Fender 1x12 Shootout: 65 Princeton Reverb Vs Blues Jr IV Vs 64 Deluxe Reverb Custom Hand Wired

65 Princeton Reverb (Knotty Pine Ltd Edition w/12" Jupiter 12LC, Fender Blues Jr Version IV Ltd Ed w/12" Jensen C12N, 64 Deluxe Reverb Custom Hand Wired w/Jensen C12Q
Blues Jr is NOS, brand new with stock tubes. Princeton and Deluxe have all old stock RCA glass.
Demo Guitars: Fender Custom Shop 63 Telecaster custom w/Voodoo TE60 Pickups, Fender 61 Stratocaster, Heavy Relic, Wildwood 10.

[@Musecrafter]

I love the way you did the comparison by playing reasonably instead of shredding. I was able to get a much better feel for the dynamics of each amp.

[@gair1944]

Thanks! I’m glad it was helpful

[@chucklee347]

I'm shocked I've never heard such a huge outdoorsy type tone from a jr. That was awesome.

[@gair1944]

Thanks Chuck.

[@jamesjdonatelli2of2]

While my preference of the three is the hardwired Deluxe for overall tone and presence, that is the best sounding Blues Jr IV !!! It has a really amazing balanced sound, volume and presence. Thank you for a wonderful comparison. Well done!

[@glencruciani]

If I knew nothing of the price of these amps I would have said that I prefer the blues junior over the princeton and deluxe. The blues junior really sounds amazing in this demo.

[@gair1944]

That was Probably the best the Blues Jr ever sounded. Certainly my favorite version of the Blues Jr.

[@louisvuittondonvg9040]

that blues junior sounds EXCEPTIONAL

[@ryanc6366]

This was very generous of you to take your time to make this video for us. Also very good playing:) thank you

[@gair1944]

Tha I you very much. It was ambitious for sure. So hard to give each amp it’s fairest assessment but I thought others might find it interesting.

[@ioodyssey3740]

IMO the Bjr sounds even better if you roll the mids down a ways more than you have it. I love that you backed the tone down on the guitar. I don't know why people dime the guitar knobs leaving you nowhere to go if you need to cut through the mix a little more, My Bjr has the C-Rex speaker and I'm delighted with the tone I get but I may have to modify the reverb as the sweet spot is hard to locate at a little over 1 on the dial. I do not care for the tone of the princeton especially when you turn it up and it goes all fizzy. Nice demo actually revealing the amp's tones. Thanks.

[@gair1944]

Thanks for your thoughtful post.

[@onnomon]

In this demo, the Deluxe Reverb has the body and presence. Being hand-wried terminal strip construction it can probably stand up to gigging travel. That said, I have a Blues Jr and it sounds quite good especially for live use. Its PC board construction makes it mechanically less robust, Thank you for the demo.

[@gair1944]

thanks for watching and commenting. The BLues Jr is fully capable and I've seen and heard countless players use them to great affect in bands. Personally, I prefer the Princeton and Mostly the Deluxe Reverb custom handwired. It is indeed more full bodied and has a presence smaller amps don't typically match.

[@azcharlie2009]

The Blues Jr definitely had more chime to the tone. The Princeton much more mid range. I'm very surprised at the Junior! Very nice tone.... But then, I think you could make any amp sound great! Love your playing.

[@Elaleyelunivese]

El84. V/s 6v6 . Blues is more like a good Vox ac. More noisy too, not bad. I stay with Princeton. Thanks. Great comparition

[@juanmanuelfdez.deaguirrecu3696]

Exacto, es cuestión de ecualizarlos bien.

[@windsweptguitars]

As an owner or former owner of all three of these amps, I’d like to say that that is the best sounding blues I’ve ever heard. I always found the EL style tubes to shrill for my style. And every time I buy one I end up selling it. I own a copy of that Princeton but I ended up replacing the speaker and going with a Alessandro GA 64 but I have found the 12 inch Princeton cabinet too small for the 12” speaker. It feels and sounds boxy. I have a 1963 fender deluxe with the original Oxford speaker, this is the non-reverb deluxe, and it is the best sounding amplifier I’ve ever heard. I guess I’m just a 6l6/6v6 guy Fantastic comparison

[@nellayema2455]

Great demo. I just bought a Blues Jr IV with the Celestion A-type 12-inch speaker. I like it, especially for the money. If I were a working professional looking at Fender amps, I'd spend the money on the hand-wired Reverb Deluxe. It has better components, is more serviceable, and can last forever. The Princeton and Blues Jr use cheaper components, and due to the construction of the PCBs that they use (single sided traces, etc.) aren't as serviceable and really aren't built to last. That said, I'm happy with my purchase of the Blues Jr.

[@gair1944]

Congratulations. That’s a very good sounding amp capable of so much more than just playing at home. Enjoy !

[@keithcarter9396]

i absolutely loved the Princeton, oh no here comes the gas.

