That Pedal Show - Get More From Your Fender Hot Rod Deluxe Amp

Welcome to That Pedal Show! Please subscribe to our channel and visit our store www.thatpedalshowstore.com
Life too short for long KZbin videos? Please see the ‘Interesting bits and go-to sections’ information below.
In this video we take a look at - and a listen to - the near-ubiquitous Fender Hot Rod Deluxe guitar amp. It’s among the most successful and widely used guitar amps of all time, not least as a great sounding ‘pedal platform’ in the opinions of many.
We begin by taking a look at its main features and sounds, before moving on to how it works with some classic overdrive and distortion types. We then take a brief sojourn into the world of feeding the effects loop return (power amp in) with external valve preamps, before heading back to a more conventional set up and listening to a couple of alternative speaker choices.
It’s a superbly capable amp that a ton of people own. So let’s get in to it…
Pedals in this episode…
• Fulltone Clyde Standard Wah
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2n375iZ
USA: imp.i114863.net/xMXod
• Analogman Sun Face BC183 Fuzz
www.analogman.com
• Fulltone Octafuzz
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2eG68c3
USA: imp.i114863.net/DoAao
• Keeley D&M Drive
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2oTblU1
USA: bit.ly/3xs7kcU
Australia: bit.ly/2pUDUAE
• Kingsley Maiden & add-on Passive Boost
www.kingsleyamplifiers.com
• Kingsley Page DS
www.kingsleyamplifiers.com
• Free The Tone Tri-Avatar Multi-Dimensional Chorus
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2eKxYoF
www.freethetone.com
• Bigfoot FX Magnavibe
www.bigfootfx.com
• Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2cVgRPr
USA: imp.i114863.net/9kxq0
Australia: bit.ly/2pUnPeu
• TC Electronic Hall Of Fame Reverb
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2mCiY3P
USA: imp.i114863.net/rMeW5
Australia: bit.ly/2ohy0sd
• Hamstead Signature Analogue Tremolo
www.hamsteadsoundworks.com
• Boss TU-3S Tuner
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2nUhodT
USA: bit.ly/3rcyZO7
• The GigRig G2: bit.ly/2h8xSay
* Why do we have preferred retailer links? Find out here: www.thatpedalshow.com/partners
* Why do we have preferred retailer links? Find out here: www.thatpedalshow.com/partners
Interesting bits and go-to sections…
- Intro & background: 00:00 - 2:25
- A probably not entirely acurate history of how it came to be: 2:25
- Quick demo of the basic amp sounds…
- Clean channel: 6:10
- With D&M Drive: 7:15
- And some lovely wet effects: 8:30
- Volume shenanigans with the dB meter 9:15
- A Joe Bonamassa aside: 13:20
- Overdrive channel with single coils… 14:10
- … and humbuckers: 17:12 (PRS) & 19:27 (Les Paul).
- Landau Love - what’s Mike got to do with this? 24:00
- Using preamps into the FX return: 25:15
- Guitar straight to the FX return: 25:56
- Kingsley Maiden to FX return: 27:35
- Maiden into Page DS into FX return: 29:55
- D&M Drive to the effects return: 32:30
- And what about an Analogman Sun Face BC183 fuzz? 36:45
- Standard speaker vs Celestion G12H-75 Creamback and Celestion Alnico Cream (playing at 40:35)
Amps in this episode
• Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III 1x12 combo (current version as at May 2017) - No longer made, link to latest version
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2KBwM
USA: imp.i114863.net/PxYnX
Guitars in this episode
• Fender American Vintage ’62 Stratocaster - watch Mick’s video at bit.ly/2cQv3yT
• Fender Custom Shop ’63 Telecaster - watch Dan’s video at bit.ly/2dlZJ6K
• Gibson Custom 1958 Les Paul Standard - watch Dan’s video at bit.ly/2dbwbvS
• PRS DGT - watch Mick’s video at bit.ly/2d8Xo2I
• Fender ’60s Reverse Headstock Strat - watch Mick’s video at bit.ly/2qtgTbo
We hope you enjoy this video. Please subscribe to our channel.
You may even want to buy a T-shirt to support our efforts www.thatpedalshowstore.com
We are also on Patreon - crowdfunding for creatives
/ thatpedalshow
Please visit our preferred retailers!
UK & Europe: Andertons Music bit.ly/2cRvIvt
Australia: Pedal Empire bit.ly/2mWmJQf
USA: That Pedal Shop www.thatpedalshop.com/

[@FabrizioPeretti]

I love when Mick touches the knobs and does not move anything. Just make sure they're still there.

[@ryanlevin1912]

I like when he just stares at the other guy while playing

[@alicayden9792]

sorry to be offtopic but does someone know a way to get back into an Instagram account..? I somehow forgot my login password. I would love any help you can give me!

[@alicayden9792]

@Everett Joseph Thanks for your reply. I found the site thru google and im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@alicayden9792]

@Everett Joseph HOLY **** IT REALLY WORKED :O Just hacked my instagram login within about 30 mins of using the site. Just had to pay 15$ but definitely worth the price :) Thank you so much you really help me out :D

[@BarndtTom]

I like when he turns the Master knob while in the clean channel (7:42) 😁

[@TheRealReTox]

My tea tastes better in my 'That Pedal Show' (TM) mug. There's more definition in the upper mids so the leaves steep extremely well. And since it's 18v there's more headroom, it takes flavouring easy peasy, it's your perfect cuppa. True Story.

[@forester057]

TheRealReTox No leaves in the bottom end hopefully 😂.

