First Impressions of Fender Tonemaster Pro

[@SteveSterlacci]

Get one from Zzounds! www.zzounds.com/a--3979426/item--FEN2274900000 After this has been out for a few days, I finally got my hands on one. The intent of this video is to show what a brand new user can expect without having to look at a manual or watch a ton of videos. I wanted to literally set it up and try it out live on camera for you.

[@alien4422]

Isn't it a bit self serving to love your own comments?

[@SteveSterlacci]

@alien4422 its a habit for SEO. There is a checklist of things to shoot for in your video, one is a heart comment. If I pin a comment and hit the heart, its supposed to improve search optimization. Do I love my own comment? No. But i dont always have a chance to reply to comments. Does this help you out here?

[@alien4422]

@@SteveSterlacci Fair enough, you have my apologies.

[@SteveSterlacci]

@alien4422 no worries 👍

[@RokDAWG1]

You did an awesome job on this first out of the box run. Now I am impressed with the sounds, BUT I'm also impressed with the other units on the market as well. In a mix NOBODY is going to notice. So many units at a lower price point are doing similar enough stuff with very capable tones that I couldn't justify the price.

[@SteveSterlacci]

This does make sense!

[@stickman55100]

Regardless of the price or the device, I think you are the best demonstrator of modelers. You’re extremely detailed and very skilled at manipulating every modeler that I seen you demo.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks so much! This comment made my whole day

[@stickman55100]

@@SteveSterlacci So glad you liked it.

[@TomButwin]

Easily the best rundown I’ve seen on the Tonemaster Modeler. *I’m not being paid to say this.

[@SteveSterlacci]

checks in the mail!

[@damionandy]

I took the plunge and bought one of these while in the market for a floor modeler. I believe this COULD be THE modeler to beat, Fender just has to follow Helix / QC / Fractal path of consistent firmware updates. I believe if they can keep that consistent, they will have on the of the most gig-able floor modelers for guys like me coming from a traditional tube / pedal rig. This looks familiar, yet new. I just can't wait to get my hands on it thursday! I learned a lot from you about how to use my AxeFx3, but it is so much for a newbie in the modeling world like me haha. Im looking forward to making content about how to use it and watching how you use it.

[@martyshwaartz971]

I think once you start speaking about future updates it’s a lost cause, although I hope fender prove me wrong!

[@artytoney2057]

Thanks steve ,i don't know how many more " this is the last piece of equipment I need " my wife is gonna believe lol great review brother

[@SteveSterlacci]

I'm on #47

[@patgiff101055]

Thanks a lot for this, Steve. Finally somebody who says it straight. You just saved me €1899 (price in Germany!) and I will stick with my Helix Floor and Rack, until further notice! Just moving back from Kemper Stage to Helix after a one-year detour. And I got BOTH of them used- for €2000 total :-)

[@SteveSterlacci]

Great deals ! We tour a lot in Germany. Would be cool to see you at a show next summer

[@patgiff101055]

@@SteveSterlacci I'll be on the lookout for you, if you come to Munich!

[@cjconklin4877]

Not overpriced at all. I’ve had helix floor and a FM9. I love this box way more than the other two. It does vocals also and allows me to stream tracks. Which no other modeler does. Granted the fractal is better to tweak, but it need great fender sounds and this doesn’t plus more. A tone master amp cost 1k and a few pedals you are close to the price of this box. Also I spent two hours with it and ended up doing two gigs which was amazing.

[@SamHooperGroup]

What did you play it through on your gig?

[@cjconklin4877]

First night I went out put 1 to PA and output 2 to a boss katana preamp only. Sounded great. We use IEMs so I only heard the PA feed. 2nd night I went only PA. No amp.

[@stringsattached67]

Yeah this thing is fantastic I'm not sure who's paying who but it's money well spend. My line 6 helix floor is sad compared to this .

[@johnw4659]

Thanks for breaking down something completely foreign to me in a way that kept me interested until the end of the video. I don't know that I will ever need or want a modeler, but I know now what an expert looks for. Good thorough demonstration, Steve. Great job!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks John!

[@martyshwaartz971]

It’s crazy to me that even with how many modellers have come out since that line 6’s per snapshot parameter adjustments is still far and away the most elegant.

[@patgiff101055]

agree. much more convenient than managing more and more presets... I always say it's like the Red Pill in The Matrix... you can never go back :-)

[@larriveeman]

the sound between each of the units for me are marginally better or worse, the helix is a good fit for me, an nothing that I've heard from this unit, QC or fractal changes my mind, good job!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Honestly! Thats so true. Whichever works for you is whats best

[@robertp457]

I will go with the easier device to use.

