The NEW Fender Tone Master Pro is Here! (Pros & Cons Review)

[@shanewalton8888]

I saw a couple of other channels had reviews of this out, but I waited to see if Shane had a review out. I had a gut feeling you would and your opinion matters most.

[@intheblues]

Thanks mate!

[@aaronhiggs]

Same. Shane is my standard in reviews. If he is with the consensus of reviewers, you know the product is good.

[@peterretep6104]

Haha! I just found out the Tonemaster was out and came straight here to see what Shane's thoughts are :)

[@MrRafaztar]

Absolutely

[@DMSProduktions]

Sharing the same name helps! ;o)

[@Phatzo1000]

The best thing about this over other similar things is the digital labeling of the switches and how it changes to suit what mode you're in.

[@colb999]

It looks excellent and the UI great. I like the idea of having setlists that can be modified for various sections of each song. If I had the pesos I'd consider one, and this is from someone with a natural aversion to Fender gear but $A2600 is out of my wallet range today. Great review, thanks Shane.

[@KennyJosephNiven]

very true im not a fender man realy but the modded princetn i love oh btw thats the mesa boogies modded priceton

[@BSPotter]

the 40 second loadup time is to simulate a standby switch. Awesome feature.

[@adszhu]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and also for demoing vintage tones in addition to everything-on :)

[@tonepilot]

I really like the photo-realistic icons. Wish my Quad Cortex had that.

[@JHPRS]

Hey Shane, I just read the manual. Loops 1 and 2 are fixed at the beginning of the path. Loops 3 and 4 can be placed anywhere and they can be used sepately in mono or used together for a stereo effect pedal. :)

[@gohjohan]

This is so cool and the pros outweigh the cons. For the cons, since this unit takes so long to boot up, what I'll do is as the unit boots up, I'll set up my guitar, put the case away and start plugging the wires into the unit and start tuning the guitar from there. Also I think they put the input jack with the rest of the other cables is because it's easier to make all the ports in that section. That's what I believe. My Boss ME 80 is the same and I don't complain about it. Anyway, thank you for the review Shane. Like the rest of us, you are the gold standard when comes to gear reviews.

[@tonepilot]

Nice to see you reviewing a newer modeler, it’s the first video of yours I’ve watched in a while. I really think these are the future. Would like to see you play a gig with one.

[@surfrby8876]

I knew you’d give the best review on this, I like it , it’s seems to be the simplest / user friendly currently on the market especially for us old guys and it sounds great , With Fractal , Line 6 and Quad Cortex to go up against , It seems like Fender put some thought into this , I don’t like buying first generation gear , but I could bite on this , cheers from Boston Shane 🍻

[@KennyJosephNiven]

its second gen for them i had the mustng tears ago this imo is the best of the lot ill soon have 17 milion quid ill be having it

[@methefather]

Beautiful sounds and tone...awesome playing!

[@IamMusicNerd]

I love the simple UI, big touch screen, tons of I/O, and the pedalboard friendly hardware size. My only issue with it is no capturing feature, and many classic effects pedals missing from the built in library. So I will stick with the QC for now.

[@yaguitar]

I've got a love hate relationship with multi fx. But gigged with one as part of a pedal board and really liked the flexibility. This thing looks superb!

[@shayh.3556]

My Boss ME-90 absolutely rocks but I know its nothing compared to the Tone Master Pro 😂

[@KennyJosephNiven]

yup this is the best 1400 im gonna slend

I love it! Especially the "Wild Eddie #49" preset!! Glorious sounds you brought out!! Kicks major ass! Good demo and review!

[@carminelombardi9575]

I'd love to see a demo video on this. As I'm doing my due diligence I learned that with the Fender Tone Master Pro, can be paired with a Fender FR 10 or 12, which has the traditional volume, treble, mid, bass, and cut controls on top of the unit, just like a traditional amp does, allowing to tweak it on the go as your playing a gig without having to go into any digital menu. I'm thinking this pairing can be a very practical easier gig usable solution.

[@KennyJosephNiven]

if you like metal ola enclund has done that fender just sent it to him he didnt even know it existed up til a few weeks ago neither did i i defo want one no more gas with fx now guitars differebt story lol

[@johngonzales8224]

Love the way it sounds. I have one complaint. why does this unit not have the expression pedal on it or included? for $1,700 we would expect this unit to be more complete. If I bought one I would spend money on an aftermarket expression pedal those costs so much less.

