Easy Ways To Tame The Fender Hot Rod Deluxe [Input 2, Dr Watson, Tube Changes & More!]

[@RubyRoks]

Bravo to Mick for juggling amp settings, amp cam, co-hosting, playing, etc throughout this video.

[@jonaserfors6901]

Just came back from first gig in 25 years, and It was awesome! I cant thank you enough for the inspiration and support that comes from the community you have created!

[@ThatPedalShow]

That’s awesome!!! Best news we’ve heard all day. Well done mate 🤓👍

[@carsgunsandguitars]

That's great, how was it?

[@jonaserfors6901]

It was so much fun!! Folk/doom metal at a tattoo convention. More gigs already being planed! Thanks for asking.

[@terryeaster1]

That's awesome man, I rededicated to music about 2 years ago. I've played about 5solo gigs. Started singing live lead vocal for the first time. I LOVE IT.

[@rossedwards73]

I think the main problem people have with the HRDx drive channel is that they set the amp for clean, then swap to the drive/more drive. In that scenario, the shared EQ stack is always going to be a compromise. Better to dial in one channel and hit it with pedals.

[@mikedoe525]

I don´t have a hrdx but I have the blues deluxe and I always used it as a one channel clean amp, sounds marvelous with any pedal in front of it (personally always used a barber direct drive as main dirt and a ts9 as booster).....the amp have the same problem than the hot rod tho, but main thing is this amps are made for live rigs and rehearsals, I wouldn´t buy this to keep it at home....

[@ParaBellum2024]

@@mikedoe525 I have a BDR, and usually gig it using just the overdrive channel, set to mild drive at max guitar volume, using the guitar's volume control to clean up. I also have a Boss BD-2 that does the same thing just as well into the clean channel, and a solid state Peavey Bandit that works well with the BD-2. I haven't properly compared the two setups, but I do feel that the all-solid-state setup is up there with the valve amp.

[@BoojayDeeth]

I've seen a numerous vids talking about The hot rod (I don't remember anyone liking the more drive setting) but hardly no one talks about the Blues Deluxe. This is a shame, especially as it has been back in production for some time. I understand they sound different (the blues being smoother and less brittle?) with the same volume hassles, but I've not seen the Blues D being shaken down in a similar way to the hot rod in this vid or any good detailed comparisons between the two for that matter. The Hot Rod was marketed as an improvement on the Blues but is it really the better amp?

[@ParaBellum2024]

@@BoojayDeeth The Hot Rod appears to have one more feature than the BDR (i.e., 'more drive'), but in practice, at gig volumes no-one needs as much gain as they expected to when playing in the bedroom! If I max the gain on my BDR, there's too much overdrive, so I don't feel the need to get a Hot Rod.

[@kasakka]

That's a problem with most amps with standard tone stacks really. Usually you find a compromise that sorta works for both channels but doesn't sound as good as it could for either. The best shared EQ I've experienced is on the BluGuitar Amp 1 Mercury Edition where it's actually a low/high shelf filters and a 600 Hz midrange filter instead of a regular tone stack.

[@gibgezr]

Just to point out re the Lion Tamer and using delay in the effects loop: you could use adapter cables and run it more like a pedal in the loop, with the delay running into it. In other words, run BOTH the time-based effects AND the attenuator in the loop.

[@HyperBlueZYZ]

FRIDAY is TPS DAY! 1) wake 5am 2) find shoes 3) feed chickens and pigs 4) find caffeine in some form, prepare, consume 5) grab a guitar and remote control for some leg end guitar geekery 6) 6am TPS FTW let the weekend begin! Thanks Gents!

[@telecasterguitarslinger]

I mentioned this very problem to an amp tech with my Deville not being able to find a middle spot with volume. His fix was a resistor on the volume pot and the problem is fixed !! ❤ Still sounds glorious.

[@joelewis7072]

That intro touched my heart on a level a man can't fully explain.. however I'm thankful to God for the public sharing of such phenomenal talent, tone and the mastery of expression.

[@klapaucjusz1]

I have a HRD III. I put in a Celestion A-Type speaker in, always use input 2 and clean channel. I use a strat, and for cleans I always use TC Spark with mid boost on and an Xotic comp set for very slight compression. I am very happy with the sounds I get this way. Honestly, I prefer my HRD to my DRRI. In the HRD I also experimented with different preamp tubes, and an EQ pedal in the loop, but it got me nowhere.

[@happihockey8601]

Once those EL84's went in, Dan was at home and really getting super tasty tones at a controlled volume level, like the man said "awesome, really awesome" Totally changed up the amp. Really surprised by that.

[@gregantonowicz2818]

Hi Dan, I've been a tele guy forever too. And I also have a nice les Paul..... but the SG is the Gibson I play the most. It's the Tele of Gibsons, if that makes any sense. Another work horse.