[@circa33]

The Helix to me is still the best. Yes, the hardware is mature...but it STILL works with all the awesome firmware updates, Plus Helix , for me, has such great sounding amps and effects. Nice review, Steve. Appreciate it

[@TheBbtlegit]

Exactly. Helix is reliable.

[@wavewithus4081]

Do you use it for band practice and/or gigging? I'm set on getting the LT but I wonder if there'll be a 'tone-gap' between playing at home vs taking those presets out thru different PA's or in-house setups. I also worry a bit about it being quite the old product, but it seems to be played by enough pro's and is usually rated somewhere close to Kemper and QC, and with Helix' being priced way lower, it seems like it's the way to go.. are there any specific things that do feel a bit dated about the helix experience?

[@ThePlanarchist]

Great review, Steve, thanks as ever for the honesty. I've noticed the issues(?) with the touch screen sensitivity in all the other reviews but you're the first to mention it....pretty sure it's not just you or your fingers. Cheers!

[@SteveSterlacci]

thanks for noticing! LOL I dont know why it need to be pressed slowly. Someone else commented that it is a TOUCH screen, not a TAP screen...

[@srwaite7]

Thanks, Steve! The unit does seem over priced by a fair amount as you say. I’ll be sticking with the Helix 👍🏻

[@sjsphotog]

Me too. I think they're trying to entice the lemmings who don't know better with all the sexy graphics and icons

[@mr.andmrs.famousinthebasem4861]

Thanks for the honest review. I’m interested in hearing more about this in the future.

[@PaganBaby114]

Shop with Zzounds all the time. My go-to for over 12 years....and as soon as two accounts are paid off I feel the need for an SG

[@joekaras7080]

Another Great Review Steve. Ive been a Fender fan for years. First amp was an original Princeton Reverb, which I wish i still had. My main go to amp has been the Fender Cybertwin which I Love. I have three of them. Unfortunately, Fender never supported it the way they should have. It seems Fender is late to the Modeler game. Thier EVH stuff surely sets them apart from other modelers. But, better late than never. We have to change with the times. I've had my eye on the Fractal FM9 Turbo. Maybe when i pay down some debt. I can grab one.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks Joe! I wish I had that amp too! 😅🤣

[@kenny80s]

Great first hand review Steve. Sounds great! Though I can't imagine that the display and the response speed would be easy to use on the long haul. Especially in scenarios where you are live and need quick adjustments. The touchscreen acts like the first ones ever made. Nice to see that it survived the water :) Looking forward to more videos about it!

[@GuitarTabsDaily]

Great review bro! Let’s get some weeding behind dance 🕺 footage

[@JonBloomer]

Just a note on gig view, I would find the scribble strip hard to see standing so I think it is a nice easy at a glance feature to know which patch you are on, not everyone has perfect vision

[@RICO_SUAVE21]

Definitely the best and most intuitive user interface of all the modelers, Fender really knocked it out the park with respect to that. And the Fender sounds and effects seems to be excellent. The Vox and Marshall tones I was not impressed with at all. Provided Fender continuously improves on the sounds it may well be worth the price in the coming years.

[@JackFossett]

Great video pal

[@Javiereduardo4]

Reviews for this have been popping up on my main page like crazy this past week!! And I've been clicking on most of them when I have time to kill!! Great job as a first impression/out of the box review! But Indiana Jones font sealed the deal for my view!! 😎🤘🏻....

[@SteveSterlacci]

Hahahhaa! Thanks for noticing. It sure is a crowded space right now, but its largely due to a ton of paid guys demos that had it in advance. Im trying to give a new users experience ! Thanks for checking it out

[@ac8704]

Its biggest strength is the physical unit. Looks solid, and aesthetic. The good thing about software is they can continually improve it. Downside being they're YEARS behind the other modelers. This thing doesn't hold a candle to the Helix Floor...

[@miccullen]

Looks pretty good, but one of the great things about the Helix (and other established units) is the community around it, so they're pushing it uphill there.

[@zenichi1209]

Thanks for the video! At home, I have a three amp setup. I can switch between them or have any combination of them at the same time. Can the Fender Tonemaster Pro output more than one amp at the same time? Thanks for your in depth work on this unit.

