The Revenge of the Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb Blonde - Ask Zac 70

[@bobeverett2071]

Finally after watching dozens of videos on the Tone Master, someone that actually explained the difference between the 2019 model and the newer model. Thank you.

[@mandodude148]

I have owned and played through many Fender amps over the past 40 years. I recently purchased a Fender Deluxe Reverb Tonemaster and absolutely love it!

[@sirbaronvoncount4147]

Zach you are a ray of light in the KZbin guitar world. Your honesty and the fact you are not taking lots of gifts makes me take you more seriously. I grow tired of guys giving “reviews” of gifts while they sit in front of a wall of free guitars and gear. ( check out today’s release of the jazz master acoustic on about 29 channels)

[@mattwilliams3104]

As someone who has never played a real deluxe reverb and won’t have that bias, I can’t wait to play one of these. Top of my list for sure. Great tone, attenuation, portable, durable.

[@fivewattworld]

Great stuff Zac. I’ve been very pleasantly surprised by my experiments w the current Deluxes.

[@AskZac]

Looking forward to your vid, Keith.

[@guppybill]

Y'all get around. This is a journey. Looking forward to needing tools like this again. Just lessons for now.

[@JC-11111]

Lol! I came here to watch this and post about your vid, Keith 😆👍 Thanks Keith & Zac! You guys put out the best content!

[@HeviNova]

my producer didn't believe me that is was a solid state deluxe when he heard it lol.

[@michaelogden5093]

Attenuation is nice but I'm need'in a headphone jack for when my groupies are passed out on the water bed.

[@jimmyjames2022]

DI>Audio Interface>Direct Monitor>Headphones?

[@bootgrip6]

DI>Small mixer>headphones. I use a Yamaha MG06.

[@Livelaughlimpbizkit]

😂😂😂

[@geddes.]

Don’t listen to them just get an xlr to 1/4 inch adapter ~$8

[@deanmlshredder]

Groupies understand rock and roll. + the vibration might wind em up.

[@stretchsgroovychannel7187]

Thanks Zac....Im a 50 year long jazz and blues player who has had em all ....this will save me back....new to ur channel , not a country player by any means , but you are groovy man ....thanks for helping me make an informed decision on whether or not to buy a tube 65 reisuue or this ...im going to go with goin easy on me back carryin the next amp..thanks man....

[@AskZac]

Its a great amp

[@stretchsgroovychannel7187]

Hey Zach thanks to you I have now purchased my blonde tone master Deluxe on reverb 20 minutes ago thanks again man

[@AndrewBanker1]

I just swapped the speaker in my black one with the Creamback and updated the firmware. You are right. It becomes a very different amp. I’m very happy with it now. I hated it before. Harsh and sterile.

[@doctorskull8197]

Did swapping to Creamback make the amp heavier?

[@AndrewBanker1]

@@doctorskull8197 no. The Creamback Neo is a similar weight.

[@AndrewBanker1]

@ghost mall it’s a lightweight speaker designed sound like a traditional Creamback. The Creamback was a popular replacement for Deluxe Reverb amps. So no designed specifically for it, but a great match.

[@astewart9410]

I bought the blonde DR last week and absolutely love it. It has all the features I need, and it gives me the sound I had in my head all these years!. What a great amp. Cheers!

[@AskZac]

Great to hear!

[@astewart9410]

@@AskZac Thanks! Love your channel, great work!

[@astewart9410]

Update: nine months have passed and I am still absolutely in love with this amp. I have heard some people mention concerns that it will be very difficult to repair if something in the electronics fails, unlike a tube amp where it can go and be repaired this is a piece of tech that only fender would look at. But I doubt quality is an issue and I anticipate having this be my go-to for many years. Happy playing!

[@WillyPDX94]

I bought one of these a few months ago in the Cream Tolex because I liked the look. How sweet to find out I got upgraded tone and reverb as well. I do like the amp a lot. So lightweight, too. Just a good all round amp. Thanks, Zac, for filling us in on the changes Fender made.

[@AskZac]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TonyBee63]

Hey Zac....I've been fancying a Deluxe Reverb since I saw your episode on why it's the best amp for you a while ago, I currently have a Fender Supersonic 60 which is an amazing amp with tons of power but a beast to carry in & out of gigs these days (pre Covid anyway ) & I also have a Belcat 20r which is a sort of Blues Jr clone with 20 watts valve which is my main amp...But I think the Deluxe reverb is somewhere between the 2... I'm a big Telecaster fan with 5 currently in my arsenal and my favourites are James Burton, Albert Lee, Vince Gill, Brad paisley etc..after seeing this version I may go for the Tonemaster which I think is up my street...Thanks for posting...Cheers Buddy Tony B.

[@basilandrigsby]

The joy of a digital amp that does just one thing. Fender can keep tweaking it and make it better over time

[@mulemusic]

I played the Deluxe tube amp side by side with the Deluxe Tone Master.. had the money for either one, and have had several Deluxe amps through the years. I picked the Tone Master. Won't ever second guess my choice.

