Thanks for all the feedback and questions on my channels feed post. I answered some FAQ at the end. Everything is timestamped.. Oh, I am never shaving my face again. 😳🤣 Thanks to Fender Australia for the loaner! - 0:00 - Unboxing 0:32 - Intro & Disclaimer 1:07 - Jam Track 3:36 - Amplifier Overview 5:42 - Vibrato Channel (Strat) 7:32 - Vibrato Effect with Reverb 8:25 - Edge of Breakup with Boost 9:19 - Maximum Volume (Strat) 10:11 - Maximum Volume (Humbuckers) 11:34 - Normal Channel Tones 12:43 - Cab Sim vs Real Mics 14:20 - My Review (pros and cons) 15:21 - How it feels to play 16:08 - The Two Main Differences 17:04 - Better than the Twin or Deluxe Reverb? - Check out the Fender Super-Reverb Tone Master online: ►Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/WD6bNZ ►Thomann - bit.ly/3CWLmkY (affiliate links)
Not only was your playing extra nice on this video, but your video editing skills have clearly SKYROCKETED over the years! Totally dug those cuts to facts about the amp, the zoom-in on the pedal settings with the circles to direct the eye... you're killing it, man!
Thanks a lot, Steve. I recently upgraded my camera as well so it's been a huge leap forward for me in terms of video quality. Many thanks for the kind words.
Great stuff, Shane. No overproduction in post, just straight-ahead tone, and actual information on what mics used. It's not for me, I'd probably go the Blonde Deluxe or a Boss Nextone, but your integrity (that's Tegridy for any Randy Marsh fans) is always appreciated. Stay safe, take care mate. Cheers from lockdown in Sydney.
Hi Shane, I remember cranking up the tube version of this amp with en SG in the early eighties. It sounded great! This amp seems to have everything I like about a Fender amp, without what I don't (flubby low end, overly bright). The overall sound seems very balanced. Nice demo (as always).
@@650thunderbird Indeed! I still have the analogue service, but I have NO ADSL any more! They discontinued their service, so only got Tesltra 4G dongle for now!
Love the tones!!!! I wouldn’t mind buying one, however that Pro Reverb is calling me 🤪!! Really loving the ToneMaster series and I hope Fender continues to add iconic amps to the lineup! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Great demonstration Shane!! Fender should just let you keep the amp by the way!!😎😎😉😉
You could be right. The reason I moved mine on was the weight and getting into the car was a problem at the time. I am glad both versions are still available though for the tube lovers. :)
My only issue w these is when they go down you wont be able to repair them like a good old tube amp. Ive even started to steer clear of cheaper pcb tube amps for the same reasons. They definitely sound nice tho!. I also think they should cost about 60% of what they do, personally. .
Love my deluxe. These things have blown my mind. I didn’t have huge expectations but I have never owned an amp that I love to play straight in. No pedals is awesome and love the light breakup sound..
Thanks for explaining that this isn't a Twin Reverb. I'm a noob and looking at specs, so it's good to hear someone say that each amp has their own sound.
This was my first "serious" amp and it makes me sweat when I play it 😅. The tone is exactly what I wanted. The 45 watt wasn't as loud as I expected....still loud but not as loud as I thought it would be. Can't wait to see you play it live. Edit: I don't use picks so my attack and volume won't normally match up to someone thats really picking. Also the amp was louder than I expected on every power stage except 45w and .5w. 45 didn't make my ears bleed and .5 was exactly what I expected
Fellow finger-style Super Reverb player! Great choice for your first serious amp. I bet it's excellent for recording. I have an old 70s super that's crazy loud. Like you can't play above 4 with a full band....A lot of people say 100 watts solid-state is much quieter than a 100 watt tube amp. I'm not sure if that actually applies to these tone masters though.
@@Rockandrollgeerage in my opinion, 1w, 5w, 12w and 22w were a little louder than I expected them to be. Again, my playing style isn't as hard as using a pick and the amp is very dynamic so that may have been a reason. Also having 4 speakers moves more wind than one so idk. I think a deluxe is 22w but I've never played one to compare. You could probably test the two in a shop of you're interested in that aspect.
Love the sound of the SR! Just like the TM Deluxe and Twin I own I believe Fender has done a Fantastic Job with this Series of Amps. And I also Love the sound of your Tele through it!! And…..Hey you shaved since I saw your last Vid!!! Have a Great Day and Cheers from Salem, Ohio US!
Hi Rick, quick question for a TM owner - do you use any Fuzz pedals with either of your TM amps? I've only heard a couple YT demos that do this and both are very "produced" channels, if you know what I mean :) Cheers.
@@mattgilbert7347 Hi Matt, I don't have a Fuzz pedal per say. I do have a pedal that has a setting with so much gain it will sound like a Fuzz. Don't seem to have a problem with either my TM Deluxe or Twin. Both amps as well I assume with the SR should take a Fuzz well. There's something about the Fender TM Series that All Pedals seem to like. I'm still working out in my 56th year as a Musician and have used all the amps Fender is now digitizing. They are so close to the Originals it's unbelievable! And for me that's a Good Thing. There is a little difference in sound but I've changed Tubes in the Originals and they sound a little different after that also. You just compensate a little. Cheers man!
Awesome review and demo of the Tone Master Shane! I still prefer my Mustang III v2 and it's pure quality sounds, FX loop & stereo out. You and this community are the main reason I got the Mustang!
i want one :) they are the best thing ever invented for a touring muso. Light and ready for any size venue with the attenuator and the DI. Sounds awesome too. You want to buy it, dont you Shane....
Great demo as usual! Here's a broad generalization about the super reverb: Vibrato channel: Single coil side. Great for P90s or lower output Straty single coils. Normal channel (that nobody uses): Humbucker side. Gibson PAFs/other higher output pickups sound amazing through this channel. Something about that simpler two band EQ really works great with most Gibsons. I have a 70s silverface and the normal channel does actually have reverb, it's just less intense than the vibrato side. The termolo actually works on the normal channel too....it just only affects the reverb and not the actual dry signal. I don't know if all vintage Supers are like this tho.
