The Basement - Limited Edition Tweed Blues Junior vs. Blues Junior III Comparison

(please watch in high quality, the video's better but more importantly the sound is better!)
Comparison of the Fender Ltd Edition NOS Tweed Blues Junior with Jensen speaker and the Blues Junior III. Running through a few different gain settings, with and without the fat switch and reverb, and settings for a mildly Deluxe Reverb-ish sound.
Using a 2011 American Standard Stratocaster, recorded with Shure SM57s in positions to get a similar balance, going into two Vintech 473 preamps.

[@andersnilsson1317]

That´s the way an A versus B video should be done! Not a bunch of pedals and stuff or showing off (or trying to) your shredding abilities. Just the amps. And well, I´ll go for the tweedy one. Thanks!

[@yansilva6886]

Ditto

[@jessegimbel]

Thanks so much Anders Nilsson, I really appreciate it! When I'm looking to hear an amp itself, I find simple playing, some chords and some leads, without any pedals, to be the most helpful presentation to me, so I want to try to give that to other people in my demos.

[@xTOILETMASTERx]

thanks i'm gunna buy the blackface one now...(am gonna swap all sorts of speakers anyway for shitsngiggles...)

[@cadelucero6936]

Yes the Tweed is the Best!!!

[@THEQueeferSutherland]

This. So much this. So tired of demo videos of some douche noodling blues/metal crap. I get it, you play fast, we're all impressed, can we hear the fucking gear now?

[@HybridChoky]

16 people realised they should have gone for the tweed version. XD

[@Rightupbass]

Ones just brighter. Whats the big deal, turn a friggin knob and get back to making music.

[@matthewburton1033]

Best comparison of these amps I've seen.

[@jessegimbel]

Matthew Burton Thanks so much!

[@georgedavis8412]

One of the best side-by-side amp comparisons I have ever seen on KZbin. Thank you.

[@Paranoidx_Androidx]

Thank you so much! I'm glad this review wasn't the typical blues solo demo. You can tell the difference between both amps with the great strumming of your guitar instead just solo after solo. Because sound is so trivial and always different to each ear, I would say both amps are great in there own way. But for me my preference would be the nos tweed blues junior. Has a lot more clarity and cleans up well in the mix. For me, I use lots of pedals for my tone so a super clean pallet for me to build on is very important. Which is why I have a deluxe reverb as well. But this is definitely a great practice amp or for small gigs.

[@jessegimbel]

My Deluxe Reverb is my favorite amp out of anything new or vintage that I own, and I like the tweed better for exactly the reasons you mentioned. To me the tweed fits a bit more with Fender's lineage, while the III is the same kind of muddy departure that the whole Hot Rod series has made.

[@trp3301]

Great job. That Tweed has a very unique sparkle (not bright but complex tonal range with every individual note singing and coming together like a choir). It's really a beautiful shimmering sound.

[@jessegimbel]

+TR P Best description I've seen here.

[@Robko05]

its the greatest demo / comparsion i have ever seen on youtube! dude, you did a great job, thanks, it helped a lot

[@jessegimbel]

+Robert Bclax Man thanks so much!

[@poarag]

wished all the comparison demo were like this. Thank you.

[@jessegimbel]

Thank you so much Faz Poarag!

[@henrik5284]

Superb demonstration, Jesse! To see the dials all the time + the way you make constant A/B-switches between them with the same settings on each...perfect. Much appreciated!

[@jessegimbel]

So glad you enjoyed it Henrik! Got lots more planned, coming back from a bit of a break so please subscribe! I plan on keeping a pretty similar format to this one for comparison videos.

[@Nagaroon88]

simply great. Less talking, proper mic positioning and this very cool and fast comparison. This is the way it should be. Greetings from germany!

[@jessegimbel]

I appreciate it, danke!

[@AllenCruz]

Thanks for this review! Great stuff man. Also love your use of graphics to help us visualize the settings.

[@andrehammer3982]

Great video man! I actually just picked up the NOS version and am very glad I did. After hearing this I'm certain I made the right decision.

