@@powbobs Sure it's a cost thing. But it doesn't really have to be only €2,500+ guitars that come with a Nitro finish. Luckily Fender once in a while does give us the Road Worn series in Nitro at around the €1K mark. But I think it comes down to the factories... If they had the facilities to do nitro which most of them don't... it could easliy be applied to guitars in let's say the €500 range with only a minimum number of coats.
Got a Tonemaster Deluxe last week for home studio use, got it mic’d up with a ‘57 in front, and using the ribbon setting via the XLR out for stereo recording - sounds absolutely monster!
I’ve got the black version and love it for gigging. Most fun is pretending it’s a back breaker and telling others to pick it up. Their faces are priceless. The firmware mod released in August 2020 takes off the bright cap, extends or alters the reverb range and changes the emulation options. I still play my Blackface Gries 5 a lot but it’s not loud enough for gigs with a drummer. Very happy with the amp but man that blonde version looks lovely.
I just want a give a shout out to your Guildford store. On Friday I called to place a bridge pickup on hold to come down and collect. When I got there the person had put a neck on reserve (after I triple checked with the guy on the phone that it was bridge as I was coming really far). I was extremely mad when I got there and had spent £25 on train to get there and it was wrong even after triple checking....but your amazing team made it right, they offered me a fantastic deal on the pickup to cover the problem. I really think they went above and beyond and they actually cared, it wasn’t just a show. I don’t think any other shop would even care. I just wanted to bring this up I’m hopes you see this and know how great your team is (which I’m sure you already know)
the main difference you hear between the speakers is that the Jensen is fatter louder around 150Hz (resonance frequnency at 116Hz) ,, The celestion neo creamback has a much deeper resonance (75/80HZ). So it actually sits below the guitars frequency range. This is why most celestion benefit from sitting in a smaller sealed speaker cab. The trapped air moves the speakers resonance upwards making the speaker have more audible bass and it will be tighter.. THe midrange character is super different.. The celestion has this big high-mid scoop between 900Hz and 1.7Hz. The Fender sounds more present,, the celestion more hollow to my ears. But with dirt the extra harmonics can make those frequencies around 1.4-1.6kHz really spiky in the Jensen
Especially with the bright cap on the black one- it would be really cool to hear the two amps compared after applying the firmware update to "clip" the bright cap on the one with the Jensen. Wait. Just realized he compared using the "normal" channel 🤯🤦♂️ so no bright cap! 💡
I have a Tone Master Deluxe Reverb, and I'm very happy with it. I don't play my tube amps anymore. I agree with Lee about the sound of loud guitars, but here in the real world we cant always rattle the windows, and this amp provides a means tame things without sounding crap or needing extra kit. And unattenuated, a Deluxe Reverb is loud enough to rattle the neighbour's windows too. For me the only issue is the reverb, so I really hope that this is indeed rectified in a firmware update. Now, if only Marshall would wake up to this idea, and do their take on a "Tone Master" Bluesbreaker or Plexi.
@@brunojacq5473 Well, I never tried one, but I've got a (now much modded) Fender Champ 12, and I would suggest that the Tone Master does loud better, does quiet better, does silent better, does reverb better, and the overall sounds better (12" speaker, bigger cabinet). Then again, the Tone Master is about twice the price. Its good there is plenty of choice - if something works for you, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.
Insane how good the Road Worn series is. My Vintera 50s Tele feels and plays like I've owned it my whole life. Reserve your judgement on factory ageing until you've actually tried one.
I really love my "regular" Tone Master Deluxe. There's a USB port on the back for firmware updates and I'm hoping Fender makes it possible to download some of the features of the new Blonde model (like the reverb fix, bright cap, etc.). UPDATE: Fender did release an update for the Tone Master Deluxe! There's the option of the bright cap mod or the normal version with the reverb fix. I loaded the bright cap mod version and I'm in love! My drive pedals sound so much better and the reverb is even more natural-sounding. This update has made my TMDR my favorite amp ever!
Thanks for video! The main reason I use the attenuator is not to play clean at low volumes, it is to be able to increase the volume to achieve distortion from the amp especially 4.5 and higher, which would be way too loud at the full watts. Just love this amp.
Exactly! The Captain keeps missing this point when talking about attenuation to this day. He should've turned the volume up to 5 or 6 to demonstrate that edge of breakup sound.
Seriously! 😳 I’m a pretty typical hardcore analog Luddite, but the practicality of that model would be through the roof and well worth ANYONE’s consideration!
I agree, but it's probably not being made because it's not loud enough for a lot of people. Not to say it's not a great idea......hopefully someday! My tube princeton reverb isn't quite loud enough even cranked all the way to play with a a full band.
@@eltigre8978 Hm. Ever tried a 12” speaker in it, or...? I dunno what to say, really, those are roughly the same wattage as the Blues Junior I’ve had for years and never had to turn up past like 4 or 5 live, so... 🤷🏼♂️😬 lol Good luck! 😄
I play a fender deluxe valve and there's some easy ways to mid boost (klon pedal) and have it ready for drive. Personally I love the stock Jensen it's got that clean sparkle thats incomparable
FINALLY I've been waiting to see/hear these since the announcement, finally a vintage finish on a vintage guitar. Can't wait to save up for a Lake Placid Blue 60s Strat
There are always the haters who probably never have played one, much less the new one... And omg thankyou gentlemen for the comparison, the only thing missing was a Gibson thrown into the mix! I'm definitely updating my black deluxe Reverb to the blonde's version of the firmware as soon as I can get windows 7 to detect the amp!
