Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb Review: The World's Most Giggable Amp

[@YawpMusic]

If you have to put them side-by-side to see if there is difference, the difference doesn't matter.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Oooh indeed how true! Of course this thing is different than a real tube amp, still sounds great though 👍

[@petergraham9267]

Absolutely spot on! Best comment up here! So much so, mine is inbound as soon as Fender can ship one 😎👍

[@jacobbrown1690]

i have the tube version...tried the solid state....so different. ok 37 pounds compared to 20 pounds. 37 pounds is doable and the touch response is so much nicer on the tube version. get the special edition with the jensen alnico...5 pounds lighter, sounds better and breaks up at 5.

[@craiglush443]

@@jacobbrown1690 i played one yesterday at a music store and was in owe. I compared it to the tube reissus and it was a very slight difference. NOt enough to not buy which I should have on the spot but I left to go to another music store the time I got back it was sold. They had a twin there too which I thought i would like more but the deluxe sounded better to my ears. Anyone a/b both of those amps.

[@whimpypatrol5503]

Born yesterday? I don't have to put a reissue fender tube side-by-side a vintage. The difference is unmistakable, something Fender doesn't admit. But, I would like to A/B the tonemaster with a real (not reissue) '65 because the tonemaster, unlike the reissue, sounds like an authentic blackface in a lot of videos

[@MrNachoponcho]

I’ve had the deluxe reverb tone master for the last 6 months or so can say it is BY FAR the best gigging amp I have ever used. Reliable, lightweight and sounds BETTER than any deluxe reissue I’ve ever played. Plus the attenuator is amazing to have. This is coming from someone who has owned every reissue, and a tone king imperial and I still prefer this guy. Just bought a twin for more headroom if I need it.

[@matthorner35]

I can attest to this, I've had mine for a year or so, I think the biggest benefit is the attenuator as it is insanely useful for gigs to hit that sweet spot and still mic it through a PA despite venue size.

[@Childofbhaal]

Would you still recommend this over a PRRI?

[@ditchgator1]

Agreed😎👍👍 😎✌👍❤🖖

[@patrickmoore5580]

A rare but wonderful thing….a reviewer who makes it about the amp in question rather than himself. Truly informative. Thankyou.

[@ropatidee5427]

In my 70's now. I grew up around blackface Fender amps AND mullard, rca, telefunken etc tubes. I've owned and played blackface princeton reverbs, deluxe reverbs, twins and a super reverb. I own a deluxe reverb tonemaster. Do I like it as much as the blackface amps with great tubes. ...yes, but it's not the same. I much prefer the deluxe tonemaster over the reissue deluxe reverbs even with "today's tubes" in them. I hate the spring reverb in the reissue deluxe reverbs.....nothing like the accutronics and others used back when. The reverb in the tonemaster has a much better sound than the reissues. I LOVE the variable output. The "standby" switch serves as a mute, for amp off on stage or direct recording. The xlr out has 2 cabinet models...I really like them. There are a lot if very sweet spots once you get them dialed in. I found it changes with various output settings. If I could still carry a deluxe reverb, I' d still have a blackface with nos tubes and a weber speaker. I'll take the sound of this amp and versatility any day of the week. It has the Fender Vibe big time. My opinion only. Oh yes, gigging since 1962.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Those are well thought out and very qualified opinions! I agree that this amp is not exactly like a tube deluxe, but that’s not at bad thing! It’s still very very good. Plus, what is a “tube deluxe” - I’ve played dozens, and every one of them is completely different from each other!

[@emcg.9655]

Hard to argue with that!

[@guitarworks2546]

I have found that every tube amp I have ever played/owned sounds different the instant you change the tubes....I am just shy of 60 myself and have also had decades of playing under my belt....most recently I have had to "dial in' a Laney VC30, which I Love...NOW....I was ready to give up on it, having bought it as a small gigging amp....after trying multiple different preamp tubes...in all different positions..(all 12AX7)....then finally trying multiple different output tubes as well....this took HOURS...until...finally the amp has just the right amount of gain/breakup to overall noise ratio....and most of all the overbearing top end is under control and sounds sweet and warm instead of an icepick in your eyeball...in fact it sounds REALLY good, especially the clean channel, for NOW anyway....and the reverb is on par with a deluxe....this is exactly what the Tonemaster promises NOT to be....a true lack of consistency won't be found in an amp like this...I had a Deluxe back in the mid-70's...I hated that amp..but I was in my Teens, and If I knew then what I know now....a couple of new tubes and maybe a different speaker would have cured all it's problems, and I have often wished that I had hung onto it instead of practically giving it away. these new amps will never need a new tube, will always sound the same this week as it sounded last week and the month before that (forgiving any change in the sound of the speaker as the edges soften and it "warms up" a bunch. and if the sound is really good (albeit "different" ) out of the box then that is a very good thing indeed....oh yes and re the "twin"....let's not even mention the weight!

[@colinhodson9443]

Interesting view from a player who has paid his dues AND owned the classic valve amps !! I just do NOT want to carry the damn things anymore ! I am def going to move in to the 21st Century....

[@soundmapper]

Guitar Works Even fender was saying that the tube amps sound different from amp to amp, and that the tonemaster was the best representation of the sound from the test group.

[@bradnewsom6058]

Do have to say though, my ultimate gigging scenario would involve a roadie moving my stuff...gotta have dreams.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

I like the way you think! It's good to have solid, actionable goals :-)

[@vinniedixiemusic]

one day just let me know . i can be the roadie

[@digbyranford6657]

I like a lot of others was a valve snob, however I played this next to a real one and I could not believe how good it was. I actually preferred it to the valve amp. I think if your on the fence you have to try it. It’s amazing !

