Improve Your Fender Hot Rod Deluxe For $10

[@alext9067]

Without guys like you, the world would suck.

[@419thmilitia]

I just did this to my Deville and fixed it. I bought this back breaking pos back in 98 and was never happy with the sound. So this is like getting to enjoy the amp for the first time. Thanks and I will spread this tip every time I can thanks you

[@kahn265_]

I just did the 12AT7 mod on my HRD3 this morning. It is SO nice having the increased level of control. The less harsh overdrive is also nice! Thanks for posting this....

[@tiborrisko7349]

Cool video, thanks for the info!You can also do the following to turn a fender style amp lower, even if it is around 50 Watts of power:1. Turn ALL of the EQ knobs down to 0 (bass, mids, highs, presence if your amp has one).2. Set the volume levels to how you would normally use them in a club, so you can turn them up pretty loud. 3. Slowly start turning up the EQ knobs, best to start with the mids, then add a bit of bass and highs if needed. Notice that the EQ knobs are like individual "volume" knobs for each of the frequencies and that you only need to dial in just a bit of each frequency and the amp will sound quite a lot like it usually does on high volume, but on a softer level. It will obviously lack a bit of the speaker breakup, but you can also use this method to "tame" beastly amps that use a Fender style EQ section. Hope this also helps someone out there.

[@plasterpenguin]

I'm going to try this, thanks!

[@WoodesosGuitarMods]

So I ended up doing this Phillip. I replaced all the 12ax7's with new 12at7's. As you suggested in this video, you only needed to replace the one, but I did just one, noticed the huge difference you show here and then added the other two and noticed the overall tone rounded out a bit more. Not a huge difference but I read in some forums about guys who replaced all three and suggested exactly the same results I got with my Blues Deville 410. It's SOOO much more manageable now. Holy cow. Totally different amp. Just way more control over it all the way around!! Thanks for this video:-)

[@hoboroadie]

There's two or three other 12AX7 substitutions that won't fry anything. (12AU7, 5751, &c. The first gain tube is most sensitive to change. I tried everything in my Micro Terror trying to get a tone. (failed)

[@guitarguy382]

I did this mod to my 2x12 DeVille earlier today. I had a few NOS 12AT7’s so I popped one in and WOW! HUGE difference! The overdrive is now much more usable, and I’m now getting a lead-tone that actually sounds nice with the footswitch at double red-lights. I’d already installed the complete Fromel ‘Supreme’ kit years ago, but this easy mod really brought it home. Played my single-coil strat thru it…….no more flabby/sputtery overdrive. Now there’s some ‘bite’. Plus, it now sounds really good with the drive knob dimed. MUCH THANKS, PHIL!!!!!

[@ourbackyardwildlife]

DUDE! - I know you don't lay claim to this mod but I'm giving you all the credit. Just picked up a hot rod amp at the weekend which is awesome but Sooo darn loud - after watching your video ordered a tube on amazon which just arrived popped it in and OMG amazing all the tone is still there but without the wall rattling volume. Could not be happier Thank you!

[@PhillipMcKnight]

I'm glad you like it. Thank you for watching.

[@Kathayne636]

@Craig WillisDoes it still get to the same final volume level, just in a more linear fashion with the new tube?

[@ilangoramachandran780]

Wow, thank you! I have one of the first Hod Rods AND one of the first Blues Deluxes. I did this little mod to both of them and the results are absolutely wonderful. What a difference - after all these years!!! I wish I had known earlier - thank you, Phillip!

[@ResoBridge]

Several things - Like a number of the larger Fender amps, the Hot Rod Deluxe has two input jacks. Using input 2 on its own will cut the input signal by half. Although it also only offers an input impedance of 136K, compared to the 1 Megohm of input 1. Secondly, that entire series of noval base small signal tubes are 2 valves in one glass envelope. So when you talk about changing V1 you are changing V1a and V1b. The gain of the pre-amp is changed, not just by the change in amplification factor of a single triode, but by the amplification factor of two tubes in cascade. Also note that the input controls on many Fender amps are linear and not log pots. People often change these to log to get smoother control of volume. However Fender aren't crazy to use linear controls, they load them with a 180K resistor from wiper to ground to get a non-linear characteristic. One of the reasons you get such a dramatic jump in volume with a high gain amp like the Hot Rod Deluxe is that all rotary controls (potentiometers) have neutral metallised 'landing' zones at either end of their rotation. When used as a volume control, for the first and last, at least 10 degrees of their rotation, you get no change in volume because the wiper hasn't moved off the landing zone and there is no change in resistance. Then as the wiper passes onto the resistive portion of the track you get the sudden volume jump.