So where would you plug in my Gibson Les Paul Special with double P90s? I'm kinda going back and forth between vibrato and normal channel and cannot make up my mind. Not using reverb live (only delay) so the reverb alone doesn't make the decision here. Also, I think the bigger question with humbuckers (and maybe also P90s) isn't so much normal channel vs vibrato but rather input 1 vs input 2.
Digital has changed the game. It really began with the Katana, we couldn't believe just how far 'solid state' has come to producing that Tube sound, these tonemaster models are so clean, and they seem to deliver on the majority of the tone. Nice video mate, appreciate the insights.
They did Come a long way, but tube is not all in the sound. Its the mechanism how it responds to your playing, dynamics. To me it still sounds digital to be quite honest.
First, thank you for the very informative review. If I hadn't purchased a Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus less than a month before this came out, I would be ordering the Super Reverb Tone Master as soon as I possibly could. When the $$$$ situation is back where I can, this is at the top of the list for my next purchase!! Please keep the videos coming!!!
If you did a side by side with the real deal you would hear some differences, but the TM has so many advantages and useful features. I like the XLR DI out, the power scaling, and the light weight. It's close enough to the real deal. I still have a little problem with the price when I consider what other tube amps I could have for the same amount of money.
It Sounds really good. I have the Tone Master Twin and love it. My Holy Grail is a Tone Master version of the 64 Vibroverb with a Cesar Diaz Mod Switch. That 15'' speaker is awesome. 😁
Shane, I remember when you used to have that Fender SR! It was so heavy you used to wheel it round on a dolly, as it was too cumbersome to carry & put in your car! Sounded GREAT tho!
I wouldn't worry about the clean boosting. It is different, but well. Pangasius is different than cod, but we gotta learn to live with that. Also, in guitaramp world it's getting better and better. Eventually most non-tube amps like will feel and respond more like the tube amps, which most of us won't use over time.
I remember very well back in the late 60's and early 70's, when you dimed a piece of equipment, something in the chain was going to end up smoking. I still rarely turn up an amp past the sweet spot.
Bought the tone master 1x12 and after two shows, I have to admit it's impressive. Only issue I have is now I have the dilemma of deciding which Amp to use at shows! Tine Master, Fender Hot Rod deluxe, Bogner Shiva combo. Good problem to have....lol
Shane glad you like it, and you have it sounding superb. I have tried this same four speaker model. It is priced like a tube amp with digital circuits. The most expensive digital modeling amp I have seen is this one. It is really light for carrying around though, definately a plus.
I was debating the twin model, but its too expensive and I really just want a head version of this amp to plug into my own 2x12 cab. I ended up getting the One Control BJS-66. Its a solid state Twin, I A and B'd the One Control with my Fender Twin and its incredible how close the One Control is and it weighs under 4lbs. 100watts @ 16ohm, 66 @ 8ohm and 33 @ 4ohm. You can get them as low as $479 w the footswitch, but most places are $599 without foot switch.
I used a friends at a gig and while it sounded like a typical Fender, it didn't have the compression I'm used to with tube amps, especially for clean tones. That was my experience anyway. I'm staying with tubes.
I was debating between the SR and Twin. I ended up with the Twin last week. It’s great. It won’t replace my other Fender tube amps (historically a tube snob) but they did a great job with this series. I’ll echo others who have said it’s 95% there. Without a side by side playing comparison in the room and listening with you eyes…you would be hard pressed to tell the difference.
I drank the kool aid too and purchased a blond Fender Twin Reverb Tone Master. It’s OK, but after a few outings and A/B ing it with my ‘64 Custom Deluxe Reverb, it just wasn’t making it. Fortunately I was able to sell it used for a decent price. Might give the SR TM a try though. We shall see.
Nice. First gen Cyber Twin owner. Yes, it still works ;) Always thought this amp was what trickled down to the G Dec's. SS Fender is no mystery,,,had a Princeton 112 that rocked and bought a guitar after plugging into a FrontMan 212. Its the carpenter, not the tools. Tools work, all in.
I think Fender have taken a very interesting route with this series of amps. Clearly a lot of work has gone into the pre-amp section and thought into the power amp to make them work with authentic speakers. Most digital modelling amps I've encountered rely on some level of speaker emulation to get reasonably close to the sound(s) they're trying to replicate. What my ears tell me is that the ToneMaster series amps haven't nailed the reverb and that the midrange is a little too warm. These classic Fenders should have a distinctive upper-mid frequency 'bark' and that isn't quite there. If anything these amps sound more like the Hot Rod series which is neither good nor bad just not quite classic Fender valve tone. The IRs are superb, the facility for silent recording is a bonus and the weight is something anyone older, with back issues, or who lives in a block of flats, will appreciate. On balance I think these amps are a win for Fender. They look right and in a band mix they will work perfectly.
Cool amp. Great demo. I have a inner voice telling me that the price is an awful big sum to pay for a class D Chinese amp. I just feel like the cost vs value is kinda wonky. But it seems 'Super' usable lol.
Hey Leo I bought one and yes it is expensive but the way I justify it is first off I would assume it took a lot of money for research to get the quality they achieved you know I would imagine an enormous amount of trial and error goes into these things and a lot of money in test equipment salaries etc. which I would imagine all that part is done here in the good ole USA. Also you got to remember this damn inflation hits all aspects of industry not just us consumers IE just two or three years ago this amp might have gone for $700 to $900 maybe (just guessing) and thats a without tax guesstimate. But yea I think its higher than what I was hoping but I so far down have to much buyers remorse. Maybe a little lol I know my chiropractor probably wishes I would have bought the original.Oh one more thing the speakers I'm thinking More money in those than most amps anyway.
