I bought one of these directly from Fender several months ago. I've been playing tube Fender Twins since the 60's, and they all sound slightly different than each other. I learned to live with that. After playing the snot out of my Twin Tone Master, the speakers have finally broken in and this amp meets EVERY expectation I had . This amp is now my main go-to gigging amp. We play squeaky clean traditional country and this amp delivers in Aces. Clean, punchy, purdy and in your face loud.
I saw a guy walk in with a twin reverb, plugged his guitar into a boss blues driver as an opening act and kicked ass with fantastic tone. One guy can blow people away with the bare minimum and another guy can flounder in mediocrity obsessing about midi and 10 other tone chasing gadgets. People should worry less about gear and more about being something on the guitar
If that’s really how you feel then why watch UA-cam channels about gear? I don’t disagree with you though. I like music and gear and my favorite thing is when the two come together to enhance my shows.
@@mikeb5372playing 100 percent is #1. But it’s the beauty of the guitar. If you know how to play. Each pedal, amp, or guitar can feel like an entirely different instrument but you know how to play it ! Ha.
Gotta say, I am so happy with my Tone Master Twin. I agree with many of Aaron's points here. I started out life loving overdrive and fuzz, etc. Now, 50 years later, I'm so much more in love with clean tone. Especially this here with the Tone Master. I'm just a bedroom old guy working on his own material, but man I am in love like never before with the tones I am finding (also having super fun with my limited pedal collection).
Not too simple at all. It’s a Twin Reverb, it does everything a Tube Twin does and more. I always wanted to play shows with a Twin, but knew I was not willing to drag an 80 pound tube amp around. The Tone Master Twin Reverb was the answer to my dream.
I've been playing the Twin for several years now. One of the points that I think you missed is that, using the power attenuator, you can get all those beautiful tones with out deafening everybody in the room. I'm playing in our church's praise team, using the DO, with the attenuator set at 12 watts, the sound is amazing.
@@aaronshortmusicYes, but this isn't a modeling amp, it's just a twin reverb with digital tech instead of solid state or valve cirquits inside. The volume at the front is there to set the maximum amount of overdrive you want, the attenuator switch is there to set the loudness, and the guitar volume knob is there to control both remotely. Some pedals work just fine like that, others not so much. If you want to use the latter, you turn the attenuator to max. and use the volume on the front to control the loudness. The pedalboard does everything else. I can understand your point of view, but that's not what this amp is meant for. What you are looking for is addressed by fender with the TM pro and an fr-10/fr-12 box.
I’ve been gigging a Fender Twin for years! However, I now just use a Headrush straight into front of house and use a fold back monitor. It’s an awesome sound and so convenient. Also, your “distortion” sound is my clean sound 😂
@@aaronshortmusic i generally use the twin. It sounds great cause you can completely crank the master, throw a tube screamer or similar in front of it and it just sounds awesome! It’s the one thing I could never actually do with my real twin cause I would probably deafen anyone within 100 meters 😂
I see a lot of people using the attenuator while demonstrating the DI and I don’t understand why. Maybe you could clear this up for me. The attenuator is so that you can crank the amp gain while keeping the volume reasonable coming out of the speakers. But if you are using the DI out instead of the speakers, isn’t the DI volume control on the back of the amp doing the same thing in the DI to recording device signal path that the attenuator does in the amp to speakers signal path? Why use the attenuator when going direct out? Is it just that people are not muting the speakers when they demonstrate the DI, so they need to also attenuate those as well for their own hearing in the room?
Yes you are correct that they are essentially the same thing. When using the line out you can effectively attenuate by lowering the volume of the audio interface. I just find it easier to do it from the amp and that way if you need to listen to it in the room it will not be crazy loud.
Sounds great. I have a Tone Master Twin Reverb and have tired running the XLR into an M Audio audio interface into my IMac/Garageband. It is quiet but sounds noisy and still like a line in no matter what the cab sim is. Attenuator doesn't make difference. Any ideas? I love the amp and sound otherwise .
The attenuator doesn’t affect it. There is a level control on the back for the direct out. Make sure this is set as high as possible without clipping the interface.
@@aaronshortmusic I actually had this issue with another tone master and separate audio interface. Wondering if it is the computer or something in garageband that I am not setting correctly. Appreciate your input!