[@thuhreb]

Big thumbs up on mentioning changing to logarithmic pots for volume. I did that on my blues deluxe and it made a huge difference in the amount of volume control I have over the amp. Before, 1.5 was usually too loud. Such a tiny change would go from off to LOUD. So sensitive. I don't know why they use those stock. Now, at about 3.5, sound output is about where 1 used to be with the linear pot.

[@itdies2dayyo]

Can you explain this like I'm 5 please lol

[@Ben59910]

I don't understand what you're saying? Is it a good mod he did or pointless? Lol

[@WebbChannel1]

FIRST OF ALL, much more complicated changing a pot over changing a tube - 2) You only mention volume control and totally negate the added warm, rounded tone you get with the 12AT7 over a harsh ear piercing tone of the AX7. Maybe great for metalheads but not for blues and jazz.

[@jonathanhandsmusic]

Why can't you simply use a good volume pedal with a variable pot, for example, a Morley lil alligator? I think swapping out tubes and pots is a little much unless you really know what you are doing. And most of us don't know that much about the internal workings of tube amps. Well, I guess I don't.

[@dharleyfan1]

You could also make your own Master volume box, which is just a audio taper volume pot, an input and an output, and three wires. Simple to make and you just run it through your effects loop. Tames the volume instantly. But doesn't change the tonal characteristics.

[@vanschr]

Plugging into input2 makes a big difference in terms of the jump as well...think it's a -6Db drop. Will definitely do the 12AT7 swop. Thanks Phillip!

[@glenfenderman]

I just did this little mod, and now my HRD sounds great! It makes the amp sound more like a vintage unit and makes the amp sound warmer and takes out the brittleness.

[@zappowerrewoppaz]

Yep, changed the original with a Philips AU valve and yes, it's playable also at home now. Wife, kids and neighbours appreciate it ;-) Sounds very very good, I even would say it sounds way better and also the distortion is useble now. Thanks phillip

[@markmarsh27]

I bought a Deville 410 that needs tubes a month ago. ... This video is RIGHT ON TIME for me -- I was gonna buy the AX7's TOMORROW. .. Thanks Man!

[@ElCaminoJU]

Holy smokes. It works. Warms up the sound substantially as well. Thanks a bunch for the tip. WAY easier than swapping out pots. Especially for a guy who doesn't do electricity and would have to haul in my amp to somebody who does.

[@gustavcida2987]

By changing pots you also change the frequency characteristic of the circuit since the output impendance is changing.

[@fjr605]

Thank you so much! This new 12AT7 tube made a big difference on my volume knob. Proud Fender Hot Rod Deluxe 3 owner.

[@timothyjay2012]

What your doing is cutting the first and most important gain stage down by 40 - 50 percent or so. A 12AT7 is about 50-60 percent of a 12AX7 Gain wise. You can also go half way back up to 70 percent of a 12AX7 by using a 12AY7 that is about 70 percent of a 12AX7 Gain wise. Excellent way to lower the noise level and make a high Gain amp more of a pedal friendly platform. Or take a 5150 or 6505 and make it more Marshall like Gain structure wise. I have lowered the Gain structure of my 6505 Copy my Bugera 6234 is now running new Low Gain 12AX7's in V3-V4 and V5. Made a decent amp great!! Good demo! Thanks

[@GerryBlue]

I've always wanted to make this sound more like a Marshall, at least the gain channel, could you please elaborate on the tube swapping? Would I still need to make this particular 12AT7 mod? Thanks

[@timothyjay2012]

***** No to sound like a Marshall you'll need some Mullard Long Plate 12AX7's. That's gonna give you that British bite your looking for. Change all 3 Tubes to Long Plate Mullard 12AX7's you can get these in a good reliable seller at the Tube Depot .com. fast shipping and it will help your cleans as well

[@GerryBlue]

Thank you kind sir, I'll go get those 3 tubes. I really like this amp but always have thought that the distortion could be a lot better, and first this video gave me hope, and no your mod! Cheers!

[@timothyjay2012]

***** Your very welcome. Now its gonna sound completely different right away so give your ears like a week or so to get use to the tones your taking in. It may sound really harsh at first but believe me after being use to that different flatter tone your amps gonna have lots of sharp edges that's more plexi like and it will take a minute get use to it. Let me know how it turns out. And remember you gotta have Long Plate Mullard 12AX7's. \,,/

[@joshstringer8502]

+Tim Stanley That mod sounds awesome! I'm a total noobie when it comes to amp mods and I cant seen to find any Mullard 12AX7's advertised as "Long Plate" on Tubedepot.com Thanks!

