Fender Hot Rod Deluxe: Review, Tone Tips & More

#fender #fenderhotroddeluxe #tubeamp
Check out the Fender Hot Rod on Sweetwater! sweetwater.sjv.io/Kjg19N (Affiliate)
Welcome to this in depth demo and review of the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe! This is version III, however the review and tips are pretty applicable to many different models. Using a Fender American Special Stratocaster with Texas Special pickups and a Gibson Les Paul with Righteous Sound Brielle PAFs. Also trying it out with an Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer, a Keeley Eccos Delay and a One Control Prussian Blue Reverb.
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This was not a sponsored review.
Disclaimer: I do basic audio editing on my videos to account for the microphones, preamp and room. This editing, mostly light EQ and compression, is intended to give you the most accurate representation of how the featured gear actually sounds. NO editing is done to misrepresent how the featured gear sounds in any way.

[@JackFossett]

How do you dial in your Hot Rod Deluxe? And please check out some music & buy a CD! ~ jackfossett.bandcamp.com

[@thekarmamechanics9487]

Mids and presence all the way UP, bass and treble all the way DOWN, bright switch on for HBs, off for single coils, drive all the way up. I use a Jensen p12q so the tone is different than the stock speaker, but still same settings. Makes switching between channels and drive/more drive very natural. Once in a blue moon I keep the bright switch on even for single coils. Very counter intuitive sounding, and looking, at first, but give it a try! If you leave it like that for a couple hours, you'll never look back!

[@Goldie_Hawn_Solo]

Think of these amps as a blank canvas that you'd paint on. This amp gives you an unreal clean tone. Use pedals to paint your tone. The amp handles everything you want to do with the right pedal setup. Every great guitarist I've seen has one of these. They are gig machines. You can beat them to dust and they always sound great. No boutique amp is anywhere near its durability...and its clean is just as good if not better than the best any boutique amp can offer.

[@Hotitalianman]

I have a 98 one. I agree. OCD in front of it is insane. Get anykind of tone...hendrix, page, angus...u name it..

[@joekennick71]

Not sure about the hot rod deluxe, but as a side note, the Fender Super 60/Super 112 has great cleans (perfect for pedals), and a killer OD. Very punchy, and LOUD.

[@timpage9195]

Your spot on with that comment brother,

[@msaintpc]

Well said and absolutely true.👍

[@rodolpheponthus2948]

After several months searching for my kind of ultimate amp, I tried a LOT of high end stuff, Tone King Falcon Grande, Princeton, Supeo, etc... I went into a shop and there was this Hot Rod Deluxe IV. I almost not even bothered lighting it up.. WTF everybody shits on the Hot Rod series don't they ? Well it has the best clean channel of them all, chunky, clear, sparkly,, magnificent. Just don't listen to forum nerds that don't know what to do with their money, and think tone is in the bog bucks. The Hot Rod Deluxe IV is a gem

[@kylehaston5611]

awesome video, I just got this amp a few days ago. I found myself trying input 2 within 20 minutes and completely agree with what you say about input 2 . didn't realize how loud It would be... but its awesome

[@wingdwolf56]

JACK!!!! I can’t afford any more amps!! It seems like every time I watch one of these reviews, I want the amp!! Thanks for another great informative video!!

[@paulbiggs874]

Great, informative video. Just driven 350 miles to pick up a limited edition hotrod deluxe, silver bullet with a vintage 30 speaker. Looking forward to testing this amp and your tips. Thanks!

[@frankpaparo1097]

Pedals no pedals what a tone! You did a video on the classic 50s vibe Strat so I went out and bought one best guitar I’ve ever played, This amp will be my next purchase thank you for all the great information, I totally trust and value your reviews

[@indianajones_stone]

Love this video thanks Jack just ordered one.

[@aliengtr]

One of my favorite reviewers great job

[@scootersage]

My son and I both have a HRD Texas Red amp. We both put in the Fromel upgrade and I had to replace the power transformer in mine. I put in a Hammond 60 watt replacement. With the Fromel upgrade I did loose one drive channel. The amp ran way to hot from the factory and caused burned spots on the pcb behind some of the resistors and lifted solder pads. Now runs quiet and cooler by alot. It also improved the low end and reverb sounds much better.

