Fender Blues Junior III vs IV - Comparison Demo

[@tannerboil6765]

"Less Fendery" is the exact word on the IV. Defiantly more body on the IV, almost "Marshally"...big sound. I like it. The speaker is defiantly making a big difference. GREAT comparison guys!

[@markfranzen899]

Nice comparison guys! REALLY appreciate the fact that that you not only set them the same, but then adjusted each to see what they can do with some tweaking.

[@af5aristoto]

That was a great fair comparison guys. Very educational. Thanks so much! I've got a Blue Jr III and am always bothered by its bell like high end. I always turn the bass up and reduce treble and reduce the tone knob on my Strat to try and make it fatter and bassier. Also I have the boost always on. I believe that the new one might solve many of my problems. Specially that I really love the Fender clean tones. I can tell a huge sound difference in headphones. Will go check one out.

[@JeremyMcCant]

I definitely prefer the mark 4 clean. The 3 sounds more open and brighter for distortion. Overall, I like the mark 4 because it seems to keep that classic sound even with higher distortion. The 3 does sound good though for a brighter marshall gain sound and sounds a bit more like a metal type of tone but, the 4 has that classic cranked, full-bodied sound to it. The 3 also seems to break up a bit faster. Both awesome amps, I'm pretty sure that people could buy both and get use for each individual amp. Amazing demo!!!

[@onixtheone]

Should’ve done a test where you forgot about what the knobs say and tried to set exactly the same level and amount of drive and eq and taken reverb off

[@benparker2901]

Fantastic review. The review industry is over saturated (no pun intended), but there's definitely a vacuum (also no pun intended) when it comes to accurate comparison reviews like this. An exact A/B test was the right call.

[@davidfox9642]

The best tonal comparison I've heard. And i agree with both you in your assessment. I just purchased the blues jr mark iv

[@mnnicholas304]

Same…just got the iv today and I’m in love!

[@RS-pp7ng]

I've always hated the top end on the Mark 1, 2 and 3. I love the way it's rounded off on the Mark 4.

[@grodriguez512]

If ya can't decide which one to buy just buy both and go stereo 😂😂🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

Yep. I would think the differences in the two would complement each other well.

[@JLebowski357]

That is a fantastic idea!

[@dannyharpermusic]

Thats what I did. Bought both!

[@tysonrinker8089]

getting a fender blues jr III today!!!

[@abradfordajb]

The 3 seems to have more top end. The 4 seems "smoother" with more bottom. Also, it is true that the 3's reverb jumps out at you more ..... "washy" ? The 4's reverb is pulled back a bit and sounds almost HiFi. The overly "toppy" 3 really stands out with sc's. The 4's smoother nature compliments overdriven sounds. Overall, both sounds are good .... it just depends on what a player is looking for. I'm sure that EQ'ing the 3 can smooth out the top, and boosting the 4's treble can add top end. To me, it's obvious that Fender has re-voiced the 4 to "fit in" more with today's 'modern' sound, whereas the 3 really is more of a vintage sound. Solution: Buy BOTH and use a floor switcher :-)

[@padubueno3038]

@3:00 Eminence speaker in the BJ III, Celestion speaker in the BJ IV.

[@KordTaylor]

Thanks so much for this comparison. It was just what I was looking for!Wonderful.

[@DraftNutthana]

bought a mark 3 yesterday because this video!

[@toadamine]

Good choice!

[@realcoyotekings]

III more upper mids, less bottom. IV less mids, more bottom and cleaner all 'round. Sounds "nicer." III will cut through the mix better in live situation, but that IV does sound sweet.

[@sbadali1]

Great review! I don't own a BJr ... leaning towards the IV after seeing this as it better suits my needs. Thanks Gents!

[@spotmfd9431]

I like the darker sound of the IV. Keeping my older blues junior but might not be my main amp anymore.

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

dark is the easiest thing to achieve musically,turn treble off,turn reverb off,have muffled speaker,turn mids down...you have dark>>or mud>>or shit ....dark sucks balls

[@АнтонКузнецов-м6л]

You helped me to choose one. Thanks! Waiting for my IV.