[@kurtlarssom6394]

The Princeton is my favourite.Very clear and distinct.Sounds wonderful.

[@recklesstoboggan]

I know this is a year old, but damn! That is THE BEST BLUES JR. tone I've heard. And really tastefully played. I'm setting my Blues Jr. the same as you described.

[@gair1944]

Hey thanks for the super kind words. You made my day.

[@recklesstoboggan]

@@gair1944 I'm now in the process of setting up my Princeton and Deluxe the same as yours. You have quite the ear.

[@billfrigo7602]

What are all of the settings for the Blues Je aside from volume and Treble at 4? Including Mid, Bass and Reverb? Do you know what version of the Tweed this is or are all Tweeds with the Jenson the same?

[@chrispage2782]

one of the better “shoot outs” I’ve seen; given the audio fidelity of youtube vids, the difference between the 3 is really clear….

[@gair1944]

Thanks Chris!

[@prw9]

Surprisingly impressed with Blues Junior. Disappointed with the Princeton. Great comparison - very well done 😊

[@gair1944]

Thanks! This was not actually a blues Jr ver IV. it was a limited edition. That Jensen C12N works wonderfully in that amp. Ironically, I have never been disappointed by the Princeton Reverb at any show I've taken it to. I have however taken a Blues Jr to a couple shows and it didn't sound nearly good as a clean platform. Go figure.

[@user-gb8fl3lt2n]

proves its all in the settings which you find on each amp!

[@Tecniconta]

Have you tried the Jupiter in the Deluxe?? Or is the Jupiter you have mounted 10"?I just bought a Deluxe Reverb and I have a Jupiter mounted on a Supersonic 60W and I love it. I had thought about putting the C12K that the Deluxe comes with on the Supersonic and the Jupiter on the Deluxe. I also have a Weber 12F150 stored that I could mount on either of the two.. how do you see it

[@gair1944]

@@Tecniconta yes I have tried the Jupiter with the Deluxe. It gives the Deluxe more clean headroom and has a nice sound but the Deluxe then sounds less classic to my ears. I just got an Allesandro SCGA-64 12” that is sounding GREAT in the Princeton reverb. I’m going to try it with the Deluxe too just to get an education. Stay tuned. Email me anytime at [e-mail]

[@Tecniconta]

@@gair1944 It seems that we have similar tastes, I also have an Eminence D'alesandro in my Supro Delta King 10" 😂😂, thank you very much. I will be attentive to the test of that 12" D 'Alesandro in the Deluxe!!!

[@BreauxBobby]

I have a Blues Jr IV and put several different celestions in it. I have a G12 H30 in it now and it sounds great. It sounds good with the stock speaker, but as you have displayed in this video, a good speaker will really bring the Blues Jr to life. It’s really light in comparison to my other amps. But if I could buy another Fender, it would be a Deluxe Reverb, probably the ‘68 reissue for the price point. I am very concerned about the quality of my Blues Jr. The tones and playing here are nice. You didn’t even mic the amps and it sounds fantastic.

[@tim2468]

Deluxe 1st, Blues 2nd, and Princeton in 3rd. I have the same Deluxe but with a Celestion G12 Neo. Also have an all original 69 Princeton that my mom bought me new in 69. Great comparison and playing for those in the market. Thanks again.

[@gair1944]

Thanks for your reply. As as this particular 65 a Princeton reissue is, ?( best reissue I’ve personally played), I’ll bet your vintage Princeton is even better. I also agree this Deluxe is superior. But I expected it to be.

[@dangitdan9938]

It’s my ride or die amp. The BJr tweed with the Jensen is hard to beat for the $$. I don’t think most people spend enough time tweaking them when they first use them. They can be bright at first but learning how the volume/master and tone controls work together opens it up to quite a few different tones. Takes pedals and easy to mod. I’ve modded mine over the years, minor things like upgrading caps and filters, lowered the value on the reverb gain resistor and replaced the tubes putting a set of 5771s in V1 & V2 with a 12AT7 in the V3, and it sounds incredible. I’m probably in an extra $200 bucks and it’s worth every penny. Loud enough for a small venue, a jam and sounds great at lower volumes for the house. It’s all subjective but, given some time, that BJr will steal your heart. 🤘🏻🤓🤘🏻

[@gair1944]

Thanks for sharing your insight. Great points all around.

[@jfar3340]

they are indeed very bright and ice picky

[@dangitdan9938]

@@jfar3340 speaker swap helps and a couple little snip snip mods

[@JaredSchumaier]

@@dangitdan9938 which speaker do you prefer in the Junior?

[@dangitdan9938]

@@JaredSchumaier I use a ToneSpeak Austin 1250. They have a channel and some videos but I found them on another guys “speaker swap” video.