[@tnagewasteland320]

Thanks boys for doing this. Spent about 5 hours at multiple shops this weekend trying to find a tube amp to replace my Vox Pathfinder 15smr for home use. Stumbled on a HRD that sounded incredible with my Jag Special HH and beat any smaller amp I tried (ac15, blues jr IV, etc) by a country mile. There was no denying that it would be pushing the upper limit of what Id call acceptable for a home use volume, however. Doable, but definitely WAY more power than I need. Bought myself a master volume pedal (similar to the JHS LBB) which will hopefully get me where I need to go, but cant thank yall enough to show how many more options I have to give myself more range while still keeping the tone that I fell in love with.

[@monkzeno1]

Just bought myself one this weekend and I would agree, it is pushing what I would consider acceptable for home use, and so dos my wife. What volume control pedal did you buy that is like the JHS little black box and is it any good?

[@ckturvey]

Wow The difference between the drive channel on your Series III HRD is very different than my Series IV. On mine, The channel doesn't start overdriving until 4.5 whereas yours started at 3 or even less. So for my 'squishier ' clean sound I set the drive on 4 , Treble on 10, Mids 2, Bass 5 and Master on 3.5. This is very close in volume of the clean channel on 3 except for the spikey transients when you play hard. I also really liked how Dan sounded on the SG. Especially the middle position. I think the overall lesson here is for any piece of gear, it will sound better the more time you spend with it learning how to dial it in using your ears and less on what you read in the internet. :)

[@stefanogiacovelli3477]

Loved the 12AY7 in V1 😀 In fact, I have been using that trick since a few years. It was also worth seeing your jaw drop at the moment you realized it really worked 😁😁😁 I think that swapping a single preamp tube is the most cost-effective and easy trick.

[@DreHolzer]

So, great show. I built myself a Lion Tamer as a normal pedal on my Blues Deluxe Reissue IV and that goes at the end of the pedal chain, so you can still use the effects loop and get the same results as the Lion Tamer you guys bought. Then I changed the speaker. I now have a Celestion G12 (70 watts) IN the Blues Deluxe and I also got myself a 1x12 Laney cabinet in which I placed a Jensen C12 (50 watts). Now you can use the amp for recording at home and it sounds great both with the Celestion and the Jensen. Still experimenting but it's fun.

[@gcvrsa]

This has been my favorite show in a short while, because it's all the subjects that are near and dear to me. If anyone remembers, they probably get tired of hearing me say it, but I play a Mesa/Boogie F-50 with 12AU7s in V1 & V2 to tame the preamp gain, and KT66s in V5 & V6 for even more headroom than the stock 6L6GCs, but I sometimes use THD Yellowjackets with EL84s for a different tone. Even with the 12AU7s and EL84s, the F-50 is loud enough to play a gig with a loud rock band. I don't use these tricks to tame the volume, I use them to change the overdrive characteristics to suit my preferences. 12AX7s just have way too much gain for my tastes, but sub in a 12AU7 or 12AY7 and crank the volume up, and you will have all the gain you can use. People should remember that the Fender tweed amps all originally came with 12AY7s in the preamps. The 12AT7 and 12AU7 are really meant more for high current applications (like phase inverters and reverb/fx loop drivers), so the 12AY7 and 12AX7 are more similar to each other, although in most cases, an AT or AU can be substituted without any other circuit changes. There is also the 12DW7, which has one half of an AX and one half of an AU.

[@GCKelloch]

You know if the PSU can supply enough current for KT66's, and which brand do you use? You may not be getting the headroom and clarity KT66 offer if it's only 1A, or less. You could try a pair of Tung-Sol 7581a in that case. They are a reissue Milspec 6L6GC that sound like KT66-- tighter bass, high headroom and rounder clipping knee.

[@lars-fenin]

use the AU7 in v1 in my hot rod deluxe.. for me much better than the stock AX7. (besides some other mods regarding the volume range, and the reverb pot plus changing the capacitors)

[@tonyevans9999]

Seconding Mick's athletics. All of this was absolutely fascinating. I made a very very simple attenuator using an Lpad pot and a bypass switch just so I can use my 60's Moody BA17 in my loungeroom all the time and I don't hear a tone loss until it's really down low, as in barely audible. It sparks joy in my humble existence

[@conorlarkin1111]

I second this!