[@TheRealReTox]

No leaves! I use a high pass @ 80hz, takes all the residue out of the mix.

[@peteg9069]

Earl Grey I hope.

[@BollocksUtwat]

Its the tone porcelain that does the most work.

[@adamwebb241]

I used a HRD for a doomy/grungy heavy band a few years ago and the gain sound was fantastic. The other guitar player had a more fuzzy, scooped mid sound, and I had this full, clearer gain sound and they sounded MASSIVE together.

[@lindenellefson8558]

I just picked up my first big boy amp (the a used hot rod), and I have to admire you guys so much. You guys show how to get a really great guitar tone with almost any guitar set up. You guys rock.

[@texrex4580]

Just love small valve amps. I gig with a Fender Blues Deluxe most weekends... Mick and Dan demonstrate just how versatile these small amps are and what great tones can be achieved. Another top notch episode gents, well done.

[@fishypaw]

Watching 'That Pedal Show' while I eat my lunch is so much better than watching 'Bargain Hunt'.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+fishy paw We had some orange on today as well. Does Dickenson still do it? Hero. He plays a Burns, we reckon...

[@fishypaw]

The orange one has not presented it for a while now. He was replaced by Tim Wonnacott, who reminds me of the late great Terry Thomas. They have a similar gap in their teeth and both a bit roguish. I'm always bumping into two of the Scottish 'experts' who live near me. If I ever go on Bargain Hunt, I'll probably buy a couple of 'antique' guitars and an amp, and then just not turn up on auction day. ;D

[@georgeskarpo]

Same here hehe :-)

[@fishypaw]

It's funny you should mention Burns. I learned to play 'Apache' recently, and was watching old Shadows clips. In one of the clips I couldn't figure out what guitars they were using, it wasn't the 'usual' strats, but now that I've checked out Burns guitars, it was obviously those that they were playing. They are quite recognizable by their odd pick guard design.

[@KindestOfThieves]

I had an endorsement with Burns years ago. I had about 6 of them. LOVED them. Mick's reaction to a Burns Bison, on camera... please :D

[@KozmykJ]

Speakers making all the difference. Back when those Hot Rods came out 93? 95? I went to a demo night put on by a local music shop. A Fender demonstrator came down with all the new toys. After hearing all the lovely new valve gear, and some lovely regulars too, he took the cheapest solid state Fender practise combo amp (name escapes me) and put it through the 2 x 12 cab of a Tonemaster .... WOW!!! 10Watts filled the room with screaming distorted rock lead (just the right tone for 90s rock/metal) . So yeah! Speakers...

[@haroldbelfast]

The secret to getting a good drive sound on a Hot Rod Deluxe is that you have to set the EQ for the drive channel, NOT for the clean channel: Crank the Mid ALL THE WAY UP; Bass maxed-ish as well; treble and presence around noon; and only use the gain at about 2 or 3 o'clock. The drive is really dependent on having the mids as strong as it can get. It really does make a huge difference for the better, and no one ever seems to do it!

[@eldonhongo6095]

After hot roddding my fender hot rod deluxe with a Celestion alnico cream speaker, TAD tubes with a 5751 in the first stage this EQ setting worked well. The club I performed at has about 200 people capacity. The only change is I set the presence at 2 o’clock. The guitar is a modern Les Paul Wildwood select that has lower output pick ups compared to the new factory installed standard.

[@mindfield9832]

Kinda how I wanted to see them set it up. Really annoying them complaining of scratchiness but never increasing the mids or bass that much. It’d be good to have seen a passive volume pedal in the effects loop so they could crank the preamp without blowing their eardrums.

[@tim5749]

I just bought a Fender Hot Rod Deville 2x12!! I am so excited to buy like 40 pedals. Thanks for this video!

[@devygoodtimes]

One I've always found with any tube amp, is that you want to get the amp to the point where it is lush and opening up... then use the volume knob of your guitar to clean up the harshness. THAT trick will get you really far. No matter what tube amp you are into.

[@nedim_guitar]

Oh, smart! I'm actually under-utilizing my volume knob. I'll keep that thing in mind, thanks!

[@josephpickard3108]

I have to admit; I LOVE the sound of a good OD going into the clean channel of a Hot Rod Deluxe. If it had a built in trem like a DRRI/Princeton It'd be heaven.

[@Hotitalianman]

OCD in hot rod deluxe...mid 7 bass 8 treble 6. Try it. Drive to 6. Tone mid way or slightly lower...acdc...crunch.

[@mattgilbert7347]

A Plexi pedal into HRD is amazing. And it takes a Muff! Most Fenders can't take da Muff. Dat midrange. *mwah*

[@danrobinson1137]

You guys are Great! Dont ever stop what you're doing...luv your videos!

[@jonathanhandsmusic]

This proves that you can make the amp sound like any other amp if you have all the pedals these guys have. I have one built in 1997, and used it in live gigs for years, only using a volume pedal, or wah. I've always gotten the best tones using a minimum of pedals. It likes a good analog delay too.

[@ClarenceHell]

will you go full circle with "get less from your boutique amp"?

[@ThatPedalShow]

+AllTheseScarsAreMine Official Oh, I think we're all doing that regularly enough. Hahahaha!!!

[@ClarenceHell]

That Pedal Show, I was actually thinking the same after I sent my comment. Mick, if you had a favourite disney character... would it be Goofy? Or am i totally wrong here?

[@ThatPedalShow]

No, I'd be Mary Poppins I think.

[@ClarenceHell]

That Pedal Show Fair enough but I can't work with that! I'm expiallergic! Cheers you two, thanks for the weekly Entertainment.