[@jakestewartmusic]

Fender missed an opportunity to separate this from the competition by including more Fender amp models from day 1. They have almost 80 years of amp building name recognition and dozens of classic designs, but this modeler currently has an arguably less well-rounded collection of Fender amps than its direct competition. Some stuff that's currently missing that would be cool: -tweed champ, deluxe, & twin -brown princeton, deluxe, pro, & vibroverb -black-panel vibro champ, vibrolux, pro, & bassman head -Rivera-era 'Evil Twin' -Supersonic -Super Champ -Excelsior -Pro Jr -Fender Blender pedal tbh, i wouldn't mind them filling the effects section with more of their own effects pedals. cool to see the Pugilist in the drives list, wouldn't mind seeing them include more of their own designs to make this product more unique. As it stands, the collection of features, amps, and effects feels pretty predictable and derivative of the rest of the market. Fender has an opportunity to make something relatively more unique and to take advantage of having so many iconic and interesting amps, some of which have never been included in other modelers.

[@SteveSterlacci]

I mean, why WOULDN'T they have the whole fender amp lineup?! I want my '63 6g6b bassman seen behind me

[@jakestewartmusic]

@@SteveSterlacci Right?! Seems like such an obvious choice to hit the market with at least the most iconic Fender amps all accounted for. As it stands tho, even the Helix and Axe FX have more well-rounded Fender amp collections than the Fender modeler. Bit of a miss tbh. Glad they included the Vibro King and Bassbreaker tho - it shows that there's hope for the cult-classics and more recent products to eventually make the list. I'd love to see all the vintage classics, as well as the fun Pawn Shop series stuff, Supersonic, Rivera-era, artist signatures, etc. It also seems like it should have been an obvious choice to name all/most of the effects after their pedal lineup. Perhaps they'll add more of their designs in their over time, tho. I think that could be a fun way to set this apart a bit, too.

[@tiomkinnyborg2289]

Good work Steve. The tap tempo encoder would cause problems as in tapping the switch you could also turn the knob. I guess they could put in a delay after the switch is pushed to kill the encoder knob function, then after 1 second of inactivity the encoder is active again. This should have been implemented BEFORE release. Welcome to the modern world of beta testing a 'finished' product. I'll wait a couple of years to buy it at cheaper price with the bugs and annoyances fixed.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Of all things, quad cortex does work this way and it never gets turned on accident

[@BrianVallotton]

I have only had my TMP a few days. I sold my QC after having it a year. I do not do any capturing. I mostly like to use presets that have already been setup. That being said, my needs are simple and I really liked the interface of the TMP. I especially like the Scribble Strips. All in all I am enjoying it very much and play mostly edge of breakup sounds. I just don't want to hear Fender 6 months from now promising the next update.... SOOOOON> ;-)

[@crsantin]

The big question is will Fender support this? Line 6 customer support and product update is unmatched. For that price and the resources Fender has I would expect extensive product support and updates. I don’t know if Fender will do that beyond a year or two.

[@trickfall8752]

I'd like to hear some comparisons of the effects to see if they are as good as Helix. I agree with you that it would've been nice to have capacitive foot switches.I prefer the form factor to Helix.

[@JStillwell-wm3ln]

Gig View - A simple view for performance that shows preset name/number and can't accidentally be edited

[@SteveSterlacci]

I think it has to be able to do more at some point. Maybe show the grid in 2 lines so you can see whats bypassed and what's not or something along those lines?

[@diatonica]

Hello First of all, thank you for another excellent review. I am interested in the following. Since I have a Mustang GTX 100 And Katana MK2 100 and am a studio producer, is it worth buying Tone Master Pro for sounds? Does Tone master really have that much better presets and sounds if I record directly in DAW from XLR? Thanks for the reply. Have a nice day.

[@algorithm007ify]

You can do dual mics via dual cabs (same cab, parallel path split back to single path)..and blending them...

[@SteveSterlacci]

I did put that in text on the screen. It seems like a workaround. Id still like a dual mic option.

[@Garflips]

Your Paul looks just like my '82... before I put Phat Cats, a Les Trem and a roller bridge on it. Tobacco sunburst rules. You didn't mention the firmware update so I guess you have not had time to update. Appreciate the video.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Tobacco burst is the best! At 1:05 or so, I do mention that it is updated 😄

[@Garflips]

@@SteveSterlacci I guess I blinked. 😎 I've watched your follow-up. Thanks for the honest commentary.

[@Stefan-]

It has potential but they have a long way to go to catch up to the others in many ways and i wonder if they ever will, the cleans sounds good but the hi gain sounds that i have heard so far sounds muddy, boomy and small, its like going back to some 90´s pedal or somehing, not good at all. Snapshots are obsolete when you have seamless patch changes since patch changes are way more powerful, snapshots are more of a makeshift solution when you cant do what you really want to do since you dont have enough CPU/DSP power. Having tap tempo adjustable on the rotary encoder on the footswitch doesnt sound like a good idea since you could likely turn the encoder with your feet by mistake. Its to expensive for what it is currently in my opnion.