[@davidcudlip6587]

Just bought the Blonde version today and love it. My main guitar is a Heritage H530. The thin hollow body with Lollar P90's sound killer in this amp. My tele and strat sound just as good but something special happens with P 90's. I agree that the Creambacks were the way to go with this amp.

[@brentpruner]

Thank you! I too when assessing options, went with your advice at tipping point and got the blonde. Bought a shirt to support. One tip for those who desire a HEADPHONE JACK (which seems to be a complaint) purchasing a single USB interface like an M-Audio air 192 | 6 (2 XLR inputs) 192 | 4 (1 XLR input) you can not only use headphones in the 192, but also to interface with your computer through USB C and practice along to music on played on computer. You can blend the USB and direct to how loud your guitar is in the mix as well as adjust the levels to avoid clipping. I have the 2 XLR inputs version because the other XLR comes from my Captor X used from my Tube Mesa Boogie. We all have different gear and many other ways to get headphones, this is just the way I do it at a low price point and high quality.

[@AskZac]

Great solution!!

[@iamgcase]

Prices keep going up. Tone Master is priced higher than my first reissue tube Deluxe, but the tube Deluxe is now $200 more than the Tone Master. Hard to keep up with it all. Maybe… Squire amps? 😉

[@WillyPDX94]

If money is a consideration, look for a deal on a used one. I would never buy a Squier amp or any of the other Fender starter amps, but there are companies out there producing some really good sounding amps well under $1000. Supro has a new amp called the Delta King, a 1x12 15 watt amp, that sounds really nice in the demos. I used to have a Supro Tremo-Verb that sounded great. Plenty of other options in used amps to save some bucks.

[@timnewman1172]

It is a thought, maybe Fender could issue a solid-state "entry level" amp like a "Tonemaster Champ" ...

[@WillyPDX94]

@@timnewman1172 The best Fender amps I've found in the $500 to $1000 range are the Blues Jr., the Princeton and Deluxe reissues, and the new Tone Master. Two good things about these three amps: first, they're very reliable and secondly, they have good resale value. So if you buy one used at a fair price and later decide to trade up for something different later, you can generally get most of your money back if you sell the amp yourself. Please feel free to disregard my comments if you already know your way around. But briefly I'd offer the following comments if they are of any use. 1) If you want an amp for playing all kinds of rock and roll with both clean and dirty tones AND you don't want to invest money in guitar pedals to get all those sounds, there are plenty of good digital amps that will give you hundreds of tones. The tones are not generally as good as what you'd get with a good tube amp and a few decent pedals, but certainly good enough to get started. The Fender Mustang series would be one option if you really want the Fender brand, but there are dozens of brands which make good digital modeling amps for as little as $250-300. 2) If you want a Fender tube amp sound, you have two directions to go. Either classic blackface/silverface tones with lots of sparkle and wonderful clean tones or classic "tweedy" tones with more warmth, less sparkle, and lots of dirt as the volume goes up. The former is best represented by any of the blackface or silverface tube reissue amps or the Tone Master. If you want the latter, the Blues Junior is a better choice. Whatever way you go, have fun. I hope you find something that really works for you. It's taken me a long time to figure out what works best for me, but I still keep finding new and interesting gear worth checking out. Sometimes I wish I could sell everything I have except for one guitar and one amp, but then again, there's nothing wrong with having more gear as long as we remember that it's about the music we make, not the gear we own.

[@LUCKYB.]

@@WillyPDX94 I cant remember the couple years But Supro Made what was a Champ with a trem . I believe it was early 60s .. I still like Silver Tone .tube amps

[@christophervincent8420]

I just wanted to let you know that you were the final sale on my purchase of this amp. I played it at Candyman in Santa Fe NM. I lived there for 12ys. I plugged in and it sounded exactly like a tube amp. I debated it since it came out and heard it. I heard your take and I absolutely agree 100%. I would give it an A- but at the same time, with all the extras, it goes on par with the real macoy. Especially for me. The attenuation is the most important thing for me. I have 2 young kids and 0.2 wtts are crucial to me being able to create while they sleep. Thank you. This is the best investment I have ever purchased.

[@AskZac]

Fantastic! I love that shop, as I have spent time in Santa Fe. I almost bought 2 guitars there while on vacation.

[@christophervincent8420]

@@AskZac I love that shop too. I miss it. But Texas is nice so far. But yeah, I really miss the Candyman

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Very cool, glad they listened to your suggestions from last year! The most important thing is the feel and whether playing through it inspires you...digital, direct, or tubes...whatever it takes!