[@garywoodward2841]

Great video, thanks for sharing! I'd rate the amps as.. 1/ Deluxe. 2/ BJ (sounded great, stood up well against much more expensive opposition) 3/ Princeton (got squashed by the other 2) 😮

[@gair1944]

I agree. On most days the Princeton reverb would actually beat the BJr. But in this video the blues jr sounded great! Go figure

[@Jason-cm6uh]

All of those amps have active tone controls correct? So if your bass is at "3" then your overall volume is less than if your bass was at "7"

[@gair1944]

Honestly don’t know. I think the tone controls are passive. This question is out of my knowledge

[@Jason-cm6uh]

@@gair1944 Thanks for the reply. I was actually shopping for an amp and was looking at those three specifically. Your video was very helpful. Alas, so many amp/ speaker combos. FYI. I have an early 2000's Fender Frontman SS 2x12, loudest amp ever, and it has active tone control's. If they're at "0", I get no volume. Very versatile compared to standard tone control's.

[@hawgzzilla3383]

Blues jr. hanging with the big boys. Might be my next amp for the price

[@gair1944]

Honestly did not expect it to not only hang but to challenge my preconceptions. The current Blues Jr delivers a very professional and valid sound. Plays like it has more power and clean headroom than I expected

[@dangitdan9938]

Do it. Get the tweed!

[@AAchurch]

Sounded so awesome I forgot what amp I was listening 🎶 to.😃

[@gair1944]

You are very kind! Made me smile. Thank you

[@MDN1505]

Its even sweeter tone for Blues Jnr with Cannabis Rex speaker. 😊

[@silverwings1843]

I appreciate that you mc'd the room rather than the amp. Mic'ing the amp only gives the overall tone of the PA. Funny...The Princeton was only a Student Amp up from the Champ.

[@gair1944]

I agree. I’d rather record as true to real world sound as I can get. The Princeton Reverb certainly exceeded It’s goal as a “student amp” did it?

[@clovergrass9439]

Bluntly put...Remove the blues jr out of your life forever.

[@gair1944]

Actually I did sell the Fender Blues Jr. no regrets

[@what1864]

in this vid i actually preferred the blues jr over the other 2 , color me surprised , but maybe i shouldn't be because i love el84 amp in general

[@gair1944]

I am surprised how capable and musical it is too. If you love it, you love it. That's all good. If I wasn't comparing, I could plug into the Blues Jr IV and get a great sound and be very happy. Thanks for listening.

[@mattgilbert7347]

I'm an EL84 guy as well. Grew up on Vox amps and bands who favoured Vox & "Voxy" tones. Having said that, I'd love a Deluxe or maybe a Bassman - type amp in my arsenal. A Deluxe + AC15 or Blues Jnr is a cool dual amp rig. I make do with my Champ clone (6V6 output valve & valve rectified) to add that extra something to my AC15 and/or Tweed jnr.

[@Stratisfied22]

A compressor and Klon with my Blues Jr works really well for an amazing clean tone. Also sounds fantastic with a Blues breaker or morning glory style pedal.

[@gair1944]

I just picked up a JHS Morning Glory this week. I’ll give that a try

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Nothing like those "Pristine Fender Cleans" - I love my 65 Blackface Princeton Reverb reissue. This amp exceeded my lofty-expectations. It's "Going to the Grave" with me = Killer little amplifier. oNe LoVe from NYC

[@gair1944]

Thanks for listening and sharing a comment. I would love to try the Fender 64 Princeton Reverb custom Handwired, but I think I will always prefer the 64 Deluxe Reverb handwired because its fuller and larger sounding. But I do love and covet the great Fender 65 Blackface Princeton Reverb. The 65 PRRI is probably my favorite Fender Reissue.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

@@gair1944 Agree. I prefer the Higher-clean headroom, and get my Drive from various pedals. NIce tones & playing brother. Enjoyed it.

[@gcensing6351]

Interesting, I liked the Princeton perhaps least on its own, but played together with accompaniment, it has that nice juicy midrange, which makes it stand out! Maybe the better gig amp for that reason...

[@ricklanders]

This is the first Blues Jr I've ever heard that I even remotely liked. Must be that speaker, or the fact you didn't put all kinds of excessive gain on it like most people seem to do. Really good demo, thanks

[@gair1944]

Thanks for listening. I agree this Blues Jr with the Jensen 12" C12N was particularly decent. I also have my band mates Blues Jr IV with a Canabis Rex and it is very good too. I tend to play clean and use pedals for overdrive but I dont live for high gain. I also don't use a Blues Jr for its own gain. I run the master vol wide open and use the Blues jr as a clean/pedal platform. Sounds best to me this way.