[@Realroyrogers]

It drips like a GOAT

[@JStillwell-wm3ln]

FYI - You can assign an unlimited number of On/Off blocks to the same footswitch.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Definitely useful info! Thank you

[@icu469]

Thanx for honest demo. Does this have a drum machine and a amp built in ?. It seems weird to me that u have push the button a few times before it does anything.. For me, I use a good tube amp and a pedalboard. I just want to plug and play. I don't want to scroll thru a bunch of settings, parameters and spend days setting this up. I do see it useful for certain people. Cheers

[@SteveSterlacci]

There is no drum machine but has the amps yes. If you dont like to press buttons, then skip it! LOL thanks for checking it out

[@MC-ov8dr]

I'm a fan of the QC right now it's dead easy to use and the captures sound phenomenal. However the development takes forever, the footswitches are too close together and the power cable is comically bad for a unit of that price and the whole app dependency is messy. The Fractal units sound great, but are way too much work to navigate on board for me and offer too many options for someone using it casually and doesn't feel like learning. The Helix takes a little tweaking but their hardware is top notch and are pretty straight forward. I also really enjoy the Kemper but the interface is really starting to show it's age. If Line 6 or Fractal release something as easy to use as the QC, I'm going to sell the QC and buy one of those day 1.

[@jerryhorton5708]

The Gig View is odd. I looked it up in the manual and it’s stated function is prevent accidental parameter changes during performance. I sure don’t get the logic…

[@aaronkerr2481]

It seems fine. I think it would do quite nicely for someone jumping over from amps and pedals. That being said, I'll stick with my Helix.

[@Studio33guitar]

Great review Steve!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks brother!

[@Joop5000]

Steve, that touch screen trouble surely didn't make it shine, and the limited signal path type thing, Like you said, they are new to jumping into the modeling stuff, so maybe update will fix some of these things. Then again like also said, where will Helix and Fractal and others be in that time this thing is playing catch up? I would still buy it because one never knows for sure how good it can become, or the price of it later on.

[@AnthonyBencomo]

They are not new to modeling. They have mustangs and tonemaster amps.

[@Scott__C]

I think most of the problems I saw you run into is a firmware update to fix. I don't think every product has to copy everyone else's features either. If everyone's going to basically be the same, then why have different products? The QC encoder knobs was a great idea, but I don't think everyone has to have it. I glanced back at Line6 updates since the beginning of '21, and they're around 7 months on average, so I think Fender's being on par with others there. I think they should just release updates when they're ready though and not some strict schedule of release.

[@ksjohnson8197]

Without trying it, my first impression off the videos I've seen makes me think it's overpriced. I did just try the Headrush Core and came to the conclusion that probably nothing right now is worth the extra $500 - $2000 over my PODGO with the IRs I use and the patches I now have which I have gotten used to. I think it's all subjective and most the time no one else can tell the difference in a live situation or recordings properly done. My advice? Buy what you like, what you can afford and learn it to get the best out of it.

[@SteveSterlacci]

There are no wrong answer nowadays!

[@QuickSticks8771]

The glitchy lag on the touch screen seems to be a common issue If a core fundamental like that has issues it doesn’t exactly inspire confidence

[@paulmyfinger]

Im seeing a lot of repeated presses on most of these vids. Is it coz the protective film is still on?

[@SteveSterlacci]

I took it off. I think my taps are too fast to register? Its not a problem on headrush or QC for me...

[@paulmyfinger]

@@SteveSterlacci yh a few ppl are doing the same. Hopefully that's not a feature

[@FrankHarv]

Maybe this is in your video, but did you do the firmware update? Per the fender staff that is vital / makes a big difference.

[@SteveSterlacci]

It is indeed in the first minute or so

[@RodRanDusted]

How would you compare this to the Headrush Core which is about half the cost?

[@Marcellio82]

That’s cool you can turn the Button/knobs and it’s like the big them on the amp

[@picksalot1]

Yesterday, I watched the long Andertons demo comparison of it to the other 4 big Modeler brands. They all sounded about the same, except the Helix sounded noticeably worse. I wrote in the comments there what I do to get my HX Stomp to sound better and more 3 dimensional. I'll be interested in hearing what you say about the TMP tones after you've spent more time with it.