[@boe466]

they already did the colour box feature :D

[@DanEtch]

Ridiculously happy about this week's episode! I have literally bought one of these this week! It's like you read my mind...

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Daniel Etchells Excellent! Hope you enjoy it Daniel and congrats on the new amp!

[@warpfac101]

I didn't even compliment the video I just pointed out something you forgot, bad form on my part. I love the show and I was happy to see this as I own one, thank you guys. Have a great day and I'm looking forward to Greg, I bet he will love you guys and enjoy being there.

[@robotp5543]

Hey Folks, I have the Version III HRD, but have since changed the power tubes to Tungsol 7581A's which have a higher plate voltage of 35v as opposed to 30v for the standard 6L6GC. Better headroom, Linearity, which make a great base for pedals. I also absolutely love my HRD now since replacing the "meh" stock speaker with a Warehouse Guitar Speaker (WGS) WT-65 (Like the creamback). I have also changed the V1 and phase inverter going back and forth between 12AT7 for V1 , and 12AU7 for the phase inverter.(JJ or NOS phillips etc). I must say that after the speaker break-in time period , i now have an amp that takes pedals beautifully , and is my #1 amp, after my Marshalls and Mesa's. The nice thing with using a 12AT7 in V1 is that it drops the volume down to more ear friendly levels, and by going into the 2nd low gain input jack, it drops volume even further for more inspired bedroom playing. I am using a Wampler Tumnus into an OCD (ver 2.0) , and with a bit of MXR Carbon Copy thrown in , its an incredible sound. I'm now off to go get the D&M Drive, as it just came in and will post again . I know it will sound Angelic.

[@seanmurphy.]

Just bought the HRD III yesterday, the reverb is insane! Definitely will be looking into some of these pedals next paycheck. Sick review guys.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Sean Murphy Nice one Sean - enjoy it!

[@danwuzhere03]

id love to see you guys do a show where you compare budget friendly pedals to their more expensive alternatives! as a player on a budget it'd be awesome to actually see what the difference is for the money and also get your opinions on some cheaper options! love the show guys!!!

[@jeromestevenfaigin6059]

I received a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe Mod 3 this year and it is loud enough for me, but once I use my custom JBL-D123E they really prefer that over their Celestion V80. In fact both speakers cabinets really do a fantastic sound! But, I built a bigger cab with two warrior 10" with 2 JBL'S D123e and a JBL 2130 with Sansui tweeters, piezo Horns (4) and a 2-way crossover circuit and the 40 watt Fender struggles with a lack of power over a Burgera T-50 which the 10 extra watts makes a difference. Eventhough I'm 65 and been playing to teaching string instruments for 50 years I feel like a kid with a perfect combo of sound and divided my pedalboard for stereo combinations to running 2 amp platforms to pulling any combinations of sound with an old Ernie Ball stereo volume pedal I was gifted years back from a dear friend and once my teacher. I'm a lucky happy-go-lucky player. Enjoy!

[@traviswilliams1504]

Fantastic video. I know this is "That PEDAL Show" and that's the primary focus. However, I find that you guys are the absolute best at not only demonstrating, but also clarifying and educating musicians on gear. It would be GREAT if you guys did a series of videos on Amps just like above. 1 that comes to mind would be the difference in tubes like 6V6 6L6 el34 and el84. Going over their purpose and how they sound. I would hope I'm not the only one who feels this way.

[@stevenrioby4702]

SupaTravis Williams I second that you talk about tubes!

[@MrVoswald]

would be great indeed!

[@starchild6347]

Sure....one can get a usable sound from the overdrive channels. But you can't stop halfway through a tune, change ALL the EQ settings and start playing your solo! Clean channel and a pedal is the way to go with all these Fender amps. If they would design it without the crappy OD channels it might be half the price too!

[@antonioaleman1123]

So fucking true. I want something small like the Pro Junior with a FX Loop for small gigs. That’d be dope

[@BensCanyonAT4]

um, yeah, that's what the footswitch is for... to select channels WITHOUT stopping!

[@barnshart9662]

@@BensCanyonAT4 he means that you dont just have to switch to the overdrive channel, but you also need to change almost every knob on the amp to get the distortion channel to sound good. A good clean tone on this amp has a much different EQ setting than a good overdrive sound.

[@daveparsley6849]

@@barnshart9662 I disagree. My HRD sounds tits on the gain channel with my EL attenuated (passive). These pedal guys are trying to muck up your signal by selling you something you dont need. To each his own I suppose.

[@daveparsley6849]

You dont know your own gear.

[@AndrewMooreLearningLicks]

Great show lads I look forward to watching them all the time, you've answered so many of my questions already (I've a lot haha) so keep up the great work lads. Andy

[@robpittman3132]

This is one of the most interesting vids I've seen from you guys! They're all great, but this one is very much real-world applicable for pretty much everyone who has to play a gig at an unfamiliar venue! Learning how to manipulate a HRD is a crucial skill!

[@sebastianfernandez3067]

Video idea: Do a pedalboard/rig (each) inspired by your favorite player. For example: Dan can put together a David G pedalboard.

[@nverga]

Are you kidding me. That les paul at 19:55 was perfection.

[@richardpenhardt6100]

yup ... good stuff. an in depth, accessible information presentation. been watching now for ahhhh .... years!

[@chrish4858]

I just bought one today! lacqured Tweed. this video couldn't have come at a better time THANK YOU

[@stevethewebb]

Hi guys, I have a fender hot rod deluxe, I changed the pre amp valves to AT7's, the attenuation from the change fixed the issue with the volume control and hugely improved the overdrive channel. I can now push the amp at much lower volumes.