[@mmskier]

Appreciate your videos, guys! Through a combination of videos from Psionic Audio, I recently had the following done to my HRD iii: V1 (12AY7) V2 (12AX7) PI (12AT7) Filter caps replaced with F&T's Diodes, resistors, etc. replaced + raised well off the board to avoid burning Molded speaker cable replaced with something better than what came stock Power tubes replaced Biasing Glad to see we essentially came to the same conclusions + hoping this info helps others! *I use the JHS Little Black Box in the FX loop as well - allows me to include other effects in the loop along with it

[@smartlevel1450]

C1 22uF C56 22uF C5 .047uF C7 360pF C6 .015 uF C103 cut

[@Progpolitic93]

I’ve been gigging a HRD with a lion tamer and it’s awesome. Saves me from bringing out the vintage amps, 4 pedal board with a COT50, Mjolnir, Blue Hippo, and DM-2W. Everything you want nothing you don’t. Great job guys as always 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 0:01 0:01

[@johnsawyer6145]

The Hot Rod Deluxe was my first amp. I bought it “sound unheard” from a catalog. I remember the wording from the catalog, describing it as having “plenty of swat” and the copy wasn’t lying. I ran into similar difficulties with the volume, etc. and sold it. I feel like I just didn’t know what I was doing. I’m quite happy with my Deluxe Reverb and Super Reverb now. A lot easier for me to handle/control and fewer workarounds needed.

[@MrAwesomeSaucesome]

First amp i ever loved. Some years ago now, now, was in a rehearsal room so had it a little wound up. First valve amp and was truly my induction. Am still mainly a fender amp fan

[@henninghesse9910]

The tube switching was revealing. Thank you for going into all of this!

[@jackgreenwood1817]

I was surprised how much the sound of the amp changed after it was thoroughly warmed up. That coupled with more volume was enough to make the amp sound much more pleasant than the spiky, just turned on, quieter amp at the start of the video. Really interesting video, I've never had a HRD but I did enjoy the journey with you. Thanks for another great video.

[@JoeMama410]

I put a 12AT7 in v1 (now a 12AY7) and it did such an incredible job of bringing the amp back under control . Not a huge volume drop but just enough. It also made the drive channel much smoother.

[@damnbigfish]

I did the same (12 AT7) ! Also put a Tone Tubby alnico speaker in it. Everybody who plays this amp kinda scratches their head and goes "Hunh...I thought I didn't like these..."

[@rafaelgonzalez-rb8yq]

T7 Y7 BOTH GREAT CHOICE S LIKE IN THE FENDER BASSMAN

[@adamwatson6916]

The 12AT7 works great in the phase inverter slot as well . Help make the drive smoother and clearer.

[@danialollis9200]

I had a Hot Rod Deville for a period of time and used a device similar to the Lion Tamer in the loop, or at the end of my pedalboard. Worked great. Simple. Inexpensive. Effective.

[@mikemorgan4774]

I gigged two HRD Devilles in stereo for years and years because I saw Leroy Parnell use that setup at a show where we opened for him. The real secret was to plug into the input of amp one then amp send to a stereo rack unit which provided compression (a very important part), a graphic EQ, several delay options and all the wobbly bits. The stereo outs of the rack then back to the returns of both amps. Essentially the rack unit was my Lion Tamer in this scenario. I could get all of the grind and EQ I wanted or needed at the front end of amp 1, and control both amp volumes with the rack piece output, anything from 120db down to 50 if called for. This gave me really hot valve goodness at any volume. Oh, and that Presence control really should live around 0-1 unless you want to change out speakers with some warmth to them.

[@cirjames2540]

I use an 12AY7 in my Fender Pro Jr and it works perfectly for less gain and home play. Great show as always!

[@eoinc_Ire]

I had a Blues Jr. for years and couldn’t use till I saw Phil McKnight showing how to do the valve swop for the 12AY7. It sounds fantastic now… I also swopped the Jensen for a Celestion NeoCreamback! Made it even better !

[@DirtyDavesDirt]

Did the same in my Blues Junior as well, the overall volume didn’t change just a better sweep

[@robmusorpheus5640]

It's funny that now I have sold my HRDx, no matter what you play, which guitars, which preamp valves, it still sounds like the HRDx to me. The circuit has a particular sound. I had a different speaker, a 5751 in V1, version IV, I used it for years, and found eventually, that changes are just variations on a theme. I did not know what I had been missing out on, in a high quality smaller amp. No matter what we do to this amp, it still sounds like a hot rod deluxe. The power valve change altered the sound the most. The changes and mods, are about what you need to make it practical for you as a player. The sound of the amp is still there. It barks at ya, and refuses to hug you.

[@egoncorneliscallery9535]

I do agree with all of that. But IF you have one some of those mods will be useful.

[@jbognap]

It's great that you guys are dedicating so much time to the HDR, after all, it's one of the most popular amps in the world, and not everyone has the means to just chuck it and buy a new amp. It's nice to see the real world results of what mods are possible. For home use, my humble suggestion is to put a simple mfx unit with an inbuilt volume pedal, into the effects loop. Not only can you manage the volume, but you can apply EQ to remove any harsh frequencies and even add compression/limiting to adjust the response and feel of the amp.