[@MrMd5555]

I think the blues jr gets mixed reviews because of just that, way too many people do funky things with the gain/master volume & the eq. I run mine just like Mr Roberts does either straight in or as a low to medium gain pedal platform but I never try to use it as a high gain heavy rocker amp & I've been more than happy with it. I've got other amps for when I want to get that high gain distortion type stuff

[@juanmanuelfdez.deaguirrecu3696]

@@gair1944 Tengo el Blues Jr IV tweed le puse el cannabis red y se lo quite al momento le mata todo el feeling, los agudos, el campanilleo, todo, es mejor domar el exceso de brillo, agudos y medios un poco hirientes con la ecualización reduciendo los agudos y medios al 1 o 2 y subiendo los graves al 6, el altavoz Jensen que trae es buenísimo, un clásico, pero hay que ecualizar correctamente el amplificador. Todo en mi opinión y con todo el respeto al esto de opiniones claro.

[@rp89d28]

Don't be afraid to turn the treble up on the Princeton. I usually run mine on 7 give or take. Not with the C10r, that would be insane. I have the WGS G10c in mine.

[@dougthom5496]

Very tasteful playing, love it! Just bought a Blues Jr. with Celestion Greenback trying to get back to that sound I remember from my Twin Reverb in 68.

[@rickwilkins8353]

I had a 68 Twin also. Sold it for $200 Am I crazy! 🥵

[@MrMd5555]

Subbed. I love these types of tone test videos. I have a blues jr IV & a deluxe reverb & used to have a princeton & miss it. May look into the Chris stapleton model princeton or the '64 hw. Great playing Love the content!

[@gair1944]

Thanks! Glad it was valuable

[@mikegilland]

Very well done! Loved the demos - and the classy playing was great.

[@gair1944]

Hi Mike, Thanks for listening. I'm glad it was interesting.

[@jbutzin]

Which pickups are in that tele exactly? It sounds great through all of the amps. Thank you.

[@gair1944]

The PU's are no longer available. They are Peter Florence Voodoo TE60's. Peter Florence passed away several years ago and now you can only find them used for stupid money.

[@jbutzin]

Thank you.

[@jamesha175]

oh Fender vs Fender. way to go. edit = $799.00 for that blues jr amp. really? edit2 = wow fantastic playing on your loops. kudos man

[@axeist92126]

I had the original Blues Jr in 2000. It was pretty darn loud. I did some mods that gave a little more bottom. Why such an inefficient speaker like a C12Q? That’s 7dB vs a Vintage 30 or Celestion C12 Alnico. A Deluxe Reverb with a reasonably efficient speaker is a beast. I have a ‘68 Custom Princeton Reverb with a Celestion G10 Gold Alnico and it is a bit noticeable vs the stock speaker.

[@4jrbirdman]

Two of those amps sound really good, the 3rd amp would sound nice going through a window landing on the ground from about 3 stories up.

[@steveaustin4565]

Great video demo. I have the BJ IV tweed with Red White and Blues speaker i boght from Sweetwater and a tweed Blues Deluxe that work well for me depending on the size of the venue. Just couldnt part with the $1400 they wanted for rhe 64 Deluxe Reverb and especially the $3400 they want for the hand wired job.

[@gair1944]

Nice pair of amps you have that serve different side shows. Well done!

[@luizalbertokoehler4904]

I really liked the video but I would like to comment that a small adjustment to the equalization and drive gain changes the sound quite perceptibly. I have this same Blues Jr. NOS and I liked its tone in this video but it is possible to get a much fuller tone close to that presented by the Deluxe Reverb.

[@gair1944]

You make an excellent point that is highly valid. The way you adjust the drive and master volume as well as the eq stack makes a huge difference. How you choose to set the Blues Jr also depends on your guitar too.❤

[@gregstaten8526]

Princeton!

[@gregmacklin9758]

I compared the Jr with the Prinston and I preferred the Prinston.

[@gair1944]

I would always pick the Princeton too.

[@gregmacklin9758]

I bought the Prinston tweed with the cannabis rex speaker, and I really like it. I dig your version of little wing BTW

[@bucstime1270]

20:00 20:38 Deluxe reverb if you want the tone of your pedal to come through...Blues jr if you want your pedal to sound surprisingly transparent i.e. natural. For a smooth jazz/country tone, the Blues Jr seems to be better which is stunning. 24:58 22:46 Deluxe has more aggressive bite but blues jr is so sweet... 24:39

[@jamesnelson1443]

Blues Jr would be my choice way more versatile

[@iamanovercomer3253]

1) love your playing 2) love the black telecaster .... I'm looking to get Fender 🇺🇲 professional 2 telecaster, Miami Blue 3) I was looking at the Princeton, but the blues jr is looking good, especially since about half the price 4) thanks for doing both the tele and strat 🎸...gives me something on both 🎸 5) I think I'm going for the blues jr

[@evankolpack]

I'm a Fender clean tone snob. I've always loved the sound of the Blues Jr. with a good speaker (like this NOS version, not so much the stock black tolex ones). I didn't expect it to beat out these two powerhouse amps, but I gotta say, it has that tube clarity, quack, sparkle, with just the right amount of thump that is perfect for me, personally. Pairs perfectly with Fender guitars or single coils in general. I'm surprised the Princeton came in last for me, I've heard players for whom it totally works with amazing warm tone, even through a strat. To me, the BJ just sounds more SRV, which is the gold standard for clean Fender tone IMHO. The Deluxe is very good also, has a bit more mid-range and low end naturally. If it had a 3-band EQ like it's big brother the Twin (or oddly, like it's little brother the Blues Jr.) you could notch out a little of that mid-range and probably get a similar boxy sound to the BJ....but I just think there's something special about the little cabinet 1x12 that makes the BJ sound great. Some people say it sounds boxy and hollow.....sure, okay, call it whatever you want. It sounds great to me! Thanks for the great video!