[@KennyJosephNiven]

all expression pedals work wit these units

[@Musicsports]

It isn't over priced. It is in line with all other similar units. I primarily use Neural DSP plugins through Pro Tools. I can do most of this there. It would be hard to to chose this over a Kemper, however, not exactly the same functions. I forgot to add, it looks to be a lot of fun. Thats half the battle. I saw a reviewer use the Fender blues type amps, Super Reverb, Deluxe Reverb, VibroKing and it sounded really close.

[@stevemiller1203]

I like your disclaimer at the beginning, keeping things out in the open and honest, we can trust your opinion!

[@pdbordelon]

Thanks for the review - wish the camera view would capture the unit right -side up instead of upside down.

[@aapddd]

From what I heard so far, it really does sound great. The clean and edge of breakup tones are great. Some digital products have problems in that regard.

[@rhythmguru1]

Are you going to be able to try it live with one of those FRFR cabs Fender released? So hard to get an idea of "context" from your excellent recording setup. I would be curious how it handles that and if you'd even like it that way. Especially for those gigs where you don't go through a PA, can this actually replace an amplifier. Hopefully you can before you have to send it back. As someone who moved recently to a silent stage with a HX stomp, I've really missed the sound of an amp in the room, seems like this could provide best of both worlds.

[@keithh8661]

Always a pleasure, thanks Shane

[@intheblues]

Thanks for the kind words and support, Keith! Rock on mate

[@rnegtr]

Best review of this out there! Outstanding… Oh, and it’s an amazing multi-pedal.

[@intheblues]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@LesliePaulFarkas]

It's not even available so how can you possibly say it's an amazing multi-pedal??

[@stringsattached67]

​@@LesliePaulFarkasUm cause we just listened to it and watched this review. Seems pretty amazing to me .

[@algorithm007ify]

I tried it out today with the 12inch FRFR cab they offer. It sounded "hit and miss".... I still think Kemper, Fractal, etc.. are much better. It still sounds a bit too "digital"..and the effects are so so...

[@vedder10]

I think it's worth mentioning because it's from the Tone Master series that most likely the Fender modeled amps are going to sound absolutely fantastic. Fender knows how to clone their amps better than anyone if you look at the physical amps in the same series. So that's a great start. As for the comparison to Kemper's interface, I can't agree more. That was always a nightmare no matter great the tone and sounds were. The learning curve to make adjustments to the Kemper is a nightmare compared to Headrest and now something similar like this. User experience almost makes up for lesser tones.

[@KennyJosephNiven]

they all sound great

[@williamfoster1034]

Awesome video you helped me decide this is the unit I am going to get over the Helix. Thank you!!

[@TimmyJoePCTech]

For over 2k CAD I don't understand. I know the kemper and other products like this go for a heavy price but I have a 2013 100 watt Fender Mustang I paid 220 CAD for used and it sounds so fkn good and does a similar thing but IS AN ACTUAL AMP. I wonder what you think as a Mustang aficionado ?! Is that giant pedal that much better than a modeling amp?

[@MS-Patriot2]

Depends entirely on how and where you play. Just like an electric car makes sense for sub 100 mile commutes but sucks at most other use cases. If you have a signature sound in your rock covers band and know what you like about a real tube amp driving a cab with its own tone characteristics then stick with it until you get tired of lumping it in and out of venues (that’s me). If you’re a wealthy home player then this modeller is a very nice investment and would encourage you to play but don’t get lost in the options. Having said that, the interface looks superb. If you’re a session player needing to cover hundreds of signature sounds then this is a no-brainer, kick and boom! Theres EVH or Mark Knopfler, George Benson, Slash or…….. with consistency every night.

[@ProbableCauseBluesBand]

I love the layout and the tones are very warm sounding. I’d gig with it myself, but $1700 is a no go!

[@Bogeyman19DidNotScareMyAss]

Everybody wants something for free

[@christianpacode]

This thing looks sharp to be honest! I do not mind getting rid of my hx stomp for this.