[@citternboy]

Moved on from my Hot Rod deluxe mk 1 to a Victory V40 deluxe, but I did put TAD valves in pre (12ay7)and power amp and they made a marked difference, I also recently used a Harley benton American Sound in input 1, that was great, just a massive difference with the victory v40, but I could gig happily with the hotrod and the American Sound, it's a good amp but I only used the clean channel

[@randyprice6445]

That was a great demo session. Right now, I'm playing my 2019 re-issue Fender 57 Custom Deluxe Tweed. Maybe I'll pull out my forgotten Hot Rod Deluxe and give her another try. Your demo sparked my interest. Carry own my friends. Randy Price fron West Texas.

[@psychonaut689]

Love this show - you guys are the real sonic scientists/experimentalists answering the questions we want to know. Your guitar playing is also very good btw.

[@RevRance42]

Thank you for doing this series of videos. I have a Blues Deville that I have been wanting to address and you guys have given me a few different options. These videos have been a great help!

[@KristofferVad]

Dan’s playing on that SG was sweet AF. Lovely tones, lovelier schwang! 12AY7 mod my favourite.

[@forestgreenman]

I have watched the beginning of this video a couple of times because this is some of the BEST Strat tone I have heard. It so often seems like people try to dial in great tone but do their best to avoid letting it sound like a Strat through a fender amp. It really baffles me but I guess too often they use a Strat when they might try a different guitar, if they have one at hand. Anyway, thanks for yet another great video!

[@jamesschaffner1992]

I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: I used the overdrive channel of a hot rod deville for years, for hundreds of gigs, before somebody told me I wasn’t supposed to like it.

[@artysanmobile]

Its Presence control should be set to OFF if not slightly lower.

[@killereverb3928]

Nobody had to tell me. I’m the self-directed type: I hated the way the amp sounded immediately!

[@WayneChurchill-zd3pm]

I have adaptor for the loopstation you can control the volume more

[@SirDerp909]

When, and where, did you say this before?

[@AndyNyle]

Exactly. There is nothing wrong with this amp. It’s perfect as it is and super versatile

[@garydiamondguitarist]

I'm glad to see you guys discussed changing the valves, because I watched Part 1 and figured I'd try that, then watch Part 2 not realising it covered what I'd just done. I'd go a step further - change all the preamp tubes, honestly. I substituted the ECC83s (12AX7s) for ECC82s (12AU7s). The former have a gain rating of 100, the later a gain rating of 20, so you're dropping the preamp volume significantly. This allows you to wind either channel up a lot further and the amp still not be super loud, but hopefully for most cases like rehearsal and gig, still more than loud enough. The nice thing is that V1 and V2 are used as the source of gain for the drive/more drive channel so you also get less distortion - personally I didn't like the drive channel at all but now, with less gain, it's like the drive channel sounds like the clean but with a boost pedal kicking the front end, it's beautiful. V3 is the phase inverter and does drop the volume a little further too. Basically it turns the Clean into a Quiet Clean and the Drive/More Drive into a Master Volume Clean, with More Drive being an "edge of breakup" option depending on the pickups of the guitar you're using. The tone of the amp is excellent this way, honestly smoother and seems to have more headroom, yet conversely because you're cranking it more the power amp tubes are removing any harsh transients. This is all before trying pedals anywhere, I'm talking straight to amp, input 1.

[@KS622]

wow that lion tamer might be the one missing piece of het HRD, going to order it right now. edit: I just got it, and its amazing; this is just what I need. Is set the volume to about 6 on the clean which gives me that nice crunch where I previously needed a pedal for; with even better picking dynamics and volume control on the guitar now. I can boost the signal with an EC booster which gives me more grit and more sustain without a too obvious volume boost and without altering the tone. The second gain channel on the EC booster gives me even more grit for the 'distortion' tone, where I needed another pedal for previously. I'm going back to a tuner and a booster. I use a slapback 'reverb' last in the pedal chain (yes, not delay, but short slapback reverb) and that works just fine without it getting too muddy. Glad I stumbled upon this video.

[@MarcCoteMusic]

I'm only 9 minutes into the video but I'll mention this now before I forget... I just gigged for the first time with a HR Deluxe 4 provided as backline... The Celestion A-Type in the HRD 4 is VASTLY different sounding to the G12P-80 in the HRD 3. The spiky sound of the 3, which I wasn't a fan of, has been tamed with the A-Type. I didn't try the dirty channel so can't compare that, but now I've got GAS for the HRD 4.