[@gair1944]

Thanks for sharing your detailed thoughts. This particular Blues Jr is one of the best I've played.

[@evankolpack]

​@@gair1944 Does it have a V30? Any mods?

[@gair1944]

@@evankolpack This has a Jensen C12N Speaker. No other mods. Pure stock.

[@deborahmcalister3936]

can I come to your house an play with all your cool toys???

[@gair1944]

It’s fun to have a collection to compare for sure 😊

[@krob777]

Finally, 2/3 through the video, you plug-in to the deluxe!

[@tonray9395]

Best comparison I have seen to date. Thanks

[@gair1944]

Thanks! That’s high praise!

[@tomstegall1346]

All sound good, I think the Princeton catches the higher end The blues jr is alittle bassier I think the deluxe is definitely better at reverberating. Take one I don’t think you’ll be wrong but you might keep some money in your pocket for strings and stuff

[@HiHello-ku1fl]

I gotta admit I was very impressed with the tweed Blues Jr IV I played at GC. I almost bought it. I was surprised it sounded so good and kept looking to see what speaker was in it. Just a standard Jensen C12N....I like that speaker!

[@gair1944]

The model with the Jensen C12N is very good sounding! Definitely!

[@jasondorsey7110]

@@gair1944 People tend to discriminate the bjr just because it's not from the hallowed Leo Era, but if you swap out the speaker to meet your personal taste, the amp itself is quite capable...also, those jensens take a while to break in before the high end harshness rolls off

[@gair1944]

@@jasondorsey7110 I agree. This blues jr has a canabis Rex eminence. Very nice match for this amp

[@colliedogjoy]

@@gair1944 - The description says Jensen C12N - now you have me wondering! Great vid regardless - Thanks.

[@DanEvans-yb6wk]

Your presentation was so helpful to me because you are focused on showing what the amps sound like, and not your guitar skills, which are basically incredible. Not showing off in other words. I have a Princeton Bordeaux with a Jensen 12, but being an acoustic guitar performer, I have only a chorus pedal for my Loud Boxes. I play my acoustic Gibson Super Jumbo as if it were a Strat, and want to move into Strat or Jag for performances. Tempted to trade the Princeton in for a Hot Rod of some sort, your video has shown me that I ought to keep the Princeton and just find the right distortion pedal. I'm indebted to you, kind sir.

[@gair1944]

What a nice thing to read. Thank you for your kind words. I try to be authentic and humble as possible. I simply love music and good tone inspires me to play more musically. That is what drives me. Good luck in your quest and post your decision anytime. You’re welcome to em me at [e-mail] - Gary

[@MyNameJim]

For those deciding between these three, here’s a solution. Buy all three!

[@gair1944]

Ha! If only everybody had that kind of money to spend. Right?

[@Orieus]

Blues jr for me was the winner. Honeslty the princeton sounds dull to my ears, lacks that punch and chime for me. I think its a lil ovetrated ...

[@tommoyer4697]

Best comparison I love my jr more again...thank you

[@gair1944]

Thanks! Glad it was valuable

[@HiddenDriveways]

Thanks for the quality video. I've been considering a Princeton or a Deluxe Reverb, but not a Blues Jr. Your video made me curious about the specific model you've got there, so I went looking for it. Are you sure it's an IV like you say in the description? Fender's website and Sweetwater have a model that seems like the right one, but I think they are III's not IV's.

[@gair1944]

You might be right. This one may not have said IV on the back. I don’t have it anymore since this was a short term demo

[@brunomillalaf8553]

Looks like the 3rd iteration

[@denmar355]

In my headphones the lead sounds better through the Princeton. That midrange makes it more apparent in a mix. Imho. But all are great sounding amps. You are correct about the speaker making a big difference.

[@bobbiduke286]

Wonderful playing. Great demo

[@gair1944]

Thanks Bob! I hope it was informative and helpful

[@wakinglife7065]

Thank you Sir! Beautiful playing and my favourite guitar going through my favorite guitar amps. I’m so tempted to get blues junior. May I ask your favorite?

[@gair1944]

My pleasure. I'm glad it was helpful. I am partial to the Princeton Reverb for home, but the 64 Handwired Deluxe Reverb is certainly wonderful. Bigger and fuller. Maybe overkill for a small music room at home, but it is a lovely amp. This particular model Blues JR with that Jensen C12N Speaker has always outperformed its price class. Can't go wrong.