[@michaelchappell6570]

You got me on the Fender Tone Master Reverb and the sounds and above all I like the way you did the demo next time I go to my music shop to get some service done I will check it out. Cheers Michael-Sydney-Australia Sept 2020, Stay safe and keep playing.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Argh and now they came out with Blonde Reissues too! So many choices!

[@maggieo]

Man, your play-out sounded like heaven! Cool stuff, Eric. Thanks!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks Maggie! I really really love my pedals ❤️

[@MichaelYork629]

A guy who actually checks in real time if his microphone in clipping? What is this magic? Awesome job man. Really like that. Most reviewers just mess with everything and the clipping on clean coming from the microphone ruins it for me.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks Michael! I'm no audio engineering expert, but i try to make things sound as good as possible!

[@MichaelYork629]

Eric Haugen I’m glad you do, I’ll be checking out your channel a lot in the future.

[@WilliamPage]

One of the best reviews I have watched. Clean technique and nice calm information delivery. I really enjoyed your video!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks so much William! It's funny, I'm actually much more comfortable teaching on camera than I am talking about gear. But this time I was having so much fun playing around with this amp it was easy :-)

[@Doctor-en8dj]

Late to this party, but man your playing is so great. I feel that your playing brings out the best in this combo. And you convinced me to get a Deco.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks so much! And YASSSSS the Deco is the best!

[@fernandes5986]

The first few minutes of the videos were magical, you made it sound like nobody could, just like a record. Then you reduced the power to 0.2 Watt and everything crumbled. Can't wait to see the A/B with your friend's tube amp, specially on dynamics and edge of breaking setup.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah I gotta play around with that milliwatt setting - it’s the only thing I’m not blown away by on this amp.

[@adamherring6693]

This amp is absolutely fantastic, I have this one and the twin version, the trick is with this It can cover all I need, it’s a great pedal platform, it’s reliable and it’s loud, XLR Out is fabulous. Very nice video Eric. 👏👏

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah! I’ve recently been enjoying the darker NORMAL channel (better for fuzzes). And yeah - the xlr out and cab sims are so useful!

[@jperryfan]

Now Marshall has to do a Bluesbreaker version & Vox an AC30. If they can match the quality of this well that would be a game changer. Great playing as usual by the way. Cheers!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

I know! I've thought the exact same thing - lightweight modeling versions of classic amps that LOOK like classic amps! Take my money!

[@07BSPtC]

I’m waiting for a mesa mkIIc+

[@andreasatlars4281]

It sounds pretty damn good without any of the inconveniences of a tube amp, especially one that's more than half a century old. I love vintage gear, but frankly I don't think it's always very practical for everyday use. Maybe I'm just lazy, but I'd rather spend my time on other things than maintenance. Like playing guitar and writing songs.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah! I haven't investigated the low power mode enough, but with a good overdrive pedal you'd be all set, and have the easiest time loading in and out of gigs!

[@RyanHicks306]

What are your thoughts between this and the Twin Tone Master? I tried this one and like it. I did a gig last year where they supplied a real Twin and it was beautiful. I used to have a Bassman Reissue and missed that big sound (not loud, but pushing air through the speakers). I sort of got that from the Twin. The amp for me at a gig or recording is clean for a pedal platform and I am curious how the Twin would compare to the Deluxe. I know I like the Deluxe, but want that bigger sound (not louder and not 80 lbs like a real Twin). Mind you, I did really like my Bassman and it is not a heavy amp at all.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Oooh those are all good amps! I haven't had the chance to try the twin but I think Erik @livingroomgeardemos has one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4i7omeeeMaKkK8 His vids are gorgeous

[@tedparkinson6892]

I just bought this amp and love it! You don't even mention the amazing recording options including XLR output, two IR options and software upgrades!

[@guitarworks2546]

yahoo!! finally someone who has the brains to edit their audio track in a proper fashion before posting a demo video!!! what do I mean? well....there are countless review videos out there where the narration mic stays live throughout the player trying to demo the sound of the amp. nothing sounds worse than when you hear the acoustic string noise from the guitar along with the amp sound...something that happens when you leave the (in this case) lavalier mic live along with the amp mic....or worse, just play everything into a phone or camera mic....you want to hear the AMP.....you hear this a couple of times during non-critical parts of this video, but for the most part, the lavalier gets muted when the amp is being played! this is the RIGHT way to record/demo ANY amp....so take note....this amp sounds good...really good....but most importantly this video is also edited correctly to allow the listener to hear only the amp mic in the important places! I am thrilled.....to anyone who does NOT do this with their audio track on any given demo you may be posting.....your video will SUCK and should not be watched by anyone who has any real understanding of what they are listening to. so..don't do it...and LEARN from this .

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yay! Thanks for noticing my perfectionism! My lav mic captures horrible room honk so it's best to mute it out to really hear things without comb filtering and whatnot :-)

[@SteveGuitar]

Dang, your videography is eclipsed by your audio quality which is eclipsed by your killer playing. Bravo!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks my guitar brother! You know how much work goes into creating 10 mins of HD video :-)

[@SteveGuitar]

Eric Haugen Hahaha, you know it! Keep it up!

[@gunkanjima3408]

Interestingly enough, I like when you speak because it’s short, sweet and to the point. You jam - Then repeat. Seems simple, but great demos aren’t dime a dozen

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks man! I try to keep the balance between talking a bit to cover salient points I'd like to make, and then playing enough so that folks can hear the amp :-)

[@chadfavre]

@~8:30 Are you playing the opening song to Big Little Lies?