The Tonemaster series amps are nice but I'll wait til they've been on the used market for a while. The prices they are charging offsets the advantages. If nothing but the sounds of a sparking clean Fender will do and you have a bad back it's worth it. Otherwise it's about double what I would consider a fair price.
one of my fav amps is the Fender Stage 100 ( not the digi fx version), all solid state, but sounds very warm...!!! bought one in mint condition for 130€s! cheers, K : )
I tried on and was decently impressed, until I plugged into the REAL Super Reverb sitting next to it to remind myself. Not even close, a mile apart. Considering it's a DSP machine, I find the price on the "tone master" to be offensive, when I can buy a 70 inch Smart TV for LESS money.
@@pads-zr9ln What components are "premium"? I saw DSP chips you can buy under a dollar, retail, and the cheapest of cheap SMC components, none of which are even 2% tolerance. Super cheap pots, mounted to the PCB, and the worst jacks money can buy. As an EE, I'm truly curious what "premium" components you see on that amp. All I see is the same stuff in a cheap, bargain smart TV, that costs a thirds the price, with WIFI, HD screen, and remote control.
Just want to say that your videos are always something I look forward to. Straight forward and no bull. Been considering this amp for awhile and you convinced me ! Thanks for all you do and keep up the great work !! Cheers from Ohio!👍
Hey buddy I’m glad you did this one because I just made a video about solid state vs tube and I would love to compare these ToneMaster amps to the originals. Great video!
I'm thinking i just need to find a shop with a TM & a Non TM to A/B. These amps sound pretty good in the videos but, it's just tough to tell "how good". Funny how weight is such a selling point. They make tools to help you cart equipment around. Great Video! Thanks
Carol Kaye used a original super reverb to record and perform her bass playing. No doubt you could do the same with the tonemaster version. I use a reissue 59 bassman ltd for bass and it is amazing. I want to get two of these tonemaster super reverbs for my collection. I want one for guitar and one for bass.
Shane is such a top shelf guitarist. As far as the sound, I wonder how much is the PA vs the Amp. Almost can guarantee it won't sound like this in reality. I had a Silverface I used a lot for while touring in the 70s. It never had a full bottom end. While our sound guy could get a nice full sound out front it bothered me being so weak behind me. I never used reverb in big venues. I went back to the Twins and Deluxes. Also used the Bassman full set up. They all had full sounds. Super....Never !!
there's a Red stripe Studio Pro 112 on Facebook marketplace near me for £90 and I keep having to remind myself I live in a tiny flat and don't have the space.
played this great amp! the tonemasters are ruffly 80% there..lacks the tube presence and depth..but its a great amp for gigging and plenty loud and it is a classic fender sound!!
Good video.. watching blue tooth into my JBL's IRX112, playing a Dano 12 string thru a Super Champ x2,,, thru a 2x12 Marshall, cab,, thru a klon clone... The sound matches up really Nice. Fender is the King.
When the Super Reverb came out in 1963 I wonder if this amp was available at that same time would some of our heroes chosen this amp based on cost sound and weight. Most of the tube amps we love are a direct result of what we listened to growing up. Many of those first artist played what was available and found uses or ways to coach a sound out of them not because it was a fender or Marshall etc…
Shane, I have to admit I'm a little concerned about the knife at 0:03. Thankfully, it's not the fretting hand lol. Great video! All the guitars sounded great but that PRS, wow.
Hello again Shane. I played one of these today and loved it. I was thinking of buying a Hot Rod but now I think I might get a Tonemaster. I am just wondering how it compares to the Tonemaster Twin? Which did you like the most?????? Thanks mate.
I'm enjoying all the new modeling features on SS amps nowadays but I have yet to find one that matches the tube circuit emulation of my SS Lab Series L5. Bob Moog was a GENIUS !!!
It sounds great!! But why lead off with pedals? Straight up amp through the paces so we get an idea of it’s sound alone - then add the ear candy. This is a friendly suggestion BTW. Great review and one of the best I’ve seen for the Tonemaster series.
@@marktheshark99 So then use the tube version lol. Just cause you don’t like digital doesn’t mean other people won’t, why not let them have the option?
@@jakemguitarist because if more people like digital which sucks then there will be less incentive for continuing the tube industry to keep it alive for us who refuse to use anything else. These new idiot generations soon won’t even be able to change a lightbulb! Everything made to break in a few years and just buy the next over hyped version or even stop owning anything and have only subscriptions and a new booster shot every other month for the latest variant!
Had the TM Twin. Very nice sounding amp, but I agree they are far too pricey for a Chinese made amp with only 2 year warranty, some construction is pretty crap actually (eg the back boards are really rubbish, thin MDF type board; mine were actually warping due to a period of higher humidity), important modern features are missing like effects loop. Unlike the tube version, the sound of these could be improved when the internal boards become obsolete but Fender doesn’t make the hardware upgradable…only firmware which may already be at its peak capacity. Why didn’t they make both channels have access to reverb/trem? Some things are NOT worth keeping from the original when they aren’t an advantage. Given the cost, I think they needed to added a foot switchable bassman 410 style tone circuit, otherwise you’re going to have to buy each version of the TM to get the tones you’re after. The idea of keeping it true to original is mostly good, but adding the equivalent tweed option into the one amp would make it much more interesting for the price. Methinks. They definitely have great advantages especially weight and volume attenuation, but these are standard on many amps now. I would have preferred Fender went down the analogue technology route as some other makers have done. That would have reduced the build in redundancy issue just as a good analogue pedal is still great 40 years after its inception.
Made In fn China... I was close to buying one but now I think I'll stick with my Blues Jnr III. Valve amp, Celestian speaker, and MIM at least...just the reverbs are crap and fail notoriously on them, so why I bought a reverb pedal for it.
I had a super reverb on a long term borrow situation back when I was in graduate school living in an 1br apartment! Good god that thing was loud. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I wish they’d do a Tone Master version the Princeton in both jensen & celestion creamback 10” versions. Having the power scaling option would be awesome with that amp for home practice… especially if they’d take the time to do a headphone out to accompany the XLR emulated line out.