[@jackplace5665]

I was extremely lucky. I walked into my local guitar store and one of these amps had come in on a trade. The first thing that struck me, is that it looked new. It even had the Fender footswitcher. The second thing that surprised was the price tag. It was $375.00 Canadian. The sales guy says- yeah, that’s mis priced. It’ll be changed later this morning when our used gear manager comes in, but who am to stop you from buying it now. So I picked it up at 375. Fantastic amp. I once played outdoors in a big church grounds. I had it turned up to 3 and the workers from the factory next dooor heard it, came out and began shouting requests. Great amp. .

[@prettyruude1]

That’s sick man and yeah past 3 is deadly on this amp lol

[@ericpearson6475]

You got a helluva nice deal on a great amp.

[@electricgypsyblues4761]

Im using the version 3 on most of my videos. I only use the clean channel with some drive pedals

[@paulwitt1985]

Wow, big difference! Great video, thanks!

[@JackFossett]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jessehernandez3688]

Great professional and great information

[@JackFossett]

Much appreciated!

[@javierf55]

Great video, I came through a Keeley link. Laughed when you compared inputs 1 & 2.

[@JackFossett]

Hey, thanks! Well if nothing else, I'm good for a chuckle every now and again.

[@donne9768]

Fantastic video! I've been playing a first issue tweed HRD since I bought it new in 96. Now I understand many of the reasons I've had such a love-hate relationship with it. At 64 years old, programing new processors is a little daunting, but my RP7 finally died, and I replaced it with a Zoom G5n. Time to get programing so I can enjoy my HRD again.

[@guitarzzero]

Hey Jim, just sub'd. Quick tip; For those using the FX loop, a buffer after your rack or pedals makes a difference in a good way:) A treble bleed on your guitar can open up a HUGE pallet of tones.

[@JRandallS]

Hey Jack, good video, informative and nice tones. I have a question. I have two HRD's with Celestion Creambacks in them that I like to play in stereo. I have been just running the pedals into the front end. Should I run the reverb and echo out of the amp's loop? If so do I just use the preamp on one amp and the power amp on both?

[@mattgilbert7347]

I've still got my eye on the red lt edition HRD down at my local pawn shop. Gonna try it out on Tuesday - if it's still there. Thanks for the tips & tricks. Always enjoyable.

[@JackFossett]

Sure thing - let us know if you get it!

[@mattgilbert7347]

@@JackFossett You betcha!

[@claysturgill2881]

I have the red one I love it amazing amp if you got it I’m sure you are happy with it if not I’m really sorry you missed out on a killer amp

[@rogergraves5467]

Turned eq off and slowly dialed it back in. Major improvement! Thanks!

[@aschule5684]

Really diggin' your playing my friend 👍 this is a sweet amp "I think" you did a great job demoing this.

[@JackFossett]

Thank you kindly!

[@aschule5684]

@@JackFossett your most welcome

[@sosebee2]

Hi Jack I really liked your review and you had me laughing out loud.

[@bigtsshackfestival9563]

Superb amps. I have a hot rod , blues and George Benson deluxe , along with a Princeton and a divided by 13 amw 39. The deluxe’s hang with all of em.

[@gregmock6808]

I just bought a customized Deluxe 2002 that has been upgraded with Sovtek, Svetlana tubes and re biased from a tech who used to work with Leo Fender and I love it...although it's not stock at all....I dial out the bass and treble eeq entirely and use my old die cast 70s DOD 680 analog delay through the loop....perfection. I don't play loud gigs so I need a warm sound.....the delay with the presence switch and a bit of reverb and delay sounds lush. Great amp but as I said....mine has been upgraded by a tech who I bought it from . My tele doesn't like this amp but my Casino and ES 335 love it.

