Fender blues jr vs. hot rod deluxe

[bucketman115]

I'm currently deciding between a (new) fender blues jr ($479) vs. a (used) hot rod deluxe ($550)

I need help. The blues jr has that awesome tube breakup at a not so high volume-- sounds fantastic for lead playing. The clean tone leaves something to be desired though.

The hot rod has a "cleaner" clean channel that absolutely glistens.. but I won't be getting the same tube breakup at comparable volumes and I kinda don't care about the drive channel- I would use it if I had it but wouldn't cry with it out it.

Other things to consider: my pedals include mxr 10 band EQ, Dynacompression, mxr distortion 3.. I can shape my tone pretty heavily with all these things combined.

Also, my style is blues/rock, fusion, funk, rock, alternative.. I'm all over the board I'm predominantly a blues lead player.. think soulive or phish.. scofield... but also harder stuff.

Help me out people!! I need to decide tomorrow.

[TonyB]

What I did with my Hot Rod DeVille 4x10 is change V1 tube (first tube) with the 12AT 7 or EH 5751(or equivalent) vice the 12AX7A.

It's a popular way of taming the loudness of the HR series. Before I changed out the tube it was useless in a small venue; and especially for recording.

Some useful sites:
Deville or Hotrod "Blues Forever" tube set
Better Guitar - Review of the Eurotubes JJ EL84 and JJ ECC83S guitar amplifier tubes
http://www.guitaramplifierblueprinti...dselection.pdf

[bucketman115]

There seem to be a lot of valuable information in those links you posted-- problem is I know nothing about tubes or tube amps (aside from what my ears know.) I do know that tubes cost money though-- and the HR was already $70 more than the other option.

[TonyB]

Originally Posted by bucketman115

There seem to be a lot of valuable information in those links you posted-- problem is I know nothing about tubes or tube amps (aside from what my ears know.) I do know that tubes cost money though-- and the HR was already $70 more than the other option.

It cost me 17.99 for the tube.

[bucketman115]

Originally Posted by TonyB

It cost me 17.99 for the tube.

Noted... what if a potential third option is a used fender blues deluxe ($700) ?

[Vulconizer]

I'd say probably most important to your decision, will be your ears.

Which amp sounds the best to you in the circumstances it will be used the most in?

[paul999]

I have yet to meet a guitar player who really loves the clean and distortion sound of their amp. I bought a fender deluxe reissue for one my clean tones and it just shimmers with the right guitar. I have put vintage ds1's, vintage tube screamers and various other toys through it and never got a usable tone. My point is that you will not likely find the one be all end all amp. Keep in mind that it doesn't take too many mxr's too get close to or equal the $ value of a good amp. I would focus on one sound at a time a plan on at least two amps eventually (dist. and clean amp using pedals to enhance an already great sound).

Point to consider- Unless I was using it as just a signal boost if felt I needed a ten band eq pedal at the front end of my amp that would be my cue that my amp was the wrong choice.

Best of luck

[TonyB]

Originally Posted by bucketman115

Noted... what if a potential third option is a used fender blues deluxe ($700) ?

I have both the DeVille and Deluxe. They're both very loud. Takes alot to get them to start breaking up.

[TonyB]

Originally Posted by paul999

I have yet to meet a guitar player who really loves the clean and distortion sound of their amp. .....

My point is that you will not likely find the one be all end all amp. Keep in mind that it doesn't take too many mxr's too get close to or equal the $ value of a good amp. I would focus on one sound at a time a plan on at least two amps eventually (dist. and clean amp using pedals to enhance an already great sound).

..
Best of luck

Very true, indeed! Specifically with Fender amps, they're known for their nice clean tone, but dialing in the dirt that you envision can be tough at times, which is why I sometimes Y a Fender and a Marshall.

[garageband]

A big clean Fender amp is such a versatile instrument and where you have a highly developed pedal set-up, you really want the sound of the amp to complement it, not impinge upon it. Just a couple of nights a go I was playing with someone had one and it was quite good. You could hear clearly how bad his cheapo multi-fx pedalboard was. But it was loud.

The 12AT7 sub is a sound trick and can be used anyplace you have a 12AX7 that is naturally being driven too hard by its circuit. I have a tube compressor that I've done this to and it cleaned it up a heap. A 12AU7 will shave even more gain off the circuit.
TonyB, we gotta get you buying better tubes for less money. (smiley)