[@wakinglife7065]

@@gair1944wow thank you so much for your response. Grateful for you sharing your opinion. You put all the amp sims to shame

[@sasuun96]

That's the first video I watch from you and I just loved your playing, specially the harmonics, they are really cool, man. Just bought the Princeton Reverb and I'm in love with it, but with the tele it's the one i liked the least from this video hahaha. I loved the sound with the strat, though, really sweet I feel like they are all nice though.

[@gair1944]

Thanks Luis. That Strat is a killer guitar. Congratulations on your Princeton Reverb. Wonderful amp!

[@jimmy5634]

I take it your a batchelor.

[@marccunningham6353]

Lol!!!! all that killer gear!!

[@MOAB-UT]

Tip- when playing backing tracks, especially any that include Drums with cymbals, use Studio Monitors or even a home theatre set-up if you are playing at home. It will sound MUCH nicer. Guitar amps are terrible at reproducing a full range signal and forget about cymbals. It becomes a muddy mess. They are great at replicating GUITAR only. Also, not vocals. Monitors will shine in that regard. I got mine for $200 and they sing. I have tried it both ways- A and B and there is no comparison. I use them with my Trio+.

[@gair1944]

Great tip. don’t however use backing tracks. I simply use a looper and typically lay it down real-time. This is how I gig.

[@kitrandall3374]

Loved them all, unfortunately had to listen thru phone on the night so probably wasn't getting the nuances but do own that model of bls jnr and love it, however did really dig that midrange poke from the princton

[@realtruenorth]

The Blues Jr sounds kinda like a baby deluxe, the Princeton sounds different than the other 2.

[@johnjacobsen1915]

GREAT! Presentation! Now I regret selling my Blues Jr. II

[@gair1944]

I think the newest version is decidedly an upgrade over the V2 that you let go. You not have been wrong to move on from that one.

[@johnjacobsen1915]

@@gair1944 Oh! thank you! I think the strength of your video was in its "get right to it" simplicity and lack of over explanation and your confidence in its simple production. It was very entertaining and interesting!

[@gair1944]

@@johnjacobsen1915 Thanks John!

[@matt-fn9gr]

Some of it I liked the Princeton and some the deluxe

[@mindfield9832]

Speaker and cab design plays a part as well.

[@gair1944]

I completely agree the speaker and cab is a huge factor for how an amp sounds and performs.

[@cuinoz3569]

Another great Gary video. I’m interested in the Princeton re-issue but got to say the Bjr sounds pretty awesome too. So many decisions . The hand wired exceeds my budget. Thanks for sharing. Love that tele too.

[@gair1944]

Thanks for watching and sharing. That particular Blues JR was VERY good. Probably my favorite of all Blues JR's I played. That said, I'm still gonna go with a '65 Princeton Reverb Reissue with a good 12" Speaker over the Blues Jr every time. I now have the stock Celestion Alnico Cream back in this Knotty Pine Limited Edition '65 Princeton Reverb. Loving it. But the Jupiter is VERY VERY good ...and a lot cheaper than the Celestion Alnico Cream would cost if you had to buy one.

[@shaneross6242]

First time hearing a Blues Jr wow , so what type is that ?

[@chrisv924]

Good video!! Deluxe for the win! Very surprised how good the Blues JR sounded, specifically compared with the Princeton. The Princeton really had nothing going for it compared to the other 2 and I usually like Princeton’s!

[@gair1944]

Thanks for watching. The Princeton usually acquits itself more admirably especially on its own. I’ve plugged into the blues jr many times and not cared For it. But that doesn’t happen with the Princeton. It always sounds Good. Maybe the location in the room altered the tonal delivery

[@10smdjbtk]

I like your crisp sound and play.

[@gair1944]

Thank you very much

[@pauljcat1]

Love the vid comparisons. Is the BJ set directly at the camera? If so it would seem to yield some different results...Amp placement is so important IMO. The Princeton seems to be in last place here but I believe up front and personal the Deluxe and the Princeton would be the winners. BJ always seems overly bright. I would think also that these amps might give up the goods better or worse at the different volumes, the Princeton might be getting pushed a little farther than what is good for it, or for its circuit. I would take the 64 Deluxe over all these amps. Great work!

[@gair1944]

I don't disagree that amp placement matters but in this small room the sound is very "omni-present" at the volume I am playing. The mic is capturing a very indicative sound of what my experience is at the time of recording. The room has been treated with enough sound panels to make it a very level sounding room. What I heard when I listened to the recording is very very representative of what I heard when I was recording it. (as I probably commented at the time as well) If there are differences, they are very small. Draw whatever conclusions you will in that regard. In this demo I ranked the amps exactly the same as you; Deluxe = 1, BJ - 2, Princeton was darker. Although by itself I can dial in a perfectly wonderful sound. The Blues Jr is brighter and is more 'direct' than the blackface circuits. I find that to be characteristic of EL84's more than not. Your point about maybe having pushed the Princeton a littler harder than warranted could be right but I typically play it a little above 4 on the volume which for me is its 'sweet spot'. The 64 Deluxe Reverb hand wired simply is more of an amp in every way. Better components, larger cabinet volume and the right tool for the job at this volume *and higher.

