American Clean Amp Shootout: Fender Deluxe Reverb, Tone King Imperial & Two Rock Studio Signature
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- Опубліковано 26 лип 2024
- Nowadays, pretty much anytime a guitar player is looking for a new valve amplifier, 9 times out of 10 they will be recommended a Fender Deluxe Reverb. Fender’s portable powerhouse has long been the go-to for players of all styles who’re looking for a solid, warm clean tone, on which to build their pedal kingdoms. Given its ever-increasing popularity, it’s easy to see why other amp builders want a slice of the action for themselves, and thus the boutique amp market was born - with each new and inspired builder looking to tweak the existing formula, add in some more player-friendly modern features and generally add their own stamp to the timeless package.
In today’s video, we grab Fender’s modern-day take on the original, their ‘65 Vintage Reissue Deluxe Reverb, and throw it in the ring to fight it out against two of the finest boutique alternatives, Tone King’s Imperial Mk II & Two Rock’s Studio Signature combo.
If you’re after a mega clean tone for the ages, you can’t go wrong with any of these choices. However, things can get interesting when you crank the volumes and enjoy the natural compression & breakup tones these amps have to offer, so be sure to listen for those clips!
Let us know in the comments whether you prefer Fender’s more authentic take on their reissue, or either of the hot-rodded boutique alternatives!
Jump to the clips!
0:00 - Introduction
2:06 - Tone Comparison
3:13 - Fender Deluxe Reverb Overview
6:05 - Fender Clean Demo
8:04 - Fender with Duellist OD
9:15 - Fender Cranked Demo
10:15 - Tone King Overview
12:48 - Tone King Clean Demo
14:23 - Tone King with Duellist OD
16:12 - Tone King Lead Channel
17:42 - Two Rock Overview
20:48 - Two Rock Clean Demo
22:36 - Two Rock with Duellist OD
24:32 - Conclusion
25:55 - Two Rock Breakup Demo
Thanks for watching, be sure to like & subscribe, we’ll see you in the next one!
Check out the amplifiers used here:
Fender ‘65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue - bit.ly/3om6HfO
Tone King Imperial Mk II - bit.ly/2Xef3tW
Two-Rock Studio Signature - bit.ly/2XcuXoH
Jack’s UA-cam channel: / jackgriffithsmusic
Jack’s Instagram: @jackgriffithsmusic
Website: www.peachguitars.com
Facebook: / peachguitars
Twitter: / peachguitars
Instagram: @peachguitars
Newsletter signup: bit.ly/2ZnPl5K
This dude is one of the few players on UA-cam that keeps my attention span. His choice of licks and his phrasing are incredible.
I agree. That all too common speedy shreddy crap gets old fast.
so fast.@@user-mr1ku5iz8l
I'm always amazed at how many different riffs and ideas he can shove into one video. Most reviewers play the same stuff over and over again but this guy is always searching. Great stuff
Totally agree, Jack's guitars playing is incredible!!
He is an amazing player but also dedicated and that's why he is able to come up with so many ideas!
Worst demo guy is Rob Chapman who plays the same knackered and tired licks in every product demo he absolutely ruins, Jack's playing here is stellar
@@jameskavanagh4300 and hes a complete douche
That’s because he has an actual talent. Most people are just people who have learned how to play.
I can't believe Jack's playing for real. It is outrageously awesome that he produces such tasteful music just by improvising and checking tones.
It's called musicianship, a rare bird these days.
@@Glicksman1 musicianship has gone through the roof the past decades to the point where 50s-70s playing seems not obsolete, but pretty primitive. Probably because of the advent of online resources, better budget gear, plugins, recording possibilities etc.
@@fredriksvard2603 I think that musicianship has nothing to do with online resources, better budget gear, plugins, recording possibilities, etc. There were great musicians centuries ago and ever since. It was a fortunate thing that rock has always featured bands and artists who were great musicians, jazz as well. The great orchestras, pit bands at shows, etc. have always contained great musicians. I attended a Greek wedding where the band was excellent and the bouzouki player was a virtuoso.
I do not think that "primitive" playing denotes lesser musicianship. Simple but sincere, soulful playing is often the best way to convey emotions and feelings.
@@Glicksman1 It's such a tired idea and a copout that modern players lack "soul" or "feel". When clapton arrived he was praised as a wizard and for his speed, when things evolved and kids got way faster and more complex the classic rock crowd fell back on b-but they don't play with feeling like clapton.
Yes they do, and bends aren't = emotion.
And it would be really weird if increased accessibility didn't pave the way for more talents, the learning curve is less steep and it's less frustrating to start out. I for sure didn't see many of these incredible teenagers, 20-somethings or even 8 year olds back in the 90s. The average youtube demo player is better than most of the commercial artists from 20+ years ago, and todays virtuosos are on another planet altogether.
@@fredriksvard2603 Well, I tried, apparently in vain, to explain my thinking on his subject but it is clear that you and I disagree. That's fine. So long.
WOW that Imperial is out of this world.
Yea they’re super nice I have a Torquise one. My studio sig with a cab is my favorite though.
Agreed.
I just bought a Tone King Imperial MK II and I can honestly say the motivation to purchase it was generated from watching this video.
I bought one last week. Loved it so much, I sold my Deluxe Reverb!
Yes I'm thinking about the new Gremlin head that uses a 5881 valve now and of course spk outs LoL digging the Falcon Grande as well w 5881 Not sure if I want to go 6V6 or not If so Imperial it is
@@ashkeld I have been using a 65 Reissue Deluxe Reverb for a while. I do play live occasionally. It’s a Fantastic amp. I put a Vintage EV12L (200 watt speaker) so it has unlimited clean headroom but loses the dynamics & sag I love. I’ve been looking at the TK for a while. Thinking of selling my Deluxe. Any feedback at all is much appreciated. Thanks
Big mistake!