[@KristaferAdelman]

Steve Webb I did the same thing. Also changed the power tubes to the JJ. Replacing the red jewel for a blue one helps also;)

[@babetteleblanc7620]

It's a green jewel for me... :)

[@ryanbrandt6589]

You can do that? Does it have to be biased?

[@ryanbrandt6589]

Did you switch all three to AT7's?

[@tomthumb4325]

Love my hot rod 111 just the way it is great gigging amp takes pedals well and all the volume you'll need but no good for house playing unless you live on the moon

[@spada60]

I have no idea why people say the distortion is bad on the HRD. It sounds frikin great for raunchy rock n roll. C'mon people open your frikin ears. There's no bad sound out there it's just how you apply it.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Well said that man!

[@spada60]

That Pedal Show thanks guys. It's just sad when it takes 2 excellent players like Mick & Dan to convince people. It just tells us one thing and that is that I believe the complainers are just bad guitarists. So to those take this to the bank "stop complaining about your gear and start creating with your gear"

[@spada60]

That Pedal Show and if Mick & Dan haven't convinced you that most of the gear out there is pretty dam good then God help those who think otherwise. There's no helping them.

[@daveparsley6849]

They arent using the Effects Loop with an attenuator. Its no secret, but the pedal peddlers sure arent going to tell you.

[@Bluesbuntu]

The video I've been waiting for quite a while... Thank you so much guys!

[@joshgibson3618]

Great show, Dan and Mick you're both excellent guitarists! I remember watching Mick demonstrating the Epiphone Century 1966 model on the Andertons web site about three years ago!

[@trooperformaiden]

I feel like if fender just axed the dirty channel, put in a half power switch, and made it in a head and combo version they would sell tons of them. Specially if they could lower the price a touch by getting rid of the dirty channel.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+esignor Lots of people like the drive channel. Not everyone for sure, but plenty of people do. Thanks for watching!

[@tacratt6091]

I wish the would offer a head and speaker combo too, the problem with these amps is, the beat themselves to death. The tubes are sitting on top of the speaker and it’s hard on power tubes. Great amps for the money though. I have a 1965 deluxe reverb, but I usually take the hrd out when I’m playing out somewhere. It just takes pedals so well. I could live without the drive channel to. Make a version with a ten watt and 40 watt clean channels!!

[@Kabouter911]

esignor I love the drive channel

[@GuitarQueero1]

The half power switch would be huge. I love the sound of this thing but it's got too much headroom. Getting it to break up means it's going to be too loud

[@kimhansen6384]

They DO sell tons of them :-)

[@intrsoul]

5 people thought it was "That Petal Show" where Dan and Mick talk flowers. You can't please everyone.

[@jackalker6384]

i got a hot rod deluxe last week, new condition for £350, so glad you guys put this video out. :)

[@phoenixbt]

Best part of the week is when a new video comes out, thanks again for all the great work! Loved this episode as I just got a hot rod deluxe recently and now I know a little more about how to dial it in :) Man did the Maiden D sound good especially with the Page added in...that sound is massive. Loved the speaker comparison too and of course would like to see more as you mentioned. I can't believe how much of a different there was and how good those Alnicos sounded! I'm with Dan on that...clear favorite for me

[@daniwest1370]

They should eliminate the redundant drive channel and just put a boost switch. Put a master volume and a power attenuator . It would be cheaper and mutch lighter also....it would be the perfect amp for pedal users

[@MrSofakingwetoddit]

As an owner of a deVille 4x10 and a regular user of a Deluxe, I can attest to the sometime awkward sounds these amps can produce when they aren't sufficiently loud enough. One useful trick I use to get around this in smaller venues is to throw an eq pedal in the effects loop and use it as a cut. This allows me to control the overall volume better while running the amp at a more open setting. As a bonus this also allows added tone shaping if desired. On a side note, I received my brand new D&M drive this week...... it is an amazing drive pedal, currently the best I use.... however, Dan promised it would make me a better guitar player, and guess what.... it didn't. Not sure if it's refundable on those grounds 😂

[@kimhansen6384]

You have to register on the website to get better :-)

[@devygoodtimes]

I use a volume pedal in the effects loop as a 2nd master volume... there's a window of about 15% that you can take off without affecting the tone.

[@Stratamania]

Excellent the Maiden and Page into the FX return, been waiting for this one. Thanks guys.

[@jerrychadwick3581]

Well, 5 years later, I end up picking up a HRDx and decide to see who has videos on setting it up, getting good tones, etc. and who do I discover but my old friends, Dan and Mick with the best show ever! As you lads say, "brilliant!" Lots to play with and thank you so much for saving me years of monkeying around with less-than-pleasing results. Gotta go buy another tee shirt now! BTW, @Dan, I also finally picked up a Tele! Can't wait to try it out. Cheers!

[@Michiel1972]

I have the Deluxe III Western Noir Limited Edition. I will never use the drive channel. It will always be set to clean and i'll let the pedals do the rest when it comes to drive. I get an amazing sound with 2 stacked overdrives and a distortion pedal, with a little bit of delay (Flashback) and reverb (Amp). The signal chain OD & DS is: Boss BD-2, Marshall Jackhammer (OD setting) and a Marshall Guv'nor Plus. Funny thing is, I got the Jackhammer and Guv'nor for about 80 euro second hand, including shipping costs. While a proper setup of the Jackhammer and Guv'nor sound way better than alot of expensive stuff that is out there. I have now Drive and Distortion pedals collecting dust that are minimal twice the price of these undervalued Marhall pedals at new price. For me the signal chain works only in that order though. For years i had been struggling to get the guitar sound good over the whole fretboard. Those struggling days are gone.