[@dmac3316]

Cool demo, really good run thru. I find this has a really intuitive interface. It reminds me of a more intuitive HXStomp. Also can always count on a pros cons from your demos! Thanks for that 👍

[@sgmarshall3]

You’re playing is better than ever. Great job!

[@williamwinn948]

I trust this channel far more then I trust others. great review

[@Maluja64]

Hi Shane, thank you for your amazing reviews - you do a very good job!

[@isitreallyisitreally1756]

Serious kit , but serious money . Once it’s out ( I’m sure it’s coming ) I can see the lite version doing well , brand is strong with fender , but this has no built in / on volume pedal , it’s one of the things you 100% need with a modelling / multi fx as presets can jump in volume , so you will need volume / control pedal as well before you’re out gigging ... will be fine for studio / practice etc .

[@MS-Patriot2]

Surely you would balance the output of every patch so there is no level jump when changing between them. Modeller 101?

[@KennyJosephNiven]

fender dont usually do lite one unit for pros they might do cut downs in a few month yeah its pricy the amps areall pricier on thir own s a soon to be multi millionaire im having it

[@jamalabdul2009]

I’m not sure how I feel about the ToneMaster Pro. My favorite aspect of this series of amps was the fact that Fender used all of that processing power to recreate one particular amplifier giving the player an almost perfect copy of the tube version. This TM Pro is obviously geared towards the Helix type guitar processors that are very popular now and I do appreciate the functionality of this device. Hopefully you will play this unit live in the future so we can see how it holds up, but for me, I’d take that $1700 and use it elsewhere. Great video Shane!!!🎸🎸🎸🎸😎😎😎😎

[@cheesysped]

I have always felt the 'all the processing power' marketing Fender put forwarded is misguided. Just like your PC, the programs you have aren't using processing power when not being used. ie if you have Photoshop on your computer, it wouldn't make Logic run slower because Photoshop is installed. When a process isn't running, it's not using CPU. I do agree though that the simplicity of a single amp is less overwhelming than many many amps in the same thing.

[@randyaquatoad8975]

For me, the foot switches becoming effect parameters are the biggest advance of this unit. Love that part. Hopefully they hold up!

[@DavidEidelberg]

Quad Cortex has been doing that for a couple of years.

[@billwittman0504]

Pricey, especially when you pair it up with a set of Fender FR cabs!!!

[@antonymaitlandsmith8758]

Great review Shane, thank you.

[@KordTaylor]

Great video! Thank you so much for the review, 👏🏻

[@MTG776]

Good review, this is probably the only Multi-Effects processor I would actually consider purchasing... I wonder if Fender will still keep updates going on this unit in years to come or, drop the updates and patches like they did with the Fender Mustang range?

[@QuoVadis88]

The Mustang was the fertilizer for the flagship Pro. Fender realized they had to go big or go home. So 4 years of R&D. 8 core processors. Millions of units shipped worldwide in time for the Xmas shopping season. Updates coming fast and furious. Merry Xmas with bass amps, more effects. And the secret to the micro SD card, sampling?

[@Mr.T711]

Thanks, only review I’ve seen that mentioned the search function.

[@jiagap]

For the record, my FM9 takes 40 seconds to boot up. Great reveiw.

[@dalepal]

Excellent review! The Tone Master Pro appears to be a great product although they have plenty of competition. I’m leery of buying a modeling unit that expensive after Fender discontinued support for my Fender Mustang III V.2 amp.

[@bpdarragh]

Yeah, that is my concern, got a prduct (admittedly 2nd hand, but not cheap) and then fender stopped supporting it. It is a bit of a money grabbing exercise I feel with Fender with a lot of products (Fender floor, mustang etc etc). Of course they want to sell stuff, and a great product by a great reviewer, but big coin, with no guaranteed support in the future.

[@martin-1965]

Yup, looks like a great board but - seeing as I'm not playing any massive venue anyday soon or ever lol, I'll stick with my Headrush MX5, and more recent purchases of the Tonex and the Andy Timmons Halo on my board. I'm a real old meat and potatoes guitarist and just want a good amp sound for recording. Live, to be honest, I've just taken a few old reliable pedals, my amp and 2 guitars. And the price? Yeah that's money better spent on another guitar for no good reason to go with the others 😂 PS: As you get older you really stop giving a shit but still want shiny new toys and my 2023 toy budget is almost all gone now lol.