@@bootgrip6 The allure of these are the minimal weight, and attenuator. Wonder if they will do one on such a light, low volume amp. Also so much of the processing power is in the Reverb/Tremolo, wonder if they would do Tweed amps that don't have these effects?
Apparently a female XLR to female stereo 3.5mm socket will allow headphones to run on all Tonemasters with the XLR level control controlling the headphones volume. They really should put that in the manuals 😄
@@mmike65m another part of the allure is not being dependent on ever-diminishing tube production and quality. The beauty of doingb a tweed TM amp is they wouldn’t have to screw around with reverb at all. Its a no-brainer.
OMG Shane the intro jam was 100% EAR CANDY!!!! Loved it!! also Beards = makeup for men! LOL!!! i haven't shaved my face in so long... that now i'm afraid too...LOL!!!
Sounds awesome! I have the tm deluxe and it's super quiet. Doesn't respond well like you said with a clean boost pedal but so far great with my other ones. love my tm amp.
Thanks, has an amazing tone... shame they don't make a high end product like this for us bedroom players, I know they have the mustang and speakers size counts but this is really on another level. I do own an old cyber and a mustang micro that I love but it would be so cool if they made a tone master micro or a high end small amp version or even a high end tone master multi fx pedal
I've played the TMDR in the store and listened to a number of demos/reviews. I think the Tone Master concept is awesome, and the weight, attenuation, and XLR simulated cab out features are great for a practical working guitarist rig. When listening closely, I occasionally heard a bit of digital static/crackling as notes trailed off. I'll be interested to see if Fender eventually releases a Mk2 of the TMDR -- I would think they would eventually do so unless they discontinue the line (which seems really unlikely). It already sounds like Fender improved the IR out for this amp vs the original Deluxe Reverb. Wish the Deluxe had external speaker jacks like the tube DRRI does.
Have a TMDR and it's a superb amp. There won't be any need to release a mk. 2 version because Fender can release firmware updates online (The last update takes off the bright cap and tames the reverb). Altho I really wish they had added an FX loop. It would have given so much more flexibility.
Given the close comparison in sound, the slight difference in pedal response, and the big difference in noise and WEIGHT, digital is looking pretty good. If Fender does a good job with firmware updates, it's a no-brainer. Yeah, tube amps sound great and feel great, but they are a long term pain in the a-s.
Thanks for all the feedback and questions on my channels feed post. I answered some FAQ at the end. Everything is timestamped.. Oh, I am never shaving my face again. 😳🤣 Thanks to Fender Australia for the loaner!
-
0:00 - Unboxing
0:32 - Intro & Disclaimer
1:07 - Jam Track
3:36 - Amplifier Overview
5:42 - Vibrato Channel (Strat)
7:32 - Vibrato Effect with Reverb
8:25 - Edge of Breakup with Boost
9:19 - Maximum Volume (Strat)
10:11 - Maximum Volume (Humbuckers)
11:34 - Normal Channel Tones
12:43 - Cab Sim vs Real Mics
14:20 - My Review (pros and cons)
15:21 - How it feels to play
16:08 - The Two Main Differences
17:04 - Better than the Twin or Deluxe Reverb?
-
Check out the Fender Super-Reverb Tone Master online:
►Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/WD6bNZ
►Thomann - bit.ly/3CWLmkY
(affiliate links)
Not shaving again? I'm sure Rhi will have something to say about THAT! LOL!
What is cabinet sim? In layman's terms.
Not only was your playing extra nice on this video, but your video editing skills have clearly SKYROCKETED over the years! Totally dug those cuts to facts about the amp, the zoom-in on the pedal settings with the circles to direct the eye... you're killing it, man!
Thanks a lot, Steve. I recently upgraded my camera as well so it's been a huge leap forward for me in terms of video quality. Many thanks for the kind words.
@@intheblues nice playing but try something outside straight pentatonic sometimes too..great vid
@@intheblues what program do you use to do the special graphics to point to things on the screen?
Great stuff, Shane. No overproduction in post, just straight-ahead tone, and actual information on what mics used.
It's not for me, I'd probably go the Blonde Deluxe or a Boss Nextone, but your integrity (that's Tegridy for any Randy Marsh fans) is always appreciated.
Stay safe, take care mate. Cheers from lockdown in Sydney.
Appreciate how neutral you are on the tube v. digital issue. Makes for a truly objective review.
Hi Shane,
I remember cranking up the tube version of this amp with en SG in the early eighties. It sounded great! This amp seems to have everything I like about a Fender amp, without what I don't (flubby low end, overly bright). The overall sound seems very balanced. Nice demo (as always).
sounds pretty good! to all the digital haters, I'm writing this comment from my analog landline phone. 😳😛
You still HAVE analogue landline in Canada eh?
Lol sup Landon.
@@DMSProduktions Copper forever!
@@650thunderbird Indeed! I still have the analogue service, but I have NO ADSL any more! They discontinued their service, so only got Tesltra 4G dongle for now!
@@DMSProduktions I'm in the sticks, so only got ADSL2 in the last couple of years. I've no idea when or if they'll force us onto wireless.
Love the tones!!!! I wouldn’t mind buying one, however that Pro Reverb is calling me 🤪!! Really loving the ToneMaster series and I hope Fender continues to add iconic amps to the lineup! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Great demonstration Shane!! Fender should just let you keep the amp by the way!!😎😎😉😉
Kind of on the fence here. Narrowed down to about 3 in this series. Also favoring the pro...what did you end up with ?
Great tones, and surely future generations of guitar players will have less back injuries thanks to the Tone Master amps. ;D
You could be right. The reason I moved mine on was the weight and getting into the car was a problem at the time. I am glad both versions are still available though for the tube lovers. :)
My only issue w these is when they go down you wont be able to repair them like a good old tube amp. Ive even started to steer clear of cheaper pcb tube amps for the same reasons. They definitely sound nice tho!. I also think they should cost about 60% of what they do, personally. .
@@jmo1366 1900 buckaroos... that's a big no haha
@@jmo1366 Yep - they could definitely be half the price. Nice as they are - Fender lives on the brandname and as long as people pay....