[@lars-fenin]

great tips.. thanx.. agree, that its an amp for external drive pedals. the clean channel on this amp sounds fantastic! also i modded the way the reverb dial/pot works, was way too sensible for my taste. a good amp, but fender did some strange faults /sound design choices (hot rod series 1)

[@bobroberts2664]

Thanks so much, Jack. Top tutorial, really grateful. A wish for next time, if poss - linger on the amp and pedal settings for longer, or have them in a corner somewhere, maybe..? I was hanging on your every word but fumbling with my phone to pause in time when the settings came up. Anyway, thanks a ton. Really, really useful.

[@graemero5532]

Cheers Jack. LP clean playing was tasty stuff

[@JackFossett]

Thank you! Yeah the Les Paul sounds surprisingly good into this amp

[@soma-cumbia]

Hi Jack ! love your video. just a question : how you mic your guitar amp HRD with two mic ? I think you have used a SM57 and ? how you fix the phase issues and how do you place the microphones in the right place ? Thanks and big hug from France !

[@robertdouglas4293]

Had one for a while now, I play mostly jazz, works ok, suggestions? I usually just set stuff and leave it, I keep stuff simple, Thanks for an informative channel, Have a great New year.

[@Stashmanfpv]

Seems like you may be able to just “touch” on the Bonamassa tone with his amp? I’d luv to hear those tones at gig volumes to see just how close we could get... That singing tweed lead sound is baked in my head now and I’m chasing it with my Fractals and L6 Helix at the moment and liking what I’m hearing! BUT - would like to hear if this amp would really get there??? Thanks for the video, as you have a great way of presentation! ✌🏼

[@newgunguy4176]

1:17 Oh, snap! The world ruling rig!!!!

[@michaelheinz3954]

Hey Jack, thank you for yet another great amp-review. As I wrote in my comment to your Princeton review, I'm not too happy with the boxy sound of my Peavey Classic 30. The HRDlx was out of consideration (too heavy) until I realised that Fender has put version IV into a significantly lighter enclosure which makes this amp desireable again. I once owned a HRDlx first generation which I liked very much but had to give it away for unsolvable technical issues. Now the HRDlx is on my shortlist again. When taking into account weight, enough (Fender) clean headroom for club gigging, price and absolutely not wanting a boxy sounding amp, what would be your choice? Blues Junior, Princeton, HRDlx? Deluxe Reverb when the brightness you mentioned wasn't an issue? Thanks for your help, cheers :-)

[@JackFossett]

The Deluxe Reverb Tone Master might be worth looking into if you're ok with something that isnt tube -- the Blues Jr is definitely boxy alot of the time so I'd avoid that. Personally I prefer the Princeton to the HRD, however, the HRD is definitely more gigging versatile and a great amp.

[@michaelheinz3954]

@@JackFossett Thanks Jack, that helps alot. I can see why you prefer the Princeton, the HRDlx just seems to meet my needs slightly better. Cheers!

[@kevinstuart5694]

I am interested in this amp. I love the blues junior and I think it sounds great as is but once I put any OD/distortion pedal in front it does get boxy. Uncharacteristically so but, as is it's great and I love the reverb

[@DNYS8N]

I know this is something you didn’t think you would have to explain but with all the options like power amp preamp foot switch what do you plug your pedal into again? I didn’t realize this amp struggled with compression and crunch and the volume of being too loud. Seems like outdoor restaurants and events all yiu need on a budget is a katana 50 or stage right 15w. It seems like the Hot Rod is only versatile with pedal experimentation. I just bought one and will try it out. I had a Mustang GTX but all the options and my ADHD made me frustrated. The best amp I played was a little 5w battery operated Katana. Lol. I use a Roland street cube for gigs. The Hot Rod I bought is the III and I got fairly cheap so I’ll try it. I had a great clean amp which I sold because it could’t crunch or take pedals. Seems like the only benefit to this one is it takes pedals but I’ll give it a go. I think I want the cleaner side of crunchy.

[@timpage9195]

I have an older hot rod Deluxe, its very loud, and the Reverb on this amp is Awesome,,i cant push it past 1 or it is too much,,plus the drive, more drive channel is all you need for some heavy rock overdrive, ive played some clubs with this and have only had to have the master volume at 4, just wish it had an extension speaker output to run it into a 212 or 412 cab

[@JimmyRadloff]

I picked one up a couple days ago and I like it. I'm putting a celestion creamback alnico 90 in it tomorrow and I'm gonna run my Headrush pedalboard through it.

