5 things you NEED to do with your Deluxe Reverb amp

(No mods required, btw 🤠) Ok, so I've wanted to do a video on my old Deluxe Reverb for a while. I was messing with it and found something out that totally blew my mind (that's not just clickbait in the thumbnail, lol). So, really, why aren't you doing these 5 things?!
0:59 Vol 10 Treb 10 Bass OFF
3:20 Use it as a head
6:54 Check out the normal channel
11:06 Jumper the channels (it DOES WORK, and I figured something out here that is SUPER cool)
18:06 Use my "473" settings with a pedalboard.
==GEAR I use EVERY DAY==
PolyTune headstock tuner sweetwater.sjv.io/k0znKV
D’Addario NYXL 10-46 sweetwater.sjv.io/daLXW2
D’Addario NYXL 11-49 sweetwater.sjv.io/Nkzdx1
D’Addario 10.5-48 (VERY COOL) sweetwater.sjv.io/y2yDKG
D’Addiaro Baritone 13-62 sweetwater.sjv.io/
Dunlop Large glass slide 213 sweetwater.sjv.io/k0zndV
Revv Shawn Tubbs Tilt Overdrive sweetwater.sjv.io/0ZmraE
Nobels ODR-1 Natural Overdrive sweetwater.sjv.io/oqz2ME
Line6 HX Effects sweetwater.sjv.io/g1DznX
Eventide H9 MAX sweetwater.sjv.io/EK9n6D
Strymon Mobius Modulation sweetwater.sjv.io/75yAg5
Strymon Timeline delay sweetwater.sjv.io/LXnvk0
Meris Mercury7 Reverb sweetwater.sjv.io/q4ARdg
Meris Polymoon Delay sweetwater.sjv.io/rQGvdD
Revv D20 sweetwater.sjv.io/6eAaLQ
UA OX Amp Top Box sweetwater.sjv.io/vNyLk3
Lots of you have asked how you can support the channel. So here are a couple of links. Thanks a ton!
Paypal tip jar: [e-mail]
Venmo tip jar: @justinostrander

[@MateusAsato]

What a great solo. Jesus. Thanks for the tips. I personally never had a good chemistry with the Deluxe but I will definitely try these stuff next time I get a chance. Ps.: never heard a GoldTop with P90s with a bad tone in my life! Ha.

[@JustinOstrander]

Dude. LOVE what you do. I’m not sure I would even call what I do guitar playing in comparison. Haha! Thanks for the shout. 👊🏼

[@Tonetwisters]

Yes ... Jesus IS my Savior. And that Les Paul was fabulous!

[@rcleon1431]

@@JustinOstranderyour 1965 deluxe reverb has the bright cap on the vibrato channel?

[@alzenno4333]

Blessed be the name of Jesus.

[@danielebazzani]

@@JustinOstrander Oh I would! 🙂

[@bobhewitt5047]

40 years of owning and gigging my ‘65 Deluxe Reverb… and apart from channel jumping - never thought to try what you’ve just demonstrated… Thank you so much for a great video - beautifully presented and superb playing.

[@JustinOstrander]

Great to hear! Thanks!

[@anthonymichael3029]

I’ve always gigged and recorded with Marshall/Vox style amps that are known for grittier tones, and always thought of the Deluxe Reverb as a clean pedal platform. This video has me questioning all that. That amp sounds amazing!

[@DCayce]

God, I love it that you’re such a natural guy, not trying to sell yourself as a rock-star wannabe… you’re a blessing… I have a stereo setup and just ordered two 65 reverb deluxe amps to add to the lineup, taking your suggestions to heart… would love to have a one-on-one with you, a coffee, but know that’s not likely… just know this: you’re a treasure… many thanks!

[@JustinOstrander]

Thanks a ton for the kind words! 🍻

[@rcleon1431]

@@JustinOstranderpleas you cando this video with your ab165 Bassman pleas🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@JustinOstrander]

@@rcleon1431 I don't have that circuit, but I will do this with my '64 bassman ASAP!