[@Prajnana]

I preferred the III for cleans (vintage) and the IV for distortion (modern). Since I buy an amp for it's cleans, it would be a III for me. Reminds me of the differences between the '65 and the '68 Princeton reissues.

[@waynetykocki3964]

The 3 sounds great but the 4 is also good out of preference the 3 for me

[@tysonrinker8089]

bassbreaker has a good distortion

[@PeterDad60]

So does a Marshall so what's your point? This is a Blues Junior Version III vs. IV "comparison", get it?

[@FLdb-wj4wc]

@@tysonrinker8089 i have the bassbreaker. My singer has the blues jr. Her amp always sounds better and cuts through the mix way better than my bassbreaker. Very disappointed

[@cmkilcullen8176]

yes...

[@br549times3]

It'd be nice to hear a comparison between Cannabis Rex, III and IV.

[@flyinUtah]

I love my Blues Jr III LOVE it!! and the other day I was at Guitar Center and there was a white Blues Jr. with a Celestion speaker in it and I hated the sounds compared to mine; Now keep in mind I play a 79' Strat but I've found that there are lots of Limited Edition Blues Jr.'s with all sorts of different speakers in them. Bottom line is this I've tried all sorts of combo's but the eminence just seems to give me the best Hendrix tone which is what I like. There's a video where someone demo's a Blues Jr. III to a 59' Bassman combo and anyway yes one is clearly smaller but, it was just like his baby brother in sound. **Anyway what do I know I'm just a tone chaser!!**

[@donstewart368]

My blues 111 has a Jensen 12 inch C12N. My favorite speaker for a Fender sound. Its a keeper.

[@seanfried5583]

If you turned the reverb up on the IV it would wind up sounding pretty close to the 3. Setting knobs to the same setting is not necessarily the best way to compare. It is a good starting point but the amps were designed to sound different, so it is fair to assume they would have different frequency response curves for the controls.

[@-dlb-]

Great job guys. Thanks! I like the 3, but the 4 might prove easier to work with, especially with pedals.

[@RickP2012]

Dammit, I was thinking about picking up a mk iii cheap and figured they'd be much the same. However, I much prefer the mk iv.

[@paulrichard10]

I have a IV. Sounds great out of the box with minimal tweaking.

[@theinvadersband]

I much prefer the 4 over the 3. I had two 3's and sold both. Tried the 4 in Guitar Center and could tell a difference right away with the a fuller sound and less chime. Good video.

[@realtruenorth]

see, I like the character and chime, that's what made it it's own amp. it sounded vintage to me (imperfect) new one sounds more modern. but than again I can get a more blackface tone from the clean on my Mesa so I wanted a strong deviation from that. also, I don't use the internal reverb, I use a stymon reverb so that takes away some if the issue.

[@univox_guitar]

Should have set both reverbs at zero.

[@blyssed]

Ya. I can't believe they missed this

[@Kennardy]

Yep!

[@realtruenorth]

well, I would like both, part with reverb, part without.

[@Dodzee.44]

tried one today with a tele sounded fantastic for country rock and blues everyone should own one

[@captainjaneway1111]

The III sounds like a distorted small amp struggling at high volume. The IV sounds like a big amp that has the power to be loud without shite distortion.

[@TwistedIdentity]

I'm glad I watdched this video. I like the III more than the IV by a mile. The reason why I want a Blues Junior in the first place is for that harsh top end. I love it

[@thiagomonteiro9912]

I would never have expected this huge difference.

[@davidberry4992]

Great comparison video. I think the clear winner it the Blues Jr. (leaning towards the IV).

[@punditpoint195]

Hmm, the III is better overall. The IV has lost top end brilliance, and the distortion has some kind of muffled, compression going on. Put the speaker from the IV in the III and you'll already have an improvement in the low end. When Fender did the 68 Princeton, they managed to take all the magic out of it and make it sound bad. It seems like they've continued that trend with the BJ IV.

[@gmlasam]

@Pundit Point... I agree with you, but I'll take it further. The first BJ version sounded the best and observing the declining changes its been receiving, I think Fender is losing sight on the magical tone BJ once had and made famous.