Great video as always!
You helped me make the decision to purchase the Super Reverb Tone Master. Thanks!
Amazing tone, Fender has nailed it with this technology.
Your playing skills always impress, and your melodic sense was on point here. Great showcase of an amp by a skilled and thoughtful player.
You definitely need that amp. Nobody makes it sound better! Love your playing and the reviews are always top-notch.
Fender makes amazing solid state amps.
One of my all time favorite amps is the Fender London Reverb from the 80’s
Isn't this digital though (not solid state)?
@@RyanMcQuen yep. That is true. You got me. Dammit.
Love my deluxe. These things have blown my mind. I didn’t have huge expectations but I have never owned an amp that I love to play straight in. No pedals is awesome and love the light breakup sound..
Thanks for explaining that this isn't a Twin Reverb. I'm a noob and looking at specs, so it's good to hear someone say that each amp has their own sound.
This was my first "serious" amp and it makes me sweat when I play it 😅. The tone is exactly what I wanted. The 45 watt wasn't as loud as I expected....still loud but not as loud as I thought it would be. Can't wait to see you play it live.
Edit: I don't use picks so my attack and volume won't normally match up to someone thats really picking. Also the amp was louder than I expected on every power stage except 45w and .5w. 45 didn't make my ears bleed and .5 was exactly what I expected
Fellow finger-style Super Reverb player! Great choice for your first serious amp. I bet it's excellent for recording.
I have an old 70s super that's crazy loud. Like you can't play above 4 with a full band....A lot of people say 100 watts solid-state is much quieter than a 100 watt tube amp. I'm not sure if that actually applies to these tone masters though.
Which power stage was louder than expected?
@@Rockandrollgeerage in my opinion, 1w, 5w, 12w and 22w were a little louder than I expected them to be. Again, my playing style isn't as hard as using a pick and the amp is very dynamic so that may have been a reason. Also having 4 speakers moves more wind than one so idk.
I think a deluxe is 22w but I've never played one to compare. You could probably test the two in a shop of you're interested in that aspect.
Love the sound of the SR! Just like the TM Deluxe and Twin I own I believe Fender has done a Fantastic Job with this Series of Amps. And I also Love the sound of your Tele through it!! And…..Hey you shaved since I saw your last Vid!!! Have a Great Day and Cheers from Salem, Ohio US!
Hi Rick, quick question for a TM owner - do you use any Fuzz pedals with either of your TM amps? I've only heard a couple YT demos that do this and both are very "produced" channels, if you know what I mean :) Cheers.
@@mattgilbert7347 Hi Matt, I don't have a Fuzz pedal per say. I do have a pedal that has a setting with so much gain it will sound like a Fuzz. Don't seem to have a problem with either my TM Deluxe or Twin. Both amps as well I assume with the SR should take a Fuzz well. There's something about the Fender TM Series that All Pedals seem to like. I'm still working out in my 56th year as a Musician and have used all the amps Fender is now digitizing. They are so close to the Originals it's unbelievable! And for me that's a Good Thing. There is a little difference in sound but I've changed Tubes in the Originals and they sound a little different after that also. You just compensate a little. Cheers man!
Awesome review and demo of the Tone Master Shane! I still prefer my Mustang III v2 and it's pure quality sounds, FX loop & stereo out. You and this community are the main reason I got the Mustang!
Now this is a Solid State Amp I can enjoy ! At 36 Lbs, 4x10 is amazing. Thanks Shane.
Blues On....💙
Hell yeah,that sounds great! It's crazy how good non tube amps are getting now a days.
i want one :) they are the best thing ever invented for a touring muso. Light and ready for any size venue with the attenuator and the DI. Sounds awesome too. You want to buy it, dont you Shane....
Great demo as usual! Here's a broad generalization about the super reverb:
Vibrato channel:
Single coil side. Great for P90s or lower output Straty single coils.
Normal channel (that nobody uses):
Humbucker side. Gibson PAFs/other higher output pickups sound amazing through this channel. Something about that simpler two band EQ really works great with most Gibsons.
I have a 70s silverface and the normal channel does actually have reverb, it's just less intense than the vibrato side. The termolo actually works on the normal channel too....it just only affects the reverb and not the actual dry signal. I don't know if all vintage Supers are like this tho.
So where would you plug in my Gibson Les Paul Special with double P90s? I'm kinda going back and forth between vibrato and normal channel and cannot make up my mind. Not using reverb live (only delay) so the reverb alone doesn't make the decision here.
Also, I think the bigger question with humbuckers (and maybe also P90s) isn't so much normal channel vs vibrato but rather input 1 vs input 2.
Digital has changed the game. It really began with the Katana, we couldn't believe just how far 'solid state' has come to producing that Tube sound, these tonemaster models are so clean, and they seem to deliver on the majority of the tone. Nice video mate, appreciate the insights.
They did Come a long way, but tube is not all in the sound. Its the mechanism how it responds to your playing, dynamics. To me it still sounds digital to be quite honest.
Its sad Dimebag darrell never used a tube amp he could of been good like you@@nikverschuren4291
First, thank you for the very informative review. If I hadn't purchased a Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus less than a month before this came out, I would be ordering the Super Reverb Tone Master as soon as I possibly could. When the $$$$ situation is back where I can, this is at the top of the list for my next purchase!! Please keep the videos coming!!!
Nicest solid state amp Ive ever heard but full credit to the man wielding the axe. Great playing that was enjoyable to watch!!
If you did a side by side with the real deal you would hear some differences, but the TM has so many advantages and useful features. I like the XLR DI out, the power scaling, and the light weight.
It's close enough to the real deal. I still have a little problem with the price when I consider what other tube amps I could have for the same amount of money.
It Sounds really good. I have the Tone Master Twin and love it. My Holy Grail is a Tone Master version of the 64 Vibroverb with a Cesar Diaz Mod Switch. That 15'' speaker is awesome. 😁
I haven’t watched one of your videos in a while. I love the new editing style
Thanks! 🤠
Shane, I remember when you used to have that Fender SR! It was so heavy you used to wheel it round on a dolly, as it was too cumbersome to carry & put in your car! Sounded GREAT tho!