Just spent a few months with a Tone Master Deluxe Reverb, the black one obviously, and have to say- probably the most practical, useful, guitar amp I've EVER owned! Everything I didn't like about my Hot Rod Deluxe & Blues Jr was GONE- and everything I loved about my Limited Edition Deluxe Reverb Reissue was THERE!! I'm talking tones, and MOJO! On the 12 watt mode, I had everything I missed about my Princeton Reverb, and on 0.2 watts, the breakup was as beautiful as my handwired 5 watt champ clone! 22 watts was glorious, and the weight of the amp spoiled me. Because of COVID-19, I've had no gigs since March, so I sold the Tone Master for EXACTLY what I paid for it!!! I've missed it ever since... maybe I'll pick up the blonde someday soon! I threw a Weber alnico speaker in the Black one at one point... beautiful! Eminence Lil Texas and Tonkerlite were both fantastic, as well, but nothing beat the n12k... couldn't help but experiment! Jensen and Fender just seem to win! That said, was very excited to hear the Neo Creamback!!! Thanks for this video!!!! I think they're BOTH my favorite!!!
I have to say, the way y'all play is very tasty!!! 🤤 just watched the video again to hear all those sweet strat licks!!! Man I want that seafoam green roadworn strat! Funny note, since I am in USA and also a big fan of Star Wars, a couple time when you said "Road Worn" I heard "Rogue One!" 😆
I have bought the regular Tone Master Deluxe and I just love it exactly for the classic fender clean tone. If I would like to go for higher gain stuff any other amp with celestion speaker should be fine, I don't really see the point of the Blonde, however sounds good as well. They should do a Tone Master Tweed or a Super version, brilliant series, please keep them coming. (My wallet cries out loud...) BTW to the guys who thinks they are expensive, if you got lets say 90% accurate tone, you need to pay the 90% price. If Fender would price these at 500 USD it would cut his own market, not talking about the high development expenses I guess.
Bought the ‘65 blackface Twin a quarter of a century ago. Best investment I ever made. Z0re maintenance in 25 years! -BUTT: life would have been so much easier if I’d gotten a deluxe (or smaller) You can’t turn a Twin up at the club or bar. Deluxe sounds perfect at nice bid club bar. I’m definitely gonna add something smaller than a Twin. (That Twin has been a reliable anchor/ workhorse though. Also bought the Twin cause I thought it’d be the perfect “pedal platform” !WRONG! it is too clean with no kids. At a normal volume. So on a fuzz, for example, you really here the circuitry more than the guitar and effect. Big muff sounds like a bunch of transistors... but then the same pedals with a smaller amp breaking up a little (AC30, HiWatt DC40) sounds amazing. Same with Champ/ Princeton/ Deluxe
I think the attenuation is great for the tonemaster. On mine, I might play a clean song with the volume at 2 and the attenuation at full. Then I want to play something distorted and I turn the attenuation down until I am roughly the same level with my volume knob at 7 or 8. At home it's fantastic because I can play at the sweet spot in the middle of the night. At a gig it is great because you can change your tone drastically with the volume knob, without changing your actual level in the room. Also gotta say, recording with these at home is a dream. The attenuator has no effect on the DI out. So I can set my level to be whatever I want it in the room and the DI-out is just perfectly level and sounds better than my GT1000 or Amplitube, or any third party IRs I have. And sometimes I'll just mute the cab and I can monitor the guitar in the mix from headphones or studio monitors.
In 2011 or 2012 Fender actually had at least one Strat and Tele in the Roadworn Series that they called Roadworn Player (as opposed to Roadworn 50s or 60s). They were not a limited special run, but they were only available for a year and half or two. I own the Tele. It has the modern 9.5 neck radius, a Seymour Duncan ‘59 Humbucker in the neck, and a reverse control mod all standard for the model. The Strat has a bridge humbucker, the 9.5 radius neck, and I’m not sure if there were any other special features on it. I’ve never seen one of the Strats in person and for that matter my Tele is the only one I’ve ever seen in person, but I’ve seen a few occasionally for sale on Reverb.
@@TheBedroomRocker1 the 7.25 radius isn't a big deal with the jumbo frets. 7.25 only feels like 7.25 with vintage frets, which is the specs I personally prefer. But the problem with 7.25 is usually the fret work. If the frets are done well, there'll be no issue.
@@b_nast19 Absolutely! Anyone who plays my original 64 and my 59/60 swears I had radius shaved untill I pull out the gauges. Jumbos make a difference but my set up was done by my retired (untill I moved in) luthier neighbor who is a pre cbs jedi who cut his teeth in the mid 50s. Poor guy is trying to enjoy his final days in peace but when you have a human plek machine and tube amp guru that lives 2 houses away ...... 😆
@@b_nast19 Thanks for the tip! I'll keep an eyes for the frets as well. I have an old Classic Series 60s Strat, which sounds amazing but the floating bridge, 7.25" radius, and (probably) vintage frets means that every string change requires a set-up, otherwise it chokes the bends all over the neck. I later got a Baja Tele with 9.5" radius and I think medium-jumbo frets, which plays much easier.
Yeah this here! I always end up grabbing a guitar and messing around while watching these! Often trying to figure out that sweet lick Pete played or something haha.
@@grummanf-14tomcat8 OK, I only knew it from the pictures and album sleeves. I read however he bought it without finish already ;-) www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/bruce-springsteens-favorite-guitar-the-story-behind-one-of-a-kind-fender-119846/
I bought a vintera Tele during lockdown fully convinced that roadworns weren't coming back. Dang it. But at least I didn't pay through the teeth for the second hand ones. Gonna go play my shinny guitar now 🙂
Certainly my choice changes between the two depending on what’s being played. I changed my mind three times but both sound good. And I usually don’t like the digital amps at all.
I agree about the modeling thing. I'd much rather have a digital amp that utilizes the technology to do one amp very well as opposed to a jack of all trades unit that does a lot of stuff but not convincingly.
Great demo. With the available firmware updates the only difference between the two is the speaker and cosmetics. Both great for different reasons, but I preferred the Jensen in every test. The Celestion has a hole in the lower mids to my ears, and has a fizzy high end with distortion. Also, I prefer the look of the black one. 😉
I like the Tone Master concept. I do hope Fender will consider doing a Princeton Reverb model in Tone Master. Why do a Tone Master version of such a small wattage amp? Firstly, the tubes. They wear they end up needing replacement & over time you need servicing. Secondly, those little amps still weigh some.