[@schrammguitars]

Thanks for this video Zac. The three black face firmware upgrade as of 10/2024 are these: Is the mod you recommend the reverb and no bright cap, and change speaker to a Celestion G12 Neo Creamback ? ToneMaster_Deluxe_VintageSpec_1.0.27 • Vintage accurate firmware based on vintage and 65 Reissue tube amplifiers. • Stock firmware loaded on Tone Master Deluxe Reverb amplifiers with Jensen N12K speaker. • Jensen N12K speaker line out IRs captured with Shure SM57 and Royer 121 microphones. Tone Master Deluxe Reverb: Vintage Spec Firmware v1.0.27 ToneMaster_Deluxe_RvbMod_1.1.35 • Modified reverb control for easier fine tuning at lower settings. • Jensen N12K speaker line out IRs captured with Shure SM57 and Royer 121 microphones. Tone Master Deluxe Reverb: Reverb Mod Firmware v1.1.35 ToneMaster_Deluxe_RvbMod_NoBrightCap1.1.35 • Modified reverb control for easier fine tuning at lower settings. • No bright cap on vibrato channel for smoother treble response when using overdrive and distortion pedals at lower settings. • Jensen N12K speaker line out IRs captured with Shure SM57 and Royer 121 microphones. Tone Master Deluxe Reverb: Reverb Mod No Bright Cap Firmware v1.1.35

[@the-LeoKnightus]

I think Fender came up with a very marketable product, and very smart marketing too. On the forums, they seem popular with the 50+ crowd. For a gigging player, it's light, you have the direct emulated out, and it lets the old codgers feel like they have their foot in the modeling world and are up on the latest. It sounds passable in a mix, and its plenty loud from what I've been told.

[@cherrypickerguitars]

I’m super interested in one! I’ll never give up my 90’s Vox AC 15 OR especially my 60’s RI black face Princeton reverb, but this digital amp is the first one I’ve “wanted” beyond Jazz Chorus from Rolland. Peace (at 63, I’m in the “old dudes” category- lol)

[@richardj9016]

Why would you want a foot in the modelling world. As a teenager I cracked my mums ceiling with a blast from my Marshall stack. Can you do that with your “modelling” amp ?

[@josephmears3537]

@@richardj9016 probably, that has nothing to do with tube or digital, and everything to do with wattage

[@richardj9016]

@@cherrypickerguitars I’m 62. You’re 63. What’s it like to be so old ?

[@guppybill]

Between your vids on the Deluxe and the offerings from Five Watt World I've decided on the last amp I intend to purchase. Keith Williams said words to this effect: "You can either listen to Zac Childs today, or wish you did later." Amen, Keith. Amen!

[@SirSneakerPimp]

Andertons does a fantastic blind Black/Blonde a/b test. It’s a great video. They put both amps through an excellent workout. I have had the Blonde since it was brought out. I love it.

[@AndrewBanker1]

That video was very revealing. It really showed how “hard” the Jensen sounds. It’s not awesome, but very fatiguing. The Creamback sounds smoother and more refined with out that harsh top ins.

[@AndrewBanker1]

That video was very revealing. It really showed how “hard” the Jensen sounds. It’s not awesome, but very fatiguing. The Creamback sounds smoother and more refined with out that harsh top ins.

[@leeholbrook5278]

I have been playing since I was 8 years old (1962) I'm 70 now & still gigging. (Got my '62 tweed champ and my BFDR new - Thx Dad! rip) My BFDR is a '64 - bone stock - except I change back & forth between a well worn in Jensen C12N and a well worn in Ipswich Celestion Vintage 30. Both will melt you with tone. Thx for all your insights, Zak.

[@AskZac]

NICE!

[@HeviNova]

I just got one so impressed. Great amp the clean sound is insane. Takes pedals really well.

[@AskZac]

Rock on!

[@HeviNova]

@@AskZac I am using it for my studio work and my producer thought it was a tube amp. lol Then I told him it was DI, an IR of a SM57.

[@toddwilliamson2651]

^^^ This ^^^ The DI is amazeballs

[@martinrussell9980]

Great information delivered with honesty; but, for me, the best part is just hearing you play that guitar. To sound like that with no compression in the line indicates amazing control and consistency. Just a pleasure to listen to.

[@vincentl.9469]

he's not even plugged into that amp

[@monahantp3767]

Found myself needing a new amp, so thinking of longevity I looked at the tube version of this amp. Then checked into the price of replacement tubes-- oh my have the prices increased since I last needed tubes! Then I learned about the Tone Master and it's light weight... Initially the price turned me away. But considering the current cost of tubes, if this amp lasts me three years it will make reasonable financial sense as the cost of replacement tubes runs about what this amp sells for. The light weight of the amp is also a big selling point for me. So this morning I arranged to buy a blonde one from my local shop-- picking it up after lunch :D Thanks again Zac!

[@michaelnelson3469]

Thanks so much for this. I just ordered one and it should be here Thursday.

[@bootgrip6]

I really wanted to like the cream-back version but when I A/B tested them at my local music store in a small room the size of my bedroom I liked the Black tone master DR more. Mine has the firmware update but I still liked the Jensen out of the box more than the creamback. Maybe it would grow on me but I liked what I liked. And it sounds better every day.

