The Revenge of the Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb Blonde - Ask Zac 70

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In 2020, I checked out the original Black Tolex Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb and thought it was pretty good, but not great. In my video, I mentioned the virtual bright cap, the verb, and the speaker as being in need of upgrades. Well, Fender did just that with the new Blonde Tone Master Deluxe Reverb, hence "revenge" in the title. In this Deluxe fan's opinion, this is a much better amp, and much more fun to play through than the former model. I showcase the verb and tremolo and take the amp through some clean and overdriven sounds using the power attenuation that is built into the amp.
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with added Ron Ellis "New Tall" neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain.
Some Amazon links below:
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46 amzn.to/3bWYb1M
Pick:
Danocaster Medium
Amp:
Fender Blonde Tone Master Deluxe Reverb amzn.to/3eDEEX0.
Celestion Neo Creamback (To upgrade the black Tolex version) amzn.to/3qAuAQZ
Effects used:
Amp's reverb and tremolo
#askzac #tonemasterdeluxe #telecaster

[@mandodude148]

I have owned and played through many Fender amps over the past 40 years. I recently purchased a Fender Deluxe Reverb Tonemaster and absolutely love it!

[@michaelogden5093]

Attenuation is nice but I'm need'in a headphone jack for when my groupies are passed out on the water bed.

[@jimmyjames2022]

DI>Audio Interface>Direct Monitor>Headphones?

[@bootgrip6]

DI>Small mixer>headphones. I use a Yamaha MG06.

[@Livelaughlimpbizkit]

😂😂😂

[@geddes.]

Don’t listen to them just get an xlr to 1/4 inch adapter ~$8

[@deanmlshredder]

Groupies understand rock and roll. + the vibration might wind em up.

[@brentpruner]

Thank you! I too when assessing options, went with your advice at tipping point and got the blonde. Bought a shirt to support. One tip for those who desire a HEADPHONE JACK (which seems to be a complaint) purchasing a single USB interface like an M-Audio air 192 | 6 (2 XLR inputs) 192 | 4 (1 XLR input) you can not only use headphones in the 192, but also to interface with your computer through USB C and practice along to music on played on computer. You can blend the USB and direct to how loud your guitar is in the mix as well as adjust the levels to avoid clipping. I have the 2 XLR inputs version because the other XLR comes from my Captor X used from my Tube Mesa Boogie. We all have different gear and many other ways to get headphones, this is just the way I do it at a low price point and high quality.

[@AskZac]

Great solution!!

[@leeholbrook5278]

I have been playing since I was 8 years old (1962) I'm 70 now & still gigging. (Got my '62 tweed champ and my BFDR new - Thx Dad! rip) My BFDR is a '64 - bone stock - except I change back & forth between a well worn in Jensen C12N and a well worn in Ipswich Celestion Vintage 30. Both will melt you with tone. Thx for all your insights, Zak.

[@AskZac]

NICE!

[@martinrussell9980]

Great information delivered with honesty; but, for me, the best part is just hearing you play that guitar. To sound like that with no compression in the line indicates amazing control and consistency. Just a pleasure to listen to.

[@vincentl.9469]

he's not even plugged into that amp

[@AndrewBanker1]

I just swapped the speaker in my black one with the Creamback and updated the firmware. You are right. It becomes a very different amp. I’m very happy with it now. I hated it before. Harsh and sterile.

[@doctorskull8197]

Did swapping to Creamback make the amp heavier?

[@AndrewBanker1]

@@doctorskull8197 no. The Creamback Neo is a similar weight.

[@AndrewBanker1]

@ghost mall it’s a lightweight speaker designed sound like a traditional Creamback. The Creamback was a popular replacement for Deluxe Reverb amps. So no designed specifically for it, but a great match.

[@michaelbledsoe1060]

Just came across this review/demo. This is how it should be done. Thanks.

[@AskZac]

Welcome!

[@the-LeoKnightus]

I think Fender came up with a very marketable product, and very smart marketing too. On the forums, they seem popular with the 50+ crowd. For a gigging player, it's light, you have the direct emulated out, and it lets the old codgers feel like they have their foot in the modeling world and are up on the latest. It sounds passable in a mix, and its plenty loud from what I've been told.