Ozzy, I have a 1999 Deluxe Reverb reissue of the '65. Since I got it "cleaned up" out of necessity last year it has never been the same and there still problems. In short... I am with you on this.
@@The_WaryWanderer For the bass? Good grief they would need 1000w to drive it properly. Check out the specs of these Tone Masters, you will see they draw a lot more wattage than the volume you think you are hearing. I think the Deluxe Reverb Tone Master sucks up about 100w from the mains to give you a "40w" sound.
The Tonemasters sound great! But the price point has to come way down! Come on Fender.... at the end of the day no matter how you package it these are Chinese made solid state digital amps! You can get a great sounding Fender Champion 100 2x12" or a Boss Katana 100 MkII 1x12" for €300. And don't forget the resell value of these digital amps, it's going to be bad - remember the Fender Cyber amps... If the price does come down (which I very much doubt) I might get one to go along side my valve amp. But where the price is now.... nope! Anyway.... great vid as always, guys! Cheers
I picked up an American Professional Strat instore yesterday (well, it's being delivered tomorrow). Enjoyed dealing with Ollie, he gave some cracking advice, worthy of Pete, Rabea and the gang! Get him to do a video on Fuzz pedals... Great service.
Hey Guys ,you made my day on the rainy west-coast of Canada!!...Pete your guitar playing is wonderful and you always play rhythm right in the pocket to compliment whoever your jamming with!!I have to add though that ,Lee sounds better and better every show.I like the use of vibrato and yours is getting that singing quality.!!...thanks to you both!
Had my TM Deluxe about 2 years and it’s great! Weighs a mere 23 pounds and I’m in and out of the clubs in a split! Gives me time to help the drummer lug his stuff. 😜
If these new road worn series guitars had a modern fingerboard radius I would have ordered one. Theres a reason why we moved away from the 7.25 fingerboard radius. Maybe they will do something like that in the future, and maybe more colors! I'm super bummed
Bout time road worn guitars with variety of finishes....liked em when they came out but white ,sunburst,...plus I think fender Mexico is a much more efficient factory from all the years of getting it better...good deal...👍👍👍👍
I just got the blonde twin and it plays and sounds amazing. I’ve used Helix, Bias, and other digital options but nothing has the feel of a real amp like this one.
How low volume does it go and sound good? Debating the DR Blonde vs. the Twin. Now they could easily do a firmware update that would change the volume pot sensitivity/travel distance and please so many of us home players
@@sboistan I use mine in the house on the lowest attenuator setting with the volume around 4 and find it perfect for home use. That said, if you want to drive the amp you’ll need to turn the volume up and even on the lowest setting it will still be a little loud, in my opinion. If you plan to get your drive sounds from pedals then you’ll have no problem getting good tones at low volumes.
Damn I love this channel! I was just thinking about the tone master series and here these guys come and w/ worn guitars that I love. I watch this channel so much I don't even hear the English accents anymore hah (yes, I realize us Americans are the ones w/ the accent ;p )
I have the black one.i have no issues with overdrive being too trebly. The black one has a truer classic sound. Both are fine but if u want to me more fenderlike thr black face is it. Great for gigs with weight and attenuater
I own a 65 Reissue Fender Deluxe Reverb and I had the bright cap mod done and I love it. Which is why I didn't like the original Tone Master DR - too spikey and brittle sounding. This Tone Master Blonde sounds really close to what my amp sounds like now. Fatter, warmer and not as spikey. I think this is exactly what I have been waiting for!
I am not a fan of artificially relic'd guitars, but I would be very interested in Vintera series guitars done in a Nitro finish, as they did with the Classic series guitars the Vintera series replaced. I hope Fender has plans for that in the future.
@@benhenschel145 He wants non-relic'd nitro I think, and so do I to be honest, but they've said the quality of the finish from the Mexican factory isn't good enough to come pristine
@@Jamie_kemp Right. Who said that, Fender themselves? I can't imagine it's very difficult to apply Nitro. As far as I know it's more of a cost thing because in their Mexican plant they use one facility for all finishes. So when they want to do nitro, they have to flush everything for the poly finishes out first and then afterwards again, so it's very costly and time inefficient
@@benhenschel145 I think I heard it on this channel at some point. Yeah that’s why they don’t do this as a continuous run but it doesn’t explain why they have to have them all relic’d rather than having some just finished like new like the American original and now American vintage II are
I picked up a black Deluxe Tone Master and loved it so much, went out and got a Blonde model. My tubers are going out the door cause there's no need for them anymore. I tried replacing the OEM Jensen speaker with a big ass Cannabis Rex (which sounds incredible thru my Fender Supersonic tube amp) and sounded terrible in the Tonemaster. So gotta just leave the original speaker alone. Fender got it right.
@@maxflinter6896 I think I prefer the black amp but... any difference is kinda unnoticeable as I use them together with a ABY switch. I haven't updated the firmware as I don't wanna risk wrecking it. lol. I am currently adding a ext speaker out jack to one, just to see what that sounds like. Chow
i just have to say how good the homies playing is, i genuinely enjoy hearing my dude play and click on these vids to hear him. good job brother. also thanks for the great reviews.
Vibroverb 1x15 maybe? If you look at the 65 reissue series, I guess they might go for a Vibrolux 2x10 and a Princeton 1x10... or the Super Reverb 4x10.
I’m definitely in for a Tonemaster version of ANY tweed. I would also enjoy a Brownface Vibroverb or a Blackface Vibrolux. I think a Tweed Bassman that was actually designed as a bass amp would be killer.
