What Guitar Amp After The Fender Hot Rod Deluxe? - That Pedal Show

What amp would you get as an upgrade to this 40-watt valve classic?
Life too short for long KZbin videos? Please see the ‘Interesting bits and go-to sections’ information below.
Welcome to the show! Fender’s Hot Rod Deluxe is among the most popular and successful mid-power valve amps of all time. Loud, portable and versatile it’s earned its place on stages everywhere. Inevitably, you may find limitations with it sooner or later, so where would you go next? Not as a total sea-change, but as an evolution.
Thusly we choose three amps, pretty much arbitrarily, that we own, that we would consider as an upgrade from the HRD. Clearly, there are hundreds of possibilities out there. We chose these!
A note on Hot Rod Deluxe versions: Our HRD is a version III (3). Fender upgraded the HRD to version IV in 2018 with a new speaker (so say smoother sounding), a different pot taper here and there, and some revoicing in the overdrive channel. We think it’s a more usable amp than the VIII, but it’s not chalk and cheese, radically different, just for the record. Ie, our general observations of the OD channel wouldn’t be hugely different.
Warning: We do rather lean on the overdrive tones today and don’t spend a huge amount of time in clean-land. Sorry to the clean fans!
We also don’t talk much about the reverb. Let it be said that we //really// like the reverbs in all of these amps - they’re all GREAT and we’re totally happy with all of em.
Enjoy the video!
Pedals & stuff in this episode…
• TheGigRig Three2One
www.thegigrig.com/three2one
• Sonic Research ST-200 Turbo Tuner
Australia: bit.ly/2mR1s8c
• Boss BD-2w Blues Driver
UK & Europe: bit.ly/3zaTX5Z
Australia: bit.ly/3i1Jkp1
• Keeley D&M Drive
UK & Europe: bit.ly/3zaTX5Z
Australia: bit.ly/2pUDUAE
• Jam Pedals Ripply Fall
UK & Europe: bit.ly/3zaTX5Z
Australia: bit.ly/38Nz0gk
• Diamond Memory Lane Jr
www.diamondpedals.com/product...
• TheGigRig G3
www.thegigrig.com/g3
* Why do we have preferred retailer links? Find out here: www.thatpedalshow.com/partners
Interesting bits and go-to sections…
0:00 Intro & playing
3:03 Today’s question
4:33 Hot Rod Deluxe moans
6:05 Context of choosing today’s amps
7:30 Recap of tones from the Hot Rod Deluxe
8:13 The clean channel will overdrive, y’know
10:20 The much-maligned overdrive channel
13:13 Les Paul and the OD channel
15:30 Why the Victory V140?
17:00 HRD clean and Victory V140 clean, Telecaster
18:42 Victory into overdrive, Telecaster
20:55 ES-335 Hot Rod Deluxe and Victory V140
23:10 Exploring the V140 mid-kick
25:29 V140 into heavier overdrive
26:56 Mesa California Tweed intro
28:30 HRD & Cali Tweed basic clean comparison
30:18 Cali Tweed gain and power range, Tele
32:49 Cali Tweed gain and power range, Les Paul
34:07 Cali Tweed EQ
36:03 HRD & Cali Tweed overdrive sounds comparison
37:15 Intro to the Tone King Imperial MkII
38:37 HRD and Tone King clean(ish) tones
39:48 Overdriving the Tone King clean channel
41:16 Tone King clean channel and attenuator
42:12 Tone King overdrive channel
43:20 We haven’t used any pedals yet!
43:45 Overdrive pedal into Tone King & HRD
47:30 Why headroom matters
48:30 What amp would we choose?
Guitars in this episode:
• Fender American Vintage ’62 Stratocaster - Mick’s video here • That Pedal Show - Our ...
• Fender Custom Shop ’52 Telecaster (2001) - Dan’s video here: • That Pedal Show - Dan'...
• Gibson Custom True Historic ’57 Les Paul Murphy Aged - no video yet
• Gibson Memphis 1958 ES-335 (2017) - Mick’s video here: • Gibson Memphis 1958 ES...
Amps in this episode
• Fender Hot Rod Deluxe 1x 12 combo (ours is a Version III)
UK & Europe: bit.ly/3zaTX5Z
USA: imp.i114863.net/QObRmx
• Victory V140 The Super Duchess & V212 cab (Celestion G12M-65 Creamback speakers)
UK & Europe: bit.ly/3zaTX5Z
• Mesa California Tweed 4:Forty 1x12 combo
UK & Europe: bit.ly/3zaTX5Z
USA: imp.i114863.net/b3VWZb
• Tone King Imperial MkII & 112 cab
UK & Europe: bit.ly/3zaTX5Z
USA: imp.i114863.net/b3mBqx
We hope you enjoy this episode. Please subscribe to our channel.
You can buy TPS merch to support our efforts www.thatpedalshowstore.com
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/ thatpedalshow
Please visit our preferred retailers!
UK & Europe: Andertons Music bit.ly/3zaTX5Z
Australia: Pedal Empire bit.ly/2mWmJQf

[@gregclarkreasons]

You guys taught me everything (along with my cousin Matt). Yall brought me out of the dark ages. Thank you so, so much. That Pedal Show changed my life, honestly.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thank you Greg, glad we can help!

[@pCeLobster]

Love my HRD IV. Does everything I expect an amp to do. I barely think about it to be honest, which is really the best compliment a piece of gear can get.

[@tonisiret5557]

Been watching for 5 years now guys, & I'm still learning so much from you. Can't thank you enough! 👌👍

[@janbrenner9488]

You guys are incredible! You have got me to the point - as an intermediate hobby player - when I decided to pick one tube-amp and the few pedals I really need. After testing modelers, solid-state amps, digital multi-effects, software, this and that. Thank you for your gentle education!