[@bluzplayer1]

I just did this to a new Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV. Before this simple tube swap the reverb was almost unusable. We're talking anything past 1.5 and it actually started to "sizzle." and not in a good way. The drive channel is indeed warmer in both modes. A very nice improvement. Not sure about the top end loudness. I doubt I would EVER use the amp in that way. This sucker is LOUD. I had a Hot Rod Deville and got rid of it because it just didn't break up nicely until the roof came off of my house. I wish I would have tried this I'm sure it would have made the amp more user friendly. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us... you make a difference. Isn't that what life is really all about? Cheers

[@Krashulka]

Just plug a volume pedal into the preamp in and out , then you can crank the valves to a nice tone, then back off your volume pedal to the required vol. Works as a master and no loss of gain or tone. Helps heaps with those touchy linear pots, and no mods needed.

[@danielriceADV]

Even the volume knob on a lot of guitars.. Sounds way better IMO

[@thatsmynamesowhat2949]

I did this to my hotrod and this guy is right. It sounds a lot better and you can actually play it in your bedroom.

[@BillDutton]

I recently picked up a Hot Rod Deluxe III and luckily saw this video and immediately made this mod. Works like a champ (well...not a Fender Champ, lol)!

[@j_music_8779]

I just put in the 12AT7 in my HRD and holy smokes the tone is better and I can control the volume! Along with input 2 (-6db). Life is good brother! Great video Phillip!

[@eweegeewa]

yup. Works great doing same as you did. Also I seem to have reverb even if it's not "on". Haven't been able to catch a live show live yet though. show comes on like 2 to 3 hours earlier than expected.

[@Farold_Haltermeyer]

Thanks so much for this vid...after 3 years with my DeVille...just a different beast with the v1 switched. I actually went with a 12AY7 as I wanted a tweedier edge to it. This 60w beast that gets played at 4 at home is now at 7 and sounds rounder. And...lM NOW USING THE 2nd DRIVE CHANNEL!!! Thanks again, this isn’t the first time your wisdom has helped me out big time!

[@tommyboi2982]

Phillip, I'm fairly new to whole understanding of guitar equipment. I've played of course, but Ive never truly gone in depth with the understanding of the mechanics of the guitar and amps. Your knowledge has helped me grow so much in my education of this subject. Thank you.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Thank you for taking the time to post.

[@damiankacprzak6211]

@@PhillipMcKnight I put a 12AT7 into v1 of my of Blues Deluxe. On the clean channel, the amp started getting "hum like feedback like noise" but when you put the guitar to the amp it does not feedback. Tapped all the tubes with a wood stick from left to right. When I got to the 12AT7 into v1, I got a glass reverb like feedback. This also happens when tapping the amp's chassis. I put in my original 12AX7, everything went away. I put a little more effort when tapping the tubes/chassis and no noise or glassy feedback. Was I sold a microphonic tube???

[@mustangtech331]

Probably already known by many, but using a volume pedal in the effects loops acts as a master volume. You can keep the same tubes and turn the channel volume up as much as u want to get them cooking and control the actual volume with the pedal.

[@cheeseboy075]

yeah but then u get the raw guitar signal into the cabinet with no pre amp, its better to put a pre amp in front then the volume pedal, or you can buy the jhs amp box and plug the pre amp out into the power in and lower the volume knob on the pedal

[@DNYS8N]

No effects loop on this amp

[@smooshpig]

@@DNYS8N yes there is...

[@Thisisrance]

@@DNYS8N it’s just labeled preamp in/out I believe

[@reddsshaker3477]

@@cheeseboy075 you misunderstood the post. Use the volume pedal in the effects loop (pre out/power in), but continue to plug your guitar in the standard input on the amp. You’re basically adding another volume between the preamp and power amp.

[@rawkinj6609]

Dude just found this vidéo!! And i just got a Hot Rod Deluxe III yesterday! It's gonna sound amazing tomorrow!! Thank you so much Phil!! Rock on!

[@OlDirtyFilmah]

guys this definitely works. I've been struggling with my original hot rod one for years. I popped in an at7 in the 3rd slot, bingo. amp sounds so amazing and lush. All thats left is a new speaker!

[@randomsongs8478]

OlDirtyFilmah what speaker are you going with

[@timeubank4687]

@@randomsongs8478 I got the texas heat. love it

[@JTHelectronics]

had my hot rod dlx on consignment at the music store I work at, saw this video, tried the mod, and now I'm taking it back home with me, thanks Phillip!

[@AdamRainStopper]

5:38 there's a fly under the mid control on the boogie.

[@Bluelightbandit]

lol...eagle eye!

[@AdamRainStopper]

Bluelightbandit I have other talents too, like stopping weather events!

[@utooberblooper]

going for an eye test later or is useless info your forte?

[@scootmcgoot570]

Adam Rainstopper look at the eyes on adam! dang it boweeeee your vision is on fleek

[@meclazine]

Thanks Phillip. Ordered the Electro-Harmonix 12AT7 and some pinball LED's from Australian suppliers to fix my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe which had the exact issues you mentioned. Plus my light was not working, so get the amp real cheap. Who would have guessed the LED's were $2. Thanks again.