Enjoyed the video but viewers beware, this is really a long Tone Master video with the Road Worn as an after thought. I hope they dedicate another video to the entire road worn line. So glad it's back. Fender needs to pony up and get the Mexican factory a dedicated nitro paint booth.
Thanks! Just ordered the Blonde! You guys really do rock and I appreciate all the videos. Hope it sounds good with my new Brent Mason Telecaster as well.
Isn’t the main point to the attenuation to allow you to drive the channel more? Therefore turning up the gain whilst turning down the attenuator ? Just a thought. Obvs its for practicing too but I’m assuming it to allowing you to gain up whilst recording without clipping the mics and annoying everyone.
Guys great video. Can you post some of your favorite settings for the amp - bass treble and mids and volume at what power level? Just curious where u all are finding the sweet spot. Thx
Nice, nice amps! Guitar are too! Attenuation only sounds different because our percussive ears respond to air pressure gradients vs frequencies. (Speakers vs amperage as well as you note Lee). Pete, how do you keep accurate ant counts with so many ports of ingress/egress? 🤔
I have one of the 60's Road Worn Strats in white from the last series. It feels really good and sounds great. I dont like the Tex-Mex bridge pickup, but other than that I love it. I'm glad they are bringing them back.
Late to the game, I know... But... Great review of the Tone Master! Played the Black and Blonde side by side thru the 'Vibrato' channel (Never tested the 'Normal' channel as I knew I wanted to utilize the trem and reverb). Blackface seemed very harsh compared to the Blonde. Ended up buying the Blonde and love it. Just smoother and more appealing to the ear. Works wonderfully with pedals. Breaks up nicely at about 4-1/2 on the volume, regardless of the attenuation setting. Reverb and tremolo are beautiful sounding. Really, an incredible amp. Btw, I also own the Blonde Tone Master Twin. Appreciate the extra clean headroom and output gain. Completely different from the Deluxe, but they work beautifully together....
I have the tone master deluxe, and love it. My other amp is a Rivera fandango weighing in at 38kg, although I love it, it’s not the amp I want to lug around. I am hanging out for Vox and Marshall do to something similar.
Nice relicing work on Pete's jeans!
Coming to stores near you... 😉
Pete's custom shop
@@andertons But are they Masterbuilt or Team Built?
@@andertons ... arriving in parts from tuesday to friday...
Yep, I remember the first time I was also attacked by a tiger. Fun times.
The random close-ups of Pete nodding really make this video
FINALLY they released guitars under 1000 painted in Nitro.
Why does no one talk about this? If it's just a painted guitar (rather than a natural finish) it looks so much better in nitro
Actually ridiculous that nitro finish has become a high end guitar thing.
MySecretMachine
Nitro is difficult and time consuming to apply which adds a lot of expense.
@@powbobs Sure it's a cost thing. But it doesn't really have to be only €2,500+ guitars that come with a Nitro finish. Luckily Fender once in a while does give us the Road Worn series in Nitro at around the €1K mark. But I think it comes down to the factories... If they had the facilities to do nitro which most of them don't... it could easliy be applied to guitars in let's say the €500 range with only a minimum number of coats.
MySecretMachine
My Brad Paisley sig Telecaster is amazing and it has a silver sparkle nitro relic paint job.
I paid $950 new for it.
Got a Tonemaster Deluxe last week for home studio use, got it mic’d up with a ‘57 in front, and using the ribbon setting via the XLR out for stereo recording - sounds absolutely monster!
I’ve got the black version and love it for gigging. Most fun is pretending it’s a back breaker and telling others to pick it up. Their faces are priceless. The firmware mod released in August 2020 takes off the bright cap, extends or alters the reverb range and changes the emulation options. I still play my Blackface Gries 5 a lot but it’s not loud enough for gigs with a drummer.
Very happy with the amp but man that blonde version looks lovely.
I just want a give a shout out to your Guildford store. On Friday I called to place a bridge pickup on hold to come down and collect. When I got there the person had put a neck on reserve (after I triple checked with the guy on the phone that it was bridge as I was coming really far). I was extremely mad when I got there and had spent £25 on train to get there and it was wrong even after triple checking....but your amazing team made it right, they offered me a fantastic deal on the pickup to cover the problem. I really think they went above and beyond and they actually cared, it wasn’t just a show. I don’t think any other shop would even care. I just wanted to bring this up I’m hopes you see this and know how great your team is (which I’m sure you already know)
Sounds like you're a pretty great and understanding customer as well. Kudos, friend.
Someone give these guys a raise, especially the person editing this stuff!
let's not get carried away
the main difference you hear between the speakers is that the Jensen is fatter louder around 150Hz (resonance frequnency at 116Hz) ,, The celestion neo creamback has a much deeper resonance (75/80HZ). So it actually sits below the guitars frequency range. This is why most celestion benefit from sitting in a smaller sealed speaker cab. The trapped air moves the speakers resonance upwards making the speaker have more audible bass and it will be tighter..
THe midrange character is super different.. The celestion has this big high-mid scoop between 900Hz and 1.7Hz. The Fender sounds more present,, the celestion more hollow to my ears. But with dirt the extra harmonics can make those frequencies around 1.4-1.6kHz really spiky in the Jensen
Pretty spot on description. Definitely hear more low mids in the Jensen. Celestion sounding more scooped in mids
Especially with the bright cap on the black one- it would be really cool to hear the two amps compared after applying the firmware update to "clip" the bright cap on the one with the Jensen. Wait. Just realized he compared using the "normal" channel 🤯🤦♂️ so no bright cap! 💡
They name it the Q4 tuning. This is the cabinet where the speaker plays at its loudest with the less cone movement.
I have a Tone Master Deluxe Reverb, and I'm very happy with it. I don't play my tube amps anymore. I agree with Lee about the sound of loud guitars, but here in the real world we cant always rattle the windows, and this amp provides a means tame things without sounding crap or needing extra kit. And unattenuated, a Deluxe Reverb is loud enough to rattle the neighbour's windows too. For me the only issue is the reverb, so I really hope that this is indeed rectified in a firmware update.