[@cherrypickerguitars]

I’m super interested in one! I’ll never give up my 90’s Vox AC 15 OR especially my 60’s RI black face Princeton reverb, but this digital amp is the first one I’ve “wanted” beyond Jazz Chorus from Rolland. Peace (at 63, I’m in the “old dudes” category- lol)

[@richardj9016]

Why would you want a foot in the modelling world. As a teenager I cracked my mums ceiling with a blast from my Marshall stack. Can you do that with your “modelling” amp ?

[@josephmears3537]

@@richardj9016 probably, that has nothing to do with tube or digital, and everything to do with wattage

[@richardj9016]

@@cherrypickerguitars I’m 62. You’re 63. What’s it like to be so old ?

[@guppybill]

Between your vids on the Deluxe and the offerings from Five Watt World I've decided on the last amp I intend to purchase. Keith Williams said words to this effect: "You can either listen to Zac Childs today, or wish you did later." Amen, Keith. Amen!

[@chipleach]

I bought the TM Super Reverb last year. Not that I need the wattage but I love the sound and coverage of a 410 cab. The Super replaced my 410 Deville. The Deville is a great amp but loud and heavy. The TM fixed both of those issues. As for the modeling vs tubes, it’s like Hag said.. “It’s not love, but it’s not bad”

[@azcharlie2009]

Zac, you could play a broom stick through an old transistor radio and sound great..... Must be nice to have that talent..

[@HerrMeier007]

I do think there are a lot of really cool applications for it if you’re having sporadic gigs in smaller pubs and want a deluxe sound. Despite it being easy to carry, the attenuation is also really helpful on most smaller stages, as well as the option of a direct output. Also it’s „cheap“ enough to actually considering it as a separate amp for smaller gigs. At least that’s what I’m thinking of

[@sixslinger9951]

thanks for the review. Just ordered my birthday present to myself. :)

[@AskZac]

Fantastic amp

[@PoundMountain]

It’s been said and will be said again, but I just have to say I love your relaxed approach. I don’t usually comment. I get off work and start working on some beers casually and routinely seem to end up viewing one of your videos 😄 I would be immensely curious to know what are your thoughts on The Grateful Dead. I think a video like that could introduce you to a different niche category of viewership and perhaps garner you a broader reach. That is, of course, if you’ve listened to the Dead lol.

[@AskZac]

Not a huge Dead fan, but I do like them.

[@Riverdeepnwide]

Sometime back in the early ‘70s there was a show at the Forum where the opening band were up there, the guitarist with an obviously old Tele and a little Deluxe amp sitting on a wooden chair just off a bit behind him to the left in front of the others bands stacks. “Huh”, I thought, “this is gonna suck.” But fifty years later that’s what I remember of that show and how impressed I was (am) with the band’s music and sound of that guitar & amp. No recall of who they are or the main act. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@iannicholls7476]

Sounds great. Also thanks for the little Jessie Ed lesson.

[@AskZac]

Any time!

[@reverbdeluxe]

I'm waiting for Sweetwater to do that 48 month fender financing to get a hand wired deluxe reverb. If I were too go tone master (I'm not) I would get the twin and have all volume levels covered with the attenuater.

[@AskZac]

The 64 will probably last the longest

[@TheDjinnFizz]

Love yer videos. Gotta say tho, tried the blond Tonemaster and found it to be just as ice-pickey as all the other modern Fenders I’ve tried and I have tried a bunch. Nothing quite has the warmth and sag of my vintage ‘68 Blackface, but I recently acquired a silverface re-issue hand-wired from Alessandro and while not quite the same, it beats the pants off of any of factory re-issues. Not being a jerk here, but it was on your recommendation that I tried the Tonemaster. Luckily I got it from one of the many places that have 30 day return policies. Wish BTW - you would post some videos of yer gigs. You got chops. Love to hear what yer doing in an actual gig-situation.

[@AskZac]

It’s hard to beat a healthy old one

[@TheDjinnFizz]

BTW - on yer recommendation I got the Brown Box Variac for my old Princeton and not my imagination, can hear subtle differences depending on how it is set. Important have in my place as power variances out here in Pomona (one of the few farmland areas outside NYC not ravaged by suburban sprawl) are a regular feature.

[@vayabroder729]

Have heard good things about the Tone Master line of Fender amps. I’ve never tried them but if Pete Townshend used them that’s a good enough stamp of approval for me.

[@brbadge]

He uses the cabs and tube head. Not the same thing as these solid states.