[@FNDRS1]

By replacing the tube you are dropping the gain of the of the amp circuit. This is not a bad thing. As you found out it lowers the volume a little, and will take a higher volume setting to get it to distort. This is due to the fact the 12AX7 has a gain of 100, while the 12AT7 has a gain of only 60. You are also backing off how hard you push the rest of the amp. If you crank it up it will still be plenty loud, it's just easier to control the volume at low settings. As to the improvement in tone swapping out the tube may very well change the response of the amp and smooth it out. It is common for people to swap out the first tube in the preamp and the last tube before the power amp section. In fact, other tubes can be used to substitute for either the 12AX7 or the 12AT7 in most places where these tubes are used (at least in the preamp section). Many consider preamp distortion to have a "fizzy" sound. Preventing it from happening a lower volumes helps to get the power amp section working harder before preamp distortion sets in.

[@deanmartinleach]

I have a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III. I installed a George Benson tube, 12AT7, and it worked just like you show, but I wanted to drop the volume even more. The TubeStore suggested a 12AU7 tube in the first position. I purchased a Mullard. It worked great. Really tamed the amp even more than the 12AT7. So I'm running the 12AU7 in first position and then two 12AX7's, and plugging the guitar into the second input. Love it. I tried 12AU7's in the first and second socket positions. The amp sounded good but, it cut the volume way too much for me. I hope this helps someone. Thanks for making the video.

[@markcanino7164]

that distortion sounds amazing with that new tube.

[@rowdyhoo]

Just completed this mod and I am so stoked about the results! It does reduce some of the ultimate headroom of the amp but I think it actually increases the clean headroom, which is a plus for someone like me that is primarily country player.

[@rj_connor3779]

Phillip McKnight, Thank you! This little mod has made my HRD usable in so many more ways than before. And the warmer tone is great, imho. Very helpful video!!!

[@kyp1969]

I have a Hot Rod Deluxe. I swapped out the 12AX7 in the V1 position for a NOS Mullard CV4024 / 12AT7. It not only gave me significantly more control over the volume but the improvement in sound was somewhat of a revelation, especially on the clean channel but also on the drive channel (even though I rarely use it myself as get dirt from pedals). The Mullards can be had for very reasonable money. I still use a 12AX7 in V2 and a balanced 12AX7 in V3 (PI). I would strongly recommend the Mullard CV4024 / 12AT7 in V1.

[@Pollandland]

Watched a TON of your (great) videos and its just hit me that if someone told me Steve Carrell was voicing this I'd believe them every day. Haha!

[@brendandelumpa8496]

Dude! Thanks for the tip! Just so happens that I had a JAN Philips 12AT7 circa 1959 NOS tube in my tube drawer that I originally got to mellow out another amp, but took it out because I needed the gain. I popped it into my Hot Rod and WOW! While it definitely helped with the normal channel volume knob, it had a profound effect on the drive channel. Removed those ice-pick-like high-frequency artifacts and made the overdrive tone much warmer and tamer, but not losing note definition. So cool! Thanks again!

[@justincurtsinger570]

One simple thing no one ever seems to mention is using input jack 2 on the amp. It attenuates it -6db. I use my HRD as a pedal platform and this helps tremendously.

[@j_music_8779]

I always play in input 2. This is the way to go for home use. HUGE difference with -6db. In a good way :)

[@thisgoestoeleven]

My experience with this amp is that input 2 attenuates the volume, but the tone suffers. My model is ~15 years old at this point, so that may not be the case anymore. I just did the 12at7 swap on the first preamp tube, and I'm a huge fan so far. More clean headroom, a more gradual increase in dynamic as you turn the volume knob, without sacrificing tone.

[@leopoldotodisco5439]

Is it quite enough when the guitar is plugged in input 2? I tried in a store but I didn't know that, I am really scared about the 60 watts of the hot rod deville 212 but I just fell in love with the amazing sound. I need your help now

[@passivepuppy]

Thanks for posting this video! I really like how this mod warmed up the clean tone and smoothed out the distortion. Plus the volume is actually manageable now. Thank You!!

[@dennishadfield]

WHOAA!!! This is an awesome MOD. Thank you very much for sharing. The question now is 'can this be done to the Master Volume pot?'

[@thuhreb]

change it from a linear (stock) to logarithmic pot. Did this on my 40w blues deluxe. Now 3.5 setting is like what 1-1.5 setting was. Much more control over the "ramp" of the sound output. I have no idea why Fender uses the linear pots on these type amps...

[@kimhansen6384]

@@thuhreb Somebody wrote that Fender modifies the linear pot to a kind a audio taper with a 180K resistor. Maybe that value could be changed to make it more usable, instead of changing the pot.