People are lazy I carry a 4×12 and a big ass head and all my pedals and chords every weekend to play on the side walk do some push ups
@@rickeymitchell8303 is it uphill both ways in the snow?
@@Newnodrogbob looool no im in texas its just 100° degrees usually in the summer
@@rickeymitchell8303 Cords.
I wouldn't worry about the clean boosting. It is different, but well. Pangasius is different than cod, but we gotta learn to live with that. Also, in guitaramp world it's getting better and better. Eventually most non-tube amps like will feel and respond more like the tube amps, which most of us won't use over time.
I remember very well back in the late 60's and early 70's, when you dimed a piece of equipment, something in the chain was going to end up smoking. I still rarely turn up an amp past the sweet spot.
Bought the tone master 1x12 and after two shows, I have to admit it's impressive. Only issue I have is now I have the dilemma of deciding which Amp to use at shows! Tine Master, Fender Hot Rod deluxe, Bogner Shiva combo. Good problem to have....lol
I bought a Fender Champion 100 after watching your 2 vids on them. Love to see a video on the best settings for clean and overdrive on the 100.
I got the fender champion 40 ...like it . I love the sound of the PRS through this amp
Shane glad you like it, and you have it sounding superb. I have tried this same four speaker model. It is priced like a tube amp with digital circuits. The most expensive digital modeling amp I have seen is this one. It is really light for carrying around though, definately a plus.
Have you ever looked at the price of the tube Super Reverb? Not at all the same
I've had a real 65 super for about 20 yrs now,and this thing sounds right on the money!
Great playing lead-in, really nice phrasing. The TM Super is THE amp ! It's the real deal.
I don't know, it may be just me...but...the Fender Champion 100 Solid State Electric Guitar Amp 2x12", for half the price, is just a killer amp 😎🤘
No
🤣🤣
I was debating the twin model, but its too expensive and I really just want a head version of this amp to plug into my own 2x12 cab. I ended up getting the One Control BJS-66. Its a solid state Twin, I A and B'd the One Control with my Fender Twin and its incredible how close the One Control is and it weighs under 4lbs. 100watts @ 16ohm, 66 @ 8ohm and 33 @ 4ohm. You can get them as low as $479 w the footswitch, but most places are $599 without foot switch.
I used a friends at a gig and while it sounded like a typical Fender, it didn't have the compression I'm used to with tube amps, especially for clean tones. That was my experience anyway. I'm staying with tubes.
Sounds great. Thanks for an in-depth demo. 🤙
I was debating between the SR and Twin. I ended up with the Twin last week. It’s great. It won’t replace my other Fender tube amps (historically a tube snob) but they did a great job with this series. I’ll echo others who have said it’s 95% there. Without a side by side playing comparison in the room and listening with you eyes…you would be hard pressed to tell the difference.
Im sorry, but I could tell it was a digital sound instantly, 95% is very generous, more like 80%
@@abubakr6939 everyone is allowed an opinion 👍🏻
I drank the kool aid too and purchased a blond Fender Twin Reverb Tone Master. It’s OK, but after a few outings and A/B ing it with my ‘64 Custom Deluxe Reverb, it just wasn’t making it. Fortunately I was able to sell it used for a decent price. Might give the SR TM a try though. We shall see.
Nice. First gen Cyber Twin owner.
Yes, it still works ;)
Always thought this amp was what trickled down to the G Dec's.
SS Fender is no mystery,,,had a Princeton 112 that rocked and bought a guitar after plugging into a FrontMan 212.
Its the carpenter, not the tools.
Tools work, all in.
Shane, I’ve been watching your videos for a few years now and I gotta say I am so impressed by your playing. You got some chops man! I’m jealous.
I think Fender have taken a very interesting route with this series of amps. Clearly a lot of work has gone into the pre-amp section and thought into the power amp to make them work with authentic speakers. Most digital modelling amps I've encountered rely on some level of speaker emulation to get reasonably close to the sound(s) they're trying to replicate. What my ears tell me is that the ToneMaster series amps haven't nailed the reverb and that the midrange is a little too warm. These classic Fenders should have a distinctive upper-mid frequency 'bark' and that isn't quite there. If anything these amps sound more like the Hot Rod series which is neither good nor bad just not quite classic Fender valve tone. The IRs are superb, the facility for silent recording is a bonus and the weight is something anyone older, with back issues, or who lives in a block of flats, will appreciate. On balance I think these amps are a win for Fender. They look right and in a band mix they will work perfectly.
Cool amp. Great demo. I have a inner voice telling me that the price is an awful big sum to pay for a class D Chinese amp. I just feel like the cost vs value is kinda wonky. But it seems 'Super' usable lol.
Hey Leo I bought one and yes it is expensive but the way I justify it is first off I would assume it took a lot of money for research to get the quality they achieved you know I would imagine an enormous amount of trial and error goes into these things and a lot of money in test equipment salaries etc. which I would imagine all that part is done here in the good ole USA. Also you got to remember this damn inflation hits all aspects of industry not just us consumers IE just two or three years ago this amp might have gone for $700 to $900 maybe (just guessing) and thats a without tax guesstimate. But yea I think its higher than what I was hoping but I so far down have to much buyers remorse. Maybe a little lol I know my chiropractor probably wishes I would have bought the original.Oh one more thing the speakers I'm thinking More money in those than most amps anyway.
Great intro Shane thanks for another outstanding review
Thanks Bill! :)
The Tonemaster series amps are nice but I'll wait til they've been on the used market for a while. The prices they are charging offsets the advantages. If nothing but the sounds of a sparking clean Fender will do and you have a bad back it's worth it. Otherwise it's about double what I would consider a fair price.
one of my fav amps is the Fender Stage 100 ( not the digi fx version), all solid state, but sounds very warm...!!! bought one in mint condition for 130€s! cheers, K : )
I tried on and was decently impressed, until I plugged into the REAL Super Reverb sitting next to it to remind myself. Not even close, a mile apart. Considering it's a DSP machine, I find the price on the "tone master" to be offensive, when I can buy a 70 inch Smart TV for LESS money.
