Fender Super-Sonic: Review, Tone Tips & More

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Welcome to this full demo, settings runthrough, review and tips video on the Fender Super Sonic 60, but the tips really apply to all the Supersonic amps including the 22 and 100. This amp also features an Eminence EM12N Neodymium speaker. Using a Sonicake Echo Rain Digital Delay pedal in the effects loop and the brand new Engl Full Range Boost pedal.
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The use of the Engl Full Range Boost was part of a sponsorship, however, my opinions of the pedal were stated of my own volition.
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]

Thanks for watching! Remember to like and subscribe, and if you enjoy my channel, please join me for some music! www.jackfossett.com

[@xmastucker]

“Use your ears and not your expectations.” This was the first amp I got where I had to abandon the knobs-at-noon mentality and learned to start approaching amps by listening for where the bass, mid, and treble frequencies start sounding sweet and pleasing to my ears.

[@bluzzjazz]

I’ve had the 60 for about 5-6 years. Your description of the EQ settings for the clean channels, were pretty much spot on. On the Vibe channel, I’ll keep treble/ bass at 10/2 and reverse for the Bassman. I play through the Bassman almost exclusively.. I have it miked in an ISO-cab with the volume at 4. DI to the house arrays, it sounds Glorious. As you said, very little overdrive needed. I keep a Mad Professor BlueBird OD as an always on but the gain is only set at 9:00. If you want pristine cleans, the Vibrolux can’t be beat. At 60w, this amp is unbelievably loud, it would be way too loud if not isolated off stage.

[@marcuslee2186]

This video is exactly what I needed. I just bought this amp used and was shocked by the eq differences between the two clean channels. EQing with your ears, not expectations is exactly what I needed to hear.

[@KM-302]

This was the only Fender amp I ever owned that I could get a great tone from, both clean and overdriven. Totally reliable. Had to sell because of the weight. Must get another just for home. Great amp.

[@JackFossett]

I think the 22s are lighter but Id have to check

[@Impractical_Engineer]

Man that super Stratocaster tone at 19:57 is sweet.

[@whiggy]

I know this has nothing to do with the sound but... I like how the elements in this video are visually (positionally) juxtaposed but still balanced, especially in the sound demo part. The two Strats on the wall are the opposite colors of each other (body, pickguard, neck) and then the amp below them features some of those same colors. The blue of the pedal lights and your blue jeans, the red Strat and the red pilot light on the SS, your gray shirt and the gray wall... Man, you gotta spice it up a bit! (kidding, of course) Anywho... all the negatives (or lesser positives, lol) of this amp are actually plusses for me. Sounds better at low volume, is definitely not too dark sounding, has more versatile drive channel than the clean... that's what I want, lol. Just goes to show that, well... horses for courses. Thank you, Jack!

[@shawnc645]

I own the same amp it’s my main dude! But i totally agree with everything you said and thank you so much for the tips and information you provided man your a life saver thanks bro

[@JackFossett]

Glad to hear it!

[@andrewrussell991]

I've owned a 22 for about 4 years... gigged and recorded with it. Jack nailed the characteristics of this amp, both good and bad. Most everything he says about this 60 holds true for the 22, but the dual-model selector on the 60's clean channel I can't speak to.

[@user-nu7xx7pc1d]

totally agree, it is an amp to play live.

[@angusorvid8840]

I think this has the best gain of any Fender I've ever played, not just the amount of gain but the quality. It remains musical, chewy, spongy, organic, and feels wonderful to play, not too compressed like a Boogie and not too spiky on the high end like most British amps. Nothing against British amps, I've owned many and own a Marshall now and love it. But the Super Sonic will be my next amp.

[@DoTheCrunk]

i was thinking of buying one from my dads friend for cheap for a more classic/ clean tone and now i feel as i should from this

[@LeviBulger]

Get a deluxe reverb instead if you want that classic clean tone. It's miles better than the SS. The only real benefit of the SS is that it has a pretty good drive channel and an fx loop. But everyone has issues with the fx loop on these anyway.

[@shckltnebay]

Putting a 12AT7 in V1 on a HRD and it made a huge difference in the overall vintage sounding change to that amp, also read a 12AY or AV in V4 for this amp makes the Reverb much more usable

[@JackFossett]

Yeah those sound like very good ideas - it wouldn’t take much tweaking I think to smooth out some of the rough edges of this amp in general

[@shckltnebay]

@@JackFossett Also a 5751 in V1 on the SS is recommended, Im getting a 22 on Sat hoping it doesnt have the issues but I know what helps

[@gaetanopellegrino4818]

THsk Jack, I looked at your video looking for a resoslution of the noises I can hear at higher settings but overall I love the amp and the way it sound at gigs and rehearshals. For home practice I use my '99 Fender Roc Pro 700, which I would reccommend to try and test too..nice cleans and fun settings!

