The famous croc-skin Selmers produced from 1963 o 1965 are probably the most sought-after models due to their exotic good looks. Imitation crocodile-skin (and snake-skin) finishes were commonly seen on British footwear and fashion accessories in the mid-sixties, and Selmer departed from their normally staid and traditional finishes by adopting a very striking two-tone croc-skin/black colour scheme - just in time for the September 1963 British Music Trade Fair. All fashions come round again, flared trousers and the fabulous croc-skins !
Selmer's changes to their range of amplifiers, which had been quite stable for some years, were more cosmetic than fundamental. The most significant were the novel "blinking-eye" which pulsated in time with the Tremelo, the croc-skin coverings, enlarged Selmer logos and new model names. It seems that it was an attempt to update Selmer's image without investing in entirely new models of amplifier, and judging by the popularity of Selmer amplifiers from this era it was highly successful.
The Thunderbird was initially a minimally modified Twin Selectortone (i.e. twin KT88 valves in power-amp stage) in a slightly larger case with croc-skin/black finish, "blinking eye", and large Selmer logo. Very soon after the Thunderbird's launch however, the expensive KT88's were replaced by twin EL34’s.
The control panel was updated from that of the Twin Selectortone to include bass and treble controls for each channel (rather than just "tone") and an extra reverb control. But again, as this is one of the most sought-after Selmer amplifiers, here is the full catalogue description. (It's actually almost identical to the description of the Twin Selectortone in previous catalogues):
"New Thunderbird Twin 30, with built-in Tremelo and Reverberation (incorporating Hammond Reverberation Unit)
Based upon the extremely successful and well-proven Automatic Selector-tone amplifier, this new Twin 30 has additionally an exciting new Reverberation effect, two heavy-duty 12" loudspeakers and a more powerful amplifier. The exclusive push-button Tone-Selector gives instantaneous changes of response in five degrees from high treble to low bass.. A chosen effect can thus be easily repeated without fumbling with controls. Reverberation and Tremolo effects are individually controlled and may be separately switched on and off from a remote position by means of the double button foot-switch. Fitted with socket for extension speaker.
Specification
Two channel amplifier with two high impedance sockets per channel. Channel 1 is a conventional amplifier with usual volume and tone controls. Channel 2 has the push-button Tone-Selector and Tremolo facility. Speed and Depth of Tremelo are adjustable over a wide range and the tremelo effect is instantly switched on or off by one of the two buttons on the foot-switch. Exclusive Selmer "Blinking Eye" (Patent applied for) gives visual indication of tremolo speed. Reverberation effect operates over both channels and it's intensity is adjustable from zero to maximum. The reverberation effect may also be switched on and off by means of the second button on the foot-switch."
This amp is as new and once plugged in, it rings like the Beatle sound of the 1960’s. No special effects needed! The Shadows and The Beatles initially used Selmers, but abandoned them for Vox on the point of finding fame.