[@SteveSterlacci]

It seems the "cool" thing to do is always put Helix last. I dont understand it, but if they did stock presets then it makes total sense lpl

[@TheBbtlegit]

Helix will be around much longer than Fender modelers. Helix does updates often. I guarantee you Fender won't.

[@SteveSterlacci]

They say they will. Who knows?!

[@christianfilouler]

ah, then I read your message at Andertons today, with the high cuts. .. I'll try that straight away tomorrow. I still have an FM3 here. Actually, one of them should go. Two are somehow too many for me

[@SerkanBerksoy]

I sold my Helix LT because it was muffling the amp sounds. I got a Kemper Stage that I am quite happy with. I agree with 2D comments. People say you need to tweak it and I did a lot of tweaking. Back then, before the massive sw upgrades, I couldn't get a decent amp sound out of that. Even with the IRs I've purchased and tried, I am not happy with Helix recording. Live and rehersals are good enough for my taste. Also in front of a real tube amp sounds good. Now I have another combo: HX Stomp XL and Tonex. With some midi interaction I have now everything I want. Tonex amps sound good. Helix effects are ok. Especially I am happy with drives. On Helix you need less DSP because no amps on. No need for an external midi controller. Compact board. Only thing is latency is high around 3ms. Does not bother me though. So if you have Helix and want to upgrade your tone, just throw a Tonex in, works perfectly.

[@superglassbucks6356]

I have my new Helix floor and no issues. GC will swap it for this as it’s still in the return window. I have a decision to make but I feeling why bother. It’s looking like you agree with me to keep the floor

[@AnthonyBencomo]

Don’t keep the floor. It’s old and due for an upgrade. It will lose value fast.

[@superglassbucks6356]

@@AnthonyBencomo this is pretty much what I’m thinking. Also the fender has more memory…room to grow

[@superglassbucks6356]

@@AnthonyBencomo I appreciate the reply. I tried a TMP for a few days but the selling items on it didn’t mean anything to me. Sounded fine, etc… but I’ll stick with Helix and revisit after a few updates

[@RusticSpirit]

Seems kewl but I'm sticking with my Tonex in the effects loop of my HX Stomp XL.

[@SteveSterlacci]

I wouldnt ever tell ya not to!

[@StephenSpelman]

Thanks, Steve. Very helpful, as always

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks SS

[@barrygruber9274]

Great video, good to see someone being honest about it instead of trying to pedal snake oil like some of the others. I’ve seen a lot helix’s for sale but I’m not going down that route atm.

[@MrChopsticktech]

I have yet to see a positive review for it.

[@db7643]

First off, I am not disagreeing (or indeed necessarily agreeing) with the overall opinions here. I respect the point of the video is to relay your impression, and as I don't have a unit in front of me I take on board your comments. However, some of the comments that felt like pro's and con's seemed a little misplaced. For example the emphasis on the price versus the number of amp models seemed too prominent. Sure, it's worth a mention. But not only is the old "how many amp models do you need" argument relevant. But also, what do you say to people that shell out of a real '65 Fender Deluxe Reverb. I mean how many amp models does that give you for the price? Ultimately if - in theory - you could buy a modeller and cabinet that only did three models.... Perfectly.... but cost as much as two of the real thing, wouldn't that justify it's cost? Also, though to a lesser extent, the comparisons with other modellers - which are of course absolutely relevant - seemed to be more angled towards what, from each device, you would take to build the ideal machine for yourself, rather than a subjective evauation of 'Fender's approach'. Of course. Your channel, and I am grateful for your taking the time to post opinions. So more observations than criticism really. In fact I will keep a look out to see how your views evolve (or not) after more acclimation. P.S. Gig mode is great for those of us with less perfect eyesight who just want to confirm the patch at a glance.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Hey db! No worries at all! I always welcome these types of conversations. The price issues come from comparison to the others on the market as well. Users will see that as a more "bang for your buck" I think. I personally usually find 1 model to love and stick with it for a few touring seasons. From studying the community the lsst 5 years, people want more and more and more lol its just the nature of these updateable devices (for free also!) That people always want more for their purchase. Your argument is valid on 1 real amp vs 200 models of others. But if you choose either, you know what you're getting and people will get greedy wanting more and more from the modelers. Its not my angle, but its how the community has worked. I do think feature set needs a few updates to compete as well. If they're doing every 6 months, they need to be massive additions to play a bit of catch up to the seasoned units

[@db7643]