[@anbdydmcneil]

I upgraded from an FSR Hotrod Deluxe to the Mesa Cali Tweed a few months ago and it was worth every penny. This amp is pure magic! Happy Days! Thanks fellas, I’ve been really looking forward to this episode.

[@christopherweise438]

Andrew McNeil - Maddie Rice from the Saturday Night Live Band uses a California Tweed and she says she's very happy with it.

[@hammyjammies]

Great concept for a potential series! I'd love one for the Blues Jr, if you want specifically a single channel amp with three band eq and 'verb you can't just go to the rest of the hot rod range

[@gregpriebe8768]

I really enjoyed this. Just analyzing and exploring amp characteristics without putting any of them down - true class, like proper musos simply chatting about gear. Love that. In the spirit of pedal platforms and clean headroom, I'd be interested to hear you guys try a Rivera Venus Deux or Venus 6. Keep up the good work!

[@MarkSass]

I always end up improvising over your stuff. Thank for the great session, guys!

[@hikinguphigh]

Got my imperial mk 2 last month. I was absolutely blown away, I love it. Bit overkill still for what I use it for, I only play at home so don't find any issue with head room. I'm fairly lucky as am semi detached with a neighbour that's never at home so can crank it a bit more than some at home. I think It's a keeper for me.

[@RobCabreraCh]

I've tried to stay clear of the HRD for most of my playing life, but I once played one and I was surprised at the way it did most of the things I like on an amp. It's funny how you have an idea of what you may or may not like, and then it changes completely the moment you actually try stuff. It happened the same way when I tried a Marshall DSL for the first time, I was set on buying one and ended up getting a Fender Bassbreaker 45 instead because it did exactly what I wanted the DSL to do (cleanish bluesy OD).

[@ecaldwell888]

You all are so knowledgable, yet unassuming, that this has to be one of the best KZbin channels, period. I don't have the money or the chops to buy 90% of what I have watched you all talk about, but it's such a pleasure to just hang out and learn from you all and listen to you all play that I always come back for another video.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Ah, thanks so much 🤓🙏

[@miekgenklefin9616]

Great show. Love the topic. I sincerely had to choose. I had a 1963 Fender Deluxe, a reissue reverb unit and Fryette PS-2 for years. I eagerly acquired an early Tone King Sky King during a trade. I knew I couldn't keep both. I felt the Sky King was the best amp I'd ever played through. After months of hemming and hawing, weighing the situation, I still have the Fender and reverb unit.

[@BlueishBb]

I've had my Deville for almost 15 years, and it still is my #1 amp for playing jazz, and works decently for almost anything else.

[@braydenjones603]

Please keep these deep dives going. There's no better channel like this for unbiased detail imho. I've had a series 1 HDR since they came out and have made great use of it. Last year I bought a gorgeous slate grey DRRI. It's more manageable in terms of volume, and to my ear takes my slightly excessive selection of pedals (I blame you guys ;-)) just as well. It's like I've been eating one type of apple for a while, and sure I've tried other fruit too, but have now found a smaller and slightly sweeter apple.

[@LeBoun64]

I have these two and run them in stereo (a complete pedalboard in front) and it works great.

[@lprb302]

Oh thank you Gents for this episode!!! Looking forward to immersing myself 👍🏻💥

[@delevirgmusic1447]

I’m so glad the Cali Tweed has return in your videos ☺️ what a lovely amp !

[@MarkPritchardGuitar]

Keep up the long shows guys, can't beat them. Still waiting for the attenuator video haha.

[@johnheath970]

Attenuated delay videos need ADVANCE NOTIFICATIONS

[@topografer]

I have a v40 combo and I cannot be a happier guitarist. Great sounds, great effects, greater mids range. You can go from none to MIDS, which the strat definitely needs.

[@bleeknoir]

Oh am I glad to see you both, what a week! Bring on the geeking!

[@russellkane9439]

You are like 2 friends... i watch you drinking a southern comfort every time i can

[@kodykindhart5644]

Y’all are literally the best Keep it chill It’s like hanging w real musicians Not watching just some demo video guys showing off I watch because it’s human and I learn better that way and you 2 have a wealth of knowledge I’m catching up on Mostly just want to say thanks

[@ThatPedalShow]

That is a huge compliment Kody, thank you!

[@kodykindhart5644]

🤙 Keep it up

[@kodykindhart5644]

My band/studio thanks you too We have way better sounds now even if our songs still suck 🤫😝

[@smelltheglove2038]

Mick! Dan! Love the show! Love that you guys comment as well. Keep up the great work!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thanks for being here. And there is NOTHING wrong with being sexy. ;0)

[@smelltheglove2038]

@@ThatPedalShow there’s a fine line between clever and stupid, lol.

[@DickFitzwellJr]

I've never really been overjoyed with my HRD but the other day I brought it to a friend's house and plugged my Effectrode Blackbird into the fx return and cranked it. It was so good I couldn't stop playing. Strat > Centura > Amp 11 > Blackbird had me in heaven!

[@buildinghero2340]

Another very interesting episode as always! I finally received my lucky dip T-shirt and I got the Tee for two o'clock one, and I'm very happy with it! I didn't expect to receive a new design t-shirt, thank you guys! And I also want to thank Catherine for the awesome packaging, it's always a real joy to open them 😊

[@lathspell87]

I just recently purchased a Tone King MKII, and I am getting some of the best tones I've every had. Also have to give yall some kudos because I also love getting my Tone King to get me to edge of breakup, and then kicking in my D&M Drive to take me where I need to go. When rocking my LP, I will also kick in my TI Boost with most of the bass rolled off. Simple signal chain, but absolutely amazing tones.