[@picker63028]

My concerns as well. I love the Mustang 111 V2 which I still own and use, but the drop of support made me not want anything else Fender produced in the modeling category. I have the ToneMaster Twin and it's great but I worry about long term life. My old Tube Twins are still going after 50 years. Low maintenance and heavy use, so think about that. Plus these processors are quite large and floor bound. I play pedal steel guitar as well and this isn't handy for that.

[@stringsattached67]

I use wireless so the plug on the back wouldn't bother me . In fact it would keep my wireless receiver somewhat protected from getting kicked or stepped on. Great review and I'll be picking up the fender tomorrow morning thanks .

[@1515hockeyman]

my question is: does it feel sterile? I might not be playing loud enough, but my katana feels sterile with all the software and patches I've used. I prefer to use it with a clean tone as a pedal platform

[@Adam-kr3rw]

When it breaks down will Fender fix it after the warranty ends? I seen that the $1500 new 58 Bassman combo amp has that problem!

[@captainobvious254]

Could you go over the 4CM? I'm using it and it sounds good, but it's frustrating that Fender doesn't recommend using a FX block in a preset that contains an amp. I tried it and it sounds terrible. Lots of hiss and excessive treble. The FX block in an effects only preset sounds great. It's confusing as the manual provides no help other than a diagram of the 4CM. I could use some tips on inserting the FX blocks correctly and other tips using the 4CM. Thanks!

[@lockyanning2740]

Can anyone tell me how to power this AC unit remotely for busking? Can't find any comments anywhere on this. Cheers.

[@MarkFromHawaii]

I picture myself at the Fender NAMM booth being told: Sir your time is up. Sir, that’s enough! Security!

[@mumenrider862]

So, what I wish my GT100 did was allow me to assign a stopbox/od pedal to each switch. So I could have 6 or so different ods. Does this allow that or, like the GT100, do they limit you?

[@davidhowe6023]

It would be great to see Fender doing a cut down version of this unit, looks a bit of a beast!!

[@intheblues]

The Tone Master Pro is here. Let me know what you think of it. This is a pros and cons review and I give you my thoughts at the end. I mixed up the format of this video so there's some tone samples in between the talking. There's also a dedicated tone sample video on the way. Check it out: 🛒 Sweetwater - sweetwater.sjv.io/XYoxWM 🛒 Thomann - bit.ly/3Q0xZsn 🛒 Andertons - bit.ly/3M7VT2N 🛒 Fender - bit.ly/3fZiRMF 🛒 Guitar Center - guitar-center.pxf.io/75LmDO 🛒 Sky Music - alnk.to/c06klkX (Affiliate links)

[@KennyJosephNiven]

im sure youll agree this is the best one out there ever ok im metal youre blues it does them both brillo

[@50Something]

Killer review Shane

[@davidbergewaytogo]

So... does this device actually have the same models as the other amps in the Tone Master series? You are getting the Deluxe, the Princeton, the Super Reverb, Twin... through a FRFR speaker, should sound as good as all those amps?

[@Killerguero-db4db]

Could I just connect this while connecting this to a amp? Like is a computer needed or as studio app or something or can I just set up the stuff I like, and just connect it to an amp?

[@scottreynolds6317]

Damn it!!!! I’ve already given Fender SO much of my money and it looks like they might get more. 🎸🔥🎸🔥🎸🔥

[@stephenwatson4665]

Hi Shane i brought the jolo americian pedal I like it question is i want to put my spark volume pedal in the mix Does it go before the jolo americian or after it , After it is jacks up high volume even turned down low its going into a yamaha 10 mxu mixer DBR 12 powered speaker . Regards steve

[@jimlutz1290]

Love the White Strat - I have to get one - is it a Player (1) (Polar White) great looking guitar, Happy New Year - ✨🎊🎆🎉🎆

[@diatonica]

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

[@KennyJosephNiven]

err are you deaf

[@alanoffer]

No expression pedal ?

[@vincentsantiago2gmai]

I will just love the clean sound because the dirty sound always will be there but I need to hear more clean. Sound with delay and reverb and chorus.