[@GregFerraraMusic]

I love this! I was blown away by the tone with no pedals! You’ve inspired me to experiment more with amp tones using fewer pedals. Thanks so much!

[@TheRooDog]

I have my first proper Nashville session on Wednesday and your channel is honestly helping me prep so much, I owe you man.

[@chrislink73]

very informative tips, love the stories of those session players -- there's definitely some wisdom in playing to the band and making everyone else sound better as a team effort in creating moments for whole song. That darker reverb trick is definitely something I'll have to check out as well.

[@jarecl]

That first solo you played at 1:52 was so good that I almost fell out of my chair. Beautiful tone and playing

[@JustinOstrander]

Thanks a ton!

[@ericsfc1ea.16]

Best deluxe reverb video tone tips i've ever seen, thanks! The jumpered reverb tone swap was totally cool and something I hadn't thought of.

[@akibakemono]

I can’t like this video enough! Been playing a Twin Reverb for over 30 years and have never tried a few of these tips. Brilliant advice, and I really appreciate your sincere delivery. Good job, man.

[@johndodge9865]

This is one of the best videos I have seen in a very long time. Great tone tips, but even better advice for playing in a real world band context. Thanks.

[@liamfitzgerald7528]

Loved this episode! I have the '68 Custom. One of the many bonuses of this DR is that the channels are phase aligned. At least that is what I have been told. I still mess with EQ settings for both when I jump them. You can get amazing tones using each of the circuits differently and blending them with volume.

[@MRxr400]

I've never heard a deluxe sound so rock and friggin awesome. man, you've got the chops and amazing feel.

[@MRxr400]

so nice to hear a real amp rather than a modeler.

[@evilgiraffe]

Yes, this is really, really cool. Very informative. Love this kind of insight that helps get more out of what one already has. Thank you.

[@leftyshep]

Absolutely loving your channel Justin! I can’t wait for the family to vacate the home one evening so I can try out all of your advice on my Deluxe. Thank you for all you do!

[@Mark-fs5fq]

@leftyshep love your comment on the fam leaving the house! I’m trying to sound proof a room in the basement sos I can crank up a couple of my tube amps more often!😅

[@Tonetwisters]

Love that Paul you have! You can get a great reverb sound by taking the reverb tank output and running it into the NORMAL channel (with appropriate cables)... roll off most of the bass and boost the treble ... SWEET! I just play at home, so I run that bass up and back off when it starts to get muddy.

[@diegourias4410]

Thank you JO!! Favorite channel of the year

[@chrisrauber6956]

I really dig your videos, Justin. Thank you for taking the time.

[@jhc1230]

This is the BEST, most worthwhile , video I have ever seen on how to use "MY" amp! Thank you sir!:)

[@acbenitez3614]

Very encouraging tips and great playing dude, just got my second DR a couple months ago, after losing mine at the pawn shop in the late 90's.

[@MikeSealguitar]

Great tips and philosophies. I’ve always used a deluxe on the road and pretty much defaulted to volume 3, treble 5, bass 1-0. Felt somewhat vindicated when you described the pedalboard platform settings haha. Truly excited to plug in and try out tips 1-4. Thanks for this great video!

[@Leo_Fender]

Holy crap! #4 is actually AMAZING! I knew you could jump the channels and I mean yeah it’s cool, but I never did the extreme EQ setting to brighten the verb. Thanks!!

[@amesburymc]

Thank you so much for the tips! I always have been a Marshall guy or a Head/Cab guy and I bought 64 Fender Custom DR couple of years ago hoping that it would be my grab&go pedal platform combo for small gigs. I was mainly disappointed with the sounds I was getting. I ended up not playing it for almost a year and recently put it on the market. After watching your video, I tried the lead setting (V:10, T:10, B:0) and used it like a head (DR -> Fryette Power Station -> Suhr 2x12 Cab with Creamback) and OMG. Never ever thought I was going to get pure hard rock tone from DR. I’m going to try with a 1x12 cab I have and I’m also going to try pedal platform setting so I could love this amp! I’m so glad I watched your video. Thank you!