[@pauljcat1]

@@gair1944 Thanks Gary. I love your videos and how quick you are to respond to us followers. I actually own a 64 Deluxe Reverb do to some of your comparisons. Keep up the good tones!

[@Jmarshall-kj4hc]

Good point

[@silverwings1843]

My compliments Sir. Really !!! Most on KZbin that attempt this type of review are FAR from Professional Status. Very Good Job !!!! Its hard to deal with Fender at times due to Fender changing Tone Stacks all the time. When Fender went to the general Marshall TS it lost it's Soul for a while. I will always prefer the DR. But the BDRI and BJ I have...their tone stacks were modded to the 60s TS. And they sound Classic Fender. I agree completely. The EL84s are Brit.. Period.

[@gair1944]

Thanks ! Your input and thoughts are right on the mark!

[@t3601f]

Excellent playing too!

[@gair1944]

Thank you very much

[@zoomankat]

But wait coming up on the rails to take it by a nose its...The Roland Cube Micro Amp.!

[@gair1944]

Laughs. Do you really think?

[@gf12]

I have both the the Blues Jr. and the 65 Princeton Reverb both with stock speakers. When using an A/B switch I find my Princeton has a deeper and clearer tone than the Jr. I do use the fat button on the Jr., as without it, it's way too bright for my tastes. My Princeton with a Fender Hotrod (12" stock celestial Seventy 80 speaker) bass cabinet has given me the best tone of all my amps with any cabinets attached. My collection consists a Henrikson 312 jazz amp.,Polytone 12 " Mini-Brute 2, Polytone Mini-Brute 4 (15" speaker), Roland Jazz 40(2 10" speakers), Quilter Micro Pro(8" speaker) with Cab(12" speaker), Quilter Mach 2 combo (12" speaker) and the Blues Jr. plus the 65 Princeton Reverb(Tweed). I have A/B'd all of these amps against the 65 Princeton over and over and the 65 Princeton always comes out on top. I realize tone is subjective but, if you heard what I hear in my comparisons, you might agree with me. My musicals tastes are the old standards, Rockabilly, some country, and pop from 1950- 1980. I don't really care for the Blues as I'm a pretty happy guy. Well, that's my two cents from someone who is all about tone. p.s. The choice of pick thickness is crucial for variation in tone. This demo shows the Blues Jr. to have a sweeter tone than the 65 Princeton. The vintage Princeton comes out on top. Hey, you like what you like. Gary Flagg Buffalo, N.Y. .

[@TheCravenIsReal]

super vids amigo. I wish we could jam together more! ...such sweet sounds but I gotta say I'm prejudiced against the Blues Jr.'s "boxy" sound...which somehow you seeme to have avoided here. Great sounds are possible if you dial it in right I guess...and you're the Gairman!

[@gair1944]

Hey Paco, This Blues Jr doesn't exhibit a 'boxy' sound in my experience. Maybe because of the Version IV enhancements along with the Jensen C12N Speaker? The C12N speaker however doesn't sound very good with any of my other amps. So it's a sum of the parts that is working well for this Tweed NOS Blues Jr Limited. I'm not gonna lie, while it impressed me way more than I expected, I would choose my Handwired 64 Deluxe Reverb or Carr Rambler or Carr Telstar every time. The Princeton is the right tool for the job for quieter things. If I never want to be under gunned however, I'll go with the Deluxe, Rambler or Telstar. ( FYI - The Carr amps were not part of this demo. I made another video of the Rambler versus Telstar)

[@ronniestring182]

Delux by a country mile for me

[@gair1944]

Thanks for watching. I agree completely. The 64 Deluxe is levels above the others

[@smooshpig]

cant sleep on blues jr clean sounds for practice. very fulfilling imo

[@singlefin254]

That telecaster is the real winner

[@gair1944]

This fender custom shop tele is incredible. Sounds legit and always inspires

[@scottburton4236]

I love this comparison. I’m leaning toward a Blues Jr. I had a Blues Deluxe Reissue but it was heavy and hard to dial the volume in for certain size venues. This looks like a great option for sure

[@gair1944]

Thanks for watching and sharing your nice comments. The Blues Jr is way easier to carry for sure. ha. Not even close.

[@jasinow]

Sounds like your princeton wants to be a tweed amp. Somethings wrong. I have the same stuff. The black faced Princeton is fenders scooped Sound.