[@paulcowart3174]

VERY Happy with my Tone King

[@itstravisjames512]

Juts got mine, couldn’t agree more! TK for the win. Adore it.

[@godbyone]

Tone king is awesome

[@markdavidofficial4274]

For under $450 used, there’s not a single tube amp that’s got the clean headroom that the HRD. Yeah the other amps sound better, that’s not really up for debate, but they cost literally upwards of 4 to 6 times as much. If you can get your sound and be inspired by a HRD, you can get your sound anywhere

[@pahwraith]

Yup. Unless you’re actually making a profit as a musician. I dont see how you can easily justify the price difference. *sips tea* But thats none of my business. Ill stick to my hrd deluxe until Then.

[@chrisegg7936]

peavey valveking 2x12 or classic 50 both have really good clean channels with tons of headroom, and I've bought one of each off craigslist for under $300. Great alternatives if you can find them.

[@jarrusjenkins]

I would still say the DSL40CR is much more versatile.... If you like to get your gain from pedals the yeah HRD is definitely a contender but if you want amp gain and still need a decent clean high head room sound... then the DSL40CR is where it's at....

[@arbitermatt]

Absolutely is up for debate IMO depending on what you like. I have a couple of boutique amps in my collection and played through the Mesa in this vid, but tonally HRD is one of my favs. Such a great clean tone! My issue? Volume control is pretty much on or off 😆

[@Lowtech14]

The HRD and a fender made in Mexico hss Strat was the starter set of choice in the early oughts. For $650 +/- you had a gig starter pack.

[@patrickpalma8345]

Awesome! I’ve had my blues junior for many years and have been pondering my next amp for a long long time. Looking forward to this episode.

[@smelltheglove2038]

I have a few really nice amps sitting around in my playing room. I play the Blues Jr. the most. Big fan of Oranges and Vox, but my AC30 is a bit much at times, and the Orange I can only play when I have the house to myself. I can get the Blues Jr. to sound really good on multiple different guitars and pickups setups. I just wish it had an effects loop.

[@DIYivan04]

This show gives me the itch to play sometimes even more than music. When you guys took off I really cut down on playing, it’s guitar season now tho!

[@pjlenny22]

I love my HRD. I modded it with the Fromel Electronics ‘complete’ kit and it sounds phenomenal. It now has 2 clean channels (great for matching humbucker/single coils or solo boost) then the more drive channel is an overdrive. The master volume now works on both channels which is great for taming it.

[@EddieLeeFunn]

Ditto for me... do the full Fromel mods and you've got it! BTW, that 'clean' channel volume issue is due to the HRD being built with a linear taper pot in that control... change it over to an audio taper pot, and there ya go! That is part of the Fromel mods, btw...

[@Dutchypeepers]

I did the same thing. The reverb is now extremely useable now as well. Completely different amp after the mods, should have been how fender made them in the first place.

[@SilverPaladin]

I ordered my kit last week. I can't wait to get this done!

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

I live here in Seattle and John fromel is a good friend of mine. He modded my Blues Juniors 3 with one of his kits, he worked on the tone stack and the gain structure and the Reverb as well. I've forgotten which kit it is now and he also for free added a tube driven tremolo circuit. I replaced the speaker with one out of a tone King and now my amp sounds as good as any Deluxe Reverb or hot rod deluxe. Frommel is a master!

[@jesserodriguez9839]

Will the Fromel mods work on the fender hotrod deville?

[@michaelschupska2047]

I've had a HRD III for a long time. Once I switched the speaker out for a Celestion heavy creamback, the amp came ALIVE. It overdrives much more quickly (around 4-4.5for me with low output single coil pickups) and has WAY smoother and rounder low end and a little less brash high end/upper mids. It no longer sounds like it wants to fart out and die once you get it past 4 or 5 on the volume knob. I still don't touch the overdrive channels, but the amp takes overdrive pedals really well, so I can still get decent overdriven tones at "relatively" low volumes. So if you have one and are looking for a speaker upgrade, I highly recommend a Celestion G12H-75. Worth every penny IMO.

[@benkeen]

Putting a creamback 75 in anything is a good shout.

[@ThatMattGoodMusic]

Changing the speaker in a sub $1k Fender is an instant game changer! Bought a Yamaha 2x12 cab which was loaded with a couple of different Eminence Speakers, and just using one speaker either side of that cab with my Blues Deluxe sounds way better than the internal speaker. Tempted to just swap the internal speaker with one from the cab!

[@MrAwesomeSaucesome]

Nice one fellers! Must say Mick I appreciated the distinction between out and out best amp, and best one for a 'real world' application. Props!

[@kspaan]

Great video as always. The HRD was my first serious amp and I play clean or light gain and it’s been great for that. Every once in a while that mid thing would bug me. Hearing the HRD against those other amps you can really hear a difference. This video wasn’t about mods to the HRD but about a month ago I got a Mad Professor Super Black that I run into the effects loop. It has totally fixed all of the items that bugged me. Master volume, smooths the mid, bass cut, two compression options, a great EQ section, really responsive gain knob and you get the Sweet Honey OD as a boost channel. The sound is both sophisticated and nuanced. It doesn’t sound like an amp in a box. I was paying this morning to prepare my ears for this video and I didn’t tweak any settings the whole 30 minutes. That’s when I know it is good. There are other great preamps out there. But for $200 this one completely does the job for me. After listening to the other three amps in this video, my HRD is now closer to the V140 and the Tone King. I got the idea for the Super Black after watching the preamp video from last year. Thank you for all the great content and questions you prompt.

[@javiermp81]

You just won a new customer for Victory 😊. Martin Kidd is indeed a genius and stands right up there with all the best amp designers.

[@ishancooper]

Amazing amps!