Yeah I agree and when will they come out with a Head version ?
I was about to comment the same, yes the components are premium but for the money you get a more versatile amp.
@@pads-zr9ln What components are "premium"? I saw DSP chips you can buy under a dollar, retail, and the cheapest of cheap SMC components, none of which are even 2% tolerance. Super cheap pots, mounted to the PCB, and the worst jacks money can buy.
As an EE, I'm truly curious what "premium" components you see on that amp. All I see is the same stuff in a cheap, bargain smart TV, that costs a thirds the price, with WIFI, HD screen, and remote control.
Just want to say that your videos are always something I look forward to. Straight forward and no bull. Been considering this amp for awhile and you convinced me ! Thanks for all you do and keep up the great work !! Cheers from Ohio!👍
Lifting a Super Reverb with one hand like it's no one's business, Shane definitely lifts! Lol
Hey buddy I’m glad you did this one because I just made a video about solid state vs tube and I would love to compare these ToneMaster amps to the originals. Great video!
Sounds amazing. Great video edit style too. Straight to the point and fantastic playing.
What backing track was that?
No.....your playing is so over the. Top...you can make anything sound soooooooo good
I wish I could do that mate! There's a lot of bad takes that go into these videos haha :)
Thanks for doing this with backing tracks. That's what's been missing in a lot of reviews.
I'm thinking i just need to find a shop with a TM & a Non TM to A/B. These amps sound pretty good in the videos but, it's just tough to tell "how good". Funny how weight is such a selling point. They make tools to help you cart equipment around. Great Video! Thanks
... ever try loading a real SR into the back of a station wagon or up a flight of stairs?
Will Go I’ve done far worse.
Carol Kaye used a original super reverb to record and perform her bass playing. No doubt you could do the same with the tonemaster version. I use a reissue 59 bassman ltd for bass and it is amazing. I want to get two of these tonemaster super reverbs for my collection. I want one for guitar and one for bass.
Sounds great - you can send it over. Thanks.
Done mate! Just cover shipping it'll be $25089 to Canada 🤣
@@intheblues hahaha - I guess you’re sending it without insurance then
Great details, thanks Shane for this video.
they could easily put a freaking effect loop in those
At that price it should have the kitchen sink
They are trying to make it a SR. So that gets them off the hook i guess.
Please, Fender. . . give us some Tone Master Tweed amps! I want a `59 Bassman Tone Master!
Shane is such a top shelf guitarist. As far as the sound, I wonder how much is the PA vs the Amp.
Almost can guarantee it won't sound like this in reality. I had a Silverface I used a lot for while
touring in the 70s. It never had a full bottom end. While our sound guy could get a nice full sound
out front it bothered me being so weak behind me. I never used reverb in big venues. I went back to
the Twins and Deluxes. Also used the Bassman full set up. They all had full sounds. Super....Never !!
I've been hoping for this one! Hey Shane - I just scored a Bandit 112 silver stripe for $100 bucks. Lockdown love.
The Bandit's are awesome mate, I hope you enjoy it! :) $100 is a deal and half. Well done.
@@intheblues Thanks Shane - and thanks for your great work .
there's a Red stripe Studio Pro 112 on Facebook marketplace near me for £90 and I keep having to remind myself I live in a tiny flat and don't have the space.
I got mine a week ago and I really am so impressed. Makes me wander if I will ever buy a tube amp again
Have this and the tube. I take the TM to indoor gigs. The tube for practice and outdoor gigs. Great overview.
Sounds as good as the Super Reverb amp in AmpliTube 5. Zero difference. It's my favorite amp in AmpliTube.
Dude, you were in the zone on this one!
Love the licks, love the amp!
When I was listening to the max volume on the prs I had to stop the video and figure out that lick its was amazing
played this great amp! the tonemasters are ruffly 80% there..lacks the tube presence and depth..but its a great amp for gigging and plenty loud and it is a classic fender sound!!
I like the (simulated) power ratings that Fender is using. So much more realistic than the ratings you see on a lot of solid state amps.
Excellent review and a brilliant way of answering some viewer questions. Don't think you missed a beat here in the slightest. 👉😎
Good video.. watching blue tooth into my JBL's IRX112, playing a Dano 12 string thru a Super Champ x2,,, thru a 2x12 Marshall, cab,, thru a klon clone... The sound matches up really Nice. Fender is the King.
Some lovely subtle playing in this vid mate. Hats off.
Sounds fantastic, both the amp and your playing
They sound good on the clean. Very nice but I still prefer the Fender Twin. Take care 😊👍✌️🎸🎸
When the Super Reverb came out in 1963 I wonder if this amp was available at that same time would some of our heroes chosen this amp based on cost sound and weight. Most of the tube amps we love are a direct result of what we listened to growing up. Many of those first artist played what was available and found uses or ways to coach a sound out of them not because it was a fender or Marshall etc…
Shane, I have to admit I'm a little concerned about the knife at 0:03. Thankfully, it's not the fretting hand lol. Great video! All the guitars sounded great but that PRS, wow.
Hello again Shane. I played one of these today and loved it. I was thinking of buying a Hot Rod but now I think I might get a Tonemaster. I am just wondering how it compares to the Tonemaster Twin? Which did you like the most?????? Thanks mate.
I also bought a Epiphone 50s LP after watching your 2 vids on them.
I'm enjoying all the new modeling features on SS amps nowadays but I have yet to find one that matches the tube circuit emulation of my SS Lab Series L5. Bob Moog was a GENIUS !!!
It sounds great!! But why lead off with pedals? Straight up amp through the paces so we get an idea of it’s sound alone - then add the ear candy. This is a friendly suggestion BTW. Great review and one of the best I’ve seen for the Tonemaster series.