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yup! I love that song/record - gonna do a lesson on it in a few weeks!

[@Trenchant463]

That outro was the money riff! I think this amp is great - even exactly mimicking the break up of the tube version.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks Jeff! Once you combine this amp with some pedals it really takes off!

[@JasonTMays]

Couple of things: Firstly, outside of the fender videos, I think you may have the best demo of what this amp is capable of. Secondly: did you just play a riff from “cold little heart” by Michael Kwianuka near the end? And lastly, it took me awhile to dial in my Tone Master Twin...but after doing so, it sounds amazing. I think a lot of people are missing the point of this amp, while no it doesn’t sound exactly like a reissue or vintage twin...it still sounds like a twin and to my ears it sounds like it sits between reissue and vintage tube versions.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks Jason! Good ears - that was indeed a snippet of "Cold Little Heart" - I love that dude! I think I'm gonna do a vid lesson on that track - it's sooooo goooood. And yeah, I totally agree - these amps are not tube amps, but they're certainly close enough for rock n roll!

[@JasonTMays]

Eric Haugen dude!!!! Please do a video lesson for that song, I loved your video lesson that did for “The War On Drugs” and really your taste in both music and gear is what sold me on your channel! (That mustang you have is the bees knees!) but yea, I think they’re a good alternative and I really hope the tone master series does well...cause I could go for a future Tone Master Princeton Reverb,

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

@@JasonTMays Thanks Jason! We must both have impeccable tastes! Yeah, I'm 100% doing a version of "Cold Little Heart" - I'll probably come out in late November :-)

[@JasonTMays]

Eric Haugen I agree!!! We just became best friends through our impeccable music taste! Lol. And I’m stoked! I can’t wait to see this lesson!!!!

[@mightyluv]

Great review, and your playing really showcases the amp's tonal range. I'm going to play back the last minute or two and finish my coffee. Thanks.

[@riffsvanwinkle]

Most compelling demo of this amp so far. Great playing too.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks so much Clint! I'm loving this amp - can't wait to use on some more vids and gigs to really see what it can do!

[@hrmerr]

I had a Peavey 100 watt solid state amp back in the day that never sounded right compared to the little tube amp that I had. This Tone Master sounds great, however. Great and thorough demo Eric. Thanks.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah! I love those old peaveys!

[@doctorskull8197]

I’ve been paying rock n roll guitar for 50 years. Had a couple Deluxe Reverbs from years ago! Been using Tonemaster Deluxe Reverb for about a year now and it’s amazing!! Sounds fantastic and only 23 pounds! Love that! Also the attenuator control in the back is an outstanding feature! It sounds great when paying surf or Chuck Berry type stuff. Use Fulltone OCD overdrive when I want to sound like the Sex Pistols‼️😍🎸

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah! I gotta do another demo now that I've had this for a year - I swapped out the speaker for a Weber hemp coned alnico and now this thing STINGS! It's 2lbs heavier but that's ok :-)

[@saepiumv3813]

@@EricHaugenGuitar oh thats interesting.. 2lbs on top is not much!

[@stratplayr6997]

I am an old-school tube amp guy, and I own a vintage 1964 Deluxe Reverb that I regularly gig with. However, I am finding that in some smaller rooms that this amp is just too much, and I can't dial it down enough to make it practical. With that said, this TMDR is definitely worth a look. I like the power scaling and XLR out features on the back, I wish that my vintage '64 had these features. And some bars/clubs now have "no amp" policies and are wanting "silent stages". So rather than invest in a Helix or Kemper that requires a lot of programming, this amp may allow me to continue using the setup that I have with just a minimal change to the amp.

[@doncowie8653]

Great personality for reviews mate, great watch, my TM will arrive this week

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yay! Congrats Don!

[@davetube2ful]

i just bought the tone master blonde deluxe, i've done two gigs with it and i'm blown away and i'm a tube snob, i usually gig with a deville or hot rod deluxe. at 24lb. it sounds great.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Cool! Those Blonde versions look BEAUTIFUL!

[@leifkeane]

i know when I get a new pickup or pedal or the like that it's weeks(!!) 'til I work out how I really feel about it. Might be a idea to do another vid in a few months time to pin down how you feel about the amp once the novelty has worn off.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah I gotta do some more poking around - try it with different guitars and environments. So far so good though!

[@lefty1949]

Think I goota get one. I turned 70 a few months ago and the days of lugging a Super Reverb are long gone! With my arthritic back and knees, even the Vibrolux and Deluxe are too heavy to lug around. I need simplicity and rely on pedals for the few effects that I use. AND, I don't want to connect to a computer!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Congrats! 70 is the new 50! I think Fender knows exactly what they're doing with this amp. They've got their target market locked in and it's people like us - Fender lovers who don't need an amp with every feature/sound in the world, just the one.

[@deanboca12]

I love this video because you have my first and last amp in the shot. I loved my Silvertone 1484 when I bought it 1n 1964, but it was heavy and not a fender. The tone master is now the only amp I will play and the last I shall ever buy.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Cool! The old Silvertone is a very cool retro collector's item, but at the volume I play (quiet) doesn't sound as good as my tone master.

[@ryanhurley8170]

Your excitement/enthusiasm for this amp definitely was very evident! This past year I started using a Quilter Interblock for a direct-to-board means of playing live, and I’ve found that any differences in tone/response when compared to my tube amp(s) are eclipsed by the benefits of showing up carrying 1 gigbag and 1 pedalboard. Thanks for sharing this video! Can’t wait to hear more of your thoughts about it and more of the amp itself!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah quilter stuff is killer! I think we’re really getting to a place where tube vs solid state is getting to be like mp3 vs vinyl. Both have pros and cons, thankfully we don’t have to choose just one thing!