[@Nozmo_King_NJ]

This is a great video! I have been a Deluxe devotee for a long time and these are valuable tips, especially jumpering w/ opposite EQ. But I never tried the V & T on 10, B low .. awesome!! The 4-7-3 setting suggestion is interesting, I'm always using my Deluxe as a pedal platform. Thanks for the valuable tips, Justin.

[@sixstring896]

Great tips, thanks. I own a ToneMaster DR which has an attenuator. Last night on a gig I tried the channel jump with volumes on 10 using a regular Tele and a Cabronita. Wow. I rolled the volume back for cleans, then turned it up for solos. What a great sound! It was a nice change from my usual '473 plus a pedal' settings.

[@kevinleeclark8360]

WOW! The jumper setting on my Super Reverb Tonemaster is incredible. The mids knob on channel 2 becomes a bass control and the bright switches act completely different now. This changes everything about the amp and I have much more control to dial the sound in. I like the jumper from input 1 to input 1 and guitar into channel 2 input 2. Thank you for the tip.

[@lightnincharlie948]

Man…super stuff, and superb playing. I used jumpers on my ‘66 DR and my ‘66 Vibrolux for years, but NEVER knew of that reverb/EQ thang…WOW! Thanks to you and Leo!!! And thanks Justin, for giving many the inspiration to pick ‘em up and play ‘em. You sure did me! Subbed and blessed brother. 💙⚡️🔥

[@jimmyray_hawkins]

Thank you Justin. I learned of the "turn down the bass" thing from a Robben Ford video, where he had the amp at vol and turned up the bass where it just presented itself. Likewise with treble as well. Thank you for your perspective and info sharing! As such, I love the amazing talent that is on YT. Some videos with the bass high, or massive gain may not work well in a live situation or recording session, however they come across so full and insane as a single instrument on YT. So the crafting and time for what is played perfectly is based on those EQ/gain settings and "possibly" not usable in a live or recording process. Of course this depends on one's interpretation, need, and genre etc...

[@kevinafflack]

Great episode! I’m definitely trying those out. You can also do the one wire mod and have verb in both channels. They still sound different but in phase. You can use an A/B box and set one ch for rhy and one for lead. I like to use a 501 tape echo, or any echo with wet only output, and run the delay to the normal ch in parallel. Post my pedalboard, I use a Radial ABY set for both, run one side to the vibrato channel and run the other side to the echo set for wet only. This lets you add delay to your existing sound. Instead of having to set the mix knob just perfect, you’ll have volume and Eq for the delay and if you put a volume pedal between dealy and amp, you can control the level. It’s like a mono wet dry rig. Another tip I’ve read is to remove the very first preamp tube and use the vibrato channel. This will give it a little more gain.

[@jimsalman7257]

The one Deluxe Reverb mod I highly recommend is to replace the ext. speaker jack with a Middle pot/knob for the vibrato channel. Every player I’ve done this for has loved it - it makes it so much easier to dial in your tone in all different types of rooms and situations. The mod is not invasive and is fully reversible.

[@kevinjones4513]

Long time Deluxe Reverb player and I totally appreciate everything you said, Fantastic clip and super informative.

[@MyNameWasTecho]

Love the tone of the clean channel. Very nice 👍

[@johnbenevoli2066]

Great sound & lovely touch playing Justin.

[@kurtweiand7086]

I prefer an amp cranked to a pedal for tone. But screaming sustained leads almost always require some kind of dirt pedal. You did a great job. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and talent with us!

[@Tonetwisters]

Watched this again, Justin, and I REALLY appreciate your ideas and the kind and humble way in which you present them ... Good on you, Sir! God bless.

[@billytaylor1174]

All around fantastic job! Great tone and amazing playing. I usually lean Marshall but those tone you dialed in… now I got to get a Fender D! Dig your channel brother!