I use this twin for 3 years and set the power at 5 with the back switch at 50% of the amp and use a volume pedal that is a great set up for playing always for my self at home …. But , yes …. Not all pedal are good to add gain … I use the sweet cream pedal for blues that is great but for more rock on the boss overdrive is good but not as good as I expect … scuse my English lolll I am a French quebeker lolll’ thank’s for your great review of this amp 🤘🤘🤘
It's supposed to be a replica. Adding anything would definitely require a name change. I just got the Tone Master Pro I'm connected to a Mackie mixer with KRK 5" V4 and the 8-inch sub sounds great. BTW I have the Line 6 Catalyst 200 you can add the hum lol. Maybe I will experiment with the HX Stomp on Tone Master Pro's 4 effects loops 2 are for stereo in.
I disagree that the deluxe is more versatile. It doesn't have nearly as good of a clean channel and sounds so boxy compared to the Twin. I don't understand why anyone would prefer the deluxe to be honest. I mean if you couldn't afford a drive pedal, then maybe you would want the deluxe to get some drive at lower volumes but it's not exactly the best drive tone in the world. Even a generic tube screamer or Klon style pedal would sound so much better through the twin than the deluxe does when cranked. Remember these aren't real 12ax7 preamp tubes getting your drive tone in the tone master. It is a much different drive than a real deluxe reverb getting tube breakup.
Hi Aaron, I really enjoy your video's! I sold my Blonde Twin TM, but it sounded really good. (Right now I'm enjoying the Fractal FM9 with a Redsound MF10) Maybe in the future I'll buy a version 2 TM. 🤞
I currently have a Mark 7 turn amp and the Quad Cortex. That suit me well but I would like to find the best way to amplify the digital stuff. The Tone Master could be a great option if it had a ‘power amp in’. I have not tried the Red Sound speakers yet.
@@aaronshortmusic Agree, a power amp in would be great. The Redsound MF10 is a great frfr if you want more "amp in the room" feel with a modeler. If you can find one in de usa don't hesitate and try it! It's really great.
another here been running a "real" twin for few decades and i love it...but... yeah the weight is a killer. normally only pedals are a MXR distortion+ and a boss chorus. that covers most things. also been using a mustang GTX100 this year, like it (its light) has a bit of punch. ive been looking at these tonemasters tho havent had a chance to try one yet. pretty sure ill get one just so i have two amps at a gig (one spare) and not have to lug the real thing. my back will thank me. (maybe the creme cabinet with the celestions version)
I actually played the real thing at a friends place last week. You should have seen me carry it from the basement to the living room. It was literally hilarious and miserable at the same time!!!
Há há, yeah I remember a gig in Camden I had to carry the twin up a not very wide enclosed wooden staircase on my own..and back down. Good review BTW opens some good questions.
Why don't you do what i do and use a channel switcher pedal to have your cleans going into the vibrato channel with bright switch on, and all your drive pedals going to the normal channel with bright switch off...
Your wish list is good however that all adds more money to the cost of these Tonemasters and at the moment they already are quite expensive. For most of us who wouldnt want say midi that extra cost is not warranted. For me its great the way it is. (I play pub rock / country rock in a 4 piece band)
The TMP modeler came out shortly after this so I would say that is a better option for me (paired with the FR-12). I agree it’s good to have these as amp replacements and not add to their complexity and cost.
I don't know; you're giving it great reviews for being what it says it is (but with some incredibly useful added features) but dissing it for not being what it doesn't claim to be. I think the Tone master Pro device meets your wants, but the amps are meant to be stand-alone products, ya know?
I’m just trying to see both sides. Funnily enough the TMP board and FR came out shortly after I made this video and they are more what I wanted. I do think the standalone amps were a genius idea though.
I bought the deluxe nice amp but not good in a band setting we have a 3 pc country group and my amp gets lost in the sound not even close to my twin and the louder I bring the volume up I lose bass and treble is all I hear
I feel like the solution may be to go into the house PA and monitors and use these as personal monitoring. That’s what I do with my modeler and Fender FR-12.
I own this as well as 2 old Twin Reverbs. My thoughts, leave it alone. We don't need more features on a clean Fender amp. If you want to play pedals and midi there is enough crap available to suit that market. Stop reinventing the wheel. Fender Twins have been the staple on stages and backline amps for years. Get over the digital gadgets and embrace the brilliance of simplicity.