[@AllenPinchloaf]

I thought it was just me diggin the 3rd version

[@artithew6922]

@@gmlasam p

[@campa.guitar]

Great video! I know it has been 6 years, but did you guys tryed to change the Celestion from Mk IV to the Mk III and see if the Mk III sounds a little bit like the IV?

[@luckyfamilyman]

When I was 10 years old played guitar with a very wise older guitar amp guru who revealed the secret 3 things for 100% best way to make ANY AMP sound better... 1:Practice 2:Practice 3:Practice

[@kimhansen6384]

He was just stuttering :-)

[@rafmis7660]

Good review fellas! Thanks, Ontario Canada.

[@tomasdubienski1926]

What are the original amp settings in the video before you guys change anything? Love the tone!

[@krisabbott9238]

Great review thank you

[@atomic7731]

great video but it seems the 3 sounds louder than 4? more gain? what do you think, guys?

[@michaelepstein7515]

Defiantly the 3 sounded louder!

[@dom-ru5cc]

Just more gainy

[@sickb2200]

The IV delivers a slightly scooped tone profile which I like better for high gain, but I like the III better for cleans and lighter break up. I can always cut down the mids. They will both take pedals well. I'll keep my two Blues Jr. IIIs which I run in stereo - they sound so awesome that way! Might be cool to run one of each in stereo though.

[@natebot321]

I definitely prefer the clarity and high-end of the III.

[@spiral-m]

Why didn't you level the reverbs the same? Completely alters the clarity otherwise. But thx anyways for the vid

[@rediconoclast]

Good comparison video. However, the difference in the spring reverb is so dramatic between the two, it would have been good to demo both amps without any reverb at all, so the reverb wouldn't colour the sound on the III so much.

[@mnnicholas304]

Maybe but as long as they are at the same setting it’s still a good comparison in my eyes…just from an apples to apples settings stand point

[@danielhartman5086]

I like the Blues Jr. IV. So I will be getting that 1.

[@JesseJuup]

Great comparison! This is how it should be done! 10/10

[@chrisbradshaw159]

This an excellent review. The differences are obvious.

[@kennethflood4661]

I wonder how much is just down to speaker? What would the mark 4 sound like through the eminence speaker and the mark 3 through the celestion?

[@moreorlesslikeso]

Exactly. I've replaced the stock speaker in my BJ III with an Eminence Swamp Thang and that stabilized the bottom end noticeably. So the speaker really matters. Apart from that really recommend cranking the power amp instead if the preamp, sounds so much better...

[@gillesgenete9598]

Also the BJ3 speaker may be well rodded while that of the BJ4 is brand new: makes differences for bottom end

[@brandonkruse6412]

A Celestion will always have more midrange and a pronounced treble where as Eminence will have more scooped mids with firm bass and rounded treble.

[@abradfordajb]

The MIV sounds fuller and smoother at all frequencies, and the treble in particular is smoother and is absent the sharper sound of the MIII. The difference is 90% speaker, and 10% a toned-down reverb, and whatever Fender did to the preamp EQ. Neither sound is "better" in the absolute sense, because it depends on what the player is looking for.

[@sergioserramusic]

One of the biggest improvement one can do to a BJ is replacing the stock speaker. Some like T-Rex Cannabis, others prefer Celestion Greenback, I was thinking too about upgrading my BJ mark II with a new speaker

[@maxrockatansky8399]

Mark 3 sounds way better to my ears. Stronger reverb, more top end sparkle, the mark 4 sound a bit dull in comparison.

[@Mainstreet2006]

I agree!👍

[@benlogan430]

The III sounds more Fendery! The IV sounds more modern. IMHO

[@guitarman6742]

That is obvious.

[@robertstapleton3598]

I know this is an older video but it's still relevant and some of these comments will be helpful to new buyers. I agree with Onix Junes comment that aiming the knobs the same way does not guarantee a match. Version 3 here was louder and much brighter making comparisons unequal. Best to use ears and try to match as close as possible - see if that's possible. Then see what the differences are.

[@TMillsMusic]

The clarity of the IV is so much better.