[@sc3ku]

Same! Did not expect that (heard so much praise for the Blonde vs black tolex model), but definitely preferred the black one with the firmware update

[@mikedr1549]

Mine sounds better today than it did in March when I bought it - partially because of the firmware update no doubt - but I think it's more than that. Maybe I'm learning how to dial it in better or maybe it's all in my head!!

[@paulwatson9217]

When all is said and done, sound is so subjective. There’s no wrong here, you like what you like some player will like the original others will prefer the blonde. Nobody can tell you what you like and how you like it only you, and some will like neither and still prefer a tube amp. But the beautiful thing is everybody’s right! Just imagine if we all liked the same gear dialled in the same way we would all sound the same, I can’t think of anything worse than that can you?

[@antoonhermans8953]

Well , after playing my black fender tm dr stock for more then 3 years and beeing happy with the sound i decided i wanted to put an other speaker in it ( just to try and because i like to tinker / mod my gear , and yep , it's a sickness , i know 🤣) . So , i bought an Jupiter 12LC speaker ( wich is supposed to be THE speaker for fender type amps ) and put it in the tm dr , i noticed a big difference straight from om the start , this speaker made the amp come to live a lot more then with the stock jensen neo speaker and it sounded a lot "bigger" , but since the jupiter is a brighter speaker then the jensen neo i have also done the firmware upgrade . And man , it worked ! Now after a month or so the Jupiter speaker has had some break in time and it sounds killer , now its even harder to tell that this is not an tube amp ! Mission completed ! Now all thats left to do is play guitar on my digital amp 🤩! ( and this is coming from a guy who has been a hardcore tube amp nutcase for more then 40 years ) . I guess its like bob dylan said , the times they are a changing .

[@MG-nx9ln]

Thanks for the little lesson a the end. Half the time I watch these vids to be inspired by the playing of the presenters and see what I can learn.

[@AskZac]

My pleasure!

[@GuyNarnarian]

I feel like these will be the new normal eventually. Although if it made vintage tube amp prices go down, I'd probably keep a few around for safe keeping :). In all seriousness though, the maintenance factor is a big deal. And this goes straight into an interface, (not that all tube amps don't but that feature is going to be a selling point for all amps in the future). Now we just need guitar music to come back into style outside of Nashville.

[@reverb11]

I know that I sound like an old guy (guilty), but maybe the most appealing thing to me about this amp is the weight! I'd love to have a guitar amp I could carry to a guy or rehearsal with one hand! Thanks for the review!

[@mwrable]

Nice Zac. We almost got you to turn it up enough to really break up the amp. Would love to hear it pushed into that great Deluxe Reverb breakup.

[@MrBossei]

Sounds so much better now. A warmer, almost Vox-like tone.

[@reverbdeluxe]

I've joined Team Tone Master by pre-ordering a Princeton. It should be here first part of next week!

[@santrixhimself3679]

it would be so cool if they just added a bright cap on/off switch at the back

[@jackiejtheg]

Seriously what the fuck! WHY NO SWITCH

[@audiotechlabs4650]

Nice update on the Tone Monster, ah Master! Ha Ha! When Fender comes out with the Princeton Tone Master, it will get my juices flowing toward a SS amp. I hope it is as loud as this amp because a lot of us need the single channel version with a 12” speaker and a headphone jack with enough volume to take to a med. size room and be heard! I’m building a single channel, 2 input Deluxe Reverb amp, 1 input for single coils and 1 for humbuckers, in a Princeton chassis and cab. with a 12” speaker(to yet to be determined), with a 1/4” headphone jack with volume control, (can be used for line out), master volume, mid tone control, 3 control reverb(level, tone, dwell), fully enclosed chassis for grounding and ALL upgrades that have been developed over the years from amp gurus, like 100ohm resistors on the heater circuit and 1 ohm resistors on the output tubes to measure bias and so on. A foot switch for reverb and vibrato….I think you get the picture, an amp with my personal appointments. Yes it will be heavy, it doesn’t matter as long as I get what I require. Who knows, others may want this kind of a “boutique” amp! The highest quality parts and components, in a finger jointed pine cab and covered in Red tolex with black grill cloth with chrome hardware with tilt back legs and a road case with casters to protect the amp! It will be worth what other hand wired, tube amps go for. It’s not about the money, it’s about the TONE! Love from NW Colorado. PS….LOVE the channel!

[@AskZac]

THANK YOU

[@tomburkhardt811]

Today I installed the new firmware into my Tonemaster Deluxe Reverb amp and it is just what I wanted. The Reverb is sooooo much better sounding and more usable than before and the vibrato sounds better as well. Thanks Zac for enticing me into doing this. I was really disappointed with the Reverb on this amp but everything thing else I loved. Now I love it all!

[@AskZac]

Very nice!

[@jazzFABRYk]

@@AskZac : I‘ve done the same today to my Tone master deluxe and fortunately I had a celestion neo at home and changed it too. The result is great, so thank you so much for this vid. Take care - Axel

[@Southern.child86]

A friend of mine has the blonde twin tone master and he loves it. I have yet to play through it myself, but hearing audio of him and watching this video makes me wanna try it. I’d like to see how it compares to my 65 deluxe reissue.