[@auttathaway]

Bravo! I did a similar thing on my AC15 with the tubes, going for Tubes that are less efficient, even though I forgot which it were. Made a massive difference at lower bedroom volume

[@periloustemple8290]

Love it, love it, love it! About the Dr. Watson: to my ears, the top changes a lot - which I'd expect. Of course, you can make up with treble and mid adjust. My own amp only has a Tone Cut (fiddles with phase inverter as I understand it). So, I abandoned the JHS black box for that amp. But it is a simple and usable solution. Anyway, great SG and great tones today. Btw, glad to hear that SD1w today - even though it can be a mess! My favorite use case for mine is in front of a Muff. My other mid-push needs are handled by the Tumnus Deluxe. FWIW. And, loved the delay in front!!!

[@kcole4001]

Brilliant video! I'm sold on the Dr. Watson, I have a Peavey Delta Blues 210 whose clean channel (of which I prefer the tone) never breaks up at all. The volume pot injected into the loop should give me some really nice control over it. Well done guys!

[@jarthursands]

I have a 03 FSR Wheat/Tan first year of Ensenada production. valve swapped to new production Mullards in V1&2 a JJ in the PI and JJ 5881's. swaped out the stock 50w jensen for a 150w Eminence Patriot texas heat and use a Lion Tamer. my chain is CS R8 LP>Xotics AC booster>Xotics RC 20th Ann, at 18V>input 1 Bright switch in. Totally managable beast now.

[@druwk]

Always a reminder to learn to use the equipment you have rather buying stuff and moving it along. This especially true when you’re talking about gear that has an incredible amount of range. The more variables, the more interactions, the more possibilities! I don’t own a HRD, kind of glad. Same principles to stripping down your sound from your pedal board?

[@El-Scorcho]

29:20 my favorite moment of the episode 😂😂 y’all are so on point here!

[@kastle4774]

just as i’m considering getting a hot rod deluxe, you guys are putting out all these videos on them!! love your content so much.

[@MrNeilltupman]

Do it, you won't regret it! Great pedal platform too, which is why we're all here right? 😉😃

[@jerrychadwick3581]

+1. @mrNeilltupman is absolutely right. Love mine. I use the JHS LBAB and love it.

[@roygreene406]

What is better for pedals, the front of the amp or the loop.?

[@stratomycaster881]

Thanks to this episode with Dan and Mick, I dusted off my HRDiv and swapped in an EH 12ay7. Never liked the drive/more drive channel (the reason she was gathering all that dust) but what a difference with the 12ay7!! It’s an entirely different amp. Have only tried it Strat singles so far this afternoon. Very musical and loves additional drive with pedals in front. Thank you as always for the inspiration!! 1:00:34

[@TrojanHamster]

I’ve got a Deville III and the 12ay7 in v1 is a change I need to make. Maybe a Doctor Watson for home use as well… Really appreciate you guys doing this in so much depth. Definitely inspires more confidence than trawling the depths of internet forums! 😂

[@fletches4084]

I did the 12AY7 thing in a bassbreaker 18/30 I had (briefly). Made it almost usable but not quite. It got traded for an Epiphone Blues Custom 30 (sadly now discontinued) which is a much better prospect all around (apart from the fact that it weighs as much as a small planet for nominally the same physical size as the BB18/30). Ultimately there are perhaps "better" amps to be had for the money than a HRD if you are prepared to look around. The level control issue affects so many Fender amps and it is refreshing to find something that can do what the Fenders do but without the drawbacks.

[@studio-d943]

Celestion G12M-65, it became woody, warm, and no more harch. Bass,mid,trbl pots at noon! MXR silver ten band eq , always on, still in the loop only to buffer and tame volume if needed. Loving this HRD IV. Good job again guys!

[@GitShiddy]

Second video this week involving swapping power amp tubes (Kris Barocsi did a blind comparison with 5 different power tubes) and it is truly fascinating just how much things change. I am definitely someone who is quite sick of hearing the Hot Rod Deluxe on TPS, so many episodes and it sounds not brilliant, (unless you change the tubes) however the learned experience has such value. I'm quite content with the sound of my amps & have never (in 20+ years of playing) had to touch, replace, rebias, do anything with my tubes. But with this I wouldn't be afraid to muck about with them (except in my amps from the 50s, those stay as is).

[@rupertlaycockphotography]

Not sure about the Hot Rod Deluxe, but I have a Blues Deluxe Reissue and I made a passive volume control for the effects loops (Dr Watson style, but in a pedal enclosure so I could still put modulation and delay in the loop BEFORE the volume control). What I found is that the reverb in the BDRI is driven after the effects loop, meaning if the passive volume control is turned down, the reverb isn't driven at all. I also have a Peavey Classic 30, and in the same situation I believe the reverb is driven before the loop, making the Dr Watson/Passive volume control more useful on that amp. For the BDRI I decided to build a passive attenuator for between power amp and speaker and I am so much happier with it. I've also gone down the total mix of pre-amp tubes. JJ 12at7, 5751 and Mullard 12ax7 (v1-3). I'm now SUPER keen to checkout the yellowjacket approach.