[@Glensully]

not moving on from my Helix LT just yet :) It needs more poly effects, synths, sustainer, pitch, etc. Better delays and reverbs and functionality to catch up. Even IR loader. a VST plug in like Line 6 has Plus it should be $500 less. I do like it but.

[@dannyheath8876]

Hello Shane , great video as usual. I’m a big fan of the fender gtx 100 . This sounds similar to me . Is it much better sounding? I appreciate your opinion and trust your ears. Thanks bro!

[@YesItsReallyKeith]

hey Shane, can this thing be put on a stand (like roland spdx) the images are dark on fender site and no specs....

[@intheblues]

I have already boxed it up but it's designed as a floor unit so I would assume no. You can probably find a speaker stand with a flat top section, that might work size wise though.

[@YesItsReallyKeith]

@@intheblues Thanks Shane appreciate it !! cheers

[@MichaelAConnolly]

Hi Shane. The echo/delay. Can you emulate multi head with heads turn d off, aka Shadows “Apache” type echo settings???

[@jimlutz1290]

Looks like a Mini snake and patch bay into a 2/4/space unit rack would help out connectivity access -

[@tonypalamara770]

Great review. Are there any acoustic guitar amps and how do they sound? I play both electric and acoustic and would love a one pedal does it all.

[@christophervincent8420]

Wow, that is pretty impressive and a very good answer by Fender

[@kirkwilliams2127]

This is really cool but I really like some of the new UA pedals. So nice this an all-in-one. Clean and easy but fear it may not be as good as individual pedals. I think the price is OK. The UA pedals are about $400 a pop. They seem expensive to me since you’d want all least 4 of them. This could be a much better solution. Hopefully there will be a comparison.

[@josephl7077]

My unit produces hissing/grounded noise when plugged with auxillary cable. The same when it is connected to the mixer or amp. Do you think this is normal or a factory defect? My headrush doesnt have issue like this.

[@intheblues]

Try an XLR output. It might be a grounding issue. Those TRS cables can cause more issues that most people realise.

[@josephl7077]

@@intheblues already tried. Same result.

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

Looks and sounds Shane! I can't wait to try it out here in the States, New York City. I keep forgetting is your Stratocaster a Modern Player Strat or the American Professional II?

[@chrisdrake447]

Really thoughtful and useful demo, Shane. Love the tones, the UI and the form factor. Do not love the price, though. I know Fender are explicitly targeting the pro market with this unit, but at 1700+/- GBP/USD or whatever, I can’t see too many pro guitarists opting for this over Quad Core, Headrush, Fractal etc. Even if a later ‘Lite’ / cheaper version was released, Line 6 and ToneX have such a huge presence, it’d be hard for Fender to get a decent market share. My other disconcerting observation was the rather obvious increase in noise when you stacked the klone into the screamer. Surely this is taking the digital modelling of real world kit just that bit too far...

[@QuoVadis88]

...it'd be hard for the Stratocaster to get a decent market share ... 1954 comment ... The Xmas updates are gonna be jaw dropping

[@sammydavej]

But do they make a left-handed version..?

[@danabiondo9243]

Can you do looping? And does it have Backing Tracks? Thank You Shane ! Great Video. ✨️✨️✨️🙂

[@JamesMartin-en2so]

Extortionate. Does the same thing as my GTX100 and that was half the price. I was tempted to swap out until I seen the cost!

[@JamesMartin-en2so]

Great review and demo though thank you!

[@theblacklistsoulband7303]

Hi! soundwise how would you rate this against the Fender GTX100?

[@EzraMF]

Hi Shane! Would you recommend getting the FR cab or just stick with studio monitors for playing at home?

[@gringonite]

Mine 7 chain pedals with IR does the same think for much less money😊

[@SamVieiraGuitar]

At almost 1800€ its very expensive... but the amps sound very good, I would have to try it and see how it holds against the helix.

[@laurentldoldi840]

I have a Nux MG-30 (6 times cheaper). Does this Fender unit sounds so much better?

[@cscottb6490]

Great Demo, Does it have what HeadRush calls Tails for the reverb/delay to avoid signal shut down when switching pesets?

[@intheblues]

Yes, I am pretty sure I saw that option in the menu. Download the manual to make sure. I think it was called Trails possibly.