[@JackFossett]

Nice! Into the effects loop with an amp model or straight in?

[@JimmyRadloff]

I'll try both and see which sounds better.

[@richardlecomte4874]

I. Using a pair of hrds with a dream 65 pedal through the fx loop. Working great for me

[@Joe_whatuknow]

I love my hot rod deluxe. I have a HRD II, but I've switched the speaker out to the celestian A-type that is in the IV after not using the amp for a year or two. It really needed that speaker up-grade to do what I needed. Its back to being my favorite amp.

[@Hotitalianman]

I have had my eminence in mine since 98. I love it. Tried one with Vintage 30 selection and did not like it..too midrange...too British..wanted to stick to the American tone.

[@Joe_whatuknow]

@@Hotitalianman I don't blame you. The eminence sounded great with the amp clean. I just thought the low end sounded bad on mine with the kind of distortion I used and the amount I needed. Sounded like the amp was farting a bit.

[@jonathanratcliffe5714]

Thanks Joe, I've been wondering about doing that swap. Sounds like it's worth a punt.

[@foreverjulybass85]

I like this video because I have destroyed my settings on my hot rod and don't remember the "good one's" I had. Do you think the first or second channel's take Distortion fuzz pedals better? I had it set up beauty it I have no idea what they were anymore. But my amp was also modded by a guy in Nashville for a "dark, mid and bright" switch. They're awesome but you can't switch between while playing. And the reverb was replaced with a better one as well. Any info is appreciated. And either way, thanks for the ideas. I'm playing kewl cleans and lots of fuzz right now.

[@jasonmagyar4683]

What was the plug in arrangement with the pod go?

[@jasoncox7257]

Ya gotta love old school toothpaste green on a strat. My Guru mate has a Tokai breezy sound in toothpaste. Man, that's the best tone strat I've ever played. Low output pickups.

[@ralex3697]

Tokai was sued by Fender, their guitars were that good

[@jasoncox7257]

@@ralex3697 Yep. I'm gonna buy one but need to sell some of the stuff I don't play first.

[@phatnecks8026]

Great video Jack! I just bought my first Hot Rod Deluxe a few days ago. I am pairing it up with my twin reverb. Using the twin for vibrato and reverb. I was curious ... you mentioned plugging in a digital unit into the Power amp input. I have a spider amp (non tube) and I wonder if I could do the same with that. It has 2 RC out put on the back. Would I burn something up if I plugged that into the Power amp input?. I have plugged it into my sound card on my computer to record and had no issues. What are your thoughts?

[@guitareagle1330]

If you did the preamp or fx loop out of the spider into the poweramp in of the fender, then yes

[@soulcage6228]

Which do you recommend as better multi fx pedal platform? This or blues deluxe?

[@ricardogomezvasquez3291]

Used to own a fender champion 100 and it was extremely loud, noisy, heavy and did not take pedals well. I play rock and sometimes metal through a REVV G3. Shall I get HRD, HR Deville or even a blues junior? I only play at small gigs and usually there is a PA system.

[@ryj2848]

How would you compare this amp to a peavey classic 30? (i.e., eq, clean sound, and reverb) I'm debating offering a trade of my peavey.

[@jessehernandez3688]

Great guitar player awesome

[@stuckinamomentt]

How does it compare with the 65 Deluxe or 68 custom deluxe?

[@filipedoria9561]

Great Video, man! btw, in your opinion, should I get this amp or a Marshall DSL40? Hardest decision ever '-' I need help, I am a gear noob

[@JackFossett]

That is a very hard decision in fact, those are both great amps and pretty on par with each other. I'm personally more of a Fender fan but I also gigged with a DSL40 for a few years and really enjoyed it. I guess it depends on what sound you're going for, who are your favorite players that you want to sound most like?

[@thelisted3004]

How do you feel about your cleans? Because the clean tones on the fender hot rod deluxe are second to none..

[@JackFossett]

@@thelisted3004 again it depends on the style. The DSL actually has an exceptional clean which suits more of a classic rock tone in a lot of ways.