[@jimpage601]

I WANT THAT AMP AND THAT GUITAR. Hurry up.

[@colbyjack7074]

I was in my local store a few days ago. A guy was checking out a guitar. He plugged into this amp. The amp sounded great. At first I thought he was checking out the amp.

[@michaelbledsoe1060]

Just came across this review/demo. This is how it should be done. Thanks.

[@AskZac]

Welcome!

[@acmercker5941]

Hey Zac! As always, a great video and one so many of us wanted to see. In the comments already, but well worth repeating is the fact that this channel of yours continues with great integrity. I wanted to like the first version of this amp and your honest assessment made me hold off. Picked up a Strymon Iridium, instead. (Would love to see how you dial one in to your liking, as close as it could get, btw.) But here’s the main point, we trust your ear, experience, and knowledge. That means a lot. Trust is rare to find. I know I’m only echoing much of the sentiments already expressed, but there it is anyway. Thanks again for another great video.

[@thedevine1628]

Been watching your videos for a while now, I live in Tuscaloosa and just saw you stopped by guitar gallery! Small world, you’re the reason I own a deluxe

[@AskZac]

I was there yesterday!

[@ridiculouswonk2135]

Saw this amp in the background of your previous upload and was hoping that this video was coming. Nice review and kudos for being open minded about the amp. The opinion of someone who is willing to experience new things and change their mind is almost always worth listening to. (Although I guess this isn't really a change of mind since it is a different amp than the blackface Tone Master.) I've been looking at these blonde Tone Masters since they were announced and I really appreciate your comments on the amp. Well done.

[@acmercker5941]

Ha! Spotted it too in the earlier vid. Had the same thought.

[@marcmistermarc]

The thing that bothers me about these full size modelling amps is how repairable they are? I get the feeling we will own a rather expensive extension cab in 5 years time when the tech becomes obsolete or too expensive to repair. For example - you don't hear much about the Fender Cyber amps these days.

[@AskZac]

Good point. Every piece of tech is moving this way

[@daw162]

you'll be lucky if the whole thing doesn't move toward you buying the physical part of the amp and leasing the functionality of the DSP and internals.

[@KorbenDenver]

I'm a fan of the Neo Creamback. I have one in a 6G3 clone I put together and the combo is so nice...

[@ksgtrpkr]

Just bought one of these babies on Reverb, Thanks for your recommendation! Love the look of this and the sound from what I have heard is awesome! Old guy here that gigs a few times a year and looking forward to the low weight aspect!

[@AskZac]

They are great!

[@JackTheSkunk]

Love that Bakersfield twang !! I just wish Fender would have seen fit to include a Middle tone control even if it was on the back to preserve the "authentic" look. Maybe one day they will offer it in black western tolex or even knotty pine that they had a few years ago. Wondering what it would sound like with a Cannabis Rex Eminence speaker.

[@JackTheSkunk]

And I would love to hear it through a 1X15 cabinet.

[@ChipLeach]

I bought the TM Super Reverb last year. Not that I need the wattage but I love the sound and coverage of a 410 cab. The Super replaced my 410 Deville. The Deville is a great amp but loud and heavy. The TM fixed both of those issues. As for the modeling vs tubes, it’s like Hag said.. “It’s not love, but it’s not bad”

[@Mkerecint8253]

Thanks for the review. After watching this review many times, I finally bought one. Can’t wait to hear my Tele, Strat and LP through the TM DR Blonde!

[@Mkerecint8253]

And it helped to see that other touring artists like Mike McCready, Kingfish and Johnny Marr are using the Tone Masters!

[@astewart9410]

Man I've been eyeing those amps for a while. Love that cream edition.

[@andreweasombentley4703]

Has anyone else ever done what I just did and tried to figure out the intro music? Ha! Always brings a smile to my face (I think i've got it down)

[@citizenk812]

Yep...grabbed me the same way too :)

[@tonyfdesign]

@@citizenk812 Zack demos the intro in a previous episode? I want to say ep. 5?

[@klinks67]

Yes, and I play it pretty much every day!

[@AskZac]

www.askzac.com/post/ask-zac-theme-tab

[@twoprimo]

@@AskZac yay, so simple so catchy thx!

[@jackiejtheg]

So I have the black on and have gigged it hard for a year and a half or so now. And it's hot the firmware update so great reverb and cap gone and all that. I just bought a neo cream back and threw it in today and man it's awesome! Both speakers have their qualities but mab the neo is incredible for the helix FX, band setting. Takes distortion and other sounds so much better from my helix. Really happy with it

[@buddylobos5277]

Fender needs MORE choices. 20 years I hauled my Super Reverb around. (Weights about 200 lbs. Ok some days it feels like it.) I'd like a 4-10 configuration. I had a '64 Deluxe for years. It was mint and I liked it but my Super Reverb lit up my life!