Now, if only Marshall would wake up to this idea, and do their take on a "Tone Master" Bluesbreaker or Plexi.
You can get a Strymon Iridium, Line6 Powercab, and some Velcro for a similar price.
That's why the Fender Champ X2 is very good ! It sounds very good and fenderish at low volume !
@@brunojacq5473 Well, I never tried one, but I've got a (now much modded) Fender Champ 12, and I would suggest that the Tone Master does loud better, does quiet better, does silent better, does reverb better, and the overall sounds better (12" speaker, bigger cabinet). Then again, the Tone Master is about twice the price. Its good there is plenty of choice - if something works for you, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.
Those subtle Pete cutaways absolutely killed me while they were going over feature, so funny
I wish that jam at the beginning was extended. Sounded really cool.
what are the chords?!
If you say „more gain“ three times in a row, a wild Ola Englund might appear.
I can't believe Fender don't have a blonde option on all of their amps (not just FSR). Look so much better in blonde!
Insane how good the Road Worn series is. My Vintera 50s Tele feels and plays like I've owned it my whole life.
Reserve your judgement on factory ageing until you've actually tried one.
I really love my "regular" Tone Master Deluxe. There's a USB port on the back for firmware updates and I'm hoping Fender makes it possible to download some of the features of the new Blonde model (like the reverb fix, bright cap, etc.).
UPDATE: Fender did release an update for the Tone Master Deluxe! There's the option of the bright cap mod or the normal version with the reverb fix. I loaded the bright cap mod version and I'm in love! My drive pedals sound so much better and the reverb is even more natural-sounding. This update has made my TMDR my favorite amp ever!
They are going to provide a firmware update with everything the blonde one does.
They announced that they will release a patch very soon, so the user can choose between two distinct patches (bright cap, reverb, etc.).
I do love the video edits. Lee: "issue, issue" Editor: "Bless you". Classic!
Thanks for video! The main reason I use the attenuator is not to play clean at low volumes, it is to be able to increase the volume to achieve distortion from the amp especially 4.5 and higher, which would be way too loud at the full watts. Just love this amp.
Exactly! The Captain keeps missing this point when talking about attenuation to this day. He should've turned the volume up to 5 or 6 to demonstrate that edge of breakup sound.
PETE's PLAYING..mother of god.
I played a Deluxe Reverb with a cream back in the States (fender did a limited run with guitar centre) and it was the sweetest amp i ever heard.
Two weeks ago I bought my Ultra Jazzmaster in Plasma Red and preordered my Tone Master Twin in Blonde...I’ll have it in mid September.
Why isn't fender releasing a tone master princeton reverb? I bet that would sell like hot cakes
I'd run for that
Seriously! 😳 I’m a pretty typical hardcore analog Luddite, but the practicality of that model would be through the roof and well worth ANYONE’s consideration!
fully agree. that would be sweet.
I agree, but it's probably not being made because it's not loud enough for a lot of people. Not to say it's not a great idea......hopefully someday! My tube princeton reverb isn't quite loud enough even cranked all the way to play with a a full band.
@@eltigre8978 Hm. Ever tried a 12” speaker in it, or...? I dunno what to say, really, those are roughly the same wattage as the Blues Junior I’ve had for years and never had to turn up past like 4 or 5 live, so... 🤷🏼♂️😬 lol Good luck! 😄
I play a fender deluxe valve and there's some easy ways to mid boost (klon pedal) and have it ready for drive. Personally I love the stock Jensen it's got that clean sparkle thats incomparable
FINALLY
I've been waiting to see/hear these since the announcement, finally a vintage finish on a vintage guitar.
Can't wait to save up for a Lake Placid Blue 60s Strat
There are always the haters who probably never have played one, much less the new one... And omg thankyou gentlemen for the comparison, the only thing missing was a Gibson thrown into the mix!
I'm definitely updating my black deluxe Reverb to the blonde's version of the firmware as soon as I can get windows 7 to detect the amp!
Loving the thought bubbles. Top notch editing. If you guys don’t win another award soon, I’ll eat my strat.
Just spent a few months with a Tone Master Deluxe Reverb, the black one obviously, and have to say- probably the most practical, useful, guitar amp I've EVER owned! Everything I didn't like about my Hot Rod Deluxe & Blues Jr was GONE- and everything I loved about my Limited Edition Deluxe Reverb Reissue was THERE!! I'm talking tones, and MOJO! On the 12 watt mode, I had everything I missed about my Princeton Reverb, and on 0.2 watts, the breakup was as beautiful as my handwired 5 watt champ clone! 22 watts was glorious, and the weight of the amp spoiled me. Because of COVID-19, I've had no gigs since March, so I sold the Tone Master for EXACTLY what I paid for it!!! I've missed it ever since... maybe I'll pick up the blonde someday soon! I threw a Weber alnico speaker in the Black one at one point... beautiful! Eminence Lil Texas and Tonkerlite were both fantastic, as well, but nothing beat the n12k... couldn't help but experiment! Jensen and Fender just seem to win! That said, was very excited to hear the Neo Creamback!!! Thanks for this video!!!! I think they're BOTH my favorite!!!
I have to say, the way y'all play is very tasty!!! 🤤 just watched the video again to hear all those sweet strat licks!!! Man I want that seafoam green roadworn strat! Funny note, since I am in USA and also a big fan of Star Wars, a couple time when you said "Road Worn" I heard "Rogue One!" 😆
Tone Master Super Reverb and I am in the game!
I have bought the regular Tone Master Deluxe and I just love it exactly for the classic fender clean tone. If I would like to go for higher gain stuff any other amp with celestion speaker should be fine, I don't really see the point of the Blonde, however sounds good as well. They should do a Tone Master Tweed or a Super version, brilliant series, please keep them coming. (My wallet cries out loud...) BTW to the guys who thinks they are expensive, if you got lets say 90% accurate tone, you need to pay the 90% price. If Fender would price these at 500 USD it would cut his own market, not talking about the high development expenses I guess.