[@JackFossett]

Cool!

[@songmore]

Has anybody tried this up against the new script version of the SS60? I'm wondering if there is a noticeable difference.

[@nickf9392]

If you get the jumper loop in the back right, you can really get a hell of a kick out of that too, I mean like stadium wall of sound. I have all three super sonics and the 60 is my favorite by far.

[@jdonut513]

Can you elaborate what the jumper loop is? I just bought the 22 version

[@nickf9392]

@@jdonut513 Alas my friend, I am fairly certain you can not jump the 22. The 60 and 100 versions you can use a simple jumper cord, plug it into the effects in AND out, these models have level control knobs on each of these jacks that can be dialed up or down, and is activated on or off with the supplied foot switch. I just checked my 22 and while it has the effects in and outs, it does not have the level control knobs. you can try jumping these two and see what happens, but don't think it will do much. You can always set the amp up to get a good crunch sound then use a Boss OD-1X to improve lead sounds. That is a really nice sounding pedal. Good luck.

[@mattgilbert7347]

I've had my eyes and ears on this amp (it'd be the modern 22, as the old ones don't come up for sale often) for a while now, as a possible replacement for my Blues Jnr for live work. I'm not sure it has the headroom I need to justify the upgrade (and the $$!), as I use pedals - but it sure sounds nice. Lovely Fender amp gain. I see a new Jack upload, I click and like. Maybe it would work for me, I'd have to try it with your tips and my guitar&board. "Knobs at Noon" LOOOL that sounds...umm...wrong. Very wrong.

[@austinrichardmusic6351]

Matt Gilbert a 22 head pushed through the right cab would have good headroom. i have an old 60 and it’s my favourite amp hands down especially that dripping reverb paired with a wampler faux delay!

[@bechhoefereric1291]

I own a 100 head and trick I used is a volume pedal in the amp in and amp out , this alow me to play at home and to break the amp easily. Another trick I use is to use it with a compressor. The compressor at the input is a must for me. The clean Channel is not what u expect from a fender amp. I change the reverb Tank and the cable to achive a solid reverb sound.

[@defin99]

I have the 60w head c/w matching cab (vintage 30's) mine has no reverb though. Great tone and loud as hell. Excellent drive channel and lovely clean tones. 👌

[@kirby671]

Mine doesn't have reverb either! Is yours black? and what is the ohm load on that matching cab?? Mine's at 4ohms

[@defin99]

@@kirby671 mines cream coloured. My 2x12 cab is 8ohms.

[@user-rd1om2wx1e]

It's a great amp. I have the super sonic twin combo . Great amp but super heavy.. You did a great job demoing this amp 😊.

[@janohnisko4316]

I really loved the burn channel on this amp but the clean channel lacked definition for me (no matter if on Vibrolux or Bassman setting). I also loved the feel of 6L6 how it responded to my playing. The lack of definition was a reason I sold mine.

[@JackFossett]

Yeah I can see that. I generally found just alot of harsh overtones that were hard to get rid of.

[@bobbylloyd9208]

Try out a super twin if you want response on a clean tone. They are underrated and rare. If you can find one like I did for $400 take that deal. It is one of the best clean amps that I have ever played.

[@kirby671]

It's so crazy, this sounds like a completely different amp than mine! I have the version 1 and had a 4ohm cab with vintage 30s that I thought were waaaay to harsh. A 16 ohm vintage 30 sounds way better in my opinion. I actually just swapped for some greenbacks and think they work absolutely great for my Supersonic head.

[@philips4074]

I love your playing, especially your cleans. Which Amp is the best for Fender cleans and takes pedals well for classic rock? Please keep making songs, soo good!

[@JackFossett]

I think the best Fender amps (consumer level) are the reissues. The 68 Custom series are really cool too, which are "kind of" reissues. But especially if you're using pedals, the Princeton, Deluxe, Vibrolux, or tweed models like the Bassman.