@@SteveSterlacci Again. I respect that you would have a much more in depth-knowledge of 'what the market is asking for', but given your suggestion that "" then surely there is as much merit in highlighting the quality argument, as there is quantity argument. (Not that I am suggesting who wins in the quality debate). I mean provided it happened to be the right models, one device with three models would cover you for an awfully long time by the sound of it. If that unit were the Tone Master Pro (hypothetically of course, as I guess it isn't). Then for that individual why would it need to catch up? As much as your stated focus is to fulfil the apparent 'wants' of the masses, is it not also an opportunity to encourage people to consider whether that is or is not the best thing to look at when comparing the units. At a personal level, I would prefer to convince manufacturers that "IF" it is a choice as to where they invest there R&D, then quality gets my vote every time. Of course I would be lying if I didn't admit to being a bit disappointed when I look for a certain amp om my pedal to (hopefully) emulate a sound, only to find I don't have it. But the reality is I am always able to find something close enough. Anyway, I realise I have thrashed the life out of that point (apologies), and again, I look forward to your further opinions once you have spent some more time with the TMP.

[@deans.4705]

You can most certainly have multiple mics but you would have to pick two cabs that are the same and choose a different mic on each.

[@SteveSterlacci]

I put that as text on the screen. Youd have to use a parallel path. Dual cabs is available in almost all major players without needing a parallel path

[@JStillwell-wm3ln]

A note to anyone that purchases a TM Pro. If you're updating the firmware to v1.1.100, you need to perform a (one time) factory reset to get all of the latest factory presets. This was not done in this video.

[@SteveSterlacci]

I said in the first minute or so that I did perform the update. I do see the suggestion to factory reset, which I just did now. I don't think that would make any difference for the purposes of this video though

[@JStillwell-wm3ln]

@@SteveSterlacci Yep, great that is has the update! The factory restore replaces all of the My Presets with copies of the new Factory presets which are better than what you were demoing. Plus there are more of them. No one has demo'd the new presets!

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@JStillwell-wm3ln gotcha! I will look into that today. I have a preset build from scratch coming in a few hours and then I will get right to that!

[@ksjohnson8197]

Oh, and one other thing for the newer guitar players, Spend your time becoming a better player vs continually trying new equipment and endlessly tweaking.

[@mr.d.572]

It's a tough balance to navigate. Because having a better tone really inspires you to play more. So I'll do research on pedals, amps, guitars, modellers, etc. and it definitely takes away from your actual playing time, but then when you land on a combination that you really like the sound of it inspires you to play more. That's what I've found anyway.

[@SteveSterlacci]

shopping is easier than practice!

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

Forgot to mention, the Spark 40 Watt Amp does it for me!

[@gearmeister]

Honest review! Thank you!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gearmeister]

@@SteveSterlacci Honesty is the best policy.. I'm thinking that the "gig view" you pointed out is a MIDI interface or plug in for remote access via an iPad or other tablet, at least I'm hoping that will be in a future update. How cool would it be to control the Tonemaster from your music stand without having to bend down to make changes?

[@MOAB-UT]

Good, honest review.

[@Studiomanberlin]

I did a comparison of the Fender Tone Master Pro with Quad Cortex, Amplitube, Helix and some of the real tube amps ( Fender Deluxe, Marshall 800, Vox AC30). I play for 50 years now and have and had almost all the different archetypes of tube amps. The Fender sounds on this are ok but the rest is really a joke. It sounds very artificial and cannot compete with the QC, Fractal Axe FX, Helix and also not with most up to date software modelers. Also the overdrive pedals sound like simulations from the early days. This is very unfortunate as the device as such looks and feels great and has a lot of things that are lacking in other devices. Btw with some free IRs sounds get a bit better ( eg Leon Tod TV Mix). Sorry Fender I really wanted to have this but if the sound is not on par with latest tec why should I bother. Will send it back to the shop tomorrow

[@mr.d.572]

What I like about this and the boss me-90 is that they're easier to use than the other modellers. Is there anything you would recommend that is easy to use and still good?

[@Studiomanberlin]

What about a Quad Cortex?

[@SteveSterlacci]

Interesting ! Thanks for adding to the discussion

[@johnshields6539]

Hey steve, have you yried the friedman ir x, I'd love to hear your take on it bud, still putting out great vids my man cheers pal 😊😊😊

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks for checking it out! I havent gotten to try it yet...

[@Chacusam]

Great video. i have to disagree with the updates thing thou. They came out with what really seems like a finished product. Updates are great, but if the product does what it's meant to do right it should not be something to be meassured by

[@SteveSterlacci]

Well they are definitely missing a ton of legendary fender amps, like the 63 bassman that I use daily. Also, no matchless amps. There are also a few features i think can improve workflow. Sure its perfectly usable for the rest of my life today, but if it wants to compete, it has to be able to compete

[@kierenmoore3236]

Nice interface. Not sure about everything else, including sound and price … 🙃

[@ludlow555]

I wanna know more about that Les Paul!