I bought the Blonde a few months ago and I use it with several different drive pedals. It does not sound raspy like in this video but warm and lovely.
I’d love to see a Tonemaster tweed series. I love tubes but they’re a pain in the backside.
Bought the ‘65 blackface Twin a quarter of a century ago. Best investment I ever made. Z0re maintenance in 25 years! -BUTT: life would have been so much easier if I’d gotten a deluxe (or smaller) You can’t turn a Twin up at the club or bar. Deluxe sounds perfect at nice bid club bar. I’m definitely gonna add something smaller than a Twin. (That Twin has been a reliable anchor/ workhorse though. Also bought the Twin cause I thought it’d be the perfect “pedal platform” !WRONG! it is too clean with no kids. At a normal volume. So on a fuzz, for example, you really here the circuitry more than the guitar and effect. Big muff sounds like a bunch of transistors... but then the same pedals with a smaller amp breaking up a little (AC30, HiWatt DC40) sounds amazing. Same with Champ/ Princeton/ Deluxe
I think the attenuation is great for the tonemaster. On mine, I might play a clean song with the volume at 2 and the attenuation at full. Then I want to play something distorted and I turn the attenuation down until I am roughly the same level with my volume knob at 7 or 8. At home it's fantastic because I can play at the sweet spot in the middle of the night. At a gig it is great because you can change your tone drastically with the volume knob, without changing your actual level in the room.
Also gotta say, recording with these at home is a dream. The attenuator has no effect on the DI out. So I can set my level to be whatever I want it in the room and the DI-out is just perfectly level and sounds better than my GT1000 or Amplitube, or any third party IRs I have. And sometimes I'll just mute the cab and I can monitor the guitar in the mix from headphones or studio monitors.
Hate to be that guy but would love a road-worn with more modern specs (especially the neck and frets). I would get that stuff in a heartbeat!
In 2011 or 2012 Fender actually had at least one Strat and Tele in the Roadworn Series that they called Roadworn Player (as opposed to Roadworn 50s or 60s). They were not a limited special run, but they were only available for a year and half or two. I own the Tele. It has the modern 9.5 neck radius, a Seymour Duncan ‘59 Humbucker in the neck, and a reverse control mod all standard for the model. The Strat has a bridge humbucker, the 9.5 radius neck, and I’m not sure if there were any other special features on it. I’ve never seen one of the Strats in person and for that matter my Tele is the only one I’ve ever seen in person, but I’ve seen a few occasionally for sale on Reverb.
Yes, I really hope Andertons put 9.5" fretboard radius on their FSR.. The 7.25" radius is what drove me off the road-worn series before
@@TheBedroomRocker1 the 7.25 radius isn't a big deal with the jumbo frets. 7.25 only feels like 7.25 with vintage frets, which is the specs I personally prefer. But the problem with 7.25 is usually the fret work. If the frets are done well, there'll be no issue.
@@b_nast19 Absolutely! Anyone who plays my original 64 and my 59/60 swears I had radius shaved untill I pull out the gauges. Jumbos make a difference but my set up was done by my retired (untill I moved in) luthier neighbor who is a pre cbs jedi who cut his teeth in the mid 50s. Poor guy is trying to enjoy his final days in peace but when you have a human plek machine and tube amp guru that lives 2 houses away ...... 😆
@@b_nast19 Thanks for the tip! I'll keep an eyes for the frets as well. I have an old Classic Series 60s Strat, which sounds amazing but the floating bridge, 7.25" radius, and (probably) vintage frets means that every string change requires a set-up, otherwise it chokes the bends all over the neck. I later got a Baja Tele with 9.5" radius and I think medium-jumbo frets, which plays much easier.
I wish Fender would release a Tone Master version of the Super Reverb.
Spoke to soon
Ha ha! I predicted it!
I guess god heard you!
I love watching these guys because they make me play my guitar. Like, even if I didn't feel like it before.
Yeah this here! I always end up grabbing a guitar and messing around while watching these! Often trying to figure out that sweet lick Pete played or something haha.
Well now I need that blue strat
Are you talking about the green strat....?
If Pete’s playing with it, its purple 😈😂
My old faded sonic blue Classic Player 60’s Strat is now sort of surf/sea foam green.
Surf Green
Imagine how many of these would sell if they made a Blues Junior version?!?!? I’d take one for certain!!!
So excited to see the roadworn Telecaster back. Big Springsteen fan, and he's one reason I love Telecasters.
Me too man. Cool thumbnail.
I think Springsteen played another color/finish.
#metoo
@@fritsvanzanten3573 His modded Esquire was beat up even when he got it. If it was once blonde, all the finish has long since worn off.
@@grummanf-14tomcat8 OK, I only knew it from the pictures and album sleeves. I read however he bought it without finish already ;-) www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/bruce-springsteens-favorite-guitar-the-story-behind-one-of-a-kind-fender-119846/
Absolutely gutted they never offered a '60's Tele option with a Pastel/Rosewood combo...
Totally agree, missed opportunity from fender
I bought a vintera Tele during lockdown fully convinced that roadworns weren't coming back. Dang it. But at least I didn't pay through the teeth for the second hand ones. Gonna go play my shinny guitar now 🙂
So glad I waited.
I much prefer pre-dinged guitars.
me too !!! 😭 a bit disappointed, got a vintera 50’s mod in butterscotch blonde but i must be glad anyway
Certainly my choice changes between the two depending on what’s being played. I changed my mind three times but both sound good. And I usually don’t like the digital amps at all.
same
Tried these two next to each other with and without pedals, the difference in the way they sound is accurate. It was a hard choice!
What choice did you make?
I agree about the modeling thing. I'd much rather have a digital amp that utilizes the technology to do one amp very well as opposed to a jack of all trades unit that does a lot of stuff but not convincingly.