[@gair1944]

Nothing wrong at all. I have a Jupiter 12LC speaker in the Princeton Reverb and it has a bit more midrange baked into its voice,.

[@TrimwayConsulting]

Great comparo, thanks! Overall sound and sweetness goes to Deluxe. But your playing brought out nice tones from other too as well 🎸😎

[@gair1944]

Thanks Chris. I agree the handwired Deluxe takes no prisoners.

[@bluesysamurainao4557]

Great play. I tried a princeton reissue at a shop. It wasn't stunning at all for my taste. I think each guitarist has a different flavor on amplifier character. I tried a 64 true vintage amplifier at another shop. Even though a rental Fender strato was in terrible condition, that amplifier tone was perfect. I wanna own it if could live in a big house someday.

[@gair1944]

I agree some of the fender reissue amps lately are rather weak and unimpressive to say the least. The one I have is from 2016 and was a limited edition. Maybe they were better back then? The 64 handwired versions are superb!!

[@snailsfrogslegs119]

Excellent review/comparrison. My favorite is of course the 64... but the blues Jr sound pretty good too. ...but that 64 is obviously the best.

[@gair1944]

Thanks for stopping by! I agree with your assessment completely

[@robertvanhoolandt958]

Fantastic guitar player. .. enjoyed it ... great comparison

[@gair1944]

@@robertvanhoolandt958 thanks for the kind comment! I hope it was helpful

[@FrankLockwood]

I think I actually preferred the sound of the blues junior with that guitar, which surprised me.

[@gair1944]

I agree it was particularly good in this case. But I’ve taken the Blues JR to other gigs and didn’t care for it all. (Personally)

[@birdsfabulous]

Had the blues jr 3. Great amp and ive recommended it to many people. Recently bought the bordeaux reserve princeton w/12" speaker. Another great amp. Anybody hating on blues jrs i think are trying to get jcm800 tones out of em or somethin!! One of those amps seems to sound good at almost any setting. All these sound great

[@gair1944]

Thanks for listening and for your comments. All of these rare Capable of professional gigging

[@stevebunce2931]

Love the Strat!!!!

[@gair1944]

Thanks Steve. Me too! I was almost shocked how great it sounded today. I shouldn't be. But wow, What a killer guitar. These amps really deliver the soul of the instrument!

[@kylecravens6501]

Do you feel the Jensen impacts the Blues Jr tone much? That's one of the best Blues Jr sounds I've heard

[@gair1944]

Yed

[@JohnDougall-lb6gi]

Nice job getting that tone out of a Blues Junior! Great video!

[@gair1944]

Thanks John. It's funny, I don't always get what I want from the Blues Jr. But this time it was simply excellent.

[@lagoonrd4173]

This dude breaking out some beast guitar axes

[@4bradm]

Great review! I’ve seen the Blues Jr. offered with a Jensen C12N speaker and an Eminence Red White and Blues speaker. Which speaker do you recommend?

[@gair1944]

I’m partial to the C12N in the Blues Jr

[@4bradm]

Thank you for your input, I appreciate it.

[@guitarpick335]

Wow… what a perfect a/b/c compare. And you’re a monster player to boot. I too would lean on the HW Deluxe as my go to rig. Thanks for this video.

[@gair1944]

What a nice compliment. Thank you! I am glad it was helpful.

[@vhollund]

They all sound good at this volume The Princeton will fart out first on a bigger stage The Blues Junoir will get a bit more strident at higher volume settings The Deluxe will have the headroom necessary for even an outdoor event The Blues Junoir is a great lightweight tubeamp and the speaker change they did to the iv has done wonders, the old being too stiff for 15 watt. And if you use the EQ well it comes close to the Princeton but without the farting out. I use a blues jr ii for all my rehearsals and smaller clubs

[@gair1944]

Great post! Thanks for listening and sharing

[@stormyweather2837]

What speaker do you have in your blues jr 2 ?

[@joeyjojo8200]

Great video, Gary! I also own a Blues Junior LTD version IV and want to know what drive pedals you use with it. Which work the best do you think?

[@gair1944]

Hye Joey, Which OD Pedal is best is such a hard answer. It depends on your taste, tonal preference, single coils or humbuckers etc. I really like Vemuram Shanks and Jan Ray OD pedals. Both are rather pricey and derivatives of the Nobels ODS-1 or Timmy respectively. I also love my analogman King of Tone ...which are unobtanium at reasonable prices. The JHS Morning Glory V4 is very good and I love Greer Pedals like the Southland and the Lightspeed (Very light boost OD). Just depends what you want.

[@joeyjojo8200]

@@gair1944Thanks so much, Gary!

[@geraldponce8336]

Hard to compete with a hand wired deluxe reverb. Like one of the greatest amps in history. The others sound good too

[@gair1944]

Absolutely right

[@geraldponce8336]

Sounded awesome

[@tagskinner778]

BJ sounds great. Love mine. Nice comparison.

[@gair1944]

Thanks for watching.