[@Ragnar-Viking]

You're a smart player,best clean channel anywhere

[@BC-xi4is]

Hey guys, it would be awesome if you could do an epidsode using a Gretsch 5620, and a Fender Deluxe Reverb along with my exact pedalboard setup and show everyone how to make my rig sound way better than when I play it. Thanks in advance.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Hahahaha. Only you have those answers BC. :0)

[@ModNicGuitars]

B C that would be a cool idea for a channel like Andertons, with them having more access to a wider range of gear. Something where you submit your rig and they play it.

[@slopiecki]

It was my first tube amp. I played on this amplifier 5 years without any effects. One day I bought the vox ac 15cx1. amplifier connected with a treble booster = magic I think this amp is great for blues. With vox you can setup everything. Thx Lads

[@MillerCustomGuitars]

This was one of the most interesting and useful episodes of TPS and I have seen all of them (not to mention Dan and Mick have completely changed how I approach tone and pedals). I felt like this video was the most realistic of all their videos for the average joe schmo. Most of us don't have loads of amps to chose between, and I've never seen anyone play a stereo rig. Most of us are stuck with one pretty good amp, and have to find ways to try and get everything out of that amp. This video had great examples on things you could try with any amp to get a wider variety of tones. Thank you so much, fellas and keep the videos rolling!

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Adam Miller No worries Adam, glad you enjoyed it. We're always surprised that people don't own more amps. Pretty much everyone we know has at least two or three guitars.... Mick here. I had three amps before I had two guitars. I guess it's just a priority thing - I genuinely am more interested in amps than I am guitars! Cheers and thanks for watching!

[@bungy007]

@@ThatPedalShow So Mick, which 3 amps would you point us to for your average Joe?

[@danabnormal5892]

I love my hotrod deluxe. Buts is very loud for home use. I stick my compressor in the loop to reduce some volume. It's great. Let's me crank the amp and reduce the volume with the compressor. I could just play it for hours and hours this way.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+dan abnormal Excellent! Using a comp in the loop definitely helps get a bigger amp feel at lower volumes. Nice one, and thanks for watching!

[@MikaelLewisify]

dan abnormal, it sounds like you have microphonic tube/tubes. You just need to switch out your tubes to ones that are not microphonic. That will fix your volume problem. Any decent amp repair place can test your tubes for this.

[@the1khronohs40]

Agree with Dan. That Alnico was sweet! 😘👌 Definitely trying that in my Hot Rod! Hope it fits! Thanks a bunch guys! ❤️🇳🇴

[@NST_95]

Thank you guys for all these video, I' learned so much, about pedals and amps from you :)

[@josephmarshall7943]

Thanks you guys this helped me a lot. I do appreciate it!

[@Elshibly]

Greg Koch is coming on the show?!? WHEN?

[@torindavies1176]

That would be insane!

[@yetanotherbassdude]

Think I might be the first but, as predicted, can we PLEASE have some speaker comparisons with different amps? Loved that segment of the show! Would be great to try out different speakers and maybe an open/closed back cab comparison?

[@ThatPedalShow]

We're trying to think of way of doing this that would actually make any sense. You have to keep in mind that what you're hearing on KZbin is not what one's ears are hearing in the room, and sooooooo much about open/closed cabs is to do with physical proximity, room size and shape and all that. So if anyone has any suggestions that don't take a week and cost 10 grand, we're all ears! Thanks for watching. :0)

[@hulkslayer626]

That Pedal Show Brian Wampler did something like this. He used 1x12 enclosures with different speakers in them in an isolation room and just plugged a Blues Jr. into the different cabs. Same amp, same mic distance, same eq settings and all at volume. Maybe that's a way to do it.

[@rmg222]

Borrow Beas torpedo

[@kyp1969]

I swapped the 12AX7 tube in V1 for a NOS Mullard CV4024 ECC81/12AT7. This one simple change completely transformed the amp. Better control of the volume, more clean headroom, and it made the Drive channel much more useable. The George Benson version of this amp also uses a 12AT7 in the V1 position.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Nice!

[@yaniv-nos-tubes]

try mullard i63 for v2 and v3 or with a 12au7 at v1 less volume more bass or ge 12ax7wa all positions blackface clean

[@mikehickey6256]

Another great demo. I've been getting by with a clean boost and my volume knob for ever, and then I heard Daniels red tele. Time for an overdrive

[@paddling_out]

Hey, I know it's "That Pedal Show," but it would be great to see you guys demo some of the other popular amps in this price range.. Marshall DSL40c, Blackstar HT40, Bassbreaker 45, etc. and of course how they interact with pedals! The HRD is losing some of its market share now that here are so many great inexpensive amps in that category.

[@nicolasdelcastillo6497]

+1 on the Marshall!

[@christopherhamm1574]

My HT 40 plays nice with pedals.

[@AI3JeWelz]

nice profile pic frush!

[@TheNorthernChris]

I too would like to see this. The DSL and HT40 are on my shirt list along with a HRD as I want a combo. I can hardly plug my Blackstar HT100 in at home now..... or can I? As I was typing this Mick plugged the PRS in. Hello!

[@TheNorthernChris]

*short list. Typo. Doh.