[@RobMasonguitar]

My HRD is the only amp I'll never sell. Mine has a v30 which may make a difference but the drive channel set to 4-5 with a ts9 in front of it is a serious gigging set up.Bought a few boogies in the last few years ( which are flipping ace of course) but man ....that fender does something special at gig volume.

[@NeilJ894]

Yes totally agree. Was a game changer once I put the tubescreamer through slightly over driven channel 2 of HRD with a strat. Immense gigging setup. And I don't think they emphasise how good the spring reverb sounds either.

[@caiusmadison2996]

I had a 2009 Python Deluxe(python skin cover,Celestion v30 onboard!). Awesome tone, amd my fellow bandmate had an Eminence Fender Design original version Hot Rod. They both are great, but the Celestion wins hands down. Now I have a Mocha Tolex covered one as well, with a Jensen. Those, are super bright and clear vs the mild breakup rock perfect sound of Celestions.

[@amidthefight6915]

And despite my preference for shorter vids, making it to the end to see Dan’s face when playing the lead channel on the Tone King was totally worth it!

[@ArvidNielsen]

Love it. Love the discussion. Me, I totally love the Hot Rod, live and in the studio, clean and breaking up. Also love all the other sonic possibilities out there. Music and production of it takes all kinds. So, that’s where I’m coming from.

[@jimbeaux4988]

Long time Mesa player, but I am still amazed at the difference that Cali makes.

[@worshiptutorials]

Long shows 👌🏻. I just recently picked up a Tone King Imperial and I’m really impressed with it.

[@justinoneil6971]

Brian, have you ever played a “suped-up” Blues Jr? I’m considering either buying a serious amp or putting less money into my Bjr via BillM mods.

[@worshiptutorials]

@@justinoneil6971 yeah I’ve played a Humboldt Blues Jr - it has a different speaker and some EQ mods I think. Pretty cool amp.

[@justinoneil6971]

Right on. I’m a worship leader and play with several different group around and love the portability of my BJR but it doesn’t always cut the mustard when I have to play a loud clean…just wondering how much of that boxiness is the small cabinet vs the amp/speaker itself. Love the form factor and can live with the sound, but it’s not amazing…kind of like Dan with the HRD here, lol

[@worshiptutorials]

@@justinoneil6971 replacing a speaker for a higher quality option is usually a pretty impactful way to upgrade an amp like a BJR

[@gregs8685]

I bought a Blues Jr with the Bill M mods and did not like it. I now have a Princeton 68 Custom. A much better clean sound but you need to turn it up loud to get gain. Or use a pedal. I ordered a Tone King Gremlin and can’t wait to get it. No Reverb though.

[@craigroode3449]

Gmornin from Canada, Great show, and funny enough I bought a used Victory V40 D 2 days ago(largely influenced by tps). I have some great amps... Fuchs ods, 62 bassman, 68 super, ri deluxe ... but as soon as I plugged in to the v40 it was like..... there's the sound and feel I've been looking for! So many amps over the years and V40d has ended the search......for now, hahaha Great work guys, keep the great shows coming! Cheers!

[@dep1001]

Great one, guys! I have the Hot Rod Deluxe IV and I think they've adressed a lot of the issues that the previous editions had, like putting in a different speaker, using different wood for the cabinet, better sounding spring reverb etc. And I believe there's been done some circuitry changes as well. Anyway I love how it sounds, that being said I only use the clean channel and use pedals for overdrive/distortion. Amazing pedal platform and I need that clean headroom for my playing as I used to gig with a 72' Twin Reverb. Cheers!

[@justinguitarcia]

HRD was indeed my first amp as well. The first "problem" I encountered was the cleans feeling out of control (i had a 60 watt 212 deville) so I bought a boss compressor. That, a carbon copy and a fulltone fulldrive was basically my rig for a decade. Next amp was an Allen Amps (boutique-y builder in the states) Old Flame, which was his take on a super reverb. Basically never looked back BUT i'd be lying if I said my eyes dont light up whenever I see a working HRD appear as backline on a club date. They're not the best but theyre certainly not the worst and you will have a good show with one behind you

[@aspergersftw7927]

Oh I had an Old Flame. What a magical amp, I just needed something different for my uses. If I ever get to a point where I own and use more than two amps I’ll definitely go back that one

[@xthexadvantagex]

I had a deville too. Somethings it did great but out control is a good way to describe it. I traded/bought a Bruno Cow tipper after that and that’s probably my top amp I regret selling; there have been far too many.

[@whatwouldhousedo5136]

That Victory is just so articulate. Beautiful sounding amp.

[@ishancooper]

It’s a stunning amp!

[@michaelrash1478]

Great video, I've used a hot rod deVille ML as a pedal platform for a while (and still do). Really loving my classic reverb signature for that role now though. Just a side note, I just ordered a Cutthroat Audio Down Brownie that I'm super excited about for a small classic distorted amp thing. Great show as always, looking forward to the next one!

[@smiggy1968]

Awesome show guys. Long videos rock!!

[@rafaelalonso5654]

I would love to see an entirely Blues Driver show! See all possibilities, alikes choices and every trick that you guys know about it. Please. It will be a great episode!!

[@batsshadow]

Blues Driver might be my favorite pedal! Please do it!

[@ralvknights]

@@batsshadow I agree its a great sounding circuit. I like my Superphat Mod by Keeley which is based on a Bluesdriver circuit.

[@SignificanceOfThePassageOfTime]

I have the waza craft blues driver. Easily my favorite pedal on my pedal board. This pedal is so versatile. The range of tones is amazing.

[@rafaelalonso5654]

I got Waza too. Man, it's so fantastic!! I play everything with him, and I use it as a always on pedal. I got treble bleed on my main guitar.