[@grooveitman929]

I´ve made most of theses modifications in my blues deluxe some years ago to good result. The best here was that SG, it sounds gorgeous!

[@larsson85]

I love the fact that in the end you converted the hot rod deluxe to a bluesjunior! Nice show overall as always, cheers!

[@MrNeilltupman]

Kudos chaps for following this up with this extended look at different options to tame the HRD; a very thorough investigation. I was one of those posting about the Dr. Watson Lion Tamer. I've been using one to attenuate the clean volume which I park on about 4/5, like you observed. Set like that it's not overdriving too much so as not to overly mush up my delays in the front end. I've never used my FX loop, and much prefer running all my board into the front of the amp, so this 20 quid widget is just wonderful. I've recommended it to numerous HRD owner friends, and like me, they've never looked back.

[@MrNeilltupman]

The valve swap segment was eye-opening, but for me the amp is changing its characteristic. Not a bad thing, but Triggers Broom springs to mind! 😂

[@MrNeilltupman]

Side comment; I've always been petrified of swPping valves in and out. Mick seemed to be happy and was swapping valves like he was changing settings on a pedal. Is there not some dark voodoo with biasing to be considered? Novice question; I don't want to blow myself up 😅

[@Adventuresingearland]

Wonderful video, team - thank you. Really showing in tremendous detail how astonishing this ‘old valve technology’ is…..STILL! These things are where the magic is to this day. Emulations/captures/sims etc do a thing. Vales do THE thing. More (valve) power to you, gents as ever.

[@davidsisbarro1501]

Great to see Dan playing the middle position on the SG. I love that sound.

[@jackrussellbruce7565]

Guys, just wanted to say I love your videos so much. I even came up with an idea for a video a few years back which you used! I just wish your talking mics were maybe +3dB greater so they matched the guitars better. I'm forever riding the volume wheel between your playing and your talking! Keep up the good work leg-ends!

[@aarongrimwood6594]

I gig with a hot rod deluxe on the drive channel for a modern country group (The Shucks). It really works live. I use a couple of Gretsch electromatics and the low output pickups work really well. You do need to use the volume controls as you discovered though!

[@McBoggler]

I’ve got a HRD MK4 and I think it’s awesome. I swapped the speaker out to Eminence Tonker for more bottom end and roll off some top end. It’s an excellent pedal platform. I’ve owned a few £2000+ tube amps and paid £400 2nd hand for the HRD and you can’t fault it for band for you buck. Best gigging amp there is. Also love the overdrive sounds of the MK4!

[@ChrisJohnson-lp3hc]

Dang, the dark blue and teal on Dan’s flannel compliments the red of the SG amazingly!

[@shadowulf]

Where was all this 20 years ago when I couldnt stand my HRD! Actually, I knew about the volume pot in the fx loop, and the AY7 tubes. It was that the 40 watts was too loud for I wanted. Good job guys

[@Bulletman426]

I agree that is sounds boxy stock. I replaced the speaker with a G12T-75 and you’ll love it. The amp woke up and there’s no more shrillness or that boxy sound. Best upgrade I did along with the 12AT7 tube mod. Awesome now

[@danabnormal5892]

I have a new hot rod deluxe v4 with the cannabis Rex speaker. I use the 12AY7 and the lion tamer. I gotta say it’s a fab amp

[@jrchanning]

Maybe Fender just need to make a "Warm Rod Deluxe" !!, seriously such a fun and fascinating episode, brilliant stuff 😄

[@GiacomoRavioli]

[@Cheguebuddha]

Thanks lads! Just put a 12AY7 into the V1 of my VOX AC15 and by far sound less bright/harsh than the 12AX7 and even the dirve sound is softer now with the 12AY7. Very happy!

[@NateThunder]

I have a Pro Junior and a Deville. I love this series of Fender. I use the Dr Watson in the Deville; it typically does the trick. I think the overdrive channel is great; it soaks up an overdrive or distortion pedal really well.