Not everyone is using it clean. It’s a pedal friendly amp and most people are buying it for that.
@@intheblues Nice review thanks!!
Just got the TM Deluxe-love it!
Ultimately honesty, Get the tube version or the tone master Super Reverb? Thanks Shane!👌
I wonder if Fender will make a Bassman Tone Master :)
Hope not, hope they leave that one alone. It's great as it is.
@@marktheshark99 So then use the tube version lol. Just cause you don’t like digital doesn’t mean other people won’t, why not let them have the option?
@@jakemguitarist because if more people like digital which sucks then there will be less incentive for continuing the tube industry to keep it alive for us who refuse to use anything else. These new idiot generations soon won’t even be able to change a lightbulb! Everything made to break in a few years and just buy the next over hyped version or even stop owning anything and have only subscriptions and a new booster shot every other month for the latest variant!
Reasonable prices !!!! Dont hate it for being " Digital " ! Sounds pretty loud for " Digital " ! Peace ! 😎👍✌
Had the TM Twin. Very nice sounding amp, but I agree they are far too pricey for a Chinese made amp with only 2 year warranty, some construction is pretty crap actually (eg the back boards are really rubbish, thin MDF type board; mine were actually warping due to a period of higher humidity), important modern features are missing like effects loop. Unlike the tube version, the sound of these could be improved when the internal boards become obsolete but Fender doesn’t make the hardware upgradable…only firmware which may already be at its peak capacity. Why didn’t they make both channels have access to reverb/trem? Some things are NOT worth keeping from the original when they aren’t an advantage. Given the cost, I think they needed to added a foot switchable bassman 410 style tone circuit, otherwise you’re going to have to buy each version of the TM to get the tones you’re after. The idea of keeping it true to original is mostly good, but adding the equivalent tweed option into the one amp would make it much more interesting for the price. Methinks.
They definitely have great advantages especially weight and volume attenuation, but these are standard on many amps now. I would have preferred Fender went down the analogue technology route as some other makers have done. That would have reduced the build in redundancy issue just as a good analogue pedal is still great 40 years after its inception.
I agree. Two jacks in my Twin were fucked when I got it. Literally couldn’t play it.
Made In fn China... I was close to buying one but now I think I'll stick with my Blues Jnr III. Valve amp, Celestian speaker, and MIM at least...just the reverbs are crap and fail notoriously on them, so why I bought a reverb pedal for it.
I had a super reverb on a long term borrow situation back when I was in graduate school living in an 1br apartment! Good god that thing was loud. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
the way you grasp that pick dude !!! nice tone nice playing !!!!! KEEP THE AMP !!!DON'T RETURN IT !!!!! lol
Nice review Shane! However, this amp could not replace any of my current gigging amps.
I wish they’d do a Tone Master version the Princeton in both jensen & celestion creamback 10” versions. Having the power scaling option would be awesome with that amp for home practice… especially if they’d take the time to do a headphone out to accompany the XLR emulated line out.
Or better yet… any of the 57 tweed series amps
@@bootgrip6 The allure of these are the minimal weight, and attenuator. Wonder if they will do one on such a light, low volume amp.
Also so much of the processing power is in the Reverb/Tremolo, wonder if they would do Tweed amps that don't have these effects?
Apparently a female XLR to female stereo 3.5mm socket will allow headphones to run on all Tonemasters with the XLR level control controlling the headphones volume.
They really should put that in the manuals 😄
@@mmike65m another part of the allure is not being dependent on ever-diminishing tube production and quality.
The beauty of doingb a tweed TM amp is they wouldn’t have to screw around with reverb at all. Its a no-brainer.
I was a little surprised you didn't use your tele with the Danny Gatton pickups on the amp that he liked to use. Anyway, great review, Thank you!
OMG Shane the intro jam was 100% EAR CANDY!!!! Loved it!! also Beards = makeup for men! LOL!!! i haven't shaved my face in so long... that now i'm afraid too...LOL!!!
how do u only have 178 k subbs u are among the best!!! should be over 1 million for sure
Thanks, Chris. I am on track for a million subs by 2043 lol. 🤣
you are the best!! greetings from nyc
Sounds awesome! I have the tm deluxe and it's super quiet. Doesn't respond well like you said with a clean boost pedal but so far great with my other ones. love my tm amp.
I’d be interested to hear a comparison between this and a BOSS Katana 🤓
Blues Cube Artist and Ultimate Blues capsule absolutely nails the Super Reverb tone.
Thanks, has an amazing tone... shame they don't make a high end product like this for us bedroom players, I know they have the mustang and speakers size counts but this is really on another level. I do own an old cyber and a mustang micro that I love but it would be so cool if they made a tone master micro or a high end small amp version or even a high end tone master multi fx pedal
I've played the TMDR in the store and listened to a number of demos/reviews. I think the Tone Master concept is awesome, and the weight, attenuation, and XLR simulated cab out features are great for a practical working guitarist rig. When listening closely, I occasionally heard a bit of digital static/crackling as notes trailed off. I'll be interested to see if Fender eventually releases a Mk2 of the TMDR -- I would think they would eventually do so unless they discontinue the line (which seems really unlikely). It already sounds like Fender improved the IR out for this amp vs the original Deluxe Reverb. Wish the Deluxe had external speaker jacks like the tube DRRI does.
Have a TMDR and it's a superb amp. There won't be any need to release a mk. 2 version because Fender can release firmware updates online (The last update takes off the bright cap and tames the reverb). Altho I really wish they had added an FX loop. It would have given so much more flexibility.
Great playing and great video mate! :D
Given the close comparison in sound, the slight difference in pedal response, and the big difference in noise and WEIGHT, digital is looking pretty good. If Fender does a good job with firmware updates, it's a no-brainer. Yeah, tube amps sound great and feel great, but they are a long term pain in the a-s.
Dude, Love your LP Junior and PRS SE CUSTOM 24... I ordered a PRS SE Custom 24 in Charcoal Burst..
I hope they do a TM Vibrolux Reverb.