[@Redbelo]

Nice , I have the 100 watt head , I bought a 2x12 supersonic cab and I was very pleased , but when I replaced the speakers I was blow away , I replaced with the WGS et65 , I don’t know why fender placed a v30 on this amp , I think they were trying to go after Marshall’s tone , the et65 are mid scooped , and just sound fenomenal , I am actually considering buying a Ss 22 for weight , great amp

[@gabbyjay6822]

it's a good amp but my only complaint is it's heavy as hell and seems to get heavier as I get older lol

[@mondoinc]

I don’t understand why people chase a specific eq when it will always depend on the room you’re playing in. Funny

[@michaelhelou8603]

Great demo!!!

[@JackFossett]

Thanks!

Great video! My first and only Tube amp. bought it in 2006 if I remember correctly. I'm very disappointed with all the fizz, hiss and noise mine produces, even with the noisy reverb toned all the way down. Brought it to the shop and thought there was something wrong with it cause of all the noise but the shop guy told me to buy a Peavey 30 and sell this one cause at every gain stage the noise floor rises. There are just way too many tubes (gain stages), IMO, in my 60. Been trying to find modifications to lower the noise floor but to no avail. Do you know any tricks? Cheers Arni Geir

[@1crunchy2]

that's a custom shop shop tele in the background. good taste in tone. thanks Jack.

[@Jonobueno]

If you need a volume boost use your volume knob on your guitar. Like the old days. Once you get the feel for it you'll throw all of your boost crap on eBay.

[@CoffeeConversationMusicGear]

@JackFossett Great video! I owe a version of this amp the Super Sonic 22. I wasn’t sure if you mentioned which incarnation this Super Sonic was if it was SS 60 or not but the versatility of the amp is amazing. I love this as my Swiss Army knife type amp. Perfect pedal platform too. But what I love about the amp is that the gains are usable!

[@angusorvid8840]

I agree with you regarding Celestions for this amp. They are too brittle. EV type speakers, transparent speakers, sound best. I like speakers that let the true tone of the amp shine through. This is not to say I don't like Celestions at all. I have one in a Marshall combo and it's fine. But generally I like transparent speakers.

[@SevanStick]

Whats the ‚true tone of the amp‘?

[@reyramirez5695]

Nice review/demo. Have you tried a SS 100 head or twin combo? Might solve some of the problems you mentioned and keep the cleans cleaner at louder volumes.

[@JackFossett]

I haven’t but I think you’re probably correct there

[@reyramirez5695]

@@JackFossett I have read about issues with the older SS 22 models, and I guess also the 60, and 100W models about popping sounds when switching channels, some sqeal noise issue maybe related to the reverb (and mods that can possibly fix them). but i don't know if those problems are in all amps or just a portion of what's out there used. the 100 also seems to suffer with some possible problem with autobias feature.

[@brianrodman1033]

I have the 100w 2x12 combo and there is plenty of clean headroom. It also has an added gain knob on the clean channels which is different from the 22 and 60.

[@richardshank9583]

I own this one mine is the black one but also version one like yours. I swapped the speaker out for eminence swamp Thang I actually find myself often going back to the v30 that was in it. When you have the volume up with the swamp Thang it has a very bright attack I find unpleasant that the v30 doesn't do. I also do love how the v30 breaks up more easily without getting too loud. I also hate that though. I think I'm gonna drop a Texas heat in it to darken up the top end. I love it though.

[@pfalcon626]

If you want a later breakup, you might want to look into changing the tubes… Maybe JJ’s or TubeAmp Doctor. Not sure what are recommended for this model, but I’m aware that both of the above brands will offer more headroom before breaking up than GrooveTubes or Sovteks

[@thepajamajams]

I have that exact amp, stock. Not enough low end for my taste. The highs are just too much even when dialed out. Best putting an eq pedal in the loop to add lows and tame the highs.

[@twirlyboggs]

try a 12ay7 in v4 to kill hiss, will make the amp dead silent at idle

[@neperp]

Will this also silence the hiss from the reverb?

[@twirlyboggs]

@@neperp all I know about the reverb, is mine got to where it was very faint and I would have to turn it to like 6-7 just to get it to barely have any verb. and after bringing it in they found something wrong on the board they had to fix and now I got normal reverb. I set mine to about 2 1/2 or 3 but it still had hiss at idle until I changed out v4.

[@jst601]

Do the current model 22 watters do the "harsh" thing you refer to several times or has that been addressed ?

[@benedekgabor.]

It's a good review. I wonder how your Sheraton sound like through it. Can you please do one with semi hollows?

[@JackFossett]

I'll see what I can do!

[@benedekgabor.]