[@billducas]

Just give it time. I have a feeling with the success of the Tone Master series, that the Tone Master Super Reverb is not far away. I'm 61, and quit hauling my '64 Super Reverb for a Boss Katana. I can't do heavy anymore. If Fender does come out with the Tone Master Super Reverb, it will certainly become a big seller.

[@guitrr]

I’d love to see a Tonemaster Bassman

[@CosmicSpots]

Think you may be interested in this. www.fender.com/en-US/guitar-amplifiers/contemporary-digital/tone-master-super-reverb/2274300000.html

[@BillMcGirr]

@@guitrr As someone who owned a 1965 Bassman for 30 years… I found the Bassman to be a one trick pony. If you turned it up loud it sounded amazing… like you’d expect a Marshall to sound. Other than that… it was dry and boring. No reverb or vibrato obviously. Perhaps it would be a good pedal platform.🤷‍♂️ But honestly I don’t see much use for a Bassman tonemaster . It didn’t have many tones to master.🤣🤣🤣🤣 Other Fender amps were far more versatile.😊👍🥃

[@guitrr]

@@BillMcGirr That one trick sure is a good one, though 😁

[@brianemrick7232]

Do not know if my comment had anything to do with you giving the fender tone master blond a try but I thank you for giving it a try. God Bless. Brian Emrick

[@AskZac]

It did.

[@cletussea-ray944]

Awesome Zac! I just ordered one last week and should have it any day...can’t wait! Perfect timing on your video!

[@AskZac]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@HerrMeier007]

I do think there are a lot of really cool applications for it if you’re having sporadic gigs in smaller pubs and want a deluxe sound. Despite it being easy to carry, the attenuation is also really helpful on most smaller stages, as well as the option of a direct output. Also it’s „cheap“ enough to actually considering it as a separate amp for smaller gigs. At least that’s what I’m thinking of

[@jmtab]

Have the amp. Love it. Also weighs about 25 pounds and the XLR out sounds great too.

[@andrewbuck242]

I love seeing the progression from Taj Mahal!

[@jaltsch1]

the bright cap (a little off topic)- I installed a push/pull treble to engage/bypass the bright cap (DRRI, not a tonemaster), but lately I find that I like the bright cap (against consensus). Here is a short playlist with my DRRI w/greenback miced, bright cap engaged with varying degrees of drive: kzbin.info/aero/PLgeUIvAixIjQve_jvunGt0dfSs4rA92Af

[@PegLegLeennart]

Agree with user Sir Baron Von Count: "You are a ray of light in the KZbin guitar world" - I guess it feels like you´re just being yourself and one of the guys we´d like to hang out with and one of the few channels who´s updates I actually look forward to. Anyhow, I´ve used the NEO Creamback in my `67 Deluxe, it´s not as loud when compared to the Vintage 30 or my favourite Alnico Gold - but it´s great sounding speaker IMO & not as loud means you can turn up the volume a little more without getting angry stares from the bassplayer, i.e. you get more of the "good sound" at a decent sound level.

[@AskZac]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@steverolfeca]

Thank you! This video finally got me into a store to look at the Tone Master. Too bassy with my Casino and pretty expensive, but what a great packaging job! My dealer had a used black one with the Jensen and the new firmware at half the price, and it ticked off all my boxes. I genuinely prefer it over the regular DRRI and Princeton, so no tube hassles is just a bonus…

[@mikec3454]

Great commentary and excellent playing in the video. I like your perspective and the way you share your thoughts. You should consider mic’ing your amp though so we the sound of the amp with more clarity.

[@TheNewenglandboys]

Great job on the review. I bought the blonde tonemaster today! Love the way you play Zac.

[@AskZac]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Riverdeepnwide]

Sometime back in the early ‘70s there was a show at the Forum where the opening band were up there, the guitarist with an obviously old Tele and a little Deluxe amp sitting on a wooden chair just off a bit behind him to the left in front of the others bands stacks. “Huh”, I thought, “this is gonna suck.” But fifty years later that’s what I remember of that show and how impressed I was (am) with the band’s music and sound of that guitar & amp. No recall of who they are or the main act. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@EricMerrow]

Thanks for the video Zac! These tone master amps are incredibly intriguing to me. I love the features they added and how they made use of the digital technology. Im gonna have to to get my hands on one of these in the near future.

[@GaryCost]

Zac, I just bought one last week, and I love IT!

[@newgunguy4176]

Considering, an A+ would go to the real thing, B+ is pretty darn good!

[@azcharlie2009]

Zac, you could play a broom stick through an old transistor radio and sound great..... Must be nice to have that talent..

[@jips123]

I have the regular tonemaster. With the update it sounds great. Don’t know whether the speaker is an issue. For me it is great amp.

[@saepiumv3813]

Thats reassuring because I just finally pulled the plug on the regular one and now seeing this video, I thought oh crap!