[@vayabroder729]

@@brbadge Figures, being that this was a long time ago, even though they are using the same name.

[@gdkopinionator4356]

I'd love to know what percentage of the blackface TM owners have put in the Celestion Neo Creamback, and changed the firmware to Blonde. Classic amp looks w/ the better sound!

[@johnbrown4568]

Honest review...Thank you.

[@davidbaise5137]

Nice presentation, as always. You show care for your audience.🫡

[@gertlettorp3137]

I see some of your vids. Reg the DLTM black version you seem to miss the firmware upgrades that removes bright cap and fix reverb? I own it since mid 2020 and love the sound. Did not remove the bright cap but did the rev mod. Do not know if the speaker is an issue, not to me, though.

[@HamzaJamzaFamza]

I friggin LOVE that Jensen.... Different strokes for different folks!!

[@robertlewis5439]

Thanks for the Jesse Ed Davis reference - I just listened to his last album because of it. Definitely a cool, funky, soulful guitarist and singer, gone too soon. His song "Ching, Ching, China Boy" is still (sadly) timely.

[@tjnugent62]

If you don't want to use that amp live, bring it anyway as a backup.

[@taojones4941]

Gorgeous amp. I love mine too.

[@Slovy_]

I had to sell my deluxe a while back and I’ve been debating on whether or not to buy one since they’re really light. I’ve been playing through my Princeton and bass breaker.

[@rhea690]

I tried the blackface version last year and like you I was a bit underwhelmed. It was to bright fro my taste. I am going to try the new one next time I am at Sweetwater. Cheers

[@davemassie3726]

Nice Zac. Thanks for sharing.

[@AskZac]

You bet!

[@cacaloca5434]

Thanks for the informative video. I think I am about to order a tonemaster. Do you think 1 watt is manageable for practice in a bedroom? I think I may prefer the twin for a more full sound, and so I wont need an upgraded amp for a while. Opinions?

[@AskZac]

I have never found a gig I wanted to play that I needed anything larger than a Deluxe. A Twin does sound "bigger" as it has more speakers, and a bigger cab. Try them both!

[@MarketingVideography]

Great review!!!

[@AskZac]

Thanks!

[@tjnugent62]

Zach, what year is that Tele you are playing? It looks like one of those good ones.

[@AskZac]

57

[@krishnalikesme]

Hey Zac, I bought a Tonemaster Blonde Delux Reverb, and thought I would ask. Do you get hiss on yours past 5 on the Volume in the 12w & 22w attenuation settings? I find basically the same thing on my Tonemaster Princeton although it seems a little less. Any help is appreciated. Thanks, Justin in Phoenix

[@AskZac]

5 is the highest I set mine most of the time.

[@johnokeeffe5399]

If I didn't hear you wrong Zac, I think you said it kind of, sorta, sounds like the Deluxe Reverb thing. So the question is, would you buy one just to save some money and be kind of happy with it, or would you just hold out for the real deal and be really happy? Love the videos BTW, nice way to relax and put work out of my brain.

[@AskZac]

I prefer my vintage, or a 64 hand wired Deluxe. This is $1,500-$2,000 cheaper, lighter, and I don't have to worry as much about it breaking down. It absolutely sounds like a Deluxe.

[@johnokeeffe5399]

@@AskZac I get it, but for me, my sick brain always knows it's something I settled for and I never really get past that! LOL

[@rompegram8162]

I didn’t hear about the weight of this blonde DR Tonemaster. Assuming it’s a bit lighter than the vintage...

[@AskZac]

Much lighter

[@KevinMajka]

Will you be reviewing the Super Reverb Tone master?

[@AskZac]

Maybe. A bit much for me. I prefer 10-30 watt amps

[@caleshtcincredibles]

Great sounding amp , I want one now! LOL

[@57ebartley]

Man , someone just did a video of how the Deluxe tone master doesn't take drive / distortion pedals well.

[@glencruciani]

Does anyone know if the new black deluxe is being shipped with this new firmware and speaker, or are they keeping both versions?

[@davetube2ful]

Hey Zac have you tried some pedals like maybe od, dis, or delay with this amp, at 65 i'm still giging around C,C, Tx. and wanted something that sound good but lighter. i was gonna buy one about a year ago but saw some reviews that weren't so good on the blackface TM.

[@AskZac]

This one is pedal friendly.

[@TheHalrobot]

Have you tried the attenuator? Do you like it?