[@danabnormal5892]

I excitedly bought the tonemaster and the fr-12. It’s not much better than my gtx-100

[@BobbyCulpepper.srv3fender]

Fender aint gonna update it, not how they do things, what you see is what you get. You may get some bug fixes but thats it. They made a pretty paperweight

[@SteveSterlacci]

They apparently have a 10 year plan and expect 1 every 6 months. I think its under delivering if thats the update schedule

[@ironblast5]

​@SteveSterlacci as big as fender is and all they can do is every 6 months I swear if line 6 and fractal did that they would have never taken off thats the biggest gripe most people have had with headrush and nueral dsp way too much updates needed and promised and slow snail pace delivery

[@BobbyCulpepper.srv3fender]

@@ironblast5 they had one update for the first line of tonemaster amps, and they came out 3 years ago. All of there modelling is based off the mustang gtx which they never updated

[@stringsattached67]

You're joking right ? I have the helix floor and the fm9 and this thing smoke's them both in GUI alone. And side by side my helix sounds artificial compared to this fender TMP. The fm9 sounds very good always has but this is definitely not an $800 unit. Not when Helix is $1500 lol

[@SteveSterlacci]

I'm glad you're liking it so much. You're entitled to your opinion as much as I am

[@kirkwilliams2127]

Sounds way better than the H6

[@stringsattached67]

The TMP has come even further in the last 7 months I'm glad that so far fender is supported the system.

[@ronpatterson5483]

Thanks for review.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks for checking it out ron!

[@TheCyberMantis]

EVERYONE is saying this thing is overpriced. Which it is. I think Fender went greedy on the initial launch of this thing. I also think it should come with a matching expression pedal that is separate but dock-able. That would be good.

[@davidcjupp]

It’s the Apple approach. By pricing it above or equal to the QC they are saying this device sits with those.

[@SteveSterlacci]

🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@TheCyberMantis]

@@davidcjupp Well, they are trying to say it. But that doesn't mean it is. The players will decide if it is or not. So far, a lot of mixed reviews.

[@flashbak01]

I don't know Steve, I've watched some other KZbin videos and they've been able to dial in some excellent sounds with the TMP. I'd like to see your impression once you start creating your own presets. I agree, they could have lowered the price about $300.00 which would certainly help propagate it into the hands of the masses.

[@ironblast5]

Headrush prime and core have about the same amount of amps on board but have bass amps too they also have capture tech and anatares vocal auto tune and cost about $1k the current asking price needs to be brought down atleast until its had some decent updates to catch up

[@flashbak01]

@@ironblast5: But honestly, this unit sounds better to me than the Headrest Prime. Fender definitely should rethink their pricing for the unit unless it is based on what they know is coming down the pike for it.

[@brianlebrun2382]

Your opinion is shared by a lot of people including me. For the price there's a lot more features with the other modelers. I've been watching the reviews and a few guys are complaining about the harsh digital overtones in the overdrives. It needs to prove it's as good if not better than the others at that price and its not. I am interested in the Tone Master FR12. It's the first FRFR that looks like a Fender amp and has active tone controls and it's priced way below the Powercab. We'll see. Great video as always.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks Brian! Definitely interested in trying that out as well

[@DKN-nr7nv]

Based on what I’ve heard so far from KZbinrs, these sounded pretty anemic and non-analog

[@robertp457]

It looks like the easiest multieffects device to use coming from two line6 devices.

[@SteveSterlacci]

It sure is very easy, but Helix without a touch screen may STILL be easier...

[@mikec8815]

It looks nice but right now you can get an FM3 with FC6 foot controller for $1350. Thats what i would buy.

[@SteveSterlacci]

thats a great combo!

[@colinparks619]

I think it sounds v digital compared to quad, kpa and fm9

[@philmiller6655]

It seems kind of half-baked based on what I’m seeing here and elsewhere. Honestly, it offers a lot fewer features than the QC had when it was first released. I guess that’s the thing I don’t get. If Fender is going to promote this as a “Helix killer”, more or less, it seems it should at least have some features that the Helix doesn’t. It has a touchscreen and skeuomorphic graphics, but beyond that, not a whole lot of compelling stuff going for it. It kind reminds me of Apple selling their super expensive monitors. They seem to be banking on the fact that a certain demographic of buyer will feel comfortable with it because it has the Fender name on it.