Great demo. With the available firmware updates the only difference between the two is the speaker and cosmetics. Both great for different reasons, but I preferred the Jensen in every test. The Celestion has a hole in the lower mids to my ears, and has a fizzy high end with distortion. Also, I prefer the look of the black one. 😉
I own a fender 65 deluxe Limited edition Valve with a Celestion Creamback .. so yes they sure did !
I like the Tone Master concept. I do hope Fender will consider doing a Princeton Reverb model in Tone Master. Why do a Tone Master version of such a small wattage amp? Firstly, the tubes. They wear they end up needing replacement & over time you need servicing. Secondly, those little amps still weigh some.
Ozzy, I have a 1999 Deluxe Reverb reissue of the '65. Since I got it "cleaned up" out of necessity last year it has never been the same and there still problems. In short... I am with you on this.
@@paulcasilio1119 They should also power scale a Princeton up.A 25 watt Princeton would suit me down to the ground.
@@YawpMusic I hear you on that, Brother. They have to be heading this way on all this not necessarily to replace, but as an alternative.
And a blackface Bassman head
@@The_WaryWanderer For the bass? Good grief they would need 1000w to drive it properly. Check out the specs of these Tone Masters, you will see they draw a lot more wattage than the volume you think you are hearing. I think the Deluxe Reverb Tone Master sucks up about 100w from the mains to give you a "40w" sound.
This video convinced me to put my ac30 up for sale so i can buy that blonde tone master
I have a Tonemaster Twin Reverb- it's brilliant (from an old Twin Reverb user for 35 years)
I prefer the Jensen in these Amps. I a/b'd both Twins Black or Cream...I chose the black
The blonde sounds much nicer to me anyway. Both are great. Well done Fender
The Tonemasters sound great! But the price point has to come way down! Come on Fender.... at the end of the day no matter how you package it these are Chinese made solid state digital amps! You can get a great sounding Fender Champion 100 2x12" or a Boss Katana 100 MkII 1x12" for €300. And don't forget the resell value of these digital amps, it's going to be bad - remember the Fender Cyber amps... If the price does come down (which I very much doubt) I might get one to go along side my valve amp. But where the price is now.... nope! Anyway.... great vid as always, guys! Cheers
The subtle editing is amazing😂😂
Man, I want the tone of the black tolex version with the looks and reverb of the blonde tolex version!
You can actually download the firmware of the black one to the blonde one and change speakers so you can achieve your dream!
I picked up an American Professional Strat instore yesterday (well, it's being delivered tomorrow). Enjoyed dealing with Ollie, he gave some cracking advice, worthy of Pete, Rabea and the gang! Get him to do a video on Fuzz pedals... Great service.
Hey Guys ,you made my day on the rainy west-coast of Canada!!...Pete your guitar playing is wonderful and you always play rhythm right in the pocket to compliment whoever your jamming with!!I have to add though that ,Lee sounds better and better every show.I like the use of vibrato and yours is getting that singing quality.!!...thanks to you both!
Had my TM Deluxe about 2 years and it’s great! Weighs a mere 23 pounds and I’m in and out of the clubs in a split! Gives me time to help the drummer lug his stuff. 😜
Lol... you mean your drummer shows up? Well i suppose if you are helping carry his stuff, you can probably get him there, and on time...Cheers
If these new road worn series guitars had a modern fingerboard radius I would have ordered one. Theres a reason why we moved away from the 7.25 fingerboard radius. Maybe they will do something like that in the future, and maybe more colors! I'm super bummed
Can't tell what's more epic - that intro jam or that smolder at 1:40!
The Black Deluxe is the clear winner for me.
Bout time road worn guitars with variety of finishes....liked em when they came out but white ,sunburst,...plus I think fender Mexico is a much more efficient factory from all the years of getting it better...good deal...👍👍👍👍
The DI sounds were spectacular in my opinion.
I wish they do a 59 bassman 4x10 version of this.
I just got the blonde twin and it plays and sounds amazing. I’ve used Helix, Bias, and other digital options but nothing has the feel of a real amp like this one.
How low volume does it go and sound good? Debating the DR Blonde vs. the Twin. Now they could easily do a firmware update that would change the volume pot sensitivity/travel distance and please so many of us home players
@@sboistan I use mine in the house on the lowest attenuator setting with the volume around 4 and find it perfect for home use. That said, if you want to drive the amp you’ll need to turn the volume up and even on the lowest setting it will still be a little loud, in my opinion. If you plan to get your drive sounds from pedals then you’ll have no problem getting good tones at low volumes.
Damn I love this channel! I was just thinking about the tone master series and here these guys come and w/ worn guitars that I love. I watch this channel so much I don't even hear the English accents anymore hah (yes, I realize us Americans are the ones w/ the accent ;p )
I'm looking forward to the return of roadworns, I love a distressed surf green. Hoping they add sonic blue as a permanent fixture.
I was just thinking I should probably beat the shit out of my surf green strat lol. Looks so good.
Scott Webber
Beat up poly just doesn’t look right. It doesn’t wear realistically.
@@powbobs tru
I have the black one.i have no issues with overdrive being too trebly. The black one has a truer classic sound. Both are fine but if u want to me more fenderlike thr black face is it. Great for gigs with weight and attenuater
I have come back twice already just to listen to the jams, that strat HITS THE SPOT !!
Just went back and watched this again. So entertaining and informative. You guys were a bright spot over a sh&tty lock down time. Thank you Anderson’s
I own a 65 Reissue Fender Deluxe Reverb and I had the bright cap mod done and I love it. Which is why I didn't like the original Tone Master DR - too spikey and brittle sounding. This Tone Master Blonde sounds really close to what my amp sounds like now. Fatter, warmer and not as spikey. I think this is exactly what I have been waiting for!