[@AskZac]

It works great. I set the amp vol on 5, and then the attenuator for how loud I want to be

[@jburdsinfuse]

Can this gig a small church live (100 seats)? I’m shopping for an amp specifically for the church. I can go twin, but every inch of stage space I can save is a win.

[@AskZac]

It can do it

[@neilmc250]

Please tell me what song the Jessie Ed lick in the key of A was from!

[@AskZac]

Further on down the road, off Giant Step.

[@untartelette7545]

Does it work well with gain pedals?

[@AskZac]

Yes

[@fivewattworld]

Great stuff Zac. I’ve been very pleasantly surprised by my experiments w the current Deluxes.

[@AskZac]

Looking forward to your vid, Keith.

[@guppybill]

Y'all get around. This is a journey. Looking forward to needing tools like this again. Just lessons for now.

[@JC-11111]

Lol! I came here to watch this and post about your vid, Keith 😆👍 Thanks Keith & Zac! You guys put out the best content!

[@HeviNova]

my producer didn't believe me that is was a solid state deluxe when he heard it lol.

[@sirbaronvoncount4147]

Zach you are a ray of light in the KZbin guitar world. Your honesty and the fact you are not taking lots of gifts makes me take you more seriously. I grow tired of guys giving “reviews” of gifts while they sit in front of a wall of free guitars and gear. ( check out today’s release of the jazz master acoustic on about 29 channels)

[@bobeverett2071]

Finally after watching dozens of videos on the Tone Master, someone that actually explained the difference between the 2019 model and the newer model. Thank you.

[@joeltunnah]

These are just too expensive for what they are. Line 6 and Roland make arguably better sounding, more versatile, equivalent amps for $400.

[@tooleyoclock]

Even Fender makes a better amp for $400. GTX50 is really something.

[@mattwilliams3104]

As someone who has never played a real deluxe reverb and won’t have that bias, I can’t wait to play one of these. Top of my list for sure. Great tone, attenuation, portable, durable.

[@iamgcase]

Prices keep going up. Tone Master is priced higher than my first reissue tube Deluxe, but the tube Deluxe is now $200 more than the Tone Master. Hard to keep up with it all. Maybe… Squire amps? 😉

[@WillyPDX94]

If money is a consideration, look for a deal on a used one. I would never buy a Squier amp or any of the other Fender starter amps, but there are companies out there producing some really good sounding amps well under $1000. Supro has a new amp called the Delta King, a 1x12 15 watt amp, that sounds really nice in the demos. I used to have a Supro Tremo-Verb that sounded great. Plenty of other options in used amps to save some bucks.

[@timnewman1172]

It is a thought, maybe Fender could issue a solid-state "entry level" amp like a "Tonemaster Champ" ...

[@WillyPDX94]

@@timnewman1172 The best Fender amps I've found in the $500 to $1000 range are the Blues Jr., the Princeton and Deluxe reissues, and the new Tone Master. Two good things about these three amps: first, they're very reliable and secondly, they have good resale value. So if you buy one used at a fair price and later decide to trade up for something different later, you can generally get most of your money back if you sell the amp yourself. Please feel free to disregard my comments if you already know your way around. But briefly I'd offer the following comments if they are of any use. 1) If you want an amp for playing all kinds of rock and roll with both clean and dirty tones AND you don't want to invest money in guitar pedals to get all those sounds, there are plenty of good digital amps that will give you hundreds of tones. The tones are not generally as good as what you'd get with a good tube amp and a few decent pedals, but certainly good enough to get started. The Fender Mustang series would be one option if you really want the Fender brand, but there are dozens of brands which make good digital modeling amps for as little as $250-300. 2) If you want a Fender tube amp sound, you have two directions to go. Either classic blackface/silverface tones with lots of sparkle and wonderful clean tones or classic "tweedy" tones with more warmth, less sparkle, and lots of dirt as the volume goes up. The former is best represented by any of the blackface or silverface tube reissue amps or the Tone Master. If you want the latter, the Blues Junior is a better choice. Whatever way you go, have fun. I hope you find something that really works for you. It's taken me a long time to figure out what works best for me, but I still keep finding new and interesting gear worth checking out. Sometimes I wish I could sell everything I have except for one guitar and one amp, but then again, there's nothing wrong with having more gear as long as we remember that it's about the music we make, not the gear we own.