[@kimhansen6384]

HOW TO GET CLOSE TO THE Bonnamassa Signature Tweed Twin sound with a Hot Rod Deluxe III =============================================================================== I have used a lot of time to convert my Hot Rod DeLuxe III to a whole different class. And how did I do it you ask? :-) Change the speaker to an Eminence Cannabis Rex, set the bias to 68 mA (... it is mV you measure). Put a 12AY7 in V1, and a 12AT7 in V3 and change the C18 coupling cap from 22 nF to 2,2 nF, and C23 from 580 pF to 1,5 nF (The DeVille allready has a 1,5 nF cap). Remove R103. I also ordered a Dr. Watson mastervolume for the efx loop, but I actually don´t need it anymore. Mount Fender 14" inch tilt legs, that is very important to the sound :-) And what will you get you ask? A much more controllable amp volumevise, a less aggressive ice pick sound, get rid of the ´plonk´ sound on the clean channel, get rid of the ecxessive bass on the clean channel and get a wonderfull drive when you keep the gain around 3. And both clean an drive channels are well balanced for the tone control settings, and the reverb sounds much better. My amp has changed from ´allmost OK´ to ´amazing´. Highly recommended. The cap changes will only work on Mk. III, it is not the same configuration on the older ones. I am not sure about Mk. IV - compare the schematics. Be aware those mods are for old school sounds, not for metal and other types of strange noise. I have been building and modding amps for many years. I will look forward to your responses if you try it out.

[@fmcnally]

Have you any videos demoing this amp. Would love to hear that!

[@kimhansen6384]

@@fmcnally Unfortunately no, I have not come to making videos yet.

[@Ragnar-Viking]

You dont,twin is high voltage

[@chipdouglas9847]

Got to mention the number 2 input when you talk about these amps! Much better tones and control as it doesn't drive the tubes as much right out of the shoot. Especially for recording.

[@MichaelFeldman71]

I've never seen your show before, (in retrospect , I don't think I've ever commented on anything on KZbin before) but after recently purchasing a Hot Rod Deluxe IV, I was looking for configuration recommendations and how to setup the loop and "bam", there you were with this incredible video. I've subscribed and will look into purchasing your pedal and t-shirt. I've been playing for a long time but am no 'gear-head' and found this video to provide exactly the information I was looking for to validate what I thought I was experienncing, while providing me with new ideas to try out. THANK YOU!

[@ThatPedalShow]

That’s awesome Michael, we’re glad to be of help. Welcome to the family - it’s a pleasure to have you along! :0)

[@bubbakav]

Most helpful/entertaining channel in my subscriptions. You guys are "Ace"!

[@ThatPedalShow]

+David Hogeboom Thanks David, and thanks for watching!

[@gammalpojk]

You should get a Hot Rod Deluxe (Or Deville) version IV and try out!

[@Neridog]

I just got the IV and it's love. Great, great amp. I'd love to see you guys play around with one!

[@ajjordan4460]

Have to agree. The new Hot Rod IV is levels above the older models in so many ways. I purchased the limited tweed with the Celestian A type speaker...loved it so much I had to get another before they were gone. The two amps together for stereo operation is just outstanding, so much so it's hard to do anything mono anymore.

[@abetteryou2025]

Are they playing 3 or 4?

[@ajjordan4460]

Looks like a version 3. The original post was May 2017 and the 4 was just recently released. The greatest improvement for me is they finally got the volume under control. Also the Celestion A type speaker is so much better for rock than the older cheep of Jensens.

[@calebo29536]

Aj Jordan hello! I’m looking for a new amp (atm I’ve got a spider V) and was wondering if this amp is still usable at home?

[@peteg9069]

I bought a Hot Rod Deluxe 3 by accident. I put a bid on Ebay and thought nothing more about it until I got a 'pay now' notification. I use an original Marshall Silver Jubilee and was unimpressed with the Fender and as a result, didn't use it for ages, but then I started to use a compressor with a bit of drive and it came alive. With the drive channel gain on 8 (it goes up to 12) I now get every Strat tone I've ever wanted, and with my PRS it can go from clean through classic rock into screaming lead, just by switching channels and using the compressor and 'more gain' switch. And it is loud - very loud. The EQ section is subtle to say the least, Presence has a more noticeable effect and there is tons of reverb available. It's a great amp, incredibly versatile for just about every genre, but it might struggle with Metal though.

[@go4384]

Thanks for the history lesson on the amp. That’s exactly what I came to hear.

[@markvernon1218]

I've watched this about 5 times now as I have a HRD which I bought recently. To be honest I'm quite amazed that these things have the following they do with all the obvious issues they have. Volume pot, poor speaker, gain tones are almost unusable to name just a few. Somehow people seem to be happy with that as they're a good pedal platform apparently. The tones you guys are getting sound awesome, exactly what I'm after 😁. I've researched the pedals you're using including the awsome Maiden and the cost would be close to what I paid for the amp 😒. I was really excited but I think the fix writes the Fender off for me. Great show guys I love it, just a bit fed up with my amp ☹.

[@TheOldFlyguy]

Boy do I agree. If you add the money for all the pedals needed you might as well buy a much better amp.

[@deathbykitty1954]

Use it fully cranked on the 2nd channel with an attenuator and you'll hear gloriousness you haven't heard in a long time.

[@daveparsley6849]

Yes - this guy gets it. I chucked in an extra 12AX7 to the gain and it slices and dices. I fuck dudes up playing Mesas and Bogners as they dont know their own gear ;)

[@williamlittlefield4749]

What attenuator do you use? I've yet to find one that sounds good to my ears … looking to check out SPL next.