[@jessegimbel]

Andrew Huelsman Thank you! Congrats on the new amp - hope you enjoy it!

[@Rigz727]

A superb comparison, nice playing also, still a bit confused after a few watches. At first I was thinking the tweed a bit tinny, then after another watch I thought it had more definition. As a final note, that was one of the best comparison videos I've seen on utube, so thanks for that.

[@jessegimbel]

+Rigbybigdog Thanks so much for the support! That's kind of how I feel watching the video back - the tweed does sound more trebly by comparison, but it's actually a really nice clear sound, while the BJ III sounds more flat and closed up.

[@untilsuchtime9380]

Great job on the comparison video. It’s so interesting to listen to the video, then read the comments and remember how different everyone’s ears are. Every time you switched to the Tweed I thought, “Oh, no! Too much treble! Not for me.” But so many people in the comments preferred it. It would be cool to try to dial them to sound closer to each other and see how different the knobs turn out to be.

[@rome8180]

Tweed had a lot more presence. I recently bought one, and after listening to this, I'm really glad I opted for one with the Jensen speaker. Some reviews said it was "too bright," but I don't feel that way at all.

[@angauer]

Thank you kindly for your tip in regards to get a sound close to the Deluxe Reverb, beginning at 5:49. I really like it and appreciate it. :-) Best wishes, André

[@CFChristian]

Damn I'm 7 years late to the party, but I enjoyed this. It seemed higher quality than most out there today. Great playing too, it had personality. Or maybe I'm just biased to that style.

[@nicero870]

You have a cool, humble spirit. Great demos.

[@jessegimbel]

+nicero870 I really appreciate that!

[@Bob-un1qy]

Thanks for this!!! This is what I have been hoping to see to make an official decision on which one. I hope you get to do this more often with other amps.

[@mborel]

I liked the demo, thanks. It helped me decide to get the tweed amp with the Jensen speaker.

[@maximo.01]

Michael Borel i also got the tweed!! great choice

[@adambrown6930]

Great comparison video and excellent graphics to show the settings!

[@mightywaffle51]

Dunno if you're still checking these comments or not, but anyway! Wanted to let you know I picked up a Tweedy pretty much solely because of this video. Just a clear, concise, and just a top notch, professional demo video. Soon as I saw the mic's properly placed, the cable management (bit of a PC gaming nerd, you always know when someone knows what's up based on their cable management) and then the Chucks with no laces, I knew you were on the level. THE level. That one. Also major points on not just wanking the whole time, really well grounded playing, and great muting technique too! Wasn't a buzz fest like too many demos are! So there's my long, rambling thank you on a nearly 3 year old video. Thank you!

[@johnc3403]

The tweed has more presence and bags of character. Great video dude!

[@cowboy7x]

Andres Nilsson beat me to it. GREAT comparison video. The way it should be done.

[@bobdelair02]

Great comparison ! One of the best i found on KZbin

[@jessegimbel]

Thanks so much!

[@MrUsernameUk]

11 people dislike this video? some just can't appreciate good work. It would be good to see a similar video with a few more changes on the settings. T-B-M

[@matthiaslohr6268]

Best comparison video I've ever seen. Really well done. Thanks a lot!

[@jessegimbel]

+Matthias Löhr Thanks for watching!

[@stockholmthaw7352]

Best gear review video I have ever seen. Great job man, really appreciate the effort you put in this video!

[@jessegimbel]

Thank you so much, so happy it's helpful!

[@ronbenenati2987]

I found this really helpful.. I enjoy my Blues jr more having watched it

[@cracker0190]

Finally an actually comparison

[@robgrabowski]

Great comparison! Thank you! Would love to hear it with humbuckers.

[@bddmhopp5]

Well done. Great video. I just bought a blues jr III in silver tolex. I love it, but do all my gigging with a tweed blues delux FSR

[@jessegimbel]

Flashy setup, love it!

[@911aDay]

WOW! Thanks for taking the time to make such an awesome comparison video, graphics and all.. I'll buy your album -)

[@jessegimbel]

+911aDay Please do, and share!