[@LUCKYB.]

@@WillyPDX94 I cant remember the couple years But Supro Made what was a Champ with a trem . I believe it was early 60s .. I still like Silver Tone .tube amps

[@codyhudman2763]

Interesting stuff Zac! Tried one of these the other day, and I have to admit it SOUNDS great. Though IMHO, and maybe it's all in my head, but it FEELS totally different than a "normal" deluxe reverb. Might be a great option for some folks, but I'll stick to my Princeton and Deluxe. :-)

[@AskZac]

It’s a bit more immediate

[@brbadge]

That was my first thought! I’m hearing through my iPhone though.

[@Jason-nq2il]

I played one last night because of this video (it was the old version, though, which is on sale at GC for $750 btw) and found that I just couldn’t bond with it. It sounded really good, and, maybe this sounds weird, but I believe the experience of sitting in front of an amp and literally bonding with it involves some electromagnetic, chemical, and aural activity in the amp, and in us, the players. I just didn’t feel like the sound was saturating my molecules like I do when I sit in front of my silver face Twin. Probably all in my head, but there it is. If I was still gigging, I’d buy one just for the benefits it offers in that sense, but for sitting at home, I believe I need to keep up my search for the Twin’s more home-friendly tube-driven little brother. Leaning towards a sf Princeton no reverb or maybe even one of the reissue 57 Champs. Of course, I probably need to try the blonde version before making decisions. Thanks a million for this video, Zac, you’re the best.

[@MarketingVideography]

Looking for an amp for both Bonamassa Sloe Gin, JM Belief, and Carlton. Is this it? Another recommendation?

[@Phoboss32]

@@AskZac This would be an indication for me that the Sag characteristics of the power amp is different than the tube version.

[@reddsflies]

Hey Zac, do you own a thinline? I would be cool to see an episode on thinline tele.

[@VintageWoodWorkshop]

Very cool, glad they listened to your suggestions from last year! The most important thing is the feel and whether playing through it inspires you...digital, direct, or tubes...whatever it takes!

[@astewart9410]

I bought the blonde DR last week and absolutely love it. It has all the features I need, and it gives me the sound I had in my head all these years!. What a great amp. Cheers!

[@AskZac]

Great to hear!

[@astewart9410]

@@AskZac Thanks! Love your channel, great work!

[@astewart9410]

Update: nine months have passed and I am still absolutely in love with this amp. I have heard some people mention concerns that it will be very difficult to repair if something in the electronics fails, unlike a tube amp where it can go and be repaired this is a piece of tech that only fender would look at. But I doubt quality is an issue and I anticipate having this be my go-to for many years. Happy playing!

[@mulemusic]

I played the Deluxe tube amp side by side with the Deluxe Tone Master.. had the money for either one, and have had several Deluxe amps through the years. I picked the Tone Master. Won't ever second guess my choice.

[@jimpage601]

I WANT THAT AMP AND THAT GUITAR. Hurry up.

[@bobframe1949]

This video cost me $949.00.

[@stretchsgroovychannel7187]

Thanks Zac....Im a 50 year long jazz and blues player who has had em all ....this will save me back....new to ur channel , not a country player by any means , but you are groovy man ....thanks for helping me make an informed decision on whether or not to buy a tube 65 reisuue or this ...im going to go with goin easy on me back carryin the next amp..thanks man....

[@AskZac]

Its a great amp

[@stretchsgroovychannel7187]

Hey Zach thanks to you I have now purchased my blonde tone master Deluxe on reverb 20 minutes ago thanks again man

[@WillyPDX94]

I bought one of these a few months ago in the Cream Tolex because I liked the look. How sweet to find out I got upgraded tone and reverb as well. I do like the amp a lot. So lightweight, too. Just a good all round amp. Thanks, Zac, for filling us in on the changes Fender made.

[@AskZac]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TonyBee63]

Hey Zac....I've been fancying a Deluxe Reverb since I saw your episode on why it's the best amp for you a while ago, I currently have a Fender Supersonic 60 which is an amazing amp with tons of power but a beast to carry in & out of gigs these days (pre Covid anyway ) & I also have a Belcat 20r which is a sort of Blues Jr clone with 20 watts valve which is my main amp...But I think the Deluxe reverb is somewhere between the 2... I'm a big Telecaster fan with 5 currently in my arsenal and my favourites are James Burton, Albert Lee, Vince Gill, Brad paisley etc..after seeing this version I may go for the Tonemaster which I think is up my street...Thanks for posting...Cheers Buddy Tony B.