[@SteveSterlacci]

I do agree for the most part. There isn't really anything shining about it at the moment. And by the time we get 6 months per update, it'll be further left behind by the others unless the updates are major

[@theriffdjenerator2213]

it's timed to prevent accidental gestures...

[@SteveSterlacci]

What is?

[@sjsphotog]

Definitely not as intuitive as the Helix floor and LT. I can only imagine what Line 6 is working on for the next gen Helix 2.0

[@SteveSterlacci]

Honestly, I still think Helix is easier without the touch screen

[@boimesa8190]

How do the amps sound?!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Fine enough! Im not floored and exploding, but its solid as any other one is

[@lonnyhorowitzmd509]

Not trading in my Helix yet!!!

[@ironblast5]

Theres too many similarities to the headrush layout

[@joelanderson6777]

It absolutely ripped off Headrush on the UI.

[@MrDingoKelevra]

There is dual cabinets and dual mics!!!!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Only if you use the cabinet in parallel, as stated

[@charlesg.1207]

Pretty cool and some good features but too late to the game. Great overview and details.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Yeah im not sure if it is enough

[@BrandonMilner]

I really really get frustrated watching content creators “winging it” and trying to figure out gear on the fly. It wastes my time. If the unit was easy or hard to figure out, tell me… but I don’t like seeing minutes of stumbling around guessing how to do something (that may not even be accurate). I know there is a time crunch to get gear review videos out, but seriously, please take the time to prep more, thanks!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks Brandon. If you dont want a video on first impressions and exploring the unit out-of the box, then don't watch this one. There will be more as I get to know the unit, but I wanted to document my first time using it, as stated in the video. Don't worry, it'll be coming soon!

[@DavidEidelberg]

I’m watching.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks ! Let me know if I am dumb crazy or something like that...

[@DavidEidelberg]

I don’t have to watch the video to know that….😹

[@DavidEidelberg]

I think maybe $1299.

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@DavidEidelberg its tough not even really knowing their expectations for it. Like they say 10 years, but what can we expect investing that type of money?

[@wolfhorsky]

Very laggy touchscreen...

[@sjsphotog]

For sure. Unacceptable for 2023 tech. Didn't they beta test it out with actual users?

[@TJISLA]

Pedalera para ricos con sonido plastico Con buen marqueting.

[@Hugotheviking]

Tones are fantastic but it very in the buks bro

[@SteveSterlacci]

🫣

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

I don't like the switches. They are too close together. If you have big feet, that is an issue. And not foot pedal. Way overpriced. You get more bang for buck from the Headrush Prime, the Helix or Fractal. The problem with the Fractal is it's a little of a learning cure. We need more amp models. It's kinda like closet space for me. You can never have enough closet space. I think I'll stick with GTX 100 amp from Fender. Thank you for honest. I wish more users were like you.

[@richo144]

Is exactly the same footswitches distance as the fm9, way better than QC footswitches distance

[@r.llynch4124]

I recommend is NOT to waste your hard earned cash on this. You might as well buy an FM9 and be done with it. The FM9 blows everything else out of the water imo This coming from someone that owns a Kemper, tried a Helix, and tried a TONEX. So far, profilers have not impressed me much. My FM9 always sounds better and I get consent updates from FAS.

[@simonsmith2642]

Its real clunky and really overpriced especially with a good expression pedal.. Are there bass amps? Can you find a JC120 or an Orange? They could drop the price and bulk, if it just connected to your iPad for touch screen. Think how much they would save to drop the price if they just made it iPad or iPhone touch screen, they could drop the price by almost 1k and you could mount the screen to your mic stands and see it better.

[@msvapehead]

Its not a tap display its a touch display you have to touch it 😂

[@SteveSterlacci]

Yeah that could be my bad lol qc and headrush are fine with my tapping!

[@markinthemix6055]

Your thumbnail pics are always a look of sadness, disappointment, or disgust. Does any of the gear ever make you smile?

[@SteveSterlacci]

People like drama and don't click on happiness. You ever try picking a youtube thumbnail? Its an awful process lol its like the news. No one cares unless its negative 🤣🤣🤣

[@mrblues1981]

steve look like they copied cortex and small screents copied from helix floor . only thing you cant clone pedals and amp with tone master :) i still love my cortex 😅😅😅

[@szveszs]

If you want to waste more 1,7k to thing that you'll play better, home or live, this is it.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Same can be said about a $20 pedal

[@williambock1821]

It probably had thousands of mediocre tones that sound like they were all programmed by one guy at the same time on Friday afternoon.