[@richardlecomte4874]

@@thelisted3004 I gigged with one of each. Sometimes in stereo and sometimes a/b or wet and dry. I like running the what only to the Marshall and modulation to the fender. Years before that I did the same with a super and a Marshall tube combo...forget the model but the tone in both cases is magic.

[@felixayala05]

Gonna try input 2 tonight. I’ve had 3 of these things and never dawned on me. Smh

[@leonlowery3389]

were you using the reverb pedal into the effects loop then out into the 808 then into the clean channel, or the reverb pedal into the 808 into the effects loop then out into the clean channel? I've been an acoustic player all my life (I'm 76) and don't understand this stuff much. Very helpful video.

[@JackFossett]

808 goes directly from guitar into the amp, reverb into an FX Loop goes in on its own. Separate cable loop. Preamp out into Reverb pedal input, Reverb pedal output to Power Amp In.

[@gilku4725]

My hotrod deluxe sounds great when i dial it in but it breaks up at volume 4 using texas special neck pickup. Is there a way to avoid the break up sound at higher volumes?

[@adrianjuarez5700]

Controla la rotura desde el volúmen de tu guitarra.

[@matheusleao2035]

is a laney lionheart L20T combo 1x12 better than this amp?

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

I have two reverb and two delay 1 in effect loop 1. in the front cool sound

[@kenodysseys]

I love my HRD but OMG it’s noisy at idle on the gain channels. On clean side it’s hissy anything about 4 and up on the volume. There is nothing wrong with my amp either. In perfect condition new tubes “Tung Sols and new capacitors” original HRD with the circuit board dated 2002.

[@tonyboone305]

Thought I heard the Allman Brother’s Band’s “Back Where It All Began” at the beginning.

[@JackFossett]

Different song but similar chord progression

[@jonathanaldana4941]

Hi I’m pretty new to all this but has anyone run a fuzz pedal or an overdrive through your fx loop and will it change up your tone ?

[@JackFossett]

Running a drive pedal into the FX loop is a whole different ball game - it does change your tone, all depends on how you set it up.

[@dhavalsoni861]

How does the HRD IV in particular take fuzz pedals? I found them to crack up at high gain.. any suggestions on how to get better fuzz tones from the amp?

[@JackFossett]

Its hard to say, fuzz pedals are all so vastly different.

[@DeadmanDance]

I got the Deville IV and mostly use fuzzes. On the clean channel, I go up to 9 (so the amp is not really clean, but breaking up a little) and the drive channel, drive high (using on 12) and master to match the clean channel. This way I got a beefier channel and a puncher one. Drive channel with gain dialed low, for some reason, my pedals sounded muffled. Gain up and everything is amazing.

[@edavidson55]

Make the 2nd channel sweet and usable. Change V2 to a 12DW7. It won't affect your clean channel but makes the drive and more drive great options. I rarely use the clean channel anymore.

[@gioigeniale6711]

my deville hot rod teaches my E string in bridge position to fly.and it does.

[@spacejamgoliath]

As far as affordable tube amps, I really love my Bassbreaker

[@JackFossett]

Ya know the Bassbreaker 15 combo is still one of the amps that has stood out to me most in the past decade or so

[@spacejamgoliath]

@@JackFossett same. It's a great value, sounds great clean, and really loves pedals

[@joeyjojo8200]

Hi there Jack, I was wondering: this amp or a Blues Junior 3 if I would use it for home use only?

[@JackFossett]

Hmm hard to say. I personally think this amp gives more versatility, and yet my gut tells me the Blues Jr may be better. I'd go with the IV if I had a choice though.

[@joeyjojo8200]

Thanks for your advice, Jack! Do you mean version 4 of the Blues Junior or version 4 of the Hot rod deluxe? I have a Blues Junior 3 and I would like more spread (or a fuller type) of sound, if you know what I mean. 😀

[@jasondorsey7110]

@@joeyjojo8200 Since you already have a bj3, I'd say look into an extension cab to run it through, that will take away the boxiness often associated with small low wattage amps, I run a '74 champ through a 2x12 and it's awesome

[@Austinomical]

Can this be used at home volumes for practice-just for cleans of course?