[@godbyone]

Yes I had a keeley modded one. I sold it. Because felt guilty on buying amp. But then went in a hunt to get another. It rocks

[@johnsawyer6145]

The Hot Hot Rod Deluxe was my first amp, purchased “sound unheard” from a catalog. It was awesome, but the sheer volume of the thing was overwhelming, especially because I didn’t know the proper way to adjust the settings and didn’t know who (in the pre-KZbin era) to ask or what to ask. I let it go and never really looked back. I’m playing a Super Reverb now, which has the volume, but I know more about how to run things, thanks to years of trial and error and listening to the two of you. Grateful for your knowledge and the ways you share it! Thanks! 😊👍

[@ThatPedalShow]

Nice one JOhn. Hope you’re loving that Super - sound of ages!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Nice one JOhn. Hope you’re loving that Super - sound of ages!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Nice one JOhn. Hope you’re loving that Super - sound of ages!

[@thealmighty9655]

Better late than never I just subscribe to your channel. I have been watching you both for a while long time ago and I love your videos, you guys your tone and licks are great. I enjoy very much everyone of them. Thank you so much and keep it up on it.

[@Piedscooter1]

More than anything, this video demonstrates my lust for varied amps and guitars in a tonal arsenal.

[@swagner89]

Unless I missed it, you guys didn't try plugging into Input#2 on the HRD. That apparently attenuates the input signal by -6db, taming the overall volume a little bit and allowing you to crank up the gain more before breakup

[@swardmusic]

Imperial- my favorite drive channel of all time. Mid bite knob= 'more Dumble deluxe'

[@f-ducket4586]

That V140 sounded glorious!! I would have loved to hear it with OCD in front of it. Great vid .. bravo!

[@Jambi18]

Thanks for that video! A HDR was my first tube amp. With increasing experience in playing, band rehearsals and - most important - listening, i slowly realised that it was just not my cup of tea. Sold it to a friend who's quite happy with it, he still plays it live frequently with his prog band and gets various convincing tones out of it. For rock stuff, I nowadays tend to like plexi style amps/modelling solutions the most, love that marshall roar. For the cleans, i have a princeton reverb clone at home. It sounds super warm and takes pedals well.

[@martintaylor1701]

I like long videos. Occasionally there are times when I get a bit ear-blind (I know that's not a word, but you know what I mean ;) when it's several similar things being compared. And when you've got 2 good guitarists playing good guitars through good pedals and good amps making good videos with good audio production, everything sounds good and I don't know which similar thing I actually want...but it does give me somewhere to start from, which I suspect is kind of the intention... Keep up the good work, chaps. I'm off to buy a lottery ticket because now I want a Tone King...and a house without neighbours.

[@martintaylor1701]

@Hmmm mmm The jackpot was over 100 million last I looked - if I win you can have one too. Dumble's for everyone - checks prices - erm....Dumble's for like 3 of you guys!

[@beng808]

Talking about loud and clean, I play through a hot rod deville 4x10. That’s 60 watts of loud and clean. It has a lot of the same issues as the deluxe too. It gets really loud really fast, and it gets spiky when turned up too. I’m also not sure I’d call the drive channels even usable. The Victory and the Mesa Boogie definitely have my attention

[@johanneschristopherstahle3395]

I own the DeVille 4x10 (Version I) as well. I tamed it down by changing the preamp tubes. This makes the drive channel finally usable.

[@jamesroy9182]

So much to think about here, not so much in terms of these specific amps but applying the principles to my own varied amps. Thank you!

[@ThatPedalShow]

That’s what it’s all about James - nice one. Cheers!

[@briano9365]

I recently bought a used 90s Hot Rod Deluxe and I really enjoy the OD channel on "more drive". I tried the newer one with cream knobs and I liked that OD channel even more. Agree about the clean channel! Great video!

[@theochristie4875]

The least expensive and most effective mod you can do to a Hot Rod Deluxe is to place a MXR 10 Band EQ in the effects loop. After years of doing mods and swapping tubes and speakers I tried this and was able to reshape the amp into something much more enjoyable. Later I was able to save up and get a Deluxe Reverb. I think the other problem with the Hot Rod is that the solid state rectifier doesn't have the same sag as a tube rectifier like the DRRI.

[@carlodevivomusicontent2138]

that's how I've been using it for years (with a speaker change)

[@misterknightowlandco]

I think people would be a lot happier with “what they have” if they just spent the hundred bucks on that mxr pedal. It’s amazing what simple eq can do.

[@kennethc2466]

I had a version 3 for years. Hell, I never used the effects loop. I thought the drive and clean tone were great, mainly because I didn't try to make it something it's not. It's not like my Marshalls, other Fenders, Peaveys, etc. It was it's own thing. I found the best way to change it's tone was running an external cab. A Mesa 412 with v30s is a hell of a tone change. I though it sounded amazing through my Peavey 5150 412. I only sold it because a neighbor's kid needed a gigging amp, and couldn't afford much. I tried the new version 4, but it didn't sound like my old one, so i passed on it, but still a fine amp. Never had a problem with it for over a decade.

[@fossilmatic]

Agree with the speaker change. Mine has the Celestion 65watt Creamback and sounds great. But, it’s a sound fundamentally based on the Twin rather than a “tweed” or pushed Princeton sound. It is what it is. Otherwise, just buy a Vox-type amp as well.

[@johnheath970]

EQ everywhere! Truth

[@viniciusmarcilio3194]

Hello legends! So, what makes an fx loop of a certain amp stand out when compared to another amp? I thought it didn’t matter as long as it’s placed between the preamp and power section. But I started to wonder after hearing Mick say that the hot rod has a very good fx loop. What makes a good fx loop? Thanks gents. Have a great weekend 🤙🏻

[@kebmel8668]

I loved my HRD, I now have a BJR and a DRRI which is my fav. I have a solid state Fender Deluxe which is a really great wee amp. I used to stand at the door of our local blues bar and listen to other guys play thru my HRD, unmiked and it sounded killer.