Twins arent for metal?...Ask Ted Nugent or Steve "Lipps Kudlow from Anvil- Plus who needs or wants the Bright switch..Clipping the bright cap is the most done mod on fender amps..Its still clean and sparkly with it clipped or turned off.
Hey Aaron .. Good review ... if you haven't come across him Lyle from Psionic Audio is worth checking out .. he is an Amp technician.. I wouldn't buy an amp unless he gave it the thumbs up ... T 😎 🎸 🇮🇪
Check out the Tone Master Twin @ Sweetwater (affiliate) - sweetwater.sjv.io/215ERz
I bought one of these directly from Fender several months ago. I've been playing tube Fender Twins since the 60's, and they all sound slightly different than each other. I learned to live with that. After playing the snot out of my Twin Tone Master, the speakers have finally broken in and this amp meets EVERY expectation I had . This amp is now my main go-to gigging amp. We play squeaky clean traditional country and this amp delivers in Aces. Clean, punchy, purdy and in your face loud.
I saw a guy walk in with a twin reverb, plugged his guitar into a boss blues driver as an opening act and kicked ass with fantastic tone. One guy can blow people away with the bare minimum and another guy can flounder in mediocrity obsessing about midi and 10 other tone chasing gadgets. People should worry less about gear and more about being something on the guitar
If that’s really how you feel then why watch UA-cam channels about gear? I don’t disagree with you though. I like music and gear and my favorite thing is when the two come together to enhance my shows.
@@aaronshortmusic Because I'm a guitar junkie just like you and everyone else. I'm projecting lol
@@mikeb5372 LOL fair enough. Gear will never replace talent. It’s just fun and hopefully inspiring.
@@aaronshortmusic It's very fun and inspiring. With new gadgets I can spend hours upon hours playing
@@mikeb5372playing 100 percent is #1. But it’s the beauty of the guitar. If you know how to play. Each pedal, amp, or guitar can feel like an entirely different instrument but you know how to play it ! Ha.
Gotta say, I am so happy with my Tone Master Twin. I agree with many of Aaron's points here. I started out life loving overdrive and fuzz, etc. Now, 50 years later, I'm so much more in love with clean tone. Especially this here with the Tone Master. I'm just a bedroom old guy working on his own material, but man I am in love like never before with the tones I am finding (also having super fun with my limited pedal collection).
Hi, an excellent demonstration of the Amp., it was clear and with a speech without resorting to very technical aspects it was understandable. Thks.
Thank you!
Another great video with good advice and quality playing. Thankyou.
I would get rid of the Tremelo, change the spring to a hall or plate reverb with a delay knob. An EFX in/out would be nice. BTW- I play steel guitar.
Not too simple at all. It’s a Twin Reverb, it does everything a Tube Twin does and more.
I always wanted to play shows with a Twin, but knew I was not willing to drag an 80 pound tube amp around.
The Tone Master Twin Reverb was the answer to my dream.
It’s a decent amp. I’m glad they made the FR-12, now I can have any amp I want when using the Quad Cortex.
This was truly a great review
Thanks!
Thanks Aaron for your honest review. Got me thinking.🤔
I've been playing the Twin for several years now. One of the points that I think you missed is that, using the power attenuator, you can get all those beautiful tones with out deafening everybody in the room. I'm playing in our church's praise team, using the DO, with the attenuator set at 12 watts, the sound is amazing.
True but isn’t the attenuator the same thing as turning down the master volume on a modeling amp?
@@aaronshortmusicYes, but this isn't a modeling amp, it's just a twin reverb with digital tech instead of solid state or valve cirquits inside. The volume at the front is there to set the maximum amount of overdrive you want, the attenuator switch is there to set the loudness, and the guitar volume knob is there to control both remotely. Some pedals work just fine like that, others not so much. If you want to use the latter, you turn the attenuator to max. and use the volume on the front to control the loudness. The pedalboard does everything else. I can understand your point of view, but that's not what this amp is meant for. What you are looking for is addressed by fender with the TM pro and an fr-10/fr-12 box.
@ Yeah I agree. I have that setup now for the flexibility. It’s great.
@@aaronshortmusic Congrats! It's not for me, but I played around with it out of curiosity and man that thing is impressive on many levels!
@ Yeah I love it but I get the appeal of standalone amps too. There is no ‘best’.