@@JackFossett Thanks in advance.🙂

[@adeptgopnik]

Im thinking about getting a Warehouse ET-65 for mine to run with one of the celestion vintage 30's. I should also mention i have the 60 watt head version with the 2x12 speaker cab. Anyone have any run ins with that combo on this amp and have any feedback?

[@MMN19906]

Hi Jack I wanna buy a Fender amp and m hesitating between a Supersonic 22 and a Princton 65, the Super Sonic 22 looks a more versatile amp and a more for you money amp....what's you're opinion for home, rehearsal and giving use? Thanks

[@JackFossett]

The Supersonic is definitely more versatile but I’m way more of a Princeton fan. I’d take a Princeton with a good Od/Distortion personally.

[@charleswilson9654]

An excellent detailed overview on the nuances of the SuperSonic 60. I was looking for the Vibrolux tone with a few more watts. The 60 gets close, but doesn't quite nail that Vibrolux vibe. I'll buy two Vibrolux amps and chain link them. Thanks for great review, Jack.

[@JackFossett]

If I’ve steered someone into a Vibrolux over a Supersonic, then I’ve done my job 🍻

[@fknbrett]

Got my 60 last night - Started at 12 o’clock & ended up pretty much where he was for the single coils - Think we’re gonna get alone fine ….

[@lushkordz6643]

this dude is a gold mine 🏅

[@Tecniconta]

Yo quite el Celestion 30 y puse un Jupiter 12LC creo que el resuitado general es mucho mejor!!

[@demantoid418]

Thanks Jack I have been thinking about a fender deluxe reverb for a year or so. I like the super sonic but i still want a DR so your vid didnt change that. but you do know how to make it sound great.. thanks again

[@JackFossett]

Yeah, I'm with you. I'd prefer a DR over a Supersonic.

[@camwalters9111]

I just got a DR and it has really bad static noise, does the super sonic have this as well?

[@demantoid418]

@@camwalters9111 I dont think the DR should have static at all. At least no more than a Super Sonic. Maybe its where you have it set up. or are you using single coil pickups? It could be a light close to you as you play causing the noise. sorry you are having problem's

[@camwalters9111]

demantoid I don’t know if it was a faulty one or what, it was the electric blue limited version but I sent it back and got a Bassbreaker 30r and it’s excellent, no noise.

[@jonathanbrazee3846]

"Some harsh frequencies , can sound brash at higher volumes". Dude, it's the speaker not the amp.

[@JackFossett]

It’s definitely the amp. Happens with multiple speakers.

[@RockAndBlues7]

Hey jack I'm on a new amp hunt and I'm stuck on two amps 68 deluxe reverb and supersonic 22 combo, so according to you which one should I buy?

[@JackFossett]

If you’re ok getting drive from pedals I’d go with the Deluxe all the way

[@RockAndBlues7]

@@JackFossett I'm not a pedal guy

[@JackFossett]

@@RockAndBlues7 supersonic then

[@ficknoti]

Get A volume box in the fx loop and your good to go

[@guyconnell2250]

I got one of these almost immediately after they came out. In fact, a Fender rep came to my town and hit up the guy who sold the Supersonic to me to "borrow" one of his to do a clinic on the amp here in my town. Well, they had none in stock at the time so they "borrowed" mine. A few things, I really like the Vibrolux channel with a Strat. Not so much with a Tele or Gibson. The Bassman channel is to middy for me. The "Burn" channel is ok. I actually prefer a Keeley Bluesdriver or Tone Bone pedal in front of the Clean channel for my distortion. The possibilities there are legion. I run the treble on the clean at about 3ish, and the Bass about 7ish, volume at 3-4.

[@GianSchuh]

Hello Jack! Nice tips on the amp! To avoid some of those "harsh" frequencies that comes with the volume, can i use the jump on the effects loop with lower volume instead of using as a boost? I think this amp could match perfectly with a celestion G12-65 speaker, isn't it?

[@JackFossett]

Yes, absolutely -- although I found the effects loop still didn't sound as good as using a boost with it. I personally find alot of Celestions to be too edgy, but thats just my personal preference. Objectively speaking that would be a fine match.

[@barbarasmith3579]

Hi Jack really enjoyed you guitar advice! I had the 60 watt version of this amp, and loved it for the great sounding tremolux button in it,but not the weight! Is there a way to use the button on the 22 watt version of that amp to do the tremolux sound on my 22 watt version of that amp?

