Are the original model t's and the fender re-issues the same schematicly, just with different grade parts? Or are the designs different?

[jdfarrell81]

They're 100% different beasts. They have nothing in common other than the Sunn badge. That's not to say that one or the other is "better." It all depends on what you need.

[shibbz]

Oh wow, I didn't know that at all.

[stanner]

yeah you wouldnt know that on ebay either!
both the Fender atrocity and the fine 70s Model t's go for similar outrageous bucks.

[jdfarrell81]

You DO need to be careful. Plenty of sellers will be more than happy to let unaware buyers assume that a reissue is a vintage Model T.

the Fender atrocity

I'm not sure it's fair to call the Fender reissue an "atrocity," though I'm not sure it's fair to call it a Sunn amp either. The T50C and the Reissue Model T truly are Fender amps in every sense. They're the same circuit as the 90s model Fender Pro Tube Reverb. Good amps, but not true Sunn amps.

If you want an amp with a chimey, Fender-ish clean channel along with a modern high-gain channel, the Fender models might be for you. If you want a true Sunn amp, avoid the Fender products.