I wanted a Twin Reverb and went shopping for one. I found a Super Twin that was in decent shape (electronically great but with the customary cosmetic wear n tear).
I started using it and was almost immediately disappointed - it was too loud! I had gone from a 65 watt single twelve Ampeg and a 60 watt single twelve Dean Markley and was used to achieving a certain amount of output concurrent with the saturation of tubes which gives that golden tone. What I wound was that most of the halls where I played couldn’t handle the Super at full volume. And anything less robbed me of the tone I sought.
Most of the Twins and Super Twins ran at 65 to 85 watts. There was a number of years where the Twin spec’d at 100 watts. I did some research and found that my monster was running at 135 watts. No wonder!
I never sold it but I did replace it. I wonder what the durn thing is worth now?
You're quite right that it's only suited for medium-to-large clubs, though. If you want that great tone of the output tubes at their limits, the only way to do it is at their limits, and that's freakin' loud.
> I wonder what the durn thing is worth now?
In good shape, probably around a grand.
Cranked Twins definitely have a sound all their own. But as you found out, it’s at about 140 decibles ;)
A friend had one and I liked it. I was always more a fan of the 80s modded Marshall tone though.
If you ever get the chance to hear a real Pultec parametric EQ pushing even a stock JCM800 with a good set of tubes, you will know the voice of God. Just be standing back as far as you would the Twin. God is pretty loud too ;)