[@HeyLiem]

I think this also comes in a separate cabinet and head version. I think I saw Brian Setzer in the Stray Cats using that set up two months ago in Ohio. His tone was OK but I was quite surprised, was he playing an outdoor venue with just 60 Watts, relying on the PA system to do the rest? I was quite disappointed with the concert because it seemed so timid, no monster guitarist attack, it was a far cry from more aggressive bands that tour there with some loud volume and they just use the PA to fill-in the problem spots. I thought fender had discontinued these supersonic models for a while? Are they back now already? I don't really like fender combo amps that come with gain or master controls anymore, like the 70s silver face twin reverb's, they sound harsh and you only get half the volume clean, The rest of the volume is only from distortion added. I recently bought a Sweetwater fender twin reverb with neodymium 65 watt speakers, 85 watts from the amp. Turns out the speakers are less wattage than a standard twin Reverb, supposedly the rare earth magnet makes up the difference and you'll like it. I guess we all have to deal with finding that sweet spot sound. Will it come from an amp cranked all the way up that sounds perfect but it must always be played at maximum volume? Or will it come from a clean sounding amp and a good fuzz pedal that can be played at various lower volumes.

[@sugarlife485]

i love Brian he does not use this amp as far as I know he uses the Blonde Bassmans

[@Cautionary-Tales-Band]

It would be pretty messy to rely on amp volume for anything other than a tiny (

[@tayewilliams1995]

Is it louder than a deville 4x10 without breaking up?

[@JackFossett]

No, DeVille has way more clean headroom

[@89ji76]

Does the clean channel have enough head room to play with a heavy handed drummer?

[@JackFossett]

Hard to say. It breaks up early, but it also gets blisteringly loud early. So it’s probably in the middle - I wouldn’t expect like a Twin Reverb clean, but it won’t be totally crunchy.

[@89ji76]

Jack Fossett Will upping the return volume give you any more clean volume? Since I assume that works after the preamp stage(?)

[@JackFossett]

You could try it. In theory that would help.

[@nickf9392]

Have the 22, 60 and 100. The 60 is the best of the three. I run an EP booster on it and very nice tone both clean and dirty. The 100 was a mess, wont even tell all the problems with that.

[@JackFossett]

Right on! Boosters work really well with these amps. I had a 22 also at one point but I haven't had much time with the 100s.

[@brianrodman1033]

That must be nice to have used all three of the different models. I have a Super Sonic Twin (100w 2x12 combo w/ Celestion V30s). From what I’ve read online I got lucky with mine as it doesn’t seem to be nearly as problematic as many of them reportedly are. I’ve always wanted to try out the 22 watt version. I would think it would be more appropriate for my needs as a 100 watt amp is extremely overpowered for what I need. I can easily keep it in the 25 watt setting and still not max out the clean headroom. Still I would have to spend some time with the 22 watt model before I could comfortably sell mine. I would imagine that between the difference in wattage and going from two speakers to a single 12” with a smaller cab that they would feel quite different.

[@nickf9392]

@@brianrodman1033 You are correct. The biggest thing these amps have in common is the basic function, specifically the gain 1 gain 2 feature, not how they sound. They sound substantially different from each other. Tip, I like getting the head only version, as it gives you a lot of options via different speaker cabs. And that can have a huge impact on the sound of any amp. The 22 is a kick ass little amp, it just seemed like it had something in the sound that I didn't completely care for and followed all thru the EQ adjustments. But hey you might really dig it.

[@JackJames9648]

Bassbreaker?

[@JackFossett]

JackJames9648 IMO the bass breakers SMOKE the super sonics

[@JackJames9648]

So you mean is way better?

[@JackFossett]

JackJames9648 yeah I think the bass breakers are significantly better than the super sonics

[@i3oosted]

Over 14 minutes in and not a single note played lmao

[@JackFossett]

0:01

[@youbryandarragh]

Thanks for the review, but surely this amp will not sound as good as it should do at the volume you are playing it. There is a guy called Johan Segeborn on youtube, has done loads of reviews. Every amp review he does is clearly blasting the amp to save his hearing, but to get the best out of the amp. Its a shame you didn't do the same. Any driven tone you played just sounded a bit weak. Please know very much appreciated, but bear in mind maybe?

[@JackFossett]

No I think this amp sounds harsh and ice picking at higher volumes, which I talk about very plainly in the video.

[@JohnFender]

I only hear distortion! Bad demo…

[@gatormcklusky5850]

starts playing at 14:54 if you want to skip all the BS talk. not a good vid

[@JackFossett]

I start playing at 0:01 🤔