[@metsafox2986]

You blokes are wizards. I find all your videos fascinating.

[@mikeheugel4461]

Been working on a few things with my second gen HRD since this video, and I'm sold that a combination of input 2 + 12AT7 in V2 + channel 2 just set to stun, is bliss with both single coils and humbuckers, Works great on its own, with pedals, dynamic with the volume controls, and in all positions. The 12AT7 was my only mod. All other tubes, circuitry, and speaker are stock (but very well broken in). The benefit of tossing it in V2 is that it really tames the drive control on the dirt channel, something that I could never get quite right with a 12AX7 in there (even when I tried the 12AT7 in V1, ala the George Benson model) Thanks again for a great vid guys!

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Mike Heugel great idea, love a well placed 12AT7.

[@RyanAmplification]

I think the hot rod series sound best with a les paul or 335 style guitar on the dirty channel with the middle on 10 and the gain up past halfway with the master as high as possible.

[@Ragnar-Viking]

Mod your HRD with Fromel mod and a Celestion vintage 30..change the speaker connection to a better cable and soder it...finally add JJ TUBES.

[@ALBERTOGARCIA-nk9bo]

Interesting. Changing the spade lugs yo solder Will improve the Sound?

[@guillermocanalesdeleon159]

beauty program boy´s, congrat from México. I love see That Pedal Show

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Guillermo Canales de León Garcia’s G ;)

[@TheNorthernChris]

Great vid. It's nice to see you do something like this which is an equally informative as the focus on pedals. It's also nice to see you talk about amp overdrive as opposed to pedal drive. As with everything it's horses for courses but I loved this vid.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+TheNorthernChris Nice one Chris, thanks for watching!

[@inertiallychallenged]

I would love to see a comparison of the Blues Deluxe & the version 4 of the Hot Rod Deluxe.

[@kjetilalexandersaltnes8643]

Agree 100%!!!!

[@JimJamDaMan]

i dont understand the hate for the gain channel. it always sounds killer to me when its mic'd up. maby its just in person that it sounds bad.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+jamie c There you go. It can sound awesome!

[@bluesrocker91]

jamie c I used to use the gain channel all the time, but since I started using a drive pedal on the clean channel I find I just can't seem to get on with it. One good thing about it is it does cut through very well with a band.

[@CBRhoolig4n]

One thing I've found is that a guitar tone that sounds bad by itself can sound great in a band. I think that a lot of people don't realize this.

[@jr0706]

The master really needs to be set above 8 o’clock on those. The power tubes get choked lower. Even in my apartment, I put the master on my blues jr at about 8 o’clock, and adjust my preamp volume to acceptable levels. It sounds far better.

[@Kabouter911]

I use my drive channel for boost drive. And it does something wonderful to my strat...

[@ferrinbonn]

Dan's face while Mic is playing during the speaker tests is priceless.

[@thatmanonapedal]

By now in the club. My fab Hot Rod Deluxe IV is amazing!

[@robholiday5370]

Great basis for a video, love these. The future acquisition of & same treatment for a DSL40C would be most excellent. 😉

[@nickmontcalm3490]

This makes me wonder how everyone feels? Would you rather have a mass produced amp and boutique pedals, or a boutique amp and mass produced pedals? Show theme...maybe?

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Nick Montcalm If we had to choose, probably the former. Although of course there are fantastic sounds to be had from both approaches! Very happy with Boss pedals, for example and they're very much mass produced. Amp wise, as long as it's got valves and is reasonably loud, we can usually make decent noises with it. Cheers!

[@matthewkemp7554]

For lower volume gain channel use, put an EQ pedal in the loop, amp volume up, pedal volume down. Mix the EQ to taste. You can have the amp EQ'd for the clean channel all the time, switch the EQ pedal off when using the clean channel.

[@fenderjeff]

Excellent show. Keep them coming!

[@manunautes1839]

do one like this but with ac15 and ac30!

[@ThatPedalShow]

After a few months of sort of half-trying, we think we've tracked down a modern AC30 C2 to borrow for a few weeks. So we can start there... Cheers!

[@manunautes1839]

Great!!

[@JcGrubbsFilms]

DoThe Quatarsis - I second the recommendation! Was actually about to ask. With your love of Vox, I'd really appreciate some tone tips for my modern AC15. I not so patiently await that video!!

[@manunautes1839]

I would be happy to borrow my ac15c1 for the video, but i'm in argentina and send it isn't easy at all hahahahaha

[@manunautes1839]

It'll be cool to hear it with some different fuzzes/od's/distortions, screamers, hotcake, muff, delats etc etc etc.

[@Chilinoploppy]

Hot Rod Deluxe is such a great affordable tube amp! I need to get another one.

[@Chilinoploppy]

Got myself another one!

[@rogersolano2323]

Buy mine ! I bought it two weeks ago an I didn’t like it

[@dumbusername9149]

Roger Solano still for sale?

[@rogersolano2323]

Dumb Username yes! Still in the box

[@dumbusername9149]

Roger Solano wanna contact me @ [e-mail]?

[@simonsmith9363]

CA G12 Cream for me every time! Nice one chaps, very informative. Thank you.

[@martuscellifaria]

Nice to see a video about the exact same amp I am mastering in my band's practice room. Even for playing heavy rock music, like punk and grunge, it is the best clean tone I've ever had, it responds extremely good to pedals like Proco Rat and Big Muff. Love it.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Excellent! Thanks for watching!

