Fender Mini '57 Twin Amp

The Fender Mini Twin '57 is a reproduction of the iconic dual speaker Fender combo, right down to the classic tweed tolex. However, they decided to shrink this one down to near pocket size. It features a pair of 2 inch speakers, and a very basic control layout with volume, tone, drive and on/off controls. It also features a headphone out, and can be powered by a 9v battery or via an adaptor. It puts out a monstrous 2 watts of power, and unlike its bigger brother this little version of the Twin is solid state as opposed to tube. There's no effects loop or reverbhere so what you see is what you get.

UTILIZATION

Getting a good tone out of this amp is surprisingly easy. Despite the small size, low power and lack of tonal control, the amp has a very honest sounding tonality that is more real sounding than various other mini amps that I've tried. The tones are fairly biting and aggressive especially with the right guitar driving it. I particularly like setting this amp up for maximum gain and using it with single coils for bluesy or really down-home rock tones. The nice thing about this amp is that it has its own drive control which does allow for more tweaking than some other miniamps out there.

SOUNDS

At first when I plugged this amplifier in I didn't expect to really hear much that would be appealing. However I instantly bonded with the very gritty and natural tone that this little box has. It is quite dynamic and responds well to both single coil and humbucker pickups. I particularly dig how it breaks up in a more natural way as opposed to sounding harsh or buzzy. The fact that it has more than one speaker helps to bring life into the amp too, which is a good thing for sure. Obviously it isn't going to sound like a full sized Twin but this is a decent little mini rig of its own merrit.

OVERALL OPINION

All in all I think the Fender Mini Twin '57 is a great little amp for anyone seeking a practice tool, something to travel with, or just a cool sounding novelty amp. At about $50 new you simply can't go wrong if you need a great and naturally cool tone tool. Plus this one's tweed... that's just cool.

If you are a fan of the Fender twins and need a pocket amp then this probably is a good choice for you. The tone from this amp has a resemblance to an old Fender twin with the two mini speakers and the tolex covering, but it really doesn't sound anything like a real one. Not that it is supposed to sound authentic, but I just saying that if you really want that sound then this amp will not get it. If you like the general Twin tone and need a pocket size amp for practicing and silent playing then this is perfect.

Fender Mini '57 Twin Amp Features:

One-watt solid-state amplifier
Dual 2" speakers
Single channel
Power, Volume, Tone, and Gain controls
Built-in Distortion
1/4" Headphone jack (powers external speaker cabinet)
Tweed covering
Real leather handle
Nine-volt power adapter jack (adapter optional), also runs on single 9-volt battery

UTILIZATION

Details
Type Solid State
Number of Channels 1
Power 1WQ
Speakers 1 x 2"
No Effects
No Reverb
No Amp Modeling
Number of Tubes 0
Preamp Tubes No Tubes
Power Tubes No Tubes
Inputs 1 x Instrument
Outputs 1 x Headphone (1/4")
No Footswitch
No Effects Loop

SOUNDS

This amp needs to be paired with a Fender Stratocaster or Telecaster. Of course you can play this amp with any guitar but it seems to fit the bill with a Fender guitar. Remember this isn't a tone monster like the real Fender Twin is but it sure sounds good enough for what it does and the look of it is really great as well.

OVERALL OPINION

This is a great little practice amp for the Fender twin lovers out there. This amp isn't my cup of tea since there really isn't much gain on tap with it. Not that I was expecting it to have much but that is my opinion. Many Fender players will love this amp. If I were to buy a pocket practice amp then I would go with an Orange PIX or a Marshall pocket amp. At new these units come in at around $50 which is a great price for something like this.

I would recommend this to someone who loves Fender amps and needs a pocket size amp that can go anywhere and fit on your belt. If you need more gain then do an Orange or Marshall.

Amp battery with input jack and headphone output. 1w

On / off button, drive, tone and volume

UTILIZATION

Easier it would be complicated, you branch you turn you key the three buttons and voila.

SOUNDS

I do not know if it's mine, but I have a mini tone master who had sounded so unflattering. Maybe it comes from HP used to make them but the sound is not great. Screaming whatever the adjustments.

OVERALL OPINION

I have a mini stack vox, the Marshall MS2 and the mini tone master, this one is the worst of those I bought.

By plugging the mini twin cab via the vox headphone I get much better sound that becomes adjustable stroke.

I buy for me a little collection so I do not care.

Transistor amp of course.
It is sold for 1W but it has two HP. Power is correct in a small room.
It has an input jack, an ON / OFF button, a headphone jack and it works with a 9V battery or a transformer (but my Ibanez 9V 200mA transformer not working?! Bizarre is required characteristics?).

UTILIZATION

The settings are very simple: one volume, one tone and drive. The drive has a lot.
For all it's pretty difficult to get clear sound "clean". But maybe it's the microphones that are beginning to date and that are not good qualities.

SOUNDS

Suitable for all styles seen this power!

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 6 months and it's really nice to be able to put a battery to go play in nature. I tried it with an electro folk and it's great to oxen with percussions means better guitar.
I tried a small Ibanez amp similar (but without battery) and it was impossible to play without distortion.
Is what I would do this choice? Perhaps, but it's really a small amp gadget that serves me a bit to let off steam and take him to friends without having to move the big "Performer 1000". But there is no comparison between the Performer and the 1000 Mini-Twin