I am not a fan of artificially relic'd guitars, but I would be very interested in Vintera series guitars done in a Nitro finish, as they did with the Classic series guitars the Vintera series replaced. I hope Fender has plans for that in the future.
Umm, these RW Vinteras do have nitro finishes, my friend.
@@benhenschel145 He wants non-relic'd nitro I think, and so do I to be honest, but they've said the quality of the finish from the Mexican factory isn't good enough to come pristine
@@Jamie_kemp Right. Who said that, Fender themselves? I can't imagine it's very difficult to apply Nitro. As far as I know it's more of a cost thing because in their Mexican plant they use one facility for all finishes. So when they want to do nitro, they have to flush everything for the poly finishes out first and then afterwards again, so it's very costly and time inefficient
@@benhenschel145 I think I heard it on this channel at some point. Yeah that’s why they don’t do this as a continuous run but it doesn’t explain why they have to have them all relic’d rather than having some just finished like new like the American original and now American vintage II are
I picked up a black Deluxe Tone Master and loved it so much, went out and got a Blonde model. My tubers are going out the door cause there's no need for them anymore. I tried replacing the OEM Jensen speaker with a big ass Cannabis Rex (which sounds incredible thru my Fender Supersonic tube amp) and sounded terrible in the Tonemaster. So gotta just leave the original speaker alone. Fender got it right.
So which one do you prefer and why? And did you the firmware upgrade on the black one? I am not sure which one to get.
@@maxflinter6896 I think I prefer the black amp but... any difference is kinda unnoticeable as I use them together with a ABY switch. I haven't updated the firmware as I don't wanna risk wrecking it. lol. I am currently adding a ext speaker out jack to one, just to see what that sounds like. Chow
You two are the coolest dudes on UA-cam with gear testing! Dope video guys
The intro jam was heavenly ❤🌈
Can't wait for the speaker shootout!! I'm currently looking for a replacement 12 for a champ 25 se.
i just have to say how good the homies playing is, i genuinely enjoy hearing my dude play and click on these vids to hear him. good job brother. also thanks for the great reviews.
I need a seafoam stratocaster in my life!
Who's waiting for a Tonemaster Tweed Deluxe or Bassman?
yep to tweeds tonemaster, also a Princeton blackface
Vibroverb 1x15 maybe? If you look at the 65 reissue series, I guess they might go for a Vibrolux 2x10 and a Princeton 1x10... or the Super Reverb 4x10.
me.
I’m definitely in for a Tonemaster version of ANY tweed. I would also enjoy a Brownface Vibroverb or a Blackface Vibrolux.
I think a Tweed Bassman that was actually designed as a bass amp would be killer.
okay. we gon' need the chord progression for that intro loop. ASAP
Ace review as always.
Road worn jeans & road worn Fender's brilliant match!
Honestly, fender is killing it right now. I would say everything fender in 2020 is rock solid.
i would have LOVED to see Pete in his 2 4x10 hot rod deville days hahaha
The black one has more snap and sounds better to my ears .
Am I the only one who thinks Fender should bring back the old Tone Master amp. Those amps were awesome!
whoever does the edits is a genius of comedy. Dig i tal
Enjoyed the video but viewers beware, this is really a long Tone Master video with the Road Worn as an after thought. I hope they dedicate another video to the entire road worn line. So glad it's back. Fender needs to pony up and get the Mexican factory a dedicated nitro paint booth.
Hey man, Fender Road worn are so cool to play !! I enjoy this new arrival. Will you do soon a video of them, like all the guitar series ?
Thanks! Just ordered the Blonde! You guys really do rock and I appreciate all the videos. Hope it sounds good with my new Brent Mason Telecaster as well.
Those two would be epic in stereo!
Really enjoy when you post these videos of you and Pete talking about equipment
Isn’t the main point to the attenuation to allow you to drive the channel more? Therefore turning up the gain whilst turning down the attenuator ? Just a thought. Obvs its for practicing too but I’m assuming it to allowing you to gain up whilst recording without clipping the mics and annoying everyone.
Guys great video. Can you post some of your favorite settings for the amp - bass treble and mids and volume at what power level? Just curious where u all are finding the sweet spot. Thx
When I first heard about this like 2 weeks ago I fainted. This proves how much I like those, though I don't have like 1000€ to spend on one.
Nice, nice amps! Guitar are too! Attenuation only sounds different because our percussive ears respond to air pressure gradients vs frequencies. (Speakers vs amperage as well as you note Lee). Pete, how do you keep accurate ant counts with so many ports of ingress/egress? 🤔
i was asleep because i live in US and i still got up and watched this. Great video.
I think those tweaks on the tone masters are great! LOVE blonde edition; although I’ve always been more of a brunette kinda of guy (bad joke I know)
I have one of the 60's Road Worn Strats in white from the last series. It feels really good and sounds great. I dont like the Tex-Mex bridge pickup, but other than that I love it. I'm glad they are bringing them back.
Late to the game, I know... But... Great review of the Tone Master!
Played the Black and Blonde side by side thru the 'Vibrato' channel (Never tested the 'Normal' channel as I knew I wanted to utilize the trem and reverb). Blackface seemed very harsh compared to the Blonde. Ended up buying the Blonde and love it. Just smoother and more appealing to the ear. Works wonderfully with pedals. Breaks up nicely at about 4-1/2 on the volume, regardless of the attenuation setting. Reverb and tremolo are beautiful sounding. Really, an incredible amp.
Btw, I also own the Blonde Tone Master Twin. Appreciate the extra clean headroom and output gain. Completely different from the Deluxe, but they work beautifully together....
I have the tone master deluxe, and love it. My other amp is a Rivera fandango weighing in at 38kg, although I love it, it’s not the amp I want to lug around. I am hanging out for Vox and Marshall do to something similar.
Love when Pete lets some Danish out. "Jæænsen" speakers :)
Both amps at the same time would be sick too.
Pete always amazes me, I want that backing track