[@peccleft64]

i have had an at7 in v3 position for years and have liked it. i recently had my hrd 410 serviced. the tech offered to add a triode mode switch and neg feedback off switch. it sounds incredible. like taking off a blanket that was covering the amp. sounds much more open and alive. it cost about 200 dollars and i am a happy man.

[@fueradeljuego]

That is just amazing. I got rid of my hotrod deluxe for exactly this reason. Was blasting our rehearsals away with the amp on 2. Got to be intolerable. Plus pretty much hated the distortion sound. Now i have a USA-made Deville 212 which is better in terms of volume control but could still use some attenuation. Will this help?? Thanks so much for this and all your videos.

[@DMSProduktions]

Change all pres to lowest gain you can get. So ECC81/AU7.

[@DanFornika]

I just installed a 12AT7 in my Hot Rod Deluxe III. It worked as advertised! The tone is warmer, and most importantly much more of the volume range is usable.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Glad you like it! Thanks for posting

[@richardwinelander4777]

Hi Phil: Would this work on a Hot Rod DeVille?

[@PhillipMcKnight]

+Richard Winelander Yes, it will have the same affect.

[@baerster]

Just got a Hot Rod Deluxe Version 1. I don't know why there is so much hate toward it. I think it's great! I just ordered a 12at7 and can't wait to hear it. Thanks for the tip!

[@steadfastguitars869]

Hey Phillip. this may be a dumb question because im not real amp/tube savvy but would this tube swap work on the blues deluxe as well? i know they are similar but not identical. thanks and keep up the great work!

[@BreadandFaxes]

Steadfast Guitars this will work for any tube amp that uses 12AX7 in the preamp stage. What you're basically doing is going from 100% down to 60% "power".

[@Pokey7317]

Don't have a Hot Rod but if I did, I would DEFINITELY do this. I like the amps and maybe interested in one after watching this. Amazing as usual. Keep the vids coming

[@willwilliams7491]

Hi All, I have the George Benson model which comes with the 12AT7 mod. I also went out and bought the 12AX7 so I can switch out and have the best of both worlds. For those that are equipped with the 12AX7, my question is, why not just plug into the #2 input? It's designed with less sensitivity (-6db) and is cleaner due to less preamp input volume? Wouldn't that in theory be the same thing? 1 second mod.

[@kimhansen6384]

Normally you will loose some treble if you use the low input, because the input impedance are lower.

[@djross2043]

I just wanted to give you a BIG Thank You! I’m not a shredder and it comes out perfect for me. I DO Love it more. Wow it matches up to what I play perfectly from Petty to Chris Stapleton. Harrison to Doobie Bros. It works out great. I’m even experimenting with some of my acoustics now. I’ll let you know how that works. Again, Big TY, I thought I wasted my money, now I feel great. Not a waste at all.

[@laurieharper1526]

Really appreciate your helpful and interesting videos. You can get lower gain versions of the 12AX7/ECC83 - the Phillips 5751, for example - which will be a direct swap and do the same job.

[@ejpurkis]

I put the fromell mod on mine, which combined with an AT7, made all channels much more useable. One problem with mod in the PCB is that the tracks are micron thin, and it is very easy to burn through with the soldering iron.

[@PauloSilva-bb5tt]

Hi all. I have a Hot Rod Deluxe and the thing is, of course, very loud. I am trying the following configuration: v1 - Electro harmonix 12AY7 v2 - Groove Tubes GT12AX7 R v3 - Groove Tubes GT12AT7 I will let you know how it went.

[@PauloSilva-bb5tt]

+Paulo Silva Just finish first test with new tube config. The result is amazing. Is this the same amp??? The volume control works smoother and the volume increase is more progressive. For sure the gain is lower. I can push it to 3-4 (clean channel) without being too loud (used to play with volume 2 at home). But I am really impressed with the tone. It sounds more "sweet", "creamy" with great sustain ... sounds like a nice vintage tweed. Even the overdrive / distortion pedals sound better. More detail and more definition on harmonics. My rat 2 looks like a different pedal with a nice rich, full sound. The improvement is not so dramatic using the OCD. The chorus pedal sounds like "heaven" (mxr analog chorus). Although I don't use the drive channel of the amp, can tell you that the result is also impressive. The sound is less aggressive but keeping the punch. You can push the master volume without becoming deaf. I am keeping this setup.

[@kimhansen6384]

@@Cam_B Get some new glasses.

[@gunnslinger7774]

I really was not wanting to switch out the tube.. So I tried the volume controll in the efects loop.. Was cool but a little twichy.. So I dropped the tube in and bam the amp sounded way smoother and can absolutely be used at a low level. Defenately smoothed out most of the ice pick... 2 months later I put a texas Heat and left the tube in and it is a great sounding amp.. Great Video..