I’ve been gigging a Fender Twin for years! However, I now just use a Headrush straight into front of house and use a fold back monitor. It’s an awesome sound and so convenient. Also, your “distortion” sound is my clean sound 😂
Lol yeah I meant drive not distortion! When you use the Headrush do you use the Twin model for your heavy tones or do you switch to a different model?
@@aaronshortmusic i generally use the twin. It sounds great cause you can completely crank the master, throw a tube screamer or similar in front of it and it just sounds awesome! It’s the one thing I could never actually do with my real twin cause I would probably deafen anyone within 100 meters 😂
@@officialWWM Yes I agree they sound amazing cranked!
Great video and very helpful input.
Thanks!
Cool video. Really good points and insights!
Thanks!
I see a lot of people using the attenuator while demonstrating the DI and I don’t understand why. Maybe you could clear this up for me. The attenuator is so that you can crank the amp gain while keeping the volume reasonable coming out of the speakers. But if you are using the DI out instead of the speakers, isn’t the DI volume control on the back of the amp doing the same thing in the DI to recording device signal path that the attenuator does in the amp to speakers signal path? Why use the attenuator when going direct out? Is it just that people are not muting the speakers when they demonstrate the DI, so they need to also attenuate those as well for their own hearing in the room?
Yes you are correct that they are essentially the same thing. When using the line out you can effectively attenuate by lowering the volume of the audio interface. I just find it easier to do it from the amp and that way if you need to listen to it in the room it will not be crazy loud.
I’d love to have a floor switch to change which pickups on my guitar, rather than the switch on the instrument itself
That’s a great idea.
Huh? What kind of guitar do you have that makes using your fingers harder to switch pickups than a pedal would?
Sounds great. I have a Tone Master Twin Reverb and have tired running the XLR into an M Audio audio interface into my IMac/Garageband. It is quiet but sounds noisy and still like a line in no matter what the cab sim is. Attenuator doesn't make difference. Any ideas? I love the amp and sound otherwise .
The attenuator doesn’t affect it. There is a level control on the back for the direct out. Make sure this is set as high as possible without clipping the interface.
@@aaronshortmusic ah yeah. I've tried that at different volumes and it's still quiet and kind of muffled. Lots of popping as well
@@eldeeds99 Sounds defective. I would open a warranty claim.
@@aaronshortmusic I actually had this issue with another tone master and separate audio interface. Wondering if it is the computer or something in garageband that I am not setting correctly. Appreciate your input!
@@eldeeds99 I’m not sure without seeing it in person.
I have a tube twin but don't use it much. I take a Tech21 Blonde deluxe to gigs and run it straight into the mixer. Much easier.
Convenience is important.
I use this twin for 3 years and set the power at 5 with the back switch at 50% of the amp and use a volume pedal that is a great set up for playing always for my self at home …. But , yes …. Not all pedal are good to add gain … I use the sweet cream pedal for blues that is great but for more rock on the boss overdrive is good but not as good as I expect … scuse my English lolll I am a French quebeker lolll’ thank’s for your great review of this amp 🤘🤘🤘
Thank you for sharing!
Sound’s amazing 😊
Fender know how to make amps!
Useful vid and review 👍🏼
One of the best reviews about tonemasters on youtube
Thank you!
It's supposed to be a replica. Adding anything would definitely require a name change. I just got the Tone Master Pro I'm connected to a Mackie mixer with KRK 5" V4 and the 8-inch sub sounds great. BTW I have the Line 6 Catalyst 200 you can add the hum lol. Maybe I will experiment with the HX Stomp on Tone Master Pro's 4 effects loops 2 are for stereo in.
Is the amp playable with some dirt without pedals at home at the lowest attenuator setting?
Yes it breaks up nicely when attenuated and pushed hard. If I was to get another I would get the deluxe version.
@@aaronshortmusic Thanks mate. Torn between the two currently. The deluxe seems the most versatile of the lot of tone masters.
@@efstathioszavvos4878 Yes. I would go with that one.
I disagree that the deluxe is more versatile. It doesn't have nearly as good of a clean channel and sounds so boxy compared to the Twin. I don't understand why anyone would prefer the deluxe to be honest. I mean if you couldn't afford a drive pedal, then maybe you would want the deluxe to get some drive at lower volumes but it's not exactly the best drive tone in the world. Even a generic tube screamer or Klon style pedal would sound so much better through the twin than the deluxe does when cranked. Remember these aren't real 12ax7 preamp tubes getting your drive tone in the tone master. It is a much different drive than a real deluxe reverb getting tube breakup.