[@JackFossett]

Oh yes, definitely. In fact I think the cleans sound great at low volume.

[@borawastaken]

Hey man I had a question about the amp. I recently got this amp. When I’m playing at home, that sounds great the tone is great. I’m having a hard time keeping the tone exactly the same in a gig setting when I had to turn it up because it gets really loud on stage. I’m getting the tube saturation because of the volume. I got this amp because I loved the clean tone you get out of the clean channel. I don’t care about the saturated dirt you get from driving the tube hard. I prefer getting the overdrive/distortion tones from pedals. How can I have a squeaky cleans while still staying loud?

[@protoolsfanatic7276]

I know this post is old and know one has answered you so I will. This amp on clean channel is one of the cleanest amps around. You shouldn't be getting any tube distortion until your volume is over 6 or 7 and wouldn't think your running it that loud because that it really loud lol. Some possibilities for unwanted distortion is if your using a external speaker mismatched ohms or amp has been modded in anyway including changing tubes or your on wrong amp channel.

[@borawastaken]

@@protoolsfanatic7276 I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I did figure it out eventually. I talked to someone from sweet water and they were very helpful. I was pushing the preamp too hard so I was getting all the distortion. I got tired of hauling this 50 lb beast so I actually ended up trading this amp and getting a tone master twin reverb and I absolutely love that amp.

[@jamesjudd6577]

@@protoolsfanatic7276 k

[@Macmax7077]

Some people dismiss the HRD, I guess it is those who never play live. I own 2 very expensive Boutique amps and I just got a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV 2020 "FSR Limited Edition" Vanilla Cane w/Creamback and the little amp rocks to the point I sent a small lick to my friends and they could not believe it was done with a 390 dollars Fender and the amp, LOL.

[@Bellon_am]

I'm thinking bout swapping my hrdx 2 for a marshall origin 50c. I mainly play a strat and get my od sounds from pedals (ocd and russian muff). I mainly play classic rock. Would you recommend changing it? I'll mainly use the amp in a clean -broken up setting, and just for rehearsals with band

[@JackFossett]

I guess it depends more on the character of sound you’re going for. I think the Hot Rod is generally a better amp, the Marshall Origins are extremely bright and a bit brittle. But with pedals they do suit a heavier sound better.

[@Bellon_am]

@@JackFossett yes, you're right. I love the hot rod indeed, I just want to try new amps. I've owned a bassbreaker and a tiny terror which I liked, but I find the hrd better overall. Any suggestions for a combo (in the hrd price range and around 50w)? No vox ac as the other guitar player in the band has got one. Also, great channel! love your videos

[@JackFossett]

Thank you! I have a review coming today of the VHT D-50 which I’m pretty enamored with right now and gets killer tones - really versatile too and can go from clean to mild to gnarly although I don’t think it’s available as a combo. Have you ever played a Peavey Classic series amp? They’re seriously good and fly way under the radar.

[@Bellon_am]

@@JackFossett I'm gonna read some about the vht, I've never tried one or even seen one. I've tried the Peavey long ago. I've like it very much, I remember it kinda similar to the hot rod though

[@JackFossett]

@@Bellon_am they’re definitely similar except I find the drive channel way more usable on the Peaveys

[@BrianAndersonPhotography]

I think you meant HRD IV. It looks like you have version four. I have it. I run the bass in the eq on 4 and I use the second input too. It's actually a -6db cut. I think that's the difference between the two :)

[@JackFossett]

No mine is version III

[@JimmyRadloff]

Version IV has white knobs

[@msaintpc]

Cheap components or not, this is an excellent amp that sounds marvellous. My only con is the power cord is permanently attached to the inside of it. I can't understand why they did that...unless it's cheaper to manufacture and helps keeps it affordable. Still a wonderful amp tho!

[@natem9890]

I don’t own a tube amp, never have, only heard one 1x in person for like 20 seconds as I was blown away. With that being said- what is the difference between the hot rod deluxe and blues deluxe? I have very little knowledge of these amps

[@JackFossett]

The biggest difference is that the hot rod has a much more aggressive Drive channel

[@natem9890]

@@JackFossett okay bet thanks!!