[@boogingtonthunderwood8969]

What a killer, ultra-useful vid! Thanks so much for making this!

[@billknudson7895]

Back in the late eighties I bought a ‘64 Deluxe from the late, great Ken Fischer of Trainwreck Circuits, an amp he was selling on consignment. It came with a 12” Rola Celestion Greenback. He did a mind blowing mod to channel one. Once the volume was turned above 2½, it tripled the amp’s output! Ken said he thought it was loud enough to go toe-to-toe with a 50 watt Marshall. It was absolutely terrifying! I brought it to band practice one night, which took place after hours at a friend’s warehouse. I used channel two during rehearsal, but after practice ended, I decided to plug into channel one and crank it. It was unbearably loud-so loud that its cabinet was rattling. After testing it out, I tried a few different distortion pedals with it, but they sounded like crap. At that point I had no idea how tame this beast so I could start gigging with it. Then, one snowy afternoon, I was at a small local music store starting my first day as a guitar teacher. As I was sitting near one of the display cabinets, I noticed that there was a used Scholz Power Soak for sale. The owner (who later became one of my closest friends) told me to take it home and try it, which I did. It turned out to be the perfect solution. In the band I was in, I played both guitar and keyboards. I built a small but powerful stereo “PA” system, mainly for the keyboards. I decided to set the Deluxe on the floor behind me, with the speaker facing the wall. I stuck an SM57 in front of it, choked down the volume with the Power Soak, then ran the mic into my keyboard setup’s mixer. I put my rack mount effects unit into the mixer’s effects loop, and BINGO! Absolute perfection. I used that setup for years without a problem. That Deluxe now occupies a place of honor in my music room.

[@telecasterman18]

Man this was inspiring to watch. Made my imagination go with what I can do with what I have. I love that channel jumping trick with the reverb. You did spanky country twang all the way to a nice compressed, almost plate like reverb sound. Really cool video man!

[@beck31473]

Some of these tricks I knew about, but in a not so extreme way. Invaluable tips 100%!!! Thank you. Additionally I've found the tone while attenuated on these setting is much better than attenuated tone with more "normal" settings. Huge bonus there. My interest in my drri is renewed twofold.

[@tommayo3212]

Awesome tips…Great playing too, Justin!

[@LordBransty]

One of the best rock tones on KZbin IMO. Wow. Thanks for that!

[@Jesse_Johnson]

Incredible. Found your channel while fiddling with my DR. You sir are not only a monster player, your demeanor is a breath of fresh air. I don’t know how else to say it. Stay well.

[@Flat_Stanley]

Dr Z is in fact bringing people to you. I searched the tube for Dr Z Brake and instead it gave me you and until I read the other Z comment, I had forgot what brought me here in the first place! I immediately started binge watching your channel. I like the humble with a slab of chops thing you have going.

[@danepaulstewart8464]

Dear lord this sounds FANTASTIC! Thank you for this information!

[@timfee2063]

Wow I thanks Justin, I had no idea, I’ll have to go buy one again now. Love the sounds, love your playing too. Brilliant !

[@1961Humbucker1]

I have to admit that I never would have believed that a Deluxe Reverb could have such an amazing crunch sound, amazing! That gold top LesPaul with the P-90s really brought that amp to life, thanks for sharing those tips.

[@muddledspirits]

This was very insightful, struggling with dialing in my tone with my les paul and keeping hopping from amp to amp. these tips and settings are very helpful. thank you !

[@andrewboore3899]

My entire rig is a Tele straight into a Blackface Deluxe, thank you for the awesome tips and sharing your wisdom!

[@GuitarCareerCoach]

Fantastic vid Justin! (As always) great info on the DR. Recently moved to one as my main grab and go after using basically Marshall’s forever, so great insights!