[@camkidscharity3298]

Very useful demo and I echo the views of some other readers, that your straightforward approach to comparing the amps' sounds is excellent. Too many people use the medium of a video demonstration to show off (or not!) their talents or ruin the comparison by using effects. Tweed it is then - ordering tonight! (PS - Fender should be giving you commission!).

[@jessegimbel]

+CamKids Charity I wish they would!

[@bungy007]

Cheers for this - especially for the deluxe reverb sound. That is what I will now dial my BJ NOS to. You're a star!

[@jessegimbel]

+bungy007 You are!

[@musicvent]

Thanks for your wonderful effort. Very informative and a good solid way to demonstrate the amp differences. I thought I would like the tweed better because of the Jensen speaker but I found myself drawn to the tones of the blackface particularly on the dirty sounds.

[@jessegimbel]

+musicvent So happy to help! Thanks for watching.

[@BrickDavis]

best side by side guitar playing in a comparison I have ever seen, clean and just cool and demonstrates the main vibe of tone very well. peace out Girl Scout...Sincerely, your newest Subscriber.

[@jessegimbel]

Thank you new friend! I’ve got a handful of comparisons lined up for new videos with this same idea. Though I was considering reamping the same guitar playing through both amps so the difference you hear is exclusively the amp. That’d be that much more accurate of a comparison, but do you prefer me just playing myself into each?

[@teideman09]

The one and only useful and informative comparison I've heard and I have been searching. I'm buying Tweed. Thank You

[@glassslide]

Tweed all day long.

[@jessegimbel]

+glassslide Amen!

[@lueysixty-six7300]

It's definitely got tone-tweed... Or Tweed-wood.. uh, Tweed tonewood.. 🤔. Tweed-wood. Yup. Tweed-wood. Definitely tone-tweed!

[@brikbatwarrior]

Great vid!!! Tweed all the way for me, leagues above the tolex. Waiting for my 2015 tweed to be delivered!!!

[@sduke39]

Great comparison video. I own the regular Blues Jr. but I have to admit I prefer the tweed.

[@theurosh]

I paused the video half way trough just to click "like" and leave a comment that this is the video I was looking for :) great job!

[@groshretro]

Thanks for the great comparison video Jesse! Kudos to you for a professional video...love the amp knob graphics! keep up the good work brother:)!

[@PadraicPlaugher]

Tweed. Better clarity and sounded like a tweed deluxe!

[@nickf9392]

You will figure out the interplay between the two volumes, that will get you the clean vs grit aspect. What I found surprising, I ended up with B. & T. set to zero, and M. all the way up to 12. That really got rid of the boxy sound these amps struggle with. With fat switch out, the cleans are really enticing. When you set for grit, push fat switch in and adds some nice girth.

[@anthonyoliver]

Thanks for this comparison - really useful! It would be interesting to hear the same A/B with humbuckers... From what I can hear, the tweed has more life to it and the reverb on the tweed sounds more three dimensional. Good stuff man :)

[@aaron99man]

Excellent, excellent demonstration. Very close to biting the bullet on the tweed version.

[@jessegimbel]

Aaron S If you do I hope you enjoy it! Thank you for the kind words.

[@lindseyjameswilliams1240]

Excellent demo. Lots of playing. Consistent. Nice plug for your passion and art. Good job🤓

[@nose21]

Wow. i cant believe they sound that different. i was thinking about getting the tweed one but now leaning very hard back to black. Appreciate the video, it helped alot

[@jazzaero]

This video was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks a million!

[@jessegimbel]

+Jeffrey Maskel I try to make videos that are what I'm looking for when searching for gear demos. So happy I could help!

[@mollers92]

Great demo. Side by side, same settings, same playing style. Really helpful review, thanks.

[@jessegimbel]

So glad I could help, thank you!

[@Jeepjones85]

I didn't know there was actually a difference I thought one was just covered different. Thanks

[@truthof7382]

GREAT comparison. Nice job with this video Jesse. I prefer the Tweed with the Jenson, but the std model is very good.. Definitely makes me want one. Again, thanks for the effort here.