[@timhopkins3810]

I’ve got a Marshall and an Orange so not the most relevant episode for me but definitely worth watching 😊 Always informative

[@arn999]

Hey hey, my vote for the Cali Tweed! (Ok maybe half of it is that I own one and that it looks freaking cool).

[@s9plus20]

That Mesa Cali Tweed sound is to die for!!! Totally awesome!!!

[@jimmython]

Great video, and the Victory with ES335 was sublime.

[@LUKA-vq3nh]

Not sure if it's generational or what, but the Fender HRD just sounds like the records I grew up listening to... I know it is the cheapest, but I think I prefer it..

[@samford7271]

Great show!. After hearing the hot rod compared with the Cali Tweed; I'm now thirsting for a tweed show. Love to see the lazy j and the Mesa and maybe another amp in a discussion about "tweed cleans " and the in-between sounds and of course some Neil Young sillyness. Have a great weekend chaps

[@Rick-gt5cl]

Try the Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue, the drive channel is far better than the HRD

[@danabnormal5892]

I’m in love with my hot rod deville 212 mk4. Sounds amazing.

[@danielmarshallmusic6314]

This is highly relevant to me at the moment. Thanks guys!

[@SteeringSteel]

I actually like the overdrive channel on a hot rod deluxe but with one exception plugged into Input 2 not Input 1. It tends to tame it down and smooth it out a little more. Great video guys!🤘🏻

[@mrSlush50]

This is exactly how I run mine. Input 2, overdrive channel only. Back off on guitar volume for clean sound.

[@SteeringSteel]

@@mrSlush50 Exactly!

[@swardmusic]

Toneking skyking is life. And at 35W 2x6L6 a closer comparison to the HRD. Sold my imperial and got the SK for that extra solo headroom you guys discussed near the end 👍🏻 Also put the Andy wood model speaker in them. More efficient speaker and lighter 👍🏻

[@johndrew8]

Great show again fellas. When I am not touring and in town I do production managing at a Caesars property. One of the most requested backline amps are indeed the fender deluxe series. I employ, in my wet dry rig, a blues deluxe Re-issue Limited addition with a swamp thang eminence speaker. This particular set up sounds great. The overdrive section of the hot rod Deville just does not work for me however that doesn’t mean it won’t work for you. The dry amp is a fender twin super sonic which gives me all sorts of headroom as a pedal platform. Both amps in tandem and, wet dry sound fantastic. Thanks again fellas you’re Canadian correspondent and as always JD.

[@buddybeetle]

I now love my Hot Rod Deluxe. A first series USA built. Full Fromel mods as per KZbin information. NOW, it is wonderful. It does it all and is transformed. I highly recommend this amp with these easy mods.

[@Fer666esp]

In the manual of the Tone King says that if you want more headroom you can change some valves that lowers the gain and they recommend their favourites. Love the amp for playing at home

[@andrewchow6357]

Hot rod deluxe with a curly cable. Will def take off some of the top end. Should give it a try (divine noise) make some awesome curly cables which Dan auberach (black keys) uses

[@Tone2town]

Yeah, it is weird. Curly cables do a whole lot. I am surprised this Duo does not know This Divine intervention . lol🤭🤔

[@GordonPavilion]

I’ve owned a Tone King Imperial MkII for over three years. It is an extraordinarily fabulous amplifier.

[@darrencole1387]

Love the show and the topic. I have a HRD III with the silver tolex and V30 speaker. I recorded a lead track using one SM57 close-mic’ed. Using the “more drive” channel and no effects other than a little delay I got what I consider to be a very good lead sound. I used my 2007 EBMM Axis. My other amps are a Metro JTM45, JCM800 2205, and a ‘76 Mk.II 100w. I have a few things to compare it to.

[@ericgl182]

that mesa boogie actually blew me away

[@HerrMeier007]

I play a Hot Rod Deluxe in my school always and I always think it sounds too mushy. Coming from a V40 Deluxe at home and mostly playing Strats, ES and P90s the Victory can handle anything I throw at it, the Hot Rod can’t really. Especially when it comes to pedals. Delay and Drives just sound gorgeous with the Victory and get so washed up with the Hot Rod. Still a great amp, I much more prefer a blues junior tho if you don’t need as much wattage!

[@kasakka]

Great show! I would love to see you do a similar one about the Marshall DSL40 combo and maybe something like a Vox AC15 even though they are overall better amps than the HRD but equally popular as "first real tube amp". I would also love to see a "solid-state vs tube" episode as Quilter is coming out with a new multivoice amp and the Aviator Cub is already kind of in your wheelhouse soundwise. Plus the BluGuitar Amp 1 Mercury Edition definitely deserves another look on your channel. The higher end solid-state/hybrid solutions don't get enough love.

[@craigwhitman1527]

I have hrd 3. Had it a few years now the clean in it is absolutely amazing. The dirty Channel I never like but I run a distortion pedal and that fixed my problem. But the hrd is absolutely amazing and haven't wanted another amp since I got this one

[@SteveJamsEcono]

Great roundup. You guys have definitely gotten the Victory amps on my radar. That V140 sounds utterly incredible on this, so I'm definitely going to check out it's little brother the V40 for my own needs. Also, as a potential future show topic -- Subway/Public Transit-friendly rigs? I've been gigging in New York City for almost ten years and the battle is always between tone, weight, and convenience when you've got to carry it all yourself on foot. I'd love to see you guys do a challenge where the weight of the gear had to be under a certain comfortable amount and see how much tone you could squeeze out of that.