[@Sénor_Lobo_Olé]

Really thought the range of both amps came through well in this video and the Mk iv is clearly the better amp for a single coil pickup clean or driven. For a gibson with humbuckers the mk iii sounded better clean but pretty thin when driven while the mk iv driven on both types of guitars sounded excellent. If you've got a gibson type guitar you'll want both amps, but if you've got a fender guitar you'll only want the mk iv.

[@altemose_prime]

I had a III. it was harsh AF I swapped the speaker for a greenback and that didn’t help. I got a IV yesterday, I think it sounds amazing.

[@skynyrdrebellion]

The III sounds like you're at the gig, the IV sounds like you're queuing outside the door to get in

[@jonnybeck6723]

The Mark III has a noticeably fuller richer sound... I don't think people will be racing to swap for the newer model... but that's just my 2 cents. cheers

[@stevenrivera9230]

Prolly cause the speaker on the 3 is already broken into... I am almost sure that the 3 has been used at least 24 hours of play, It isn't that new, and the swap of speakers wouldn't make that much of a difference. You can really tell that the 3 has the speaker broken in. It sounds like its about to breakup with the Humbuckers.

[@tysonrinker8089]

Steven Rivera did you listen at the beginning? He said the 3 has never been played.

[@tysonrinker8089]

so therefore you're completely wrong steve

[@MadcapActivityDomain]

Wow, you SO called him out for being wrong. Thank GOD you made it clear, with an additional comment no less, that he's wrong. Class act.

[@cmkilcullen8176]

agree

[@axesandamps]

I wonder how much of the total difference is the Celestion speaker. I would love to hear the two different heads (Mark three verses mark four) played through the same cabinets and speakers to see if they truly improve the amp. As it stands I like the Mark three. Much better bloom.

[@LadderFromMGS3]

what song is he playing at 7:40? can’t put my finger on it

[@PatinaMisfit]

Great video, good to see a proper A B test not just dicking about.

[@paulvarlaro1184]

I got the blus jr lv 2 months ago and switched out the speaker right away with a eminence taxes heat speaker and wow now I got that srv sound at a low volume! Love it then hit the tube screamer pedal for over drive ,nice.

[@sboy1955]

A good demo would be to see how much either of these amps can be tweaked to sound like the other amp using the given EQ, gain, and volume controls. I.e., I’m fairly certain they can be made to sound almost identical.

[@michaelaabbaticchio8438]

The IV has way better string definition for chords

[@Hugh9]

The differences can mostly be compensated for with a graphic equaliser.

[@MasterKydis]

Totally sold on getting a 3

[@stevewebertampainvestments2097]

I am trying to pick between a III and IV right now and I feel the IV sounds better in every way esp the reverb. I have yet to compare them side by side tho

[@BreadandFaxes]

The reverb is very noticably dialed back. I bought a new one yesterday after having a tweed one and I noticed right away the reverb sounded very dull

[@pinsk94]

Really have an issue when you compare with the same settings. Set each up for the beat tone and then compare. One amp might sound like crap at current settings but might be better it set up appropriately.

[@bciecko1]

I'm a bit late to the discussion but the reverb from 3 into the 4 is what I'd like. Or, maybe, a version 4 with a twin reverb--a Blues Jr. Twin Reverb for those of us that just love the 'verb.

[@Dodzee.44]

they sound great with the PRS

[@Mr.Altavoz]

great video...I'll go for the 3

[@jeffbriggs4268]

The BJ lacquer tweed was the best of them that I've heard. I have a III and a black face Princeton and they sound great together.

[@therealwolfspidertoo]

what about the cab? partical board or ply?

[@Dodzee.44]

they sound so good im gonna buy one

[@Lowdown13blues]

I’ve never heard the word “interesting” so many times on a review before !!

[@alvaromartinez6747]

Single coils vs humbuckers? Not a serious comparative...

[@dspguitar]

Interesting....

[@antman3916]

I actually liked the single coils on the MK 3. Humbuckers on MK4

[@sunsetpond]

Thanks for mentioning this! When I got my strat - I couldn’t get a good sound out if my peavy classic 50 - my strat just doesn’t respond! My les Paul screams! Through my peavy. I think the humbuckers sound better out if the III when over driven

[@adamperry870]

3 for sure people say it has too much reverb but I like it in my opinion well because of the time of music I play

[@the-MikeSpencer-show]

I bet the 3 cuts through the mix better. in live and recording situations that's ideal for me. glad I have the 3

[@lanceheaslewood4121]

Great vid chaps , much better than those bell ends at Andertons!