[@jessegimbel]

Truth of 73 Thanks so much for watching and for the kind words! I agree, I think the Jensen sounds more open and has more dynamics to it, but the standard is pretty nice too for what it is.

[@Ginanity]

Fantastic! Your video convinced me to buy the tweed version. Sounds amazing!

[@brendanc3353]

Best set up for a comparison I've come across. Real nice playing too. Good work

[@brendanc3353]

Also, what are your thoughts on this versus the hot rod deluxe 112 enc?

[@etc325]

This is the very best and most helpful review I have ever seen to date. Thank you.

[@iamandes4455]

I bought the Tweed because of your video. Thanks for the well thought out effort in this video! Will now subscribe and have a looksie on your channel. Thanks again and good luck on the album!

[@jessegimbel]

Wow that's quite a compliment, I appreciate it! I'm planning on making more videos like this one, coming back after a short break from making them. Please do subscribe and look around, and check out the album at jessegimbel.bandcamp.com!

[@wonderworldguy]

For me the Tweed is the clear winner. Coupled with your beautiful strat its a killer combo. Love your playing btw.

[@jessegimbel]

+David Brent Thanks so much! If you want to hear more, my album is free at jessegimbel.bandcamp.com

[@MrMmartin1961]

One of the best amp comparison videos I've ever seen! Tweed for me!!!

[@thecompletejake]

This was a really valuable video for me. I was considering getting a NOS but having heard them side by side I like everything about the BJrIII way better. Thanks!

[@jessegimbel]

Jake Harvey Happy to help!

[@duncanivory]

This was a really great video and very useful. thanks

[@jessegimbel]

Happy to help!

[@napalmhardcore]

I prefer the look of the tweed, but in this particular demo, annoyingly I think I prefer the sound of the Junior III a little more. Edit: I think I'd still probably go with the tweed. I've read or heard opinions of people that have played or owned both. Some have said they prefer the Jenson, but I don't recall anyone saying they prefer the Eminence.

[@jessegimbel]

+napalmhardcore I'm one of those people, having owned both. They definitely do have different sounds, but I don't think there's anything I'd prefer the BJIII for. I just can't get past that "hot rod" distortion, and the Jensen helps make it less ugly.

[@bootlegapples]

Great demo-direct back to back comparisons instead of having to scroll around constantly.Also you play CHORDS and not aimless blues or shred.

[@johnc3403]

the Blues jr ltd with the Jenson is very bright. Keep this in mind if your pickups are bright too. I run pure vintage 59's into the blues jr ltd and it's borderline over-bright, manageable and lovely, but needs judicial tone control use to keep it tame!

[@United4Freedom2010]

Hmmmmm Contrary to what many have said I think the Tweed has a much fuller sound, as well as warmness to it. It does have some brightness but it doesn't take away from the warm full tone IMO. I'd take the tweed every time based on this demo. You can really hear this at the 3:00 mark when he adds some reverb the III sounds very muddy but the tweed just sings. I currently have a fender Modeling amp and definitely looking into one of these tweeds. Great demo thx Jesse...

[@johngalt1961]

Nicely done. Very useful. I have the tweed blues jr, and I've always wanted to sit it next to the III. I fully agree w/other comments that you do the A/B demo right. Hope you'll do more of these, whenever appropriate. If you can get an Orange Tiny Terror and a Dark Terror side by side, that'd be useful to me.

[@jessegimbel]

johngalt1961 Thank you! I'll try to make that happen. It's tough because I can mostly just demo what I own. I can sometimes borrow something to compare to one I own, but I don't really like to buy things just to demo and then return them, so I generally have to just do a comparison when I'm looking at keeping one. The Tiny Terror in particular is one I've had my eye on for a while though.

[@jefftaylor9882]

Nice playing. They both sound great! I got the tweed limited edition.

[@jessegimbel]

Thanks Jeffrey! I prefer the tweed myself.

[@kevlar1979]

Thank you for making this video... I was in a toss up between buying one of these amps. You did a great demo for me to make my choice.

[@jessegimbel]

+kevlar1979 That was my goal - so glad I could help!