[@cscottb6490]

Thanks, I found it, in the manual, it's called Preset Spillover, Had a chance for a quick check it out this afternoon at a local Music store and I'm Impressed, Ready for my wish list. Thanks for the review

[@1man1guitarletsgo]

This, or a board with a few pedals and a decent combo? I know what I'd choose!

[@joepassfan]

Have been seeing these reviews and intrigued. Was this recorded direct into a computer? Thanks.

[@MrTones1979]

Great review, crazy Aussie price!

[@mycosten-12]

You said it reminds you of the old Mustang amps? This is basically that, on a whole other level. I feel like my GT40 w/ headphones is doing the same thing? Minus all the ports. You can adjust all of this on the app & I love it. This seems to be much more intuitive tho. But…..what happens if they end support for this like they did w/ the GT’s? This is definitely the future. Who wouldn’t want to just show up with this and call it a day?

[@robwebb9413]

Yes, it sounds great and has great connectivity however...I feel like the law of diminishing returns applies here. Most modelers made in the last three years all sound impressive, so for most people who already own a recent major modeler, you are not gaining 1700.00 added value. Lets say it is 10% better than (fill in the blank)...is 1700.00 worth the subjective 10% improvement? If you dont own a modeller, then maybe it is what you want/need.

[@ZodiacGallery]

Great review!

[@intheblues]

Thanks mate!

[@YashG]

Nice

[@teleclasster]

Can this be run into a standard 1x12 loaded cabinet?

[@vonholland64]

I don’t think. You have to have a power amp. It’s goes into a P.A. or recording gear

[@heikohesse4666]

What about preset snapshots - that's probably one of the most important things missing from a fully digital modeler

[@JHPRS]

Hi Shane. My Tone Master Pro will be delivered on Thursday. I can't find manuals for the unit itself or the powered speaker, I got the 1x12. Do you get a hard copy of the manual in the box? :)

[@JHPRS]

I just found the Tone Master Pro manual and the models list pdf. :)

[@intheblues]

Hi mate, awesome stuff. I hope you dig it. No, it didn't come with instructions I had a PDF as well. I think it's much easier to use a PDF with a device this full of options. :)

[@gigmandrew8975]

This unit seems like it would be relatively easy to operate and fun at the same time

[@alienlovesecrets9379]

What can you say about latency, how does everything "feel" in comparison to a zero latency tube amp?

[@Merglet]

Holy Moley, it's not inexpensive. But for a professional gigging/recording musician, I can totally see this being an option for a lot of gigs.

[@biffelliotforpresident]

Seemed like a lot of noise with just the two added pedal effects?

[@charliemore2726]

I think fender has made it right, this is their first attempt to compete in the big league of multi-effect and they made it, i think the flaws will solved with the upcoming firmware updates

[@ERX825]

This thing looks amazing and the user interface is a dream. However everyone says it doesn’t sound very good when compared to the other options. It’s a shame

[@intheblues]

I try not to let everyone else's opinion bother me anymore. It's all personal choice.

[@gigmandrew8975]

Thanks for this video Shane! What kind of electric guitar strings do you use and are you still using 11 gauge?

[@intheblues]

Cheers mate. 10-46 these days. I ditched the 11's on all of my guitars a few years back. I'm playing D'Addarios these days (not sponsored).

[@gigmandrew8975]

@@intheblues - Thanks for the info and the quick reply!

[@calbrockocat8728]

$1800US is too much for what it does, unless you have a studio and are putting out music professionally. People do spend $4000US on a Klon pedal, so I know Fender is after the deep pockets crowd. I'd love to see this (to my mind way over-priced) unit against a more budget conscious unit, like that Flamma you recently demoed. Nice demo, and glad you pointed out its flaws, too.

[@mikelrodriguez4610]

Great! would you move from the GTX100 to this one?

[@intheblues]

They are two separate products for two different people. If you're mostly a studio guy this is a great tool but for those who just want to jam the amps are a lot less expensive.

[@mikelrodriguez4610]

@@intheblues My use is playing live. I like the GTX, but I don't use the speaker, always direct to FOH and inear for monitor myself. Sound quality wise is worth the TMP? Thanks again!