[@adrianhjordan1981]

After a Hot Rod Deluxe I went all over the amp spectrum, repeatedly tried various Deville models before finally arriving at destination 65ri Twin Reverb Custom 15..!!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Sweeeeeet!

[@ramblinlemon]

The standard 2-12 RI twin reverb was my first “proper amp” been toying with the idea getting a 15” speaker for it, did you notice much difference between a 2-12 and a 1-15?

[@MrAwesomeSaucesome]

First serious amp for me yea! I couldn't believe it when I got one, blew me away. I play a DRRI or a Bluesbreaker now but will never be dismayed to gig through a working HRD!

[@backpackertony]

Great Show guys! I have a HRD II. For Live shows it just works great. My secret sauce for this amp is to goose it with an EP Booster and leave it on. It just gets the tone I want immediately. From there add pedals to your liking. Cheers!

[@ArchitexMaze75]

I use a 410 deville 60w wet for the headroom set clean paired with an ac15 dry set on the edge and for me for the price of both amps 2nd hand its a pretty damn good sound, with the right drive pedals complimenting the eq its capable of some really great tones for the price, for me its all about the cleans on the deville and the headroom as a wet amp for me that is where it lives and delivers i have no use for either drive channel they are not voiced in a way thats easy to play and are sonically unpleasent to my ear, would certainly like to pair the deville with that cali tweed

[@ericleary5075]

I had a 4/10 deville for about 10 years. I always walked with on arm out like I was carrying the damned thing! 🤣 They are heavy and LOUD!!!

[@ththejackjumper]

I've had a HRD for many years and that 'poke' is definitely a thing. I've done a few things to 'tune' it, changed the speaker, volume knob in the effects loop. I only use the clean channel with pedals. I do like it, but this video was timely. I've been browsing amps. Holy hell these upgrades are expensive though! Got any suggestions for something a bit less dear? I really liked the sound of the Mesa, so something in that area?

[@MathewsGuitarWorks]

Check out the new Fender Pro Reverb or Bass Breaker 30. Laney GH30R?

[@shckltnebay]

12AT in V1

[@carsongreen3181]

Second that. This video was “so your Honda Civic is great but you’re looking to step up. Check out this Ferrari and this Bugatti.” We skipped right over the Lexus and even the bmw.

[@ALBERTOGARCIA-nk9bo]

@@shckltnebay 12AY7 more musical and sweet

[@ththejackjumper]

@@shckltnebay I've tried that, it's been a while though and was before my other mods. I think I still have the tube around here somewhere

[@rohankhemraj]

This was a great video idea. As many people have mentioned, an EQ pedal in the fx loop can greatly improve the HRD, a Frommel mod can fix the sensitive volume pot and flabby bass response and a speaker upgrade can do wonders. The HRD really does provide value for the money, but if you’re looking for an upgrade, or something just different, I feel you should be looking for something specific. One thing people could consider is a closed backed cabinet perhaps with a 212 (this makes a huge difference in tone, but I didn’t think it was mentioned). Also…it’s called that PEDAL show, so I would place amps with clean headroom over amps that break up early. Please make more videos like this.

[@eljoel89]

My first experience with a Hot Rod Deluxe was blaring out a Guitar Center with the volume on 1. Never thought about it again. That Victory sounds amazing.

[@davidrustad2084]

Mick: "Bigger, fuller, much wider range of overdrive..." In my head immediately: Fitter, happier, more productive...

[@k13m13]

hahaha what a great comment!

[@gregs8685]

Gotta love Radiohead references!

[@MooCow2X2]

Side note: any chance of a “El34 amp” episode similar to the EL 84 one. By that I mean. Marshall vs victory vs Friedman ect?

[@ThatPedalShow]

Would be great. Me and Dan would struggle a bit because outside of a JTM45 and other Plexis, neither of us really know what to do with the post Marshall stuff. Too much rock for jazz/bloooze wimps like us. :0)

[@carlterrore4557]

@@ThatPedalShow have Rabea come for another episode! Love seeing you together in the past.

[@PoppaChris]

Amazing video. So helpful. Thank you.

[@timbennett6644]

Nice Video. I have a mk1 Deville 212. Love it. I changed the valves. Tamed the Drive with GE5751, along with AT7 valves. Warmed the whole amp up. Today, I mainly use it for pedals or have it paired with my JCM 800.

[@timwatsonphotography]

The Hot Rod’s clean channel still sounds the best. Just sounds like ‘home’.

[@weschilton]

Not compared to a blackface deluxe... THAT is Fender clean.

[@studiosrevolver]

Guys, don’t you think that the first thing after the HRD, is to change the speaker, I installed a V30 on mine which is the same as yours the III, and made a world of a difference, also for just 10 dlls we could swap a 12AX7 to a 12AY7 and mellow down that little beast called the HOT ROD DELUXE :)

[@goofybeer1]

I installed Mesa Boogie 6L6 s and got a smoother less abrasive tone a higher volumes.

[@stratman4327]

Absolutely Leon. I put a WGS Veteran 30 (Vintage 30 clone) and 12AY7 tubes in my Blackstar and not only did the upgrades tame the amp but also gave it a really smooth tone.

[@SpencerP96]

Exact video I was looking for! I'm looking at the Victory or Tone King to replace my 68 Custom DRRI. Great video as always!

[@BrockBarr]

When Dan said that the Victory just sounds like a guitar I couldn't agree more. His tele went from spiky'50s blues machine (not that there's anything wrong with that) to sounding like a sweet acoustic. Very nice.

[@tedayre]

I love that you use the term 'Black Panel' instead of the older, less appropriate description of those types of Fender amps.

[@ThatPedalShow]

We have Lollar to thank for that. We never gave it a second thought until they mentioned it. And then it was the right thing to do.