[@jerrytidmore9485]

That wattage scaling is just what a person needs playing in a room and still get that beautiful tone.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah! I recently switched the neo speaker out for a Weber Hemp-Cone Alnico, and now it's really smooth in the lower wattage zones!

[@thekarmamechanics9487]

What's the power rating on the Weber? I was considering swapping for a Lil Texas or Jensen Tornado 100, but thought I needed at least 100 watt RMS rating...

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

That depends! I decided to go with a 30w rating because I know I'm never gonna be pushing this amp all the way to 100w. Most rooms I play (back when there were gigs) are small enough that I've used the 5 watt setting and it was plenty loud for lead work!

[@FayyazAhmed]

Sounds great. What do you think of this compared to the Vibro Champ you recently reviewed? Assuming you still have it.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Because the Vibro Champ is real tubes, it does have that real tube magic. The Tonemaster is still really useful, just not quite as *special*

[@FayyazAhmed]

@@EricHaugenGuitar how about a video? 😇 Would make a really interesting comparison. Small tube vs big solid state for home use....

[@rabbirelax]

The "Anthony" impression, and, the attempt at pronouncing: "Neodymium"...priceless. Excellent review/demo.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

I still can't pronounce it!

[@rabbirelax]

@@EricHaugenGuitar Ha!

[@word67]

Similarly I bought a Boss Katana 50 last year. Game changer for not just gigs but recording. I own 4 hand made tube amps from 4.5 to 35 class A watts. Hate to say it, but I'm thinking seriously about selling 2 of them because I can't see any circumstances where I'd need one. Plus the Boss is light, and easy to dial to my guitars onstage in any size room and has onboard Reverb and delay ( and other stuff I don't care about) . All this for $220.00.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah those Katanas are great! I should a/b one of those with these to see if the differences are worth the $$$

[@word67]

@@EricHaugenGuitar Just got home from playing. Decent size room and I used the 5 watt setting -- didn't need 25. I recorded in August in a studio in Montreal. Choice of top shelf vintage amps including two Vox AC 15's from the sixties. Still on one open G track I laid down we used the Katana, It's that good.

[@word67]

As for tone -- I only use the "clean" setting then heat it up with some gain and the boost effect. I get a nice tight sound similar to early Stones and can easily dirty it up for Chicago Bluesy tone.

[@station2station544]

Yes, side by side!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Plus, it’ll be an excuse to hang with my buddy Ashley 🍻

[@VonNostrus]

you effortlessly drop into some Sinead O'Connor??! This is my favorite channel by far!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks Nate! That was a piece of an arrangement I was working out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKHEg6mla8uLqZY

[@lorenzoperuzzi5920]

that was Prince thou :)

[@cosmoganic]

Dude that tone at the end... Robin Trower love. I got the twin tone master, have you tried that? I'm blown away by it. Hypnotising to play

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Oooh I haven't tried the Twin yet!

[@stratolestele7611]

Man, I don't know how it's even possible that I've had my TM DR for 4 years now! It gets daily use. Multiple times per day. If I've only got an hour or less for a little session, I hate the idea of heat-cycling my tube amps. Plus, they're so loud that I'm not usually getting the goodness out of them except for weekends. I'll confess that I'll STILL often use the TM because I'm lazy and because I have my pedals dialed-in for it. So I'll just start bumping up the 'attenuator' from its lowest setting up to about 50%. Now you're really getting more of everything, especially your lows. Mines sits between my JTM45 half-stack l, my old '68 Super Reverb, a Leslie (powered by the Super), and other amps from 30-100w. I love all of them, but the TM "just works". What more could I ask for. And for an amp that's been out since 2019, I'm not hearing of widespread failures. Actually, I haven't heard of any. I'm sure they're out there, I just haven't heard about them.

[@willday4683]

That is the guitar of my DREAMS...it’s absolutely gorgeous

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Have you seen the Fender Vintera series Bigsby teles? They're pretty close!

[@willday4683]

@@EricHaugenGuitar I can’t believable you actually replied to me!🤣 thank you! I’ll make sure to check it out, it’ll take some saving..where’d you get that one? I imagine it’s rare

[@57too]

I love that amp. Solid state has had a bad rap for years, but they are great.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah this thing is pretty darn convincing! I’m loving it

[@Kevlarel84]

What model Tele is that? Love the tinted natural finish look with the rosewood fretboard. The neck pickup is so stratty sounding. Something different about that Tele. It's articulate like a tele should be but it also sounds warm without being dark. I'd forget all about stratocasters if I had a tele like that!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

These days I put all the gadetry info in the description box under the youtube vid - I forgot to mention that in this demo. Oops! It's a 92 CIJ 52 reiusse - the pickups are www.tombrantleyrewinds.com The neck is actually a recent MIM Classic 60s model

[@marksvideochannel3592]

Hi Eric, I'm considering getting a Tonemaster so loved your video here. However, I have a Fender Tele with Bigsby despite getting the softer spring still doesn't;t stay in tune as well as I'd like. How do you find the bridge on your guitar here for tuning, and what is it?

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

The mastery bridge is expensive, but they WORK!