[@davidcudlip6587]

Just bought the Blonde version today and love it. My main guitar is a Heritage H530. The thin hollow body with Lollar P90's sound killer in this amp. My tele and strat sound just as good but something special happens with P 90's. I agree that the Creambacks were the way to go with this amp.

[@andreweasombentley4703]

Has anyone else ever done what I just did and tried to figure out the intro music? Ha! Always brings a smile to my face (I think i've got it down)

[@citizenk812]

Yep...grabbed me the same way too :)

[@tonyfdesign]

@@citizenk812 Zack demos the intro in a previous episode? I want to say ep. 5?

[@klinks67]

Yes, and I play it pretty much every day!

[@AskZac]

www.askzac.com/post/ask-zac-theme-tab

[@twoprimo]

@@AskZac yay, so simple so catchy thx!

[@christianwalsh7082]

If you do the firmware update on the blackface tone master, it gets all the blonde stuff. The blackface is an A amp for me :)

[@guitareveryone]

Nice amp. I should probably try the download on my current Tonemaster Deluxe. Not sure what it will sound like with the Jensen but I can always put it back to spec I guess. Cool demo.

[@ronrumsey3205]

Fender has included the original firmware along with the no-bright-cap and no-bright-cap + reverb fix firmware so that you can reload the original if you wish. I've done the no-bright-cap + reverb fix to mine. To me it makes a difference for the better. I'm also leaning toward swapping out the Jensen neo for the Celestion neo creamback.

[@santrixhimself3679]

it would be so cool if they just added a bright cap on/off switch at the back

[@jackiejtheg]

Seriously what the fuck! WHY NO SWITCH

[@HeviNova]

I just got one so impressed. Great amp the clean sound is insane. Takes pedals really well.

[@AskZac]

Rock on!

[@HeviNova]

@@AskZac I am using it for my studio work and my producer thought it was a tube amp. lol Then I told him it was DI, an IR of a SM57.

[@toddwilliamson2651]

^^^ This ^^^ The DI is amazeballs

[@reverb11]

I know that I sound like an old guy (guilty), but maybe the most appealing thing to me about this amp is the weight! I'd love to have a guitar amp I could carry to a guy or rehearsal with one hand! Thanks for the review!

[@bootgrip6]

I really wanted to like the cream-back version but when I A/B tested them at my local music store in a small room the size of my bedroom I liked the Black tone master DR more. Mine has the firmware update but I still liked the Jensen out of the box more than the creamback. Maybe it would grow on me but I liked what I liked. And it sounds better every day.

[@sc3ku]

Same! Did not expect that (heard so much praise for the Blonde vs black tolex model), but definitely preferred the black one with the firmware update

[@mikedr1549]

Mine sounds better today than it did in March when I bought it - partially because of the firmware update no doubt - but I think it's more than that. Maybe I'm learning how to dial it in better or maybe it's all in my head!!

[@paulwatson9217]

When all is said and done, sound is so subjective. There’s no wrong here, you like what you like some player will like the original others will prefer the blonde. Nobody can tell you what you like and how you like it only you, and some will like neither and still prefer a tube amp. But the beautiful thing is everybody’s right! Just imagine if we all liked the same gear dialled in the same way we would all sound the same, I can’t think of anything worse than that can you?

[@garygirouard3328]

I got the blackface DRTM a few years ago and love it except the Jensen Neo. Easy upgrade to the firmware already done, so the speaker will be next.

[@SirSneakerPimp]

Andertons does a fantastic blind Black/Blonde a/b test. It’s a great video. They put both amps through an excellent workout. I have had the Blonde since it was brought out. I love it.

[@AndrewBanker1]

That video was very revealing. It really showed how “hard” the Jensen sounds. It’s not awesome, but very fatiguing. The Creamback sounds smoother and more refined with out that harsh top ins.

[@AndrewBanker1]

That video was very revealing. It really showed how “hard” the Jensen sounds. It’s not awesome, but very fatiguing. The Creamback sounds smoother and more refined with out that harsh top ins.

[@marcmistermarc]

The thing that bothers me about these full size modelling amps is how repairable they are? I get the feeling we will own a rather expensive extension cab in 5 years time when the tech becomes obsolete or too expensive to repair. For example - you don't hear much about the Fender Cyber amps these days.