[@lanthaniated1]

The tweed looks more expensive and sounds awesome. Cool to have both......

[@garrettwheelermusic]

The Limited sounds like it'd be great for jangly stuff like CCR or Beatles but the Junior III sounds more versatile

[@garrettwheelermusic]

I said that 3 years ago but am now wishing I got the tweed😂

[@YasserAbdelmonsef]

Garrett Wheeler Music me too

[@scottrattray5454]

great side by side, really helped me make up my mind about which amp to buy.

[@raceface_m2579]

This was an absolutely fantastic even comparison! Leads for Tweed and rhythm for the other haha. I really like the Tweed but it can be harsh sometimes with chords. The bass response on the black one is perfect, but the reverb is so much nicer on Tweed. I guess I'll have to try both of them out in store to truly grasp the sound. Once again, thanks for the quality comparison!

[@rayplaysguitar3914]

Very good comparison. I recently bought a Blues Jr III. I played with a NOS tweed with the Jenson speaker for 4 years. Loving the new sound of the Blues Jr III. They are all great amps and making a decision is tough. I feel whichever model a person buys, they will soon embrace the sound it produces. Thanks for a great demo. I am sure it will help many!

[@jessegimbel]

Ray Plays Guitar Thanks for the kind words and for watching! Certainly both are decent amps especially if you're looking for something that won't break the bank for gigging or small rooms, and you can adapt to either one.

[@larryrogalski4067]

EXCELLENT video!!! Your attention to detail is AWESOME!!! Great job!

[@bruopuc]

jensen speaker sounds better in my opinion: Cleaner and beatifull. Very good review. Thanks

[@jessegimbel]

+Bruno Pérez-Urría Caro Thank you! I totally agree.

[@Metody89]

It was very helpful, thank you! I'm looking for small fender tube amp and I'm really sick of youtube demos where guys set their tone at 10 and play funk-rock ;)

[@jessegimbel]

Metody89 Glad I could help! Everyone does demos from their own perspective and I think it's often difficult to see if your own perspective is really helpful to everyone else. I don't know if mine is, but I think playing chords and showing gain characteristics are things easily masked when just playing single note solos or ultra-bright muted strumming.

[@aahogpilot100]

Nice playing and demo. I prefer the Tweed. Actually just bought one two days ago. I'm loving it.

[@Czexi]

I didn't think the two amps would sound so drastically different. The tweed almost sounds kinda like a JMP. It has that Marshall sizzle and punch to it, would be curious to see if that goes away when the bass gets turned up. Great comparison!

[@jessegimbel]

Interesting take! The speaker definitely makes a massive difference, and these two amps really display that. I can't say I would have thought JMP when hearing the tweed, though since Marshalls have Bassman lineage I guess that makes sense. Maybe someday I'll get a chance to compare the tweed to a JMP and see how close I can get them!

[@stanpowers600]

Outstanding review! So very helpful. I think the Tweed/Jensen just edged out the III, for me. Looking forward to hearing more from you, Jesse.

[@travisw0803]

Love the comparison! Great playing as well! I am going to check out your LP. You sold me on the tweed!

[@jessegimbel]

Thank you so much! You can check out the album free at jessegimbel.bandcamp.com. I prefer the tweed myself!

[@brandonmarlow9514]

great video, no marking abart, just amp tones. superb. Thanks

[@michalgor1993]

Great comparison! I really like this form of shootout - the samples are not too long and switches between amps are frequent enough to spot the difference.

[@jessegimbel]

Thanks Michał! Yeah that's what I look for in a demo so I want to do that for other people. I think you hear those differences easiest when seamlessly switching back and forth - nothing more frustrating when people play one sample, talk a while, then play the other! Makes it so hard to compare.

[@johnhorning2506]

Excellent review technique from setup to playing to on-screen graphics. I thought the tweed was just a bit harsher on the highs. I wanted to like it more but I didn't. However all we heard was a pre-amp distortion comparison not any power amp distortion so I think that is why.