[@gertzpalma]

THANKS!

[@markd4768]

3 sounds way better and full bluesy which this amp was made for! Mark 3 my choice for sure!!

[@geraldhills41]

Mark III is the typical fender twin flabby bass sound, nice to hear the IV has improved !

[@bassiclogic]

I hear more tube sound in the III than the IV. The reverb is tamer on the IV! As far as the Bass difference I would imagine that could be adjusted in the bass control!

[@ocassionaljunkieforyou]

The BJ 4 sounds like it has a blanket on top of the amp compared to the 3, it has more bottom end but way less clarity.

[@KipCount]

III has all that glassy character and reverb is as it should be. The IV's reverb is totally castrated. You can get all the lows you want out of a Blues Junior by swapping speakers or driving a nice 2x12. Feeling very good about my III right now.

[@alexandergilman3394]

How would people compare the III to the older model, pre-2010?

[@therealwolfspidertoo]

do you have a compare of the bassbreaker v the blues jr4?

[@DriftwoodBeachMom]

Very good comparison. I have some questions, though. How are both when played at a lower volume, like from 1 to 3? I have heard that it could sound like "a transistor radio"? What were your thoughts at the lower volumes? Have you compared the Blues Junior TWEED to the IV? I hope you can respond to this. Thanks.

[@DriftwoodBeachMom]

Thanks. I will try the IV out.

[@JamesMcCutcheon]

Blues Junior with 6V6 is american the III with El84 is British.

[@DriftwoodBeachMom]

Thanks.

[@rickwilson9932]

Sounds to me like the mic levels at the mic pre stage are quite different, which makes for a difficult A/B comparison. The three's mic input sounds more colored if not overdriven, and come across as louder.

[@jman1428]

To bad the volume is louder on the older series?

[@margovallen]

I've got a Fender Blues Junior Lacquered Tweed NOS and it sounds great. May or may not replace the speaker. I have yet, to play out with it so, its difficult to tell the tone at higher volumes.. as I've only played in in-doors for practice. But, as it were---- sounds wonderful. Sounds lovely with my Fulltone Plimsoul pedal, as well. With both, single and double coils. Nice and portable.. looks really tweed-lacquer cool. Love the amp. The Jensen C12N sounds great, thus far. We shall see.

[@margovallen]

Lets face it------ Fender made the Blues Junior much worse as the amps go by. Changing only to attract the idiot crowd. I own the NOS original and it sounds much better than these.

[@tylerwatkins9582]

which one is on the right?

[@brianm1491]

Why go out and buy a mark 4, when u can adjust the tone settings on the mark 3 ?

[@Stratman6969]

Interesting comparison, but are both speakers broken in?

[@matteogarofoli7148]

Was in doubt with clean, go for the 4 when it clmes to distortion. Definitely. Also heard the holding of the use to break easily, so scared of this

[@joshhatch3655]

what is he playing at 17:20 it sounds amazing!!!

[@baasjuhh38]

The Groove by Muse. Great song and it's even a B-side!

[@AshishLimbu]

great comparision,,

[@geirarnehelland7271]

Band setting and two or more guitars, definetly no 3. It sounds both fuller and more bassy in person, I used one for rhytm guitar in my blues band, with the main guitarist on Strat driven Deluxe Reverb. Lovely amp with buckers, paired with a 339 or 335!

[@WowIndescribable]

I have no idea what the hieroglyphics were towards the ends regarding the tone controls. Why not put text on screen like you did when changing amps?

[@juujuujuupa]

May I ask what is the model of the PRS? Does anyone know?

[@blodgidonka]

What about the cab Material??? The IV is made out of partial board... Is that going to be an issue? Other than that I like the iv

[@jadonx]

sounds like the 4 was a bit muffled but then to be fair it was using the same settings as used by the 3. A fairer way would of been to make independent EQ settings for each amp to show them off at their best for each style.