[@lelandclay4733]

Will this work for a 410 deville?

[@matthewhenry8739]

yes

[@ericleary5075]

Definitely the best tip I’ve had from the interwebs ever!!!!! I was ready to either sell the damned thing or buy a $700 attenuator... actually found this looking for attenuators! Thank you Mr. Interweb dude, you ROCK!!!! 👍

[@bernardogastronomia]

there are $50 attenuators, try Carl's Speaker Soak , great price, works great

[@davew8542]

will this work on the Blues Deluxe Reissue?

[@kimhansen6384]

It will work on all amps with 12AX7.

[@javierf55]

I just got my Deluxe yesterday and changed the tube according to your video. Bought mine at Amazon and I can't tell you how happy I am. Without trouble for a great advice. The GT-12AY7 also works well.

[@jeremyv4636]

Thanks, man! My very first HR Deluxe limited lacquer tweedy is arriving this pm and I'm ECSTATIC!!! Today I will go get this preamp tube and have it ready to put in before I ever plug her in! Being a father of 3 (though they're VERY cool with me playing at moderate volume/no bitchiness) every bit helps when it comes to volume control.

[@rdlaw8868]

Where did you get that painted cabinet? That amp is cool.

[@utooberblooper]

Its was an option

[@rdlaw8868]

Who has that option?

[@TheAlbiCollier]

Bo, Luke, and Daisy Duke... haha

[@rdlaw8868]

haha

[@sidfernandez7569]

this video clip is a good tip. i tried it with my fender blues jr., swapping one of the 12ax7s to a 12at7. it only enhanced the tone slightly but brought the gain down considerably. before i could only practice in the living room at 2 or 3 but now i can play at 4 with the "fat" button engaged, without pissing everyone off.

[@KyleSchwanz]

So just replace the one tube or all 3? Thanks for the video !

[@LorSTApunk07]

I did this many years ago on a HR Deville I used to own. 12at7 in v3 position. It definitely smoothed out the harsh gain.

[@gustavcida2987]

The tube in the V3 position is the phaseshift (or phase inverter) tube, therefor part of the poweramp and not part of the preamp. Some early Fenders had that tube in the phase inverter circuit though.

[@SaxophoneHitman008]

Maybe a little less coffee? Yes, an interesting fix, over simplified to be sure, but doable. With the AT7 in V1 you'll definitely tame the amp some, but also will change the tonal characteristics significantly. We address the problem being truer to the design by varying the Volume and Master volume pots, the tone stack, power supply caps and several other mods. It is possible to have every feature of this amp working the way you would think it should work, by installing less than 100 dollars worth of parts in the right places. John Fromel makes a good basic Mod kit that addresses most of its shortcomings. We also change out the trannys and speaker depending on what the players expectations are..BUT again, we do agree that your AT7 in V1 is an interesting fix for volume, but caution that most folks may not like the resulting overall tone change. The good news is this fix is easy to change back in need be. Good Video.......Thanks.

[@kyp1969]

I found that using a NOS Mullard CV4024 / 12AT7 in V1 does not change the tonal characteristics of the Hot Rod Deluxe amp at all.

[@r.weaver3769]

Instead of the AT7 which is less musical than the AX7, the AY7 is a better choice, less gain but musical.

[@michaelbrookins2720]

Thank you Philip i played a fender hotrod deluxe for the first time and. Fell in love with it thanks to you i realized the perfect amp for practice and all the above as long as i don't need to move it So i can play forever

[@johnmarkelewicz5495]

I replaced the 12AX7 with a Groove Tube 12AT7 and it works but I get a "ringing" sound when i play my guitar that's very annoying! I put the 12AX7 back in and the "ringing" stopped! Bad 12AT7 tube or is GT garbage?

[@PhillipMcKnight]

I had 9 bad GT tunes and I would stay a way from them. JJs are better

[@johnmarkelewicz5495]

That's what I was thinking, I just ordered a JJ, will let you know it works out. Thanks

[@johnmarkelewicz5495]

Well Phillip, you were right! Replaced that garbage GT with a JJ and the amp worked perfect! In fact, I went ahead and replaced all the GT's with JJ's and not only does it sound better, it's quieter too! Thanks for the video on using a 12AT7, I'm liking my HRDX once again! :)

[@PhillipMcKnight]

I do not know what happened to groove tubes but the sick now. I'm glad it worked out.