[@pclindholm]

What a great point you make - what's the point of a delicious tube amp if most of the OD sounds are from a pedal? As a fellow tube snob, I think that if you listen with headphones the attack of the digital amp sims is just a little off, the high end is not as sparkly and it doesn't have the same pick dynamics when playing hard to soft. However, in a live setting, who cares. That amp still sounds fantastic, and for basement players (like myself) I think finding something that sounds good and doesn't wake the baby is more important than tone purity. Great tones, thanks for the video. That vibe at the end was such a chewy delight.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah! It may not be the same, but it sure seems close enough! I still gotta play around with the attenuators settings - see how real I can make it sound. But for now, as long as I’ve got my pedals I’ll be alright 🤙

[@richietownsend6737]

Great demo and really nice playing! Loved the brief musical reference to Nothing Compares 2U. Thanks for helping me decide on this amp.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

I ended up making a lesson on just that! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKHEg6mla8uLqZY

[@richietownsend6737]

@@EricHaugenGuitar Oh cool, thanks!

[@baronvonchickenpants6564]

I took my boss katana and my Marshall jvm to a gig, the katana was good enough for me not to use the Marshall at all, solid state has got to the point now where you can only feel the difference, but the feel may not be worse, just different, solid state amps have always been the cheap alternative to valve amps, because they were cheaply made, but some valve amps are very cheaply made now all-sorts of corner cutting that results in problems later on, Marshall tsl 100h mother boards anyone? The jvm has no choke just a cheap resistor the fuses and bias adjustment has been put inside the amp on the PCB obviously to keep costs down, now you have to take the chassis out to attend to these issues. Now most mid range amps have their power valves mounted directly into the PCB. Remember the fender red knob twins, and super 60? take a look inside one of those !! I've just got a nice second hand katana for 150 quid, that's a set of valves right there!! Some nice sounding solid state stuff out there now, try not to be too snobby about it, you could be missing out on something

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah exactly! The feel is a little different, but not even in a bad way - just a little punchier. Nothing wrong with that!

[@flobeeonekinobee2353]

@Luke Robinett yes the clean is dissapointing but with a bit of work on the tone studio it's reasonable

[@robinelms1143]

I see you have the 1956 radiator vent head in the back there. Soft yellow, very tasteful

[@stevep1941]

Done a couple of gigs now with the Tonemaster Dlx, sounds like every other Deluxe Reverb I've used over the last 45 years on stage.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Exactly! Once you're on stage no one can tell the difference except your back :-)

[@pikin2]

Love this channel! Is this amp loud enough to hang with a drummer?

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Oh yes it’s 100watts!

[@tbdr1064]

Is that a MIJ tele? I tried the same one in a guitar shop in Tokyo and really like that tremolo arm, the weird bridge saddles and of course the sound.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah! It’s a CIJ from the 90s with a mastery bridge, Brantley rewinds pups, and a new MIM Classic 60s neck.

[@shanecgriffo]

Hi, I have one identical. CIJ.. 90’s with a bigsby and I love it.. 👌

[@dustylense]

I bought the Twin. I do like the Deluxe though as it has a great in amp distortion when driving the amp. Twin just has the headroom. I'm also a Quilter Labs player so solid state does not frighten me. My tube amps are Mesa B Lonestar, mk5:25, Magnatone panoramic. They don't get much play lately because of the Quilter and Twin TM.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Cool! I was wondering how this model compares to the Twin or the Quilter!

[@dustylense]

@@EricHaugenGuitar While I'm loving the twin, the Quilter Mach 2 is just more flexible. I love love love my Quilter.

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

@@dustylense Love my Quilter too. Very versatile.

[@druwk]

Yes, please. Do the comparison. Always skeptical about digital modeling, but you’re right, it’s the way it’s going...for many reasons. I like the idea of having an actual amp, and I want it to be a dynamic tone. I’ve always love your tone, so seeing you genuinely excited and hearing you rock this amp, means a lot. For me, I like to use my guitar is attenuate my volume and tone. I like how tube amps react to that change. I generally play most around 4-9 on my guitar volume. I want to have the amp clean up, and not be too compressed, and then thicken up and distort as I ride the volume. I generally like the amp just breaking up, and add pedals to color the sound, and depth of the overdrive, if I need to. Love the low gain, vintage tones that are harmonically rich. Can this amp do all that as well as the real deal?

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Hrmmm you're a true old school player - riding the guitar's volume to control tube overdrive is something I was never good at! Coming up in the 90s, I got so used to the "just stomp on a pedal" approach :-) I'll play around with this one to see if it emulates that well, but I suspect I'll be able to tell the difference. There's nothing like diming a tube amp and working the volume knob.

[@dustinglass]

Great review! - What model tele is that?

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

I should've mentioned - I put all my gadgets in the description box below the vid: Rig Rundown: 1992 Fender CIJ Telecaster - Brantley Rewinds Custom Pickups - Strymon Deco - Jam Pedals Retrovibe - Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb - Rode NTR Active Ribbon Mic - Art Tube Mp Preamp - Tascam DR-40 Field Recorder - Garageband

[@mrcards169]

Hey great demo thanks . Did you do the firmware update or have you lost it stock . ? Cheers

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

I left it stock because the firmware update didn't work on my iMac!

[@etiquettemona]

Eric, my compliments. This is the first time I hear a Fender Tonemaster on youtube sounding GOOD. Ok, together with the Strymon Deco - but still... Thanks, well done!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks Lars! I think this amp excels as a lightweight pedal platform - at least for my pedals :-) I'm not completely sold on the attenuator feature, but that's ok - I love my overdrive pedals anyway!

[@etiquettemona]

@@EricHaugenGuitar Good to hear! I guess it´s the same as with every master-volume tube amp I have used. All of them sounds the best with master on 10 :)

[@questocd174]

What is the model of that Tele? I need it. Beautiful guitar. Please let me know 🙏

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks! I always list all the gadgets I use in the description box under the video :-) This is a 90s CIJ 52 reissue with custom pickups and a recent MIM classic 60s neck.