[@AskZac]

Good point. Every piece of tech is moving this way

[@daw162]

you'll be lucky if the whole thing doesn't move toward you buying the physical part of the amp and leasing the functionality of the DSP and internals.

[@southernpride2003]

I'm 21 ever since I got my first tube amplifier I tried this Amp out I didn't really like it after playing a solid state amp I'm never doing that again tube guy for Life over here

[@EricMerrow]

Thanks for the video Zac! These tone master amps are incredibly intriguing to me. I love the features they added and how they made use of the digital technology. Im gonna have to to get my hands on one of these in the near future.

[@GeorgeHeil-gg6wv]

Dude with chimpanzee thumbs says he does not have large hands. LOL Nice review . . . thanks

[@jips123]

I have the regular tonemaster. With the update it sounds great. Don’t know whether the speaker is an issue. For me it is great amp.

[@saepiumv3813]

Thats reassuring because I just finally pulled the plug on the regular one and now seeing this video, I thought oh crap!

[@HamzaJamzaFamza]

I loved mine with the original firmware, but I can't get enough Fender sparkle and love the bright switch on my amps. Sounds glorious with a strat! I don't enjoy a vintage 30 much, as Zac does, and I really like the Jensen sound... Different strokes for different folks! I think turning both the treble and bass to 0 and cranking the volume does just as good (or better) at getting that smooth tone that cuts through the mix like a charm... Loved this video! I have wanted to see his opinion on this Blonde model since it's inception... It's made for this type of player! Perfect!

[@fabrizioluccitti6960]

it sounds incredible, but the price is pretty high considering we are talking about a digital amp

[@alexloubsky232]

Anyone know if the updated firmware sounds good through the old Jensen?

[@GuyNarnarian]

I feel like these will be the new normal eventually. Although if it made vintage tube amp prices go down, I'd probably keep a few around for safe keeping :). In all seriousness though, the maintenance factor is a big deal. And this goes straight into an interface, (not that all tube amps don't but that feature is going to be a selling point for all amps in the future). Now we just need guitar music to come back into style outside of Nashville.

[@joeltunnah]

I like the new Jensen speakers a lot. Surprised you don't.

[@mwrable]

Nice Zac. We almost got you to turn it up enough to really break up the amp. Would love to hear it pushed into that great Deluxe Reverb breakup.

[@JoanRuthazer]

With the bright cap removed, what is the difference in tone between the 2 channels, other than the reverb and tremelo?

[@KorbenDenver]

I'm a fan of the Neo Creamback. I have one in a 6G3 clone I put together and the combo is so nice...

[@Southern.child86]

A friend of mine has the blonde twin tone master and he loves it. I have yet to play through it myself, but hearing audio of him and watching this video makes me wanna try it. I’d like to see how it compares to my 65 deluxe reissue.

[@antoonhermans8953]

Well , after playing my black fender tm dr stock for more then 3 years and beeing happy with the sound i decided i wanted to put an other speaker in it ( just to try and because i like to tinker / mod my gear , and yep , it's a sickness , i know 🤣) . So , i bought an Jupiter 12LC speaker ( wich is supposed to be THE speaker for fender type amps ) and put it in the tm dr , i noticed a big difference straight from om the start , this speaker made the amp come to live a lot more then with the stock jensen neo speaker and it sounded a lot "bigger" , but since the jupiter is a brighter speaker then the jensen neo i have also done the firmware upgrade . And man , it worked ! Now after a month or so the Jupiter speaker has had some break in time and it sounds killer , now its even harder to tell that this is not an tube amp ! Mission completed ! Now all thats left to do is play guitar on my digital amp 🤩! ( and this is coming from a guy who has been a hardcore tube amp nutcase for more then 40 years ) . I guess its like bob dylan said , the times they are a changing .

[@acmercker5941]

Hey Zac! As always, a great video and one so many of us wanted to see. In the comments already, but well worth repeating is the fact that this channel of yours continues with great integrity. I wanted to like the first version of this amp and your honest assessment made me hold off. Picked up a Strymon Iridium, instead. (Would love to see how you dial one in to your liking, as close as it could get, btw.) But here’s the main point, we trust your ear, experience, and knowledge. That means a lot. Trust is rare to find. I know I’m only echoing much of the sentiments already expressed, but there it is anyway. Thanks again for another great video.