[@willwilliams7491]

+Phillip McKnight GT's like many other so called American tubes are just rebranded Sovteks but cost more. Just get the Sovteks unless you're going JJs. Some of them didn't even completely cover the Sovtek insignia with their brand. lol

[@JR-tg1vg]

Thanks a lot for the advice man. I’ve had my Hot Rod Deluxe 2x12 for years, and the volume is absolutely terrible if you’re doing at home practice. I don’t even bother with the gain. I use a whole different amp for heavy stuff, and a bassman pedal with extra gain for creamy style distortion. I’m gonna snag one of these tubes and see how it goes! Cheers 🍻

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Matt Walters I can not respond because it's blocked. Yes sounds like a bad tube. I had 3 in a row once all be micro phonic. So yes try another tube.

[@kewlbns69]

+Phillip McKnight someone told me years ago that when it comes to tube amps, when you change a tube you have to replace them all. something to do with the wear on used tubes or something but if you don't replace them all you can blow tubes that were functional. i have no idea if this is true because i've always owned solid state amps but i figured i'd mention it.

[@matthewg3478]

+Kewl Beans Nah, you don't need to replace all of the preamp tubes. I have had to replace one blown preamp tube multiple times. Power amp tubes are a different story tho. For example, on my triple rectifier if one tube goes out I have to replace the other tube that is paired with it. It has 3 pairs of tubes and when one goes out, I replace the pair. I am not promising that this is needed, but it is what I do.

[@kewlbns69]

Matthew G had this guitar teacher years ago had an old marshall tube amp...every time one tube blew he replaced the entire set of em lol....idk i'm a solid state guy so i don't have to worry about that maintenance head ache lol

[@utooberblooper]

its definitely not a headache owning a tube amp,ive never changed a single tube in my 25 + tube amps unless i actually WANTED to.your missing out on a tonal buffet because of misinformation.preamp tubes are $10 $15 and can be changed one at a time.ive read thousands of times how amps need tubes replaced so often,to that i say BULLSHIT. dont dismiss something because newbs give you misleading info

[@Walnutsasquatch]

I agree with Trill. A tube amp is in no way a headache. I've had my Hot Rod Deluxe for ten years and haven't had to change a tube yet. I've gigged with it, done a lot of recording and even accidentally left it on for three days. Still works great. I'm gonna have to try this simple and awesome mod though! I've been using a volume pedal in the effects loop to get around the high volume problem but I don't like the overdrive channel and this sounds like a cool alternative and essentially like having two amps in one. When I want a different sound, switch out the tube. Brilliant!

[@ChetanKumar-bj2ty]

This mod completely changed my amp's sound for the better. I can actually get loud clean tones through this amp now. What a world of difference. Great video... thanks

[@davemau5e]

Phillip, this vid helped me out so much!! Bought the the tube you mentioned and did wonders for me! I use my Hot Rod Deluxe at church and it was still loud! This did the trick for me! Sound fantastic paired with my Deluxe Reverb in stereo! Thank you for this!! 👏🏼😄

[@WoodesosGuitarMods]

I have the exact same problem with my Blues Deluxe. 4x10... screaming LOUD;-) I've been eyeing stupid pricy attenuators. But this sure would fix my issue with the amp. It's pretty much why I sold my last one, 10 years ago.. I've had this one for 2 weeks now and I'm about done with it. Maybe this will prolong my ownership of it;-)

[@hawg427]

I have a Weber attenuator and they are very well made & priced well :-)

[@jonmillerwv]

check out wampler pedals showing how to put a volume control through the effects loops

[@ijamsum]

It unfortunate being loud but get away 20 feet and its a good because highs smooth out because they do not carry at a distance but lows do carry so your bottom needs to be tight ! Pedals are not as dynamic for OD but it can be good at lower volume !

[@danxthexman82]

The wampler idea is great I made one and it works well to quiet the amp down but an EQ pedal does the same thing threw the front of the amp. It goes -15db and that's how I tame mine for home use

[@restitt]

OR google Lion Tamer for Blues Deluxe and get a device that is functionally identical BUT it's form is so much better/simpler. Around $33 shipped to the US from UK.

[@donaldstaats1624]

yep...I did the same thing awhile back...Doesn't make the amp any lighter, but it sure improves the tone! Just past this along to a friend of mine that has one as well....

[@marior6299]

That led light will make turn you into a blind guitar player.

[@mikesheils9165]

There is also an issue with the volume pot on fender HRD. Fender uses a linear taper pot instead of an audio taper pot. When the pot is changed to audio taper it has much better volume control.

[@cypressdobro8759]

BLUES JR OWNERS !!!! for home use.DO THIS.

[@RobinsonRDavid]

Thanks Phil. Just did this to my Hot Rod Deville 410, and works beautifully. Very helpful! That said, I’m noticing some chiming ringing. I tapped all tubes with a pencil and it’s the AT7 in the V1 slot, but I believe it may be the housing or something connected to the V1 slot as the amp was doing this ringing before the Tube change (but didn’t tap the previous tube).

[@notme-by2rw]

Thank you for the tube info.

