Sunn Model T

The Sunn Model T is a legendary guitar amplifier that has become iconic in the world of rock and metal music, known for its powerful sound and unique tonal characteristics.

History of the Sunn Model T

• Origins (1970s): The Sunn Model T was first introduced in the early 1970s by Sunn Musical Equipment Company, founded by brothers Norm and Conrad Sundholm. The amp was designed to provide high power and clarity for both guitarists and bassists, making it suitable for large venues. The original Model T was a tube amplifier that utilized 6550 power tubes, producing around 150 watts of output.
• Design Features: The Model T is known for its straightforward control layout, featuring separate channels for clean and distorted sounds. It includes basic tone controls such as Bass, Mid, and Treble, along with a presence control to enhance high frequencies. The amp's construction was robust, aimed at delivering high headroom and loud volume without distortion until pushed to its limits.
• Popularity and Legacy: Initially marketed towards rock musicians, the Model T gained a reputation for its ability to handle pedals well, making it a favorite among players who sought to create heavier tones with distortion effects. Over time, it became particularly popular in the stoner rock and doom metal genres due to its ability to produce thick, saturated sounds at high volumes.
• Cultural Impact: The Model T's popularity surged in the 1990s when bands like Sunn O))) adopted it for their heavy soundscapes. This association with the doom metal genre contributed to the amp's cult status among musicians and collectors alike. As a result, prices for vintage models increased significantly as demand grew.
• Reissues: In later years, Sunn released reissues of the Model T under Fender's ownership after acquiring Sunn in 1985. However, these reissues differ significantly from the original designs, leading to some debate among purists regarding authenticity.

Popular Settings

• Clean Tones:
  • Set Volume around 4-5 for warm, clean sounds.
  • Treble at 6-7 and Bass at 4-5 for balanced clarity.
  • Ideal for jazz or classic rock styles.
• Overdriven Tones:
  • Increase Gain to 7-8 on the Dirty channel for rich tube saturation.
  • Set Treble around 6-8 to enhance brightness while keeping Mid at 4-5.
  • Excellent for blues-rock or stoner rock tones.
• Dynamic Playability:
  • The amp responds well to guitar volume adjustments; rolling back on the guitar can yield cleaner tones while pushing it forward brings out overdrive.
  • Players often find that subtle changes in picking dynamics result in significant tonal shifts.
• Experimentation:
  • Users frequently experiment with different combinations of settings; one popular configuration involves setting everything at noon and adjusting based on personal preference.

Notable Players

• Rod Price (Foghat): Price famously used the Sunn Model T during his time with Foghat, contributing to their classic rock sound characterized by thick guitar tones.
• Matt Pike (Sleep, High on Fire): Pike is known for using the Model T extensively in his rig, appreciating its ability to deliver heavy sounds suitable for stoner rock.
• Dave Wyndorf (Monster Magnet): Wyndorf has utilized the Sunn Model T in his performances, favoring its powerful output and tonal richness.
• Other Artists: Many musicians across genres have embraced the Model T for its versatility; notable users include members of various heavy rock bands who appreciate its powerful sound and ability to handle effects well.

Summary

The Sunn Model T remains an iconic amplifier celebrated for its unique design and exceptional tonal capabilities. Its legacy continues to inspire guitarists seeking rich sounds from a reliable platform that blends classic influences with modern performance standards.