[@HamzaJamzaFamza]

I loved mine with the original firmware, but I can't get enough Fender sparkle and love the bright switch on my amps. Sounds glorious with a strat! I don't enjoy a vintage 30 much, as Zac does, and I really like the Jensen sound... Different strokes for different folks! I think turning both the treble and bass to 0 and cranking the volume does just as good (or better) at getting that smooth tone that cuts through the mix like a charm... Loved this video! I have wanted to see his opinion on this Blonde model since it's inception... It's made for this type of player! Perfect!

[@smokyFAB]

Love all your videos Zac, they are always very informative and perfectly made (it’s always with excitement that I go through them). But the best thing about them is to get to watch and listen to you play and give unbiased information/ feedback on the many subjects you have shared with us so far. Thanks for being real and honest. God Bless!

[@mdrake34]

Probably going to snag one of these soon in part of your review and especially gigging with it recently.

[@codyhudman2763]

Interesting stuff Zac! Tried one of these the other day, and I have to admit it SOUNDS great. Though IMHO, and maybe it's all in my head, but it FEELS totally different than a "normal" deluxe reverb. Might be a great option for some folks, but I'll stick to my Princeton and Deluxe. :-)

[@AskZac]

It’s a bit more immediate

[@brbadge]

That was my first thought! I’m hearing through my iPhone though.

[@Jason-nq2il]

I played one last night because of this video (it was the old version, though, which is on sale at GC for $750 btw) and found that I just couldn’t bond with it. It sounded really good, and, maybe this sounds weird, but I believe the experience of sitting in front of an amp and literally bonding with it involves some electromagnetic, chemical, and aural activity in the amp, and in us, the players. I just didn’t feel like the sound was saturating my molecules like I do when I sit in front of my silver face Twin. Probably all in my head, but there it is. If I was still gigging, I’d buy one just for the benefits it offers in that sense, but for sitting at home, I believe I need to keep up my search for the Twin’s more home-friendly tube-driven little brother. Leaning towards a sf Princeton no reverb or maybe even one of the reissue 57 Champs. Of course, I probably need to try the blonde version before making decisions. Thanks a million for this video, Zac, you’re the best.

[@MarketingVideography]

Looking for an amp for both Bonamassa Sloe Gin, JM Belief, and Carlton. Is this it? Another recommendation?

[@Phoboss32]

@@AskZac This would be an indication for me that the Sag characteristics of the power amp is different than the tube version.

[@ivanmontalvez7337]

I’ll wait to Fender release the Tweed Tonemaster to get it

[@SolamenteVees]

Well sure, a great player and a Tele/Esquire can sound terrific through almost any amp... great to hear that Fender was receptive to criticism and made some running changes.

[@AskZac]

I have found that the amp is quite important, and no matter how great the guitar is, a bad amp will kill it.

[@teleclasster]

I've played tube amps since 1978 and now have a tonemaster twin. Looks great, easy to carry, and I could have sworn it's loaded with valves. Every other ss I've tried didn't cut it. If one wants to compare the finest intricacies have at it, I like the TM.

[@AskZac]

Very cool!

[@saltwatersaddletramp7229]

Great looking and great sounding amp. Glad you got a chance to review the updated version. Are they going to update the Twin Reverb Tone Master as well? I think they need to add a Princeton to the lineup.

[@AskZac]

Yes and I agree on a Princeton

[@guppybill]

Thanks for the demo/review. It's cool to finally find straightforward and competent content. You have a knowledgeable following here, too. Top-shelf.

[@AskZac]

I appreciate that!

[@That52TeleGuy]

Zac, you have done a very kind review of this Fender product. All said, I have a hard time buying anything new these days, there is just too much very good used gear available. I get it as some folks just can only think of buying new. I am running two Deluxe models in stereo now, one clean and another modded. I bought the modded one looking like new for $600, could not even imagine $900 for a solid state amp that will go for half that used. Did I hear the Tone Master models are made in China vs. Mexico? One of the best comparison shoot outs I have seen was with the CS Hand-Wired Deluxe, not that’s value if you can swing it. The 57 Deluxe Tweed is also amazing.

[@AskZac]

I totally get where you are coming from. I did this as I had tons of requests for it, and I do have to say they did a great job on it. And you are right, you can find reissue Deluxe amps for $600, and I would buy a 64 handwired over the standard reissue because it is easier to repair. The 57 tweeds can be found for $1,200 used. Great bang for buck!

[@NeilMcVeyartmusic]

Just put a Rola Celestion G12M into my black one. Did the no bright cap update too. So far so good.

[@MarkEaster]

Oh what choices a young player has today to find his tone journey! A lot of vintage amps have skyrocketed in price. Cant find many BF amps for $50 bucks anymore. 💰💰💰 BF Deluxe Reverbs are selling for $2500 to $4500 on Reverb (4/18/21) 😳 so the Tonemaster would be a viable and cheaper alternative. The question will be what if the motherboard goes out? Then Fender has a series of 68 drip rail tube models. The hand wired editions aren’t cheap either. I like the one two punch of “Ask Zac and Check with Kieth” 👍

[@david25876]

If you found yourself losing an hour playing it…well there you go it’s a winner for you. I love these too.