[@questocd174]

I saw your video on it. A little digging...sorry. Thanks for the response. Subscribed!

[@guyguyguyjean]

What does "clipping out my pre-amp mean"?Please ,sorry for my ignorance!!Thanks

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Good question! The ribbon mic runs into my art preamp before it hits my tascam field recorder. If the signal goes above -3db, that gets into dangerous territory where it will overload the preamp and sound too distorted. It’s complicated!

[@chrisbush7746]

Nice review, makes it harder to decide. BTW what is that head in the background?

[@chrisbush7746]

Nevermind, Silvertone!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yup it's my old silvertone 1484 - cool old garage rock amp :-)

[@michelvilleneuve358]

8:15 is that Michael Kiwanuka's Cold little heart ? great playing!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Good ears Michel! Yeah! I ended up making an arrangement and lesson out of it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4DVqaimjaaAkKs

[@t3601f]

Man that is a gorgeous tele. What pickups do you have in it?

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Aha I forgot to mention I always put the tech info under the video! Rig Rundown: 1992 Fender CIJ Telecaster - www.tombrantleyrewinds.com Custom Pickups - Strymon Deco - Jam Pedals Retrovibe - Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb - Rode NTR Active Ribbon Mic - Art Tube Mp Preamp - Tascam DR-40 Field Recorder - Garageband

[@t3601f]

I have a 2016 professional completely stock. Can you describe how yours are different and why you chose them?

[@always12am52]

It’s not everyday someone busts out the Sinaed O Connor to demonstrate the reverb. Well done.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Ha! Thanks man!

[@TheMuseumOfMistakes]

Errr, Prince, actually. Credit the master at every opportunity

[@always12am52]

@@TheMuseumOfMistakes This version sounded more like Sinaed's. But I agree that it's good to be accurate when referencing. thank you.

[@deepakchoppa2912]

Excellent vid, man! How do you feel about it a year later?

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Still good! These days it lives in my studio and I use the cab sim function a lot! Ya know, cause no gigs thanks to covid and all :-)

[@stevec.1802]

Our guitar player bought a slightly used TM Twin R on Craigslist and saved a few 💰💰. From my POV it sounds very good and takes pedals well w/o the poundage. My keyboard monitor is slightly heavier than the 32 lb. TM. Love your post and observations.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Cool! The price is the main complaint about these amps, so saving some $$$ and getting one used is the way to go!

[@thepennyarcane5358]

I see this video is a couple of years old. Do you still have this amp? Is it still under warrenty? Is it still working ok? I only ask because my amp tech will not/can not fix this kind of tech.. Love your vids by the way.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Still works fine! NOthing weird happening yet - but yeah, it is scary because most techs wouldn't want to work on it.

[@dadmadforgot4050]

What an awesome chap 👍 great demo. Love your channel.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks Jon!

[@1969Donovan]

It's funny we as musicians we chase a sound and 99 percent of the audience couldn't tell the difference between most any amp, little lone if it was tube or not tube. However if the tube amp breaks down they sure will figure out quick you stopped playing.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

So true!!

[@naenaegrey3414]

Nice playing! Love the sound of these

[@darthstrings1]

I think this may have sold me one of these amps! What is the song you are playing at the end? (@ 10:30)? That chord progression is spacey cool!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

I've A/B this amp with some very expensive boutique blackface clones and it holds up! btw - that jam at the end is just E major (with major pentatonic fills) and C major (with C major pentatonic fills).

[@darthstrings1]

@@EricHaugenGuitar I hear it now! i think the note I'm reacting to is the vamp between the B (5th of E) and the C. It sounds very atmospheric and "spacy" to my ear.

[@icetrey47]

Not sure if anyone else has commented this yet, but you should really do some drive pedal comparisons with this thing. With my TMDR, I find that the biggest challenge is with using overdrive/distortion pedals. The Vibrato channel just wrecks most of them, giving them a nasally digital overtone (bright cap), but the Normal channel seems to handle them well enough. It just sucks that you lose the reverb from the amp on the Normal channel. Would be curious to know what drive pedals you'd recommend!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

I've had good luck with my Greer Pedals, but yeah I do agree I think this amp can be finicky with certain overdrives/fuzzes. Here it is with come more saturation from the Greer Southland Overdrive : instagram.com/p/B73g0rvHETe/ I do keep the treble fairly low, and use the neck pickup. I'm in Vibrato 1, btw. I'm about to shoot an overdrive demo with this amp tomorrow - I'll play around with different inputs and see how that goes :-)

[@carloslinnett]

This is an excellent demo, thank you. I can feel my credit card shaking.

[@johnwriterpoet1783]

Carlos, I just bought this amp. You would love it!

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

It's perfect for when lockdown ends and we can all gig again!

[@BrianRowland_Google]

Nice demo ... thanks. Last piece a bit of Robin Trower, Ballerina?

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

I love Robin Trower! Quite the underappreciated guitarist here in the states. That's last bit is me messing with a E E6 C Cma7 very much in his spirit.

[@BrianRowland_Google]

Eric Haugen Ballerina is on his first solo album called Twice Removed From Yesterday ... I am sure if you you tube or google search it, you can find a clip. His first is really my favorite album. It has a little more overdrive and less univibe than the Bridge of Sighs album.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Cool I'll go check it out!