[@doorman2]

Wow! I did the 12at7 mod to my Hot Rod Deville 4x10 in V1 and dang...That amp takes pedals better and even the drive channel isn't as obnoxious. THANK YOU!!!!

[@lapaz62]

Went to order 3 lights, $2.07, with the shipping $48.57, hahahahahahahaha, expensive envelopes in the good old US of A.

[@ekartpa]

Just did this mod to my 13 year old (but not heavily used) HR Dlx. All you say is true. Volume is more manageable and both OD drives are better sounding. JJ tube for $16.95 including shipping. LOve your orange finish and celestion.

[@blkjakk]

That is a beautiful amp!

[@darknatyX]

Think that the Mesa is more ass kicker but with both you can make a powerfully sound.

[@blkjakk]

I wasn't even concerned with the sound I just like the looks of that amp 👍🏻

[@madade27]

An effective alternative that OOZES quality, is to use a GE 5751 tube or even change all the pre-amp tubes to this type. It is supposedly a 12AX7, BUT it rates about 70% of AX7 output. They're called the SRV valve, warmer HUGE quality and they last for ever! Which is good, 'cos they're not cheapthese days, if you get the genuine GE NOS item. Good vid BTW.

[@lukebreunig]

Did you do a line of Coke before shooting this?

[@mikecantreed]

KZbin requires that in their terms of service

[@cypressdobro8759]

THANK YOU!!this turned my BLUES JR into the most enjoyable amp ever!!its just beautiful! !!!sooo nice.my gosh so nice.its better than EVER.

[@silvanolapenna2510]

Thanks for that...I'm going to try it. AND I'm old enough to have grown up in the vacuum tube decades...50's and 60's and worked for my brother in his TV repair shop. I sometimes had the task of testing tubes on a machine that listed all the tubes and how to set the machine to see if the tube was weak (red/replace) or good (green) And it listed the 12AT7 as a replacement for the 12 AX7. I also had a Twin reverb later and, of course, never changed the tubes. Who knew?

[@slothman886]

If you need the extra volume for a bigger gig, you'd just switch out for the old one right? Do tubes store well?

[@jonathanratcliffe5714]

thanks for the tip, popped a NOS Phillips at7 in this morning. (only one I could get my hands on locally) lovely warm tone and way more controllable. OD channel no longer sounds like a chainsaw, great advice.

[@Versionsofpeople]

I was excited to try this and solve that harshness problem, so I did exactly what you suggested... bought a GT-12AT7 tube to replace the first GT-12AX7 on my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe. I was disappointed when I turned the amp on and got an annoying whistle-like feedback from the new tube. Switched it back and the amp was fine. The new tube is obviously bad. Will update once I get a replacement and try again.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Versions of People I have also had problems with Groove tubes. JJs are also very good

[@lunardeed]

Phillip, I did this simple thing and... holy shit, what a huge difference one tube made!! Thanks for the info and keep um comming

[@kikovassora]

OMG, i sold mine three years ago for that reason (y1999)! YOU should told me that BEFOOOOORE ! i'm just tears now... ruined my day

[@senseandadapt3929]

Thanks for this. Worked fine, the tone sounds more vintage, at least to my ears. The distortion channel has improved considerably. Thanks. Regards Steve.

[@ronaldboykin9755]

Phillip, I discovered if I depressed the little button next to the volume pot I cut the power down much like you did when you changed the pre amp tube! I also could here the tone controls on the amp had a much more dramatic effect than before!!

[@MLAPEDALS]

And if you change that linear pot to audio taper you can get the same thing with a 12ax7. But the T 7 sounds better in those amps

[@rustybrantley2272]

I used a Dr Watson Lion Tamer module. It's a volume knob that pops in between the in and out loop, and has transformed my 410 deville into anything I need between a bedroom amp to a way too loud monster beast.

[@MrMongo321]

I just found this vid and the timing couldn't be better cuz I just bought a Hot Rod Deluxe 3.

[@Telecaster70]

oh wow...did it to my hotrod deluxe2....incredible..the overdrive chanel sounds sooooo much better now...brought it to the store where I purchased it and they were speechless like me. Thank you so much dude :-)

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Your welcome. Thank you for posting.

[@WebbChannel1]

Nice, friendly tone video with great info. I actually have a CRATE PALOMINO V32 with all "JJ"' tubes. And all the PreAmp tubes are the usual 12AX7. It hard to get that mellow bluesy tone out of her. Very harsh and volume shoots way up easily. Similar to your siutation. THANKS for the info - I'll try the 12AT7 "fix like you showed.

[@jimcampbell8061]

I love the exterior color scheme. The good folks at Orange UK should take note.

[@MatthewAasen]

Do you need to replace all three preamp tubes with the George Benson Style Tubes?