[@FLdb-wj4wc]

Have to give it a try. My Deluxe is 48lbs.

[@coralplow4480]

G'day Zac, thanks for the video, I was considering the 112 Tone Master, you given an honest analysis, re tremolo, reverb also the tone from the ToneMaster sounded a tad clinical compared to the "short legs long arms" valve Fender. I had a 410 Valve Super Reverb back in the late 60's, it was awesome but bloody heavy. I'll keep looking.

[@PoundMountain]

It’s been said and will be said again, but I just have to say I love your relaxed approach. I don’t usually comment. I get off work and start working on some beers casually and routinely seem to end up viewing one of your videos 😄 I would be immensely curious to know what are your thoughts on The Grateful Dead. I think a video like that could introduce you to a different niche category of viewership and perhaps garner you a broader reach. That is, of course, if you’ve listened to the Dead lol.

[@AskZac]

Not a huge Dead fan, but I do like them.

[@gertlettorp3137]

I see some of your vids. Reg the DLTM black version you seem to miss the firmware upgrades that removes bright cap and fix reverb? I own it since mid 2020 and love the sound. Did not remove the bright cap but did the rev mod. Do not know if the speaker is an issue, not to me, though.

[@HamzaJamzaFamza]

I friggin LOVE that Jensen.... Different strokes for different folks!!

[@michaelsteven1090]

The Blackface sounds great too..Either one is a great choice.

[@davidcarson7936]

Got myself twin reverb blonde, absolutely love it 🎶

[@scotthd2841]

Thanks for the lesson! A perfect bite size idea with some listening advice included, can’t beat that.

[@AskZac]

You're very welcome!

[@dallastoto3189]

Nice playing on this little amp trial. I may have my own look at one. Thanks for posting.

[@guitareveryone]

Nice amp. I should probably try the download on my current Tonemaster Deluxe. Not sure what it will sound like with the Jensen but I can always put it back to spec I guess. Cool demo.

[@ronrumsey3205]

Fender has included the original firmware along with the no-bright-cap and no-bright-cap + reverb fix firmware so that you can reload the original if you wish. I've done the no-bright-cap + reverb fix to mine. To me it makes a difference for the better. I'm also leaning toward swapping out the Jensen neo for the Celestion neo creamback.

[@reddsflies]

Hey Zac, do you own a thinline? I would be cool to see an episode on thinline tele.

[@vayabroder729]

Have heard good things about the Tone Master line of Fender amps. I’ve never tried them but if Pete Townshend used them that’s a good enough stamp of approval for me.

[@brbadge]

He uses the cabs and tube head. Not the same thing as these solid states.

[@vayabroder729]

@@brbadge Figures, being that this was a long time ago, even though they are using the same name.

[@robertlewis5439]

Thanks for the Jesse Ed Davis reference - I just listened to his last album because of it. Definitely a cool, funky, soulful guitarist and singer, gone too soon. His song "Ching, Ching, China Boy" is still (sadly) timely.

[@hrstrat57]

Time for a ToneMaster Bandmaster head Fender! Let’s go!

[@105Gunner]

Hey Zac, a great overview of the improvements to the amp. Was this another loaner from Fender or sourced elsewhere?

[@AskZac]

Loaner from Fender

[@Deliquescentinsight]

I am the four hundred and thirtieth 'liker'- these Tone Master amps seem to be employing the same analog solid state circuits that BOSS have been using in their 'real amp' range, with the Katana, Nextone e.t.c and the results are very, very close to tube sound IMO.

[@AskZac]

Well said!

[@spacejamgoliath]

It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on the bassbreakers. It's not an amp we would really associate with Zac

[@Glicksman1]

Some many years ago I purchased a 1952 Tele. It was more affordable then but still lots of bucks. I took it to a vintage store whose owner was a friend. He plugged it into a '66 Deluxe Reverb and, of course, it sang like a choir of angels. He asked me what amp I was using and I replied that it didn't matter. He looked at me quizzically and then smiled and nodded in understanding. This new version of the Tonemater is an improvement in every way, for sure. However, what you're driving it with and who is driving is really the magic.

[@AskZac]

I partially agree. If the amp is bad, no guitar can save it.

[@Glicksman1]

@@AskZac Of course, we were referring to vintage tube amps that were at least good ones. Peace and health, Zac

[@AskZac]

I agree 100% in that case

[@charlescopeland1436]

That's an interesting amp. The sound seems to approach a tube version well enough that you could gig with it and not have the maintenance issues of the real-deal tube version. Does a regular '65 Deluxe Reverb reissue have a bright cap, and if so, how does one clip it? Keep the JED stuff coming!

[@RedLion88]

It does. The 68 Custom Deluxe has it clipped.

[@AskZac]

you desolder one leg of a cap.