Cheap alternatives to Sunn Model T?

[Brahskolnikov]

This is sort of a proxy post for my band's bass player. She got to play through a Model T at a show we played on Friday and really liked it. I was wondering if there was anything that could get similar clean tones on a more reasonable budget?

[Ancient Astronaught]

The main things that make a Model T a Model T is the 4x6550 output section that is run in Ultralinear not pentode, and the dual channel (5 jack) input. There's not much else out there especially production wise that offers that. Sure theres lots that have 4x6550 or 4xKT88 but they run in a typical pentode power section. Nick over at Dunwich whose fairly local to you could probably build you a clone for a bit cheaper than a used 70's Model T. Otherwise I'd say look at the other older Sunn tube heads, they aren't as powerful (usually 2x6550) but can get you reasonably close while retaining that true Sunn tone and they go on average for 5-800$ depending on how well they've been maintained, but just be prepared they are 40 year old amps they will need maintenance and maybe even from the get go.

[Brahskolnikov]

Thanks! I still have a lot to learn about what makes certain amps sound the way they do, so some of your explanation went over my head, but at least it gives me something to research. I have no idea what my bassist's budget is for amplifiers, but she really did sound awesome through that Model T.

[jrmy]

I'm kind of shocked that Verellen hasn't done anything based on a Model T...

[Ancient Astronaught]

Thanks! I still have a lot to learn about what makes certain amps sound the way they do, so some of your explanation went over my head, but at least it gives me something to research. I have no idea what my bassist's budget is for amplifiers, but she really did sound awesome through that Model T.

Glad to give you a direction to go for your research! Just be prepared for a something truly close to a model T or a real one your gonna be looking at around $2K. Dunwich (based out of CT) could build you a clone as well as make improvements and or modify as desired and Hex Cabs is building straight up clones with badass Aesthetic changes.

I'm kind of shocked that Verellen hasn't done anything based on a Model T...

The Custom that I sold to skully has a power section modeled after a Model T. I think he's more interested in doing his own designs than cloning an existing design. Especially since Hex is doing full on clones, and other custom builders out there have the capability and willingness to build a clone as well.

[new05002]

soon enough a 200W Model T, albiet dropping UL to go with pentode operation and DR201 PSU for better output.

[D.o.S.]

Model T's sound gnar, for sure.

Brah, was it a Fender T or a Sunn T? Those are fairly different amps, and one is significantly cheaper than the other.

[GAS KING]

Hovercraft!

[Ancient Astronaught]

Model T's sound gnar, for sure.

Brah, was it a Fender T or a Sunn T? Those are fairly different amps, and one is significantly cheaper than the other.

Considering he said his bassist played through it and it sounded good.... I'm leaning towards a Sunn T.

[new05002]

Model T is a superbass with a quad of 6550s running in UL at 500V plate/screen.

The Fender """"Model T""""" is a Twin Reverb with dual channels and a quad of 6l6s

[skullservant]

I'm kind of shocked that Verellen hasn't done anything based on a Model T...

YOU ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE

[D.o.S.]

Model T's sound gnar, for sure.

Brah, was it a Fender T or a Sunn T? Those are fairly different amps, and one is significantly cheaper than the other.

Considering he said his bassist played through it and it sounded good.... I'm leaning towards a Sunn T.

Good is in the eye of the beholder, my man.

(...even if I'm inclined to agree with you).

[Ancient Astronaught]

Model T's sound gnar, for sure.

Brah, was it a Fender T or a Sunn T? Those are fairly different amps, and one is significantly cheaper than the other.

Considering he said his bassist played through it and it sounded good.... I'm leaning towards a Sunn T.

Good is in the eye of the beholder, my man.

(...even if I'm inclined to agree with you).

Touche me amore.

[AxAxSxS]

My Sunn (not fender) 1200s sounds great, runs 6550's and is not as well known as the T,
Nick, would it be possible (or advisable) to mod a superbass to be like the T?

That verellen would be an awesome way to go but man his amps are expensive! I dont think I've ever heard any of Ben's amps that didn't impress with how they sounded.

[chillerthanmost]

They are pretty rare but since I owned one in saw one or two others for sale here and there on CL, the Univox UX1501, but only that model. It's almost identical to a Model T and I kind of regret selling it sometimes. Four 6550's with massive transformers and the built in option to share inputs as well as an UL power section. Fuck I should of kept it. Oh well. I also find my Traynor YBA-3 modded to take 6550's sounds similar but bit dirtier and easier to push into tube saturation, yet same/similar volume. Granted, it is a different circuit. I would think a Sound City 150 MKIV would also have similarities, though I've never played one. My old 120 was maybe in the ballpark but the active EQ was kind of lame on guitar though really useful on bass. The EL34's had different characteristics though. The 150 used a quad of KT88's but if accepted to take 6550's I'm sure it can probably outperform a model t. Plus the 150 is the only MKIV that doesn't have an active EQ, last I checked. There's been a few on eBay lately, as well as CL.

I think the cheapest option would be a 6550 driven YBA-3, maybe even a 6550 driven V4, both of which you can find for $500. Different circuits and not exact sound, but similar enough and good sounding. Then there's the 2000s which is more bass oriented then a model T, a bit more scooped but great on bass and still cheaper than an original Model T.

Dude, Model T's used to go for around $800 back when I was looking at them, I should of hopped on a bunch I used to see. People couldn't even sell them a few years back because earlier Sunn's were much more desirable. Anyways, good luck.