[@fiddle954]

How have I been on KZbin from the start and just now find your page?! Amazing content dude! You’ve just gained a lifetime subscriber

[@jmetalsmith1362]

Great share from end to end. And the bigger lesson for me is just how much we can do with only amp settings and guitar volume controls...without pedals. A great eye(ear) opener.

[@g_and_kikos_homestudio]

Thanks for the Reverb trick on the jumpered channels. I'm gonna try it on my 67 Twin asap. I really been enjoying your videos the past few days since I found your channel

[@diddlers]

Fantastic playing! And great tones.

[@mu_draconis]

That is one of the greatest guitar sounds I have ever heard. Sounds like the devil. Perfect.

[@tfajsh]

Hey man! Sounds excellent. I can’t believe this isn’t used more.

[@Bradleybrookwood]

Oh that electric guitar solo that you played at the beginning was just beautiful! I love a good rock song. hopefully whoever was singing that song is a guy with a great voice.

[@meeno_the_man]

There’s some great stuff out there on KZbin of soloed Stones tracks and it’s kind of amazing to hear what those iconic riffs sound like on their own. Proof that there’s the Tone Journey when it’s just you and your guitar and amps and pedals and then there’s the world of the Song where each piece is part of a greater orchestration.

[@Fugettaboutit]

I love running the classic front thiele-ported Boogie cab with the EVM 12-L as an extension with the DR. I put a multi-tap output transformer in my DR that I could switch between 4 and 8 ohms. It's amazing how articulate that amp is even with the overdrive coming from cranking it.

[@mikeoxley4458]

Sounds great, Justin! My first amp was a Deluxe - no Reverb, in 1972. Wish I still had that amp! Have heard the Doobie Brothers used turned up Fender amps on their early records.

[@piggycity]

Love this video, tried the treble to 10 and bass to 2 deluxe setting on my vintage Princeton reverb and it sounds great. Today I will try plugging it into some of my other combo amp cabinets.

[@shayeasy]

new to the channel but i have already picked up a lot of tips and inspiration in my short time here, so thank you.

[@NinerFourWhiskey]

I still have the 1979 Silverface Deluxe Reverb I bought used in 1981 as a teenager (when it wasn't "cool"). Over the years, I modded the normal channel to have reverb/trem and an early Marshall style preamp circuit for much tighter bass. Very pedal friendly channel and in phase with other channel if you want to jumper them.

[@irp1983]

Wow! Great solo at the begining, my friend. And this video it's awesome

[@JustinOstrander]

Thanks a ton!

[@ViceroyBandOfficial]

Holy Crap. Vol on 10, Treble on 10 and Bass on 2! I just tried this with my '71 silverface. What a revelation!!! Amazing. Thanks!

[@jr0706]

That lead tone is absolutely gorgeous.

[@MWHOME]

Super vid! I own a 77 Princeton Reverb and a 75 Pro Reverb. Love the tips for jumpering, controls etc.

[@herbschwertz4733]

Stumbled in here for the Amp tips and you start talking about JT Corenflos… I live near Terre Haute where he was from and got to see him play a couple of times… saw his father play as well with a drummer buddy of mine…. So cool to hear you talk about the local legend!! RIP

[@shorttadam]

Was a toss up between a deluxe and a supersonic 22. Your video has me leaning for the deluxe now! Super playing my friend

[@samsonthecurrent]

great tone + great playing + great advice = new subscriber

[@sirfultonbishop]

Good video! Enjoyed the “rabbit trail” too!

[@PotemkinBUMP225]

hey justin great video thank you. Yea I missed out on fender amps my whole career until about 3 years ago. I love the deluxe! .Ditched my 100 watters!

[@L1NEKER]

Thank you, Justin. Cheers, from Brazil! ♥

[@jeffburnham4582]

That was super helpful. Can wait to try all of these!

[@richardpierce7819]

I like to run my guitar into the normal channel and put a jumper from input 2 on the normal channel into input 1 of the vibrato channel. Love the tone I get by doing this.