[@mbeliv3763]

thx :) for rockabilly, would you recommand it?

[@JackFossett]

Sure, especially with a delay pedal it would be great for rockabilly

[@viggogrendahl1]

Nice LP... I like the colour (oxblood, I guess).

[@JackFossett]

Officially, from that year, the color was “Merlot” 🍷

[@tom.guitar22]

I bought one of these bad boys for $250 CAD i think, maybe even less. Originally i hated it because i’m a rocker but i’ll try it again, maybe i’ll run the head into a 412 1960A marshall cab and see if i can get a better rock tone 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@mikecorey8370]

Flip flopping between this and Marshall 40 watt. Both have their + and -. I have run my Pod Go in a stereo Mustang 4 amp, with great results. But, it's still not tubes. I'm using a Bugera 55 watt head into a 2-12 cabinet, but just trying to make things simpler.

[@JackFossett]

That actually is a pretty hard choice. I generally prefer Fenders but I gigged with a DSL40 for a long time and really enjoyed it. One of the best Marshall cleans out there. Either one I’d play clean with drive pedals.

[@aaronludwig8150]

Easy choice: if you want distortion/hard rock: the Marshall Cleans/blues/country: Fender

[@AJC-jo3ds]

18:22 that les Paul sounds pretty close to Brian Mays tone...imho

[@georgefromgreece4119]

I have heard it is pretty bassy and low middy for a Fender amp. I am in search of a pretty bright amp abundant in harmonic detail and with lots of headroom for finger picked retro styles: rnr, jazz, surf, country, garage. Cleans mostly. Do you think the HRD could make it, Jack? It is just that a jazzist friend told me he is not enthusiastic about this amp ( had owned it) vs a Deluxe Reverb or Blues Deluxe for instance. Excellent presentation and playing, as always.

[@georgefromgreece4119]

I only play finger picking so I am after more brightness than low mid meat, which I naturally produce.

[@JackFossett]

Its definitely bassy. Alot of heavy frequencies in this amp -- I actually recently reviewed a VHT D Fifty, D style amp, which might suit your needs. You can get there with this amp but I think there are better options out there.

[@georgefromgreece4119]

@@JackFossett thanks a lot, Jack! You are always so eager to help! I really appreciate that!

[@ALBERTOGARCIA-nk9bo]

@@JackFossett Hello Jack. Have you tried killing the low frequencies with an EQ pedal? I tried a mod of C1 lowering from 47uF to 2.2 uF but that change considerably the gain structure of the first stage so I went with the original value.

[@motorcyclemark2889]

With any decent distortion pedal I can get from AC/DC Van Halen Lynyrd Skynyrd to Metalica and SRV to BB KING any tone I want from clean to face melting

[@motorcyclemark2889]

This amp loves pedals and I'm a pedal guy

[@GripperCc]

Which has the purest fender tone Hot rod or blues junior?

[@JackFossett]

Hard to say - probably the hot Rod. But it’s close

[@lenmil8421]

Swapped the reverb tank for a mod 3 Spring...much more lush.

[@leonlowery3389]

ps, I'm mostly playing an ES 330 custom shop 59 reissue P90s.

[@pepuletrz]

take the reverb unit apart and carefully strech the spring out ..if done rite you will love it if done wrong ....you will also love it..or leave it alone.

[@codygoins8832]

I personally can't stand these amplifiers. I love the deluxe reverb but just can't find a really good tone with this amp. 😕

[@rhodrieley7946]

These amps are built for pedals

[@JackFossett]

100%

[@Macmax7077]

Input 1 and 2 description, aahahahhahahahhahahah!🤣

[@brockpinson949]

Nme Jeff Falksit.

[@mr1bienvenu1]

This is one of the most unreliable amps I've ever owned. When they do work they do sound rich.

[@good2020grief]

too much talking, no playing.

[@JackFossett]

Plenty of playing! “No playing” is entirely incorrect. Thanks for the comment though!

[@rhodrieley7946]

This guy reminds me of Tucker Carlson