[@benforsey]

The overdrive channel in this amp gets way too much stick!! I have no problem with saying I much preffered it to the D&M drive into the clean channel

[@klapaucjusz1]

Very true. I think it's one of these Internet myths. Many people tend to not listen with their ears.

[@crazydave1996]

If anyone knows the link for that Paul Rivera Steve Lukather video that would be totally amazing!

[@EmilioConesa]

The Kingsley combination is absolutely beautiful! I'm sold!

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Emilio Conesa yep, it's really special

[@weschilton]

Really informative and helpful video guys!

[@superbeast3000]

Turns on D&M drive, all of a sudden amp sounds like god...

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Curtis Ulin We heard he has one too. ;0)

[@daveparsley6849]

You can do the same thing with the onboard gain - think for yourself.

[@mockbear1]

I want an update to this with the new version (IV)

[@retalt]

That was awesome thanks guys. Thanks so much. I loved the sound of the Alnico also, It was just so good. I run a little Loopi Pedals Amp Volume Box between my power amp in and preamp out and that allows me to crank up the clean channel on the amp, but I can roll back the volume on the Loopi so I get more drive from the clean channel but not at those crazy volumes. Fun times. Cheers Rich

[@neilpoints9007]

Great vid! Those licks that Dan played at about 16:40 were COOKIN!

[@hulkslayer626]

....and at 7:59 in, Mick turns himself on HA!

[@letmeooze]

The hate for it comes you switch from clean to the drive channel, and all the full low end suddenly leaves. It's a good sound, it just doesn't really pair with the clean in the way you would want. Between that, all the issues I had to get fixed, and the shear noisiness of tha amp, I sold mine. It is worth mentioning that I was never in a situation to crank it.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+Nolan G Thing is, in a live situation, when you come to the solo moment.... you need a big chunk of that bass to go, especially when it's cranked. I guess (Mick here) every amp has its kind of 'optimum' shouting volume, and there's no doubt that the ol' HRD struggles a bit with nice OD tones at lower volumes. Does work well in small/medium band settings though. Thanks for watching!

[@sergiomatievich2150]

Guys, your pedal is simply stunning 🤘

[@jaylamb1434]

I was looking for this video and I found it posted by someone else... I said to myself, self "NO WAY" let's go to the source, so here I am. Thanks for putting out great videos.

[@ThatPedalShow]

+jaylamb 143 ah, cheers J :)

[@GuitarHouseLima]

65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue pleeeeeeeeeeease

[@mikestibor1]

Another "Get more from your Fender" video? I see a perfectly good Vox right between you two!

[@ThatPedalShow]

We've been trying to put our hands on a modern AC15 or 30 for a little while.... without having to buy one! No sense in using Dan's AC30 as it's 1961 and vastly modified. Would make no sense to the vast majority of Vox owners. Cheers!

[@mikestibor1]

Fair enough. :) Cheers!

[@SeanMRoberts]

If you do get that together, you have GOT to include the Hotcake. It's the tubescreamer for Vox amps.

[@rafsbio]

Agreed! Vox + Hot Cake and Vox + Treble Booster!

[@davidweeks6922]

Yes please - AC15c1 or AC30c2 (or the x versions with Alnico for Dan) would be so good to see. I've found Hotcake, Timmy and Xotic AC Booster are great with them. thanks!

[@copperaudio9664]

7:22 Billy Gibbons would be proud of you Dan. Sounds great.

[@jbognap]

Sorry, I've only watched the first half of the video, but thank you for doing this video. Couple of things - and forgive me if this has been mentioned in other comments... 1) The bright switch only works on the clean channel 2) The master only works on the drive channel 3) The challenge with getting a good clean and dirty sound from the amp is that there is only one set of tone controls Mick, I noticed that when you were front-ending the amp with the first OD pedal, you were adjusting the tone controls on the amp rather than the pedal. I get it, because you know how these pedals sound through most amps, so you are probably adjusting the tone controls to set the amp as the perfect pedal platform. My only concern is where that leaves you for your clean sound. I see where this is going - this ubiquitous amp may best be utilized with a pre-amp going into the power-amp in. I tried this long ago in a shop with my Boss GT going into the power amp in. It sounded nicer than going into a SS combo, because the power amp tubes gave it a nice feel. I am surprised that the reverb and presence work in this mode - thanks for that. I will watch the rest of the video soon. Thanks guys.

[@Seljetnoma]

Anyone knows which video they mention of Lukathers Deluxe reverb?

[@vvmakovv2689]

Seljetnoma im not sure but i dont think it was that "toto" long ago... Im sorry i had too..

[@juanfichtl2011]

Dat hearing damage tho!

[@ThatPedalShow]

EH?

[@shook9042]

Damn it Dan!! Your red Tele has me on the hunt for one now. It sounds so amazing on everything.

[@Sleipnirrob]

I had an early HRD for about 10 years (upgraded since). One of the best changes I did to it was re-bias the power tubes to be much hotter (but still barely within spec). Really smoothes out those "spiky bits" and just makes it sound more "tubey". Fender biases it ice cold from the factory to make sure the tubes outlast the warranty period.

[@klapaucjusz1]

I read many times on the internet that Fender biases the HRDs too cold to limit warranty claims. But is that true? Do they do it only with HRDs? How about other Fender amps? How about other amp manufacturers? Maybe Fender biases the amps just right, to sound good and ensure tube longevity at the same time? I think that it would not make sense for Fender to bias the HRDs so cold as to sound bad - that would undercut sales.

[@ruffryder13]

@@klapaucjusz1 the blues jrs are biased too hot. Not sure why they don't fix that.