[@BrianRowland_Google]

Eric Haugen kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqarpmhmqNVlq7M

[@hkguitar1984]

Please do a comparison between the digital and analog versions of these Fender Deluxe Reverb amps. Great demo and thank you. One of my main amps is a 1976 Twin Reverb I purchased new when I was a kid (15 years old at the time of purchase). I could benefit from the lighter weight. ( thank goodness I swapped out the pair of EV SRO 12" speakers as the Twin weighed over 110 lbs with them). Also, your Strymon pedals do a fantastic job so half your tone battle is already won with your pedal board. With these new generation of digital amps they are certainly close enough for gigging. And to be honest, I've that Twin, an old Plexi as well as a very old Magnatron, better to leave them at home safe and sound. LOL, thinks box is empty....... Thanks for the demo.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah I gotta get Ashley over to the house with his Deluxe! You're absolutely right - when I've got $1000 of fancy pedals on the floor, I could probably plug into a cardboard box and it'd sound pretty good!

[@hkguitar1984]

@@EricHaugenGuitar LOL, still laughing to myself about you thinking they shipped you an empty box.......LOL Sounds like something that would happen to me!

[@gregmaland6539]

No one is saying what seems like the most obvious thing about these Tone Master amps: how cool it is that it looks like the original tube amp. Fender realizes that the classic looks of their products are the core of their brand, and therefore, amps should just keep looking like they did 60 years ago, because this is still what we all want, if we are honest. We only want to talk about tone, but we care a lot about looks.

[@gair1944]

This is my favorite demo ever!! So sensible and musical. Fantastic job and great playing!! Love your spin on "Nothing Compares to you" (If that was the song I was hearing?)

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks Gary! Yeah that’s from a lesson I did a few weeks back, “Hendrix Doublestops on Nothing Compares 2 U” - I always like to take tunes, and imagine what if Hendrix was alive to play them 🤔

[@davidewing55]

The thing that intrigues me about these amps is the built in attenuator. I like the idea of being able to crank it up and still keep it at a reasonable level for home use. If I only hadn't bought a Blackface Princeton reissue last year ....

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah I gotta experiment with the attenuator more, so far it’s the only feature I’m not quite sold on. My strymon deco still has the best overdrive

[@davidewing55]

Yeah, I bought a Deco last year after admiring your great tone!

[@davidewing55]

@Luke Robinett I know just how you feel!

[@elwrongo]

Blackface Princeton? You should be as happy as a hog!

[@kodybear6749]

Been using mine a few months. I love it. 21 lbs and killer tone.

[@andrearecchia8859]

Hello Eric, does this amp sound and feel like a Tube deluxe? Are you still using the tone Master for live shows?

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Sounds = yes! Feels = not really, but still very convenient for gigs!

[@andrearecchia8859]

@@EricHaugenGuitar thanks! I wonder if with a Klon and a compressor it can sound more "spongy" like a Tube amp

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Eric's hot take: the klon is the most overrated pedal of all time there I said it.

[@andrearecchia8859]

I find that it works well with Fender amps.. But agree that prices are crazy

[@MagneticConfinement]

Wow, sounds great! Thanks for posting.

[@saepiumv3813]

Great review and like that it will take pedals too. Without having an fx loop, I was wondering how it would sound having delay or chorus in the front, which sounded okay on headphones, how did it sound for you?

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

I've always been kinda stupid about effects loops - never used em, so it doesn't bother me to run everything into the front of the amp - it's all I've ever known!

[@thebrunoserge]

NO FX LOOP?? OK then I won't buy it anymore. Thanks for the heads up

[@saepiumv3813]

Update: pulled the plug a year later and it arrived a few days ago. Takes modulation pedals really well and sounds great in general. I did update the no bright cap and reverb tame which I find has improved the sound. I was quite sceptical and have saved all the packaging in case of return but got to say if I didn't know it was a ss I would not think about it or worry and listen so hard for any mistakes lol it feels really good under the fingers and is quite responsive and dynamic. Has a great clean sound and the attenuator is actually really useful!

[@iuchilton]

Easily the best review on this amp I've seen/heard. I just ordered one! I have a 68 Custom Deluxe Reverb and plan to sell it if this thing does it for me.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Oooh that's a good amp too! Does your 68 custom hum? A client of mine from has one and his has quite a bit of transformer noise.

[@iuchilton]

It used to be worse than it is now, but for me changing out the stock preamp tubes significantly decreased the noise. I like the amp a lot, especially the custom channel with the Bassman wiring, but even after putting an Dr Z Brake Lite on it, I don't ever get to run it at the volume where it gets really sweet.

[@iuchilton]

Just an update. Finally got the TM yesterday. Holy cow. Stands up side by side with the '68. But even better in my mind because I can get the TM running at 6 on the volume for the dirty clean sound I love without taking paint off the walls and having angry neighbors 😄🤘

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah! I've really been digging the .2watts setting these days! Great edge of breakup tone

[@iuchilton]

@@EricHaugenGuitar yep, that's perfect for in the bedroom playing. Sounds very lovely with the verb and a little Trem.

[@runesvendsen2270]

Sounds fantastic ! I love the Fender Deluxe

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yeah I’m quite happy with it!

[@mikemph7779]

Sounds wonderful. I’ve been considering a blues jr or a Princeton and now I’m really intrigued by these. Now I need to choose between the blonde with cream back spkr or black tolex w jensen spkr …. Any advice ??

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Depends what amps you already have and what kind of gigs you'll be playing! I still think everyone needs a good tube amp just because they're magic. But for gigs, the tonemaster is so easy!

[@jotwea]

I am using the deluxe reverb tone master since 2023 and it is the best gigging solution I ever had. So I sold all the other (heavy) amps.