Hi Aaron, I really enjoy your video's!
I sold my Blonde Twin TM, but it sounded really good. (Right now I'm enjoying the Fractal FM9 with a Redsound MF10) Maybe in the future I'll buy a version 2 TM. 🤞
I currently have a Mark 7 turn amp and the Quad Cortex. That suit me well but I would like to find the best way to amplify the digital stuff. The Tone Master could be a great option if it had a ‘power amp in’. I have not tried the Red Sound speakers yet.
@@aaronshortmusic Agree, a power amp in would be great.
The Redsound MF10 is a great frfr if you want more "amp in the room" feel with a modeler. If you can find one in de usa don't hesitate and try it! It's really great.
@@denniskrottje012 I will look for one. I have another option that I may be trying soon…
another here been running a "real" twin for few decades and i love it...but... yeah the weight is a killer. normally only pedals are a MXR distortion+ and a boss chorus. that covers most things. also been using a mustang GTX100 this year, like it (its light) has a bit of punch. ive been looking at these tonemasters tho havent had a chance to try one yet. pretty sure ill get one just so i have two amps at a gig (one spare) and not have to lug the real thing. my back will thank me. (maybe the creme cabinet with the celestions version)
I actually played the real thing at a friends place last week. You should have seen me carry it from the basement to the living room. It was literally hilarious and miserable at the same time!!!
Há há, yeah I remember a gig in Camden I had to carry the twin up a not very wide enclosed wooden staircase on my own..and back down. Good review BTW opens some good questions.
Why don't you do what i do and use a channel switcher pedal to have your cleans going into the vibrato channel with bright switch on, and all your drive pedals going to the normal channel with bright switch off...
That’s a great idea! I’m using the FR-12 now with a modeler. It’s even more versatile.
Your wish list is good however that all adds more money to the cost of these Tonemasters and at the moment they already are quite expensive. For most of us who wouldnt want say midi that extra cost is not warranted. For me its great the way it is. (I play pub rock / country rock in a 4 piece band)
The TMP modeler came out shortly after this so I would say that is a better option for me (paired with the FR-12). I agree it’s good to have these as amp replacements and not add to their complexity and cost.
@@aaronshortmusic thanks for your video man, awesome
This amp opens up only over 5.5 on the volume. Set attenuation as needed. Thank me later.
I don't know; you're giving it great reviews for being what it says it is (but with some incredibly useful added features) but dissing it for not being what it doesn't claim to be. I think the Tone master Pro device meets your wants, but the amps are meant to be stand-alone products, ya know?
I’m just trying to see both sides. Funnily enough the TMP board and FR came out shortly after I made this video and they are more what I wanted. I do think the standalone amps were a genius idea though.
I bought the deluxe nice amp but not good in a band setting we have a 3 pc country group and my amp gets lost in the sound not even close to my twin and the louder I bring the volume up I lose bass and treble is all I hear
I feel like the solution may be to go into the house PA and monitors and use these as personal monitoring. That’s what I do with my modeler and Fender FR-12.
I own this as well as 2 old Twin Reverbs. My thoughts, leave it alone. We don't need more features on a clean Fender amp. If you want to play pedals and midi there is enough crap available to suit that market. Stop reinventing the wheel. Fender Twins have been the staple on stages and backline amps for years. Get over the digital gadgets and embrace the brilliance of simplicity.
I agree but the weight means I couldn’t gig with it regularly.
Twins arent for metal?...Ask Ted Nugent or Steve "Lipps Kudlow from Anvil- Plus who needs or wants the Bright switch..Clipping the bright cap is the most done mod on fender amps..Its still clean and sparkly with it clipped or turned off.
I just didn’t gel with it but it’s an iconic amp for sure!
Hey Aaron .. Good review ... if you haven't come across him Lyle from Psionic Audio is worth checking out .. he is an Amp technician.. I wouldn't buy an amp unless he gave it the thumbs up ...
T 😎 🎸 🇮🇪
Thanks! I’ll check it out but I’m more interested in weight and tone than what’s ‘under the hood’.
@@aaronshortmusic he usually gives them a good sound check as well .. 😎
Enjoy your weekend.. 😎
Worst review Ive ever heard just go to the next review trust he takes somthing like 10 mins to tell you this is not a metal amp.
Thank you for watching!
That's because it is not a metal amp.