[@tomcaine752]

I own a 1966 Deluxe Reverb. I tried the volume/treble recommendation and you are right!. It sounds really good. I used three guitars - an SG Special w/P90's, an R7 Les Paul and a PRS DGT. All three sounded great, but my absolute favorite is the SG. The P90's really stand out. Thanks for the tip.

[@JustinOstrander]

Great to hear!

[@rcleon1431]

@@JustinOstranderyou can try this on a reissue deluxe reverb please ?

[@JustinOstrander]

@@rcleon1431 works the same as the old one. the DRRI needs a good speaker though, like an ET65

[@goldenboy8167]

Thanks for sharing these great tips. I’m going to try them all!

[@JuanDhas]

Brilliant! Have to try these tips the next time I encounter a Deluxe Reverb out in the wild!

[@thisisblakemillermusic]

Drop d is for deluxe! Thank you for doing this video. I had noooo clue my deluxe could do all these things

[@bryanh3057]

Another fantastic video as always! Now I’m wanting a deluxe lol. Also, now that your channel is picking up steam, it’s time to get some lighting! 👍

[@davemuso1958]

Good tips, and nice side rants too!

[@martin_schwarz]

I used the jumper trick on my 1967 Pro Reverb. I turned the normal channel all the way up for a great overdriven tone and kept the other channel low to dial in a clean reverb.

[@stoneglad]

Great tips and great video. Also your playing is fantastic and you now have a new follower!!

[@JustinOstrander]

Thanks a ton!

[@r.weaver3769]

Exactly right, looking for a moment that ends up making everything shine, magic.

[@shred5]

Thanks for the tips (I’m a Super Reverb and Carr Super Bee player myself). And great playing, dig your note choices. I do find that on my Super I run similar tone settings, treble at 7-8, bass between 2-4 depending on the guitar and mids around 4-7 depending what pedal I’m using and what I feel like but usually 4

[@tonelok]

# 1 seems like the Bonamassa trick. Open up and let it howl is his description, but it is so much more dynamic than that. I have Feb 65 Super and a June 65 DR - ran through a tone bone splitter with this suggestion and GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY!!! Thanks for the very cool insights.

[@gmwien]

The patch cable trick works with a ToneMaster Deluxe too - how cool they kept the phase turn between the channels also in their modelling version!

[@actionjacksondan]

Thanks for the heads up on the tonemaster!

[@kenk7049]

You're correct. I have a TM

[@mantecamusicman]

Great suggestions, and great playing! Love it

[@paulmichaelsmith3207]

Thx for this. Have a '64 DR and it's sweet as can be. But these tips are gold! So easy to get locked into one or a couple settings.

[@tonehound671]

Always added a closed back cabinet to the extension speaker jack. Ran it at 4 ohms. Sounds awesome.

[@ggman946]

Thank you for your generosity!!!! 🙏🏻

[@lightinme217]

Justin amazing stuff! Thanks for sharing your gift!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Great video! Love my Deluxe and all it’s “hidden” tricks

[@richdunn9799]

It is difficult to find a Barber Launchpad but I found this article which lists many common pedals that reverse phase. As soon as I return home I will try my Xotic EP booster. Many thanks for the info!!!

[@toneleudy]

I have 2. the clarity these amps have is amazing. I started running both of mine into 2 4\12 marshall cabs. great tips

[@desmondmyers]

Fantastic video! What a great channel!

[@tylerscott1217]

Great video! Great tones. Great playing. Just wanted to let you know you got a new sub.

[@JustinOstrander]

Thanks a ton!

[@TeleCustom72]

First time visiting your channel - liked and subscribed. Man, your chops and taste are inspiring.

[@JustinOstrander]

Awesome, thanks a ton!

[@2GoldensTosa]

Greetings from Milwaukee! Glad I stumbled across your channel and subscribed. Great video!

[@JustinOstrander]

Thanks so much for the sub!

[@h.i.5333]

This is outstanding, what a great player! ✌️

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

I had no idea I could this much with my amp. Thank you so much!