[@stephenwhite1852]

Recently swapped to the 12AY7 - huge difference. I also picked up an origin revival drive compact and that completely transformed the sound of the amp. Amazing pedal

[@rafaelgonzalez-rb8yq]

Y7 1st position just like fender bassman

[@crystalneth994]

Dr Watson is a heck of an improvement! Just ordered one

[@scottyvalero3691]

Never discount the incredible improvement of installing vintage tubes into a modern tube amp. Black plate tubes tend to have lower headroom, and add a scoopto your sound. Like a gained up fender. Gray smooth plates are very detailed in the treble frequencies. Grey Ribbed plates are kind of low mid focused. I have an ohmite power, scaler, a.k.a. a variac, and I run it at about 90 V. That helps the volume drop down a little bit, helps lower the headroom of a loud amplifier, and it also adds a little compression to the tone, a kind of sizzly compression. It’s a really unique sound, and it works great with my supro Delta king 12. If attack is what you are looking for, while still retaining that smoothness in the 12 AY7, then get a 12at7. Telefunken’s are nice and bright and retain that detailed nature, but they can be sterile for some.

[@joshuaraysummey7679]

This was a great couple videos. I killed two HRDs in as many decades and loved every second. This, more than anything helped me understand why people hate them lol! I've always loved it and never understand when people bash it :) I used (what you dub) the 'pushed clean' technique the whole time! I don't think ive ever used the clean channel on that amp! I honestly dont know what i sound like through it :)

[@Chrismayo1981]

I always liked the second input into a pushed clean sound overdrive channel. Then I used “more drive” as a boost.

[@mattlogie1204]

What a GREAT ep! Hearing the tube difference was wild

[@adammkoss]

Couple decades are I had a Hughes and Kettner Edition Tube (two channel, 2 x EL84s) but eventually found the was way too much gain on the lead channel. I immediately subbed an RCA 6072 (12AY7) for the input stage tube and the results were amazing - beautiful tone, controlled, usable throughout the range. I recommend this easy mod for anyone looking for similar results.

[@matthewcollis-long5233]

Fantastic Show. More like this please. And please could we have part three, focussing on speakers? As ever I/We love what you do. MOTS please, Groins!!!!

[@blueshadow3812]

Have the same SG awesome guitar vibrola stays in tune with a good setup.Change the pickups to more Paf style and 50s wiring add a Mojoaxe wide bevel pickguard and you are good to go man. Needed one after i saw Tom Bukovac!! skills not included sadly😂

[@johnsmith-sm6mh]

Brilliant, thanks fellas , just swapped my Boogie 5.25 for a Blues Deluxe “ for the shimmer, bloom, and headroom “ also invested in the Dr Watson too, but the info on swapping tubes/valves was invaluable. Cheers John

[@jasonmorgan4894]

Thank you for this video. I have this amp collecting dust because of the volume level. I will now be able to use it. Cheers

[@tobymearing8407]

i love your 'experiments shows' this is a doozy and i never thought valves would go on my shopping list but that GT5751 just sings! thank you

[@44dognut]

Speaker change! speaker efficiency makes a big difference, I swapped to a lower wattage less efficient speaker

[@trentwaterman7049]

Good one boys. Some amazing sounding, easy and practical mods rights there. Thanks!

[@southernsantapiper7556]

I use the 12AY7 and Dr Watson Lion Tamer. Perfect and cost effective method of taming this amp. Thanks for a great video! It's what influenced my purchase!

[@admarhermans1]

For my ears, the best results were those with both the powertubes and preamptubes swapped. Perhaps the Dr. Watson and swapped preamp tube too. The amp sounded a lot sweeter, and so did the SG’s upper mids and highs through it. (Great guitar, this SG, perhaps kind of more for Dan’s taste, because he loves the particular Tele-like highs and upper mids through this Fender amp. It sounds to me like a Tele on steroids, this one.) Great amp, that little Fender! Easy to modify, because of your video! Thank you, Good show!! 🖖

[@jacob_miller]

I love this for the differences between the valves, both in the pre and power amp stages. Really well done!. When it comes to playing at “home volume”, at some point you should just invest in a Two Notes captor X or similar for valve amps at low volume, then you reach a point where you just aren’t moving the voice coil enough!, then find a good IR and a pair of Rockit 5 speakers or similar, and have option of headphones. The AY7 transformed the character of this amp and should be done regardless. It’s not lost on me how lucky I am to have no noise restrictions at my home other than making sure the dog isn’t laying in front of one of the 4x12’s 🤣 (tone dog loves the tone) Thanks gents for another amazing episode 🙏😊

[@chrstphbch]

I've got the same configuration of valves in an old 70s Fender clone, so 12AY7 and EL84 and it’s a pretty usable amp at home and on stage with this. Great compression at farily nice volumes.

[@admarhermans1]

Great little Fender amp! Thank you for the great tips on using this amp. A lot of guitarists I play with, use this very amp, and I see it a lot as a back-line amp at festivals. I’ll be sending this video of yours to all the guitarist humanoïds I know. 🖖

[@jep3305]

After 01:10 I could have stopped watching. That was BEAUTIFUL. You made my day. Thank you, Mick!