[@Albert-fw2pr]

Eric, did you upgrade your telecaster with a rosewood fingerboard? I cant find any mention in past videos but originally you had a maple fingerboard on this guitar. Unless this is a different guitar?

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Yup! New Tom Brantley pickups and wiring too! I still have the original neck - it's just too chonky of a V for me. The new neck is a Classic 60s model - which I like the feel of more. Has the C profile.

[@Jacobcfuller]

Do you have 2 bigsby Teles? Just realized I've seen maple and rosewood necks pop up

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Naw! For a while I had put on a MIM classic series neck - which is what you see here. But I didn't like it's resonance as much as the original CIJ maple neck, so now that's back on

[@Jacobcfuller]

@@EricHaugenGuitar Cool, thanks for the reply :)

[@hrmerr]

Ohh my! They have a Twin Reverb version, as well. Figuring out how to break the news to the wife right now. Lol. Thanks again, Eric.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Dangerous for our wallets! A blessing for our backs!

[@jasonr4253]

Can you please do the comparison between this amp and fender blues deluxe reissue 40w.. thank you in advance!👍

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

oooh good idea those are great amps! My buddy Adam has one - nice full sound. I'll have to borrow it and see if the differences between tube and digital are that noticeable!

[@JoerivanderKloet]

Thanks for the review! Do you think it has enough clean headroom for (loud) jazz gigs?

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

I *think* so - it's 100 watts, and I haven't heard any breakup at the gigs I play, but I'm only running it up to like 3.

[@JoerivanderKloet]

@@EricHaugenGuitarThanks! if it's possible (don't want your neighbors to kill you) could you see at which volume level breakup starts at the highest watt setting?

[@thehandseesall]

Wait a minute.... I'm still stuck on a box that weighed 20lbs that you thought was empty... 🤔

[@cabbycabby1770]

Don’t think about it too hard. It was an embellishment.

[@JPMonstie]

He wouldn’t be the first to get some rubbish in a box instead of what he paid for. Fortunately, it was just a very light amp.

[@MagoEge]

Thanks for this, for me the best review of this amp. No need to compare to other machines and get lost in microscopic tone minutia. Somehow your Tele and Mustang have become my "next guitar I want" . Not sure why the beauty of their woods and woody sounds seem to bring something extra.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks Tago! Between the Tele and the Mustang, I'd say the tele is the more versatile and sturdy guitar. The Mustang rules, but the small scale can make the fretboard get crowded for some things :-)

[@DanielSeriffMusic]

Awesome review! Thanks Eric.

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks Daniel! I recently switched the speaker to a Weber 12A125 Hemp-coned alnico and now this amp is COOL AS FUCK. I'm taking it to the studio this week to do basic tracks - it's the best sounding Fender amp I have.

[@DanielSeriffMusic]

@@EricHaugenGuitar Dude!!! That is so badass. Been thinking about one. Would definitely upgrade the speaker.

[@voltagevillain7342]

When you brought the Vibrato in around 8 minutes 30 what settings did you have and what was that beautiful piece you played?

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Thanks man! That's a little snippet of an arrangement of Michael Kiwanuka's "Cold Little Heart" I was working on. I ended up doing a separate vid on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4DVqaimjaaAkKs

[@voltagevillain7342]

@@EricHaugenGuitar Thank you so much!

[@AM2PMReviews]

Where do you buy your guitars? I want them all lol

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

I'm lucky to have 2 good shops nearby that keep an interesting stock of used instruments. That, and craigslist!

[@bmcd]

4 years late to this video. Bought a TM Blonde about a year ago and love it. But I’m a tone nubie really so this is very helpful, I’ve been trying to get a great blues sound out of it, with my custom 335. Any tips !

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Definitely crank the attenuator on the back - bring it all the way down, that’ll give you the edge of breakup sound. 🤘🏻

[@bmcd]

@@EricHaugenGuitar thanks so much Eric, so right to the full wattage 🤘

[@jixxxxer17]

Great demo i'm so close to pulling the trigger on one of these now :) so what is that wicked awesome chord shape at 4:31 if anyone knows much appreciated, Peace All !

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

That's a cool minimized G major7 voicing: x 7 7 5 x x I use it all the time!

[@jixxxxer17]

@@EricHaugenGuitar Thanks it's a beauty sounding 3 notes then Peace

[@moritzlienhard273]

How well does it produce feedback? I play a lot of loud noiserock and might go the tubeless road as well :)

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

Good question! I haven't tested out it squeal abilities yet - some of my heavy metal buddies use giant solid state heads with pedals to get their chonk going so maybe the tubes aren't necessary.

[@guitareMTL]

How does it feel? To be honest I have liked the sound of some solid state amp before like the vox pathfinder 15r or peavey bandit but they didn't feel right to play to me, kind of too touch sensitive or somethng like that...

[@EricHaugenGuitar]

I love those Vox pathfinders too! I have one in my teaching office - great little practice amp. I'd say this thing doesn't feel exactly as full, or interactive as it's tube cousin, but it's got it's own thing goin on. In the .2watts setting, it actually does a pretty darn good job at the classic Fender edge of breakup tone!

[@guitareMTL]

@@EricHaugenGuitar ok thanks, I may give it a try...

[@buzzfretwear2906]

@guitareMTL I think some of the 'feel' differences come from the attenuation. If you took a tube DR and cranked it to 6, you'd be moving some air in the room. That's a whole different dynamic than playing any attenuated amp (tube or not). In my experiences with tube amps, attenuators, and the Tone Master, no amp attenuated will ever feel the same as an un-attenuated amp running at the same volume setting. All that being said, I love my Tone Master Deluxe!