[@tedayre]

@@ThatPedalShow - Yeah it's very respectful, and nice to demonstrate change and learning.

[@mlewmisc]

As a “black” man, I’ve always felt awkward using the phrase “blackface.” Good to see that others now feel the same.

[@Naminorite]

Great show, as always, however I know you said very clearly that this was an upgrade situation however the HRD is under $750 USD and the Victory 140 is $2,150. Mesa Boogie California tweed @ $2,500. Tone King Imperial MKII as a combo is $2,600. Wouldn't a Deluxe Reverb be a better option? Still Fender clean but better and saves quite a few quid. But, I enjoy watching no matter the result as we get to listen to good info and even better playing!! Thanks guys

[@pierrederesistance]

I agree it's a huge price jump and you would think there should be something in between but I can't really think what it would be. I think the deluxe reverb is out based on the assumption that people using the HRD are using both channels, so all these amps have switchable overdrive channels which the Deluxe reverb doesn't. I'm on a bit of a search for a forever amp, but all of these are still more than I could justify cost wise.

[@ronpipes1988]

Couln't agree more. I don't personally know of a single guitar player that can afford these amps. I know I can't, and I don't know of any other players locally that can. I suppose if you are a pro level musician that is gigging regularly then you just figure out how to afford it, otherwise at these prices this just isn't practical at all. Many of us, if not most, are lucky to just have a guitar that plays and sounds well and rarely does it cost more than USD 2000 because for most of us that just isn't in a ballpark that is affordable, and likely never will be. Same goes for amps. If I owned a Hot Rod Deluxe I'd figure out how to make it work, do my best, and just play it. Beyond that, for the majority of us (or at least the people that I know), it's decent solid state amps, amp modeling, amp effects, pedal effects, and multi-effects, and even the really good multi-effects have gotten to a ridiculous price point that just isn't practical.

[@mechmat12345]

@@ronpipes1988 I was in the local punk scene when I was in college and every dirt poor college band and guys living out of vans had a 100 watt Marshall that cost every bit as much as these (inflation adjusted, cause I'm not young lol). If you want stuff like this, you can make it happen.

[@ronpipes1988]

@@mechmat12345 I guess I'm just not willing to live out of a van. Like I said, if a person is a gigging musician, then yeah, they figure out how to pay for it. Back in my high school and college days (back when the earth still had that new dirt smell) there were a bunch of us that used to drool over the marshalls at this music shop in Memphis. We all wanted one, but we all knew that, for us, this type of thing just wasn't approachable. So, we used what we had and made it work. Most of us used cheap no name tube amps that got the job done, but little else. Gigging at clubs and bars, we just had to use what we were able to get and afford. All these decades later and retired, I could actually afford something like this if it was absolutely necessary, but I have to wonder what it would take to be absolutely necessary. I play solid state amps either in mono, mono mono, stereo wet, wet dry, or wet dry wet, or DI into my computer running Reaper and out through my monitors, and to date I've never had a reason to need an all tube amp. I've gigged off and on over the years and I've never come across an occasion in which I said to myself "if only this were a tube amp". The cost for a good one is just so prohibitive and the solid state offerings today are just so much better than when we were kids. Heck....I have a Fender Champion 100 2X12 sitting in the corner of my little studio that you can get all of the traditional Fender sounds from and it was just a bit under USD 300. You have to spend some time learning how to dial in the sounds depending on the volume you're playing at (admittedly solid states are a pain in that regard), but they are there. And with dirt pedals through the clean channel and modulations through the effects loop the thing just kicks arse. Anything from SRV to Boston, Iron Maiden and Rush (depending on the guitar of course), to anything Country. The Katana is an easier amp to dial tones inwith as is the Fender Mustang amp, Blackstar amps, etc. Any of these amps, including the cheap Champion 100, are immensely better than many of the tube amps of days gone by that most of us used to gig with. But like I said, I don't know a single guitar player in my area that can afford USD 2000 on an amp. If a person had to then yeah, they could figure it out, but that doesn't mean they can actually afford it.

[@jdl2180]

The Mesa Boogie California tweed is about $1800 in the US.

[@PWUShooter]

Great video guys! Thanks for the info.

[@meeno_the_man]

Really helpful as I play my Deluxe happily everyday but get closer and closer to making the jump to the Imperial. One thing I do with my Deluxe is play with being the Mids knob up and down to really vary the sound. And the bass as well. Tweaking the EQ really gives you a delightful range of character to play with. And I’m running it through my OX Box, so I can chase those lovely higher levels of clean break up. Around 4 seems to be the sweet spot as a pedal platform. The amp really wakes up as I start to push my various pedal bird candy through it. But recently I’ve been trying to love it for it’s own stripes. And I’m beginning to think I’ll love the Tone King for all the same reasons, but far more passionately.

[@jed1mindtricks857]

Do it, you will not regret it! I made the jump aswell and man does this thing shine. Best amp ive ever played / owned. Miles above a deluxe reverb.

[@Theseventhknight]

just want everyone here to know that the "cannabis rex" speaker from eminence is a relatively cheap way to MASSIVELY upgrade your hot rod deluxe. that $150 or so is a lot cheaper than a new amp and will really strengthen one of the weak links in the chain. There are other speakers too! I just know that the cannabis rex absolutely rules.

[@ryanf4502]

I second this as a great speaker for the blues Jr. I replaced my stock tweed blues Jr speaker with a cannabis rex and it went from an amp I never used to my primary amp at home. 10/10

[@cactus-mcjacktus]

are there any other speakers you could recommend? i’m from Australia and it’s really hard to find Eminence speakers over here.

[@alexpoovey9852]

@@cactus-mcjacktus i've heard creambacks are really good in HRDs but i have never personally heard one. i'm looking into upgrading my speaker as well