[@andrewpolitano]

It was rather bitingly sharp in the high end, I agree. Don't know if that would compliment a strat/tele or not, but I wasn't a huge fan honestly. I think the BJ with a Fender guitar is bright enough as is!

[@Prajnana]

@@andrewpolitano Might try replacing V1 with a 12AY7 or even lower gain 12AU7...

[@simoneric8183]

Hello, I'm happy I found your demo : I've been scanning as much videos as I could and I think I found the right amp to complement my trusty Blackstar HT5. Those Fenders are very cool amps to pair with my Reverends guitars (Buckshot and Crosscut) and deliver all the cleans I'm after ! And besides I get the idea that either the Tweed or the III will give me something different from my Blackstar. So now I just have to choose...

[@greengo9]

You sir know how to make a comparison video! Keep up the good work!

[@ArtDonna84]

I know this has been out a while now but still a very nice comparison and demo

[@shingomyelin]

Awesome video. This video motivated me to get a tweed Blues Jr. Awesome amp. Best of luck to you with your music career, keep up the good work!

[@jessegimbel]

+shingomyelin Thanks so much, I appreciate your support! I'd love it if you'd continue by checking out my album (jessegimbel.bandcamp.com) and sharing/following at facebook.com/jessegimbelmusic

[@xr650r01]

Very, very nice demo - very helpful. Thanks for posting!

[@jessegimbel]

+xr650r01 Happy to help!

[@gmlasam]

Thanks for this demo. Yes, there isn't if at all any demo comparing these two blues jr. To my ears, the tweed sounds much better. Not sure, but I think the tweed uses to old circuit design from previous blues jr model and it also used Jensen speakers.

[@TonyHookedonVanlife]

Electronically, they are identical amplifiers - *the only thing different that affects tone is the speaker.* The tweed covering & the old school backwards chrome control panel are simply aesthetic, of course.

[@jessegimbel]

The only things that affect the tone is the speaker, yes, and some very minor "bright mod" cap changes. Really minor, but worth mentioning if you're looking for what the actual differences are. But yes the speaker is the vast majority of the sound change between the two.

[@larrybegnaud7811]

Nicely done. Useful comparison and demo of settings. Thank you. 🌞🎸

[@swpetri]

Thank you for a really good a/b comparison video. Great planning and production. It would be great if you could do it again but instead using a Les Paul. I prefer the NOS to the III.

[@jessegimbel]

+swpetri If I get both on hand again I'll make it happen!

[@FilmAshton]

Great video for comparing the two of these amps and their strengths! I would love to hear a blend of these two amps in a stereo set up. I would bet they compliment each other in a major way. Of course, no 15W amp is going to give you the bass clarity that something with more watts and a larger speaker can give.

[@PJYim]

One of the best comparison video out there. Subbed. A/B is way to go. Tweed for me.

[@mulicohen3247]

Really really nicely done! I especially like the knob settings display - a very nice touch. Thanks so much for taking the time! I actually like the standard version. By the way, are your guitar knobs on 10 during the video? I'm asking because when I tried the std. junior it was quite trebley on vol 10, so I had to bring the volume knob down a notch in order to get usable sound.

[@jessegimbel]

Glad you enjoyed it! This was probably with all guitar/tone knobs on 10, though I'm not totally sure since I do play with them a lot. Either way they're set the same regardless of which amp you're hearing. As an aside, I actually prefer an amp that's a little "too bright". Then I can back my tone off and have it exactly where I want it and still have room to make it brighter if I need it to be for a certain sound.

[@LithiuM230]

Thanks for the comparison. I'm looking at getting a tweed because my Hot Rod deluxe was wayyyy too loud lol

[@jessegimbel]

Good plan!

[@stonecole4703]

Really enjoyed your playing with the tweed.

[@marcob6880]

great vid it was really well done and laid out, I bought the tweed to replace my old traynor 40...thanks man

[@BTSrocker]

Great comparison. Would've love to hear the both of them together.

[@gab-ot9hc]

i ve just discover this video today, very well done!!! great info!!!

[@jessegimbel]

Thanks Gabriel!

[@stoneygreek]

I love the tweed. probably because im old and I cant hear highs anymore.