[@okidoke-xe8gj]

so far not really impressed, at least in this vid...I must hear it in a mix situation

[@markaochoa2017]

Between this exact model or a milkman the amp 100.. if only I could AB in a shop🤦🏻‍♂️

[@cletussea-ray944]

Awesome Zac! I just ordered one last week and should have it any day...can’t wait! Perfect timing on your video!

[@AskZac]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@MichaelBethke-ni6zb]

can you review the new blues jr with a jenson speaker?

[@jaltsch1]

the bright cap (a little off topic)- I installed a push/pull treble to engage/bypass the bright cap (DRRI, not a tonemaster), but lately I find that I like the bright cap (against consensus). Here is a short playlist with my DRRI w/greenback miced, bright cap engaged with varying degrees of drive: kzbin.info/aero/PLgeUIvAixIjQve_jvunGt0dfSs4rA92Af

[@ivanmontalvez7337]

I’ll wait to Fender release the Tweed Tonemaster to get it

[@Deliquescentinsight]

I am the four hundred and thirtieth 'liker'- these Tone Master amps seem to be employing the same analog solid state circuits that BOSS have been using in their 'real amp' range, with the Katana, Nextone e.t.c and the results are very, very close to tube sound IMO.

[@AskZac]

Well said!

[@newgunguy4176]

If I update the firmware on a black TM, should I replace the speaker with a Celestion Neo Creamback like the blonde or go with your original suggestion of Vintage 30?

[@AskZac]

get the neo creamback. It sounds great, and it is lightweight.

[@michaelnelson3469]

Thanks so much for this. I just ordered one and it should be here Thursday.

[@TropicalFuzz]

Great video and tone! Please do a comparisson between the Blonde and the Blackface WITH the update firmware =)

[@phillipdotbrown]

Fender amps are great for practicing but in a live setting they just don’t cut through the mix. They sound thin and wimpy.

[@gerardoromano3436]

Hi, I desagree, Im not a fundamentalist hard core fan of Deluxe Reverb amps, but they sound killer in a live band situation, you just need to learn how to set the eq, theyŕe IS more to them than just trebble and bass, I mean you have control over the mids with the bass and trebble eq knobs. Also the speaker choice IS essential.

[@FayyazAhmed]

Great but hope you'd done it like you did your last one with the original Black one. That is, versus your vintage Deluxe Reverb.

[@AskZac]

I get ya. This one is way, way better than the BF TM.

[@FayyazAhmed]

@@AskZac with the firmware update available for the BF, I guess its the speaker in this one. But in the video you talk mainly about the effects of firmware. What difference do you think new speaker is making?

[@AskZac]

@@FayyazAhmed The BF TM has more open mids, and more air in the high end. The Celestion speaker adds mids and just feels a bit more aggressive.

[@ridiculouswonk2135]

Saw this amp in the background of your previous upload and was hoping that this video was coming. Nice review and kudos for being open minded about the amp. The opinion of someone who is willing to experience new things and change their mind is almost always worth listening to. (Although I guess this isn't really a change of mind since it is a different amp than the blackface Tone Master.) I've been looking at these blonde Tone Masters since they were announced and I really appreciate your comments on the amp. Well done.

[@acmercker5941]

Ha! Spotted it too in the earlier vid. Had the same thought.

[@charlescopeland1436]

That's an interesting amp. The sound seems to approach a tube version well enough that you could gig with it and not have the maintenance issues of the real-deal tube version. Does a regular '65 Deluxe Reverb reissue have a bright cap, and if so, how does one clip it? Keep the JED stuff coming!

[@RedLion88]

It does. The 68 Custom Deluxe has it clipped.

[@AskZac]

you desolder one leg of a cap.

[@VincentVader]

I really really want one but a $1,000 by the time you pay sales tax keeps that from happening.

[@charlesbolton8471]

My issue is that considering the price it should be made in Mexico instead of China. For the asking price I can buy a good used American made amp.

[@JackTheSkunk]

Love that Bakersfield twang !! I just wish Fender would have seen fit to include a Middle tone control even if it was on the back to preserve the "authentic" look. Maybe one day they will offer it in black western tolex or even knotty pine that they had a few years ago. Wondering what it would sound like with a Cannabis Rex Eminence speaker.

[@JackTheSkunk]

And I would love to hear it through a 1X15 cabinet.