[@LockRocker]

I picked up a minty US made original HRD and immediately found what everyone hates with the "instantly too loud at home" issues and not enough volume taper in the design. I came to settle on the 12AY7 tube swap in the V1 position .This was not without incident... The first purchase of an electro-harmonix tube induced loads of microphonic noise the original tube did not make. I then swapped to a JJ version and all is well with no microphonics. The USA HRD doesn't have any kind of tube dampener which is what EHX suggests but in my opinion I want no microphonics and THEN I might add a dampener.

[@mleon1958]

I have no problem whatsoever with the drive channel! Master at 5 to 6 and gain around 3 or 4 and I'm set, either by itself or with drive or fuzz!

[@markbridge64]

I’m in a state of amazement. Totally, utterly in awe of the BEST COMMENT EVER on this channel. The part where Dan salutes us all with a phrase of Pythonesque philosophical magnitude regarding the Liontamer. “It does something just by being there.” Tried this at both gigs at the weekend, one of ‘em supporting the mighty FM. Absolutely gobsmackingly, scrumptiously gorgeous, best ever tone on which to mount me drive pedals. Moonshine, Klon, ODR1, Lightspeed and Big Muff Deluxe. Especially lovely as I built the first four from DIY kits and they were AWESOME to my ears. Anybody who didn’t like my tones last weekend has a father who smells of Elderberries. If I was better looking, I would allow you both to bear my children. I might be stupid, but at least I’m not clever. Bless you all at TPS Mark.

[@chriswallace9387]

You guys put the work in for sure. Awesome followup to the 1st vid. Love the HRD, i have the version 4, and it’s a special run. So different look and speaker. Placed a fan in it to preserve it. I do use the attenuator at home.

[@peterb2245]

HRD III w/ Swamp Thang, 12AT7, and Lion Tamer. A lot of tinkering I know, but scratches my Fender itch. A fine pedal platform for as large a venue as I’ll ever play. My dog loves it. 😂

[@blodbrodet]

Hot rod deluxe is a great amp.I have played one for years.I slipped in a V30 speaker,and it got a lot better.I always use input 2 on the clean channel.Les Paul into a wampler plexi drive,and ts9 as boost,Flashback delay.Happy days!I have played better amps,but if you can`t afford a high end amp,this can get close,with some tweaks.Great episode :)

[@cobravinci]

Great video ! Can't wait to use the Dr Watson trick in mine... and to hear more about the Hook amp, which sounded really good (even if it wasnnt the purpose of this show)! 😊

[@ofsoundmind13]

12at7 in V1, JHS little black amp box in fx loop and a celestion vintage 30 in mine. Absolutely love it! May try changing power tubes after watching this though. 🤔

[@TheDrunkenScoundrel]

Yeah, the 12Ay7 sounds fantastic.

[@michaelanastasi9969]

Thank you! Just finding this update after the first HRD video is awesome, I have an SG too as well as this amp and will definitely try this.

[@KingfieldGuitarCo]

That SG was made for Dan. Perfect.

[@rossedwards73]

It’s also worth trying a 5751, 12DW7 and 12AT7 in V1, V2 and V3 respectively. I also have a pair of JJ 6V6S (the “S” suffix is important!) in the output stage, biased to 36mV for early breakup.

[@Mike_S_Swift]

I did finish that ghost drive after updating some issues with the Hot Rod Deluxe I bought at a reduced price as the drive channel was intermittently cutting out. I bought a parts kit to replace caps diodes resisters etc. and trouble shooting after the 5 watt resistors and capacitors were replaced I had no drive at all. What was an intermittent trace open when the board got hot to those 5 watt resistors being right on the board became a permanent open so no 16v to the drive relay. Bypassed that trace with some pickup wire and now works great. I tried to bias the original Fender Output tubes but couldn’t get to the value that was suggested. I put new tubes in and no problem getting to that value. However the tone and attack was what I heard you reference as ice picky. I had my nephew play through the amp while I adjusted the bias back down to 30ma about where it was with the old tubes. Sounded much better. Then I hooked up the ghost drive with volume off and about halfway on the amp. Guessing as I have more stuff to change out on the lower tube pcb and I haven’t put the knobs on yet. The ghost drive volume barely on the amp makes any guitar sound great. No kidding. Hopefully will be done updating this old original Hot Rod soon. BTW I plugged in a monoprice 12” speaker cab with Celestion V30 and much better than the original Eminence speaker. I’ll be swapping out the speaker too. Thanks for all the great videos. I kind of tune out when you guys go into distortion but that’s just part of the show. The drive channel sucks in the hot Rod as far as I’m concerned. Clean channel with a little grit from the ghost is heaven 😂 cheers!

[@oldasrocks9121]

6072 is a mil-spec 12AT7, this for that. The sought after 12AU7 is the RCA clear-top, lovely tube.