@@EdBenji why?! I just started a 3/piece punk band and I’m thinking of getting the TK Imperial MKII… is there something you know where I shouldn’t purchase this amp as my first real tube amp?!
Edit: I’m freaking out man lol
I listen to Jack play almost every night. He’s probably the best player doing amp and guitar demos on UA-cam. Simply amazing.
You must be a gear junky!!😊
That Tone King is ridiculous!!! I love that thing!
Wow. That TK Imperial is a little more rounded and full. I never realized I wanted one until now. So smooth.
I want to thank you for not only your first rate playing but also the original compositions you used for your demo. That’s a big extra step toward a meaningful demonstration, and one rarely taken. Kudos! 👏🏽
Lots of people can play, and and some lucky people have flawless technique, bends and vibrato. But VERY few people can play all kinds of super interesting stuff without sound at all like anyone we already know. That's a triple threat right there. Absolutely amazing playing.
He’s a composer first, as so many of the greats are. The music shines through all the way, and I appreciate that so much.
It is so much more useful when a great player is playing interesting music and is able to describe accurately what they are demonstrating. Well done.
You are seriously one of the best players I’ve ever heard. Great dynamics and your choice of chords are insane. Lovely stuff man
Love the TK Imperial. One of my favorite amps for the attenuator alone, wish I could have one right now. The tremolo and reverb are superb too.
Fenders may not always be cheap, but amps designed to sound like Fenders are much, much more expensive :)
You can get a Fender Ultimate Chorus 2x12 used for usually around $200. They're easily one of my favorite amps for clean signals.
Oh, the irony! :)
I know. It's crazy. I like the Two Rock, but not for three times the price. I'll stick with Fender. It's really good and it's the real deal.
It is same with guitars too.
My thought too
Great review and info, fantastic playing Thanks for taking the time to make this video.
Jack is a jaw dropping monster player. Insane! And the Tone King - wow!!
one of the best demo’s of the Two Rock Studio Signature!
I’ve used the 65 deluxe reverb RI for a few years now and play almost exclusively clean. Loud enough for a 15 piece jazz ensemble, and sounds good enough at living rom volumes for home practice. Great amp! Super versatile!
Aewsome hosting! Clear and informative, kudos!
Tone king is king ! Love cranking mine up, beautiful amp.
Some of the best guitar playing I've heard in my life
Truth.
came for the tone, stayed for the playing (AND the tone)!
I play a Princeton Reverb RI, the 65 stock and with a few pedals from Catalinbread and JHS, built reverb and tremolo, I can cover so much ground it’s crazy and it sounds glorious lol. I just don’t need anything else. Now I do kind of have plans for the Marshall Studio vintage 20, but I keep putting it off because I am just so happy with the Princeton. Love this video jack!
That tone king really is incredible
No, it's Jack who is really incredible.
That’s ridiculous lol. He sounds like 5000 other players I’ve heard. The tone king is just clearly better than the fender
@@dmcrisp @glicksman1 have either one of you played one live? They’re so 3D & full!
Give this dude a raise. Amazing ability to immerse himself in the style of the song he's playing without busting into some out of place blues riff or something non-germane. I could just listen to the playing in the background and be impressed. But Jack is also an amazing spokesperson! This has to be the most enjoyable demo comparison video I've seen in a long time. Is Jack in a band? Is he signed to a label yet? Git'r'done
I watch these videos mostly for Jack, and sometimes for the gear. No homo.
Great playing. I liked the Fender best, it's just got the sound my ears love.
I came here to check out the amps, and became an instant fan of your playing, I will be sharing this with as many fellow musicians as possible…. Hope to hear more from you soon!
Very nice Demo Jack, as always :) 64/65 Fender Deluxe Reverbs and Princeton's are my favorite amps all time. I did trade in my 65 Princeton special edition and upgraded to a tone king imperial. Really love the natural compression of the Tone King Imperial and lead channel which now is my main amp that I will never part with. Greer Light Speed, Nobles ODR, Timmy, Tumnus OD pedals all sound great through my Tone King. The other great thing about the Tone King Imperial is that its only 5lbs heavier than my 65 Princeton special edition so just a smidge under 40lbs.
I can easily listen this for hours and hours... Awesome tone and playing
Absolutely LOVE your demos! Thank you!!
Jack you are a killer player, really enjoy the demos you’ve been doing. Hope to keep seeing them! Sending an fist bump from the States.
that tone on the tone king is just wow.....
Amazing tones and playing! Wow! 7:20
Great demo! Awesome guitar playing!
Thanks, nice comparison! That chord progression starting at 10:00 made me smile :)
Great video. Appreciated the back ground, details, and history of the amps. Very useful info, thank you.
for a young kid your comportment is super professional
My favorite clean vid is still of you, back when the barber shop was open, playing a Tele into that Princeton Fawn. Magic!
That said, I wouldn't kick the Imperial out of the living room either.
Great playing really shows off the individuality of each amp. I have an all orig 65 dlx rvb which is great but for the 3 demos I'd take the tone king in a minute. the nice cleans and the sweet break up got me thinking about my next investment. thanks and again bravo on your playing just wonderful
The Toneking is killer and outshines the others.
Agreed. Had life the other 2 didn't have. Made me want one hah
Yep. Despite the price hike, the feature set of the Tone King is a big leap forwards ... tone a bit better is icing on the cake
You got to hear the studio in person of course I use a head and cab version. The imperial is amazing tho own a mk1
The playing sold each amp! Amazing chops.
You guys make the best gear demos on UA-cam.
I have a couple Fender amps, including a DRRI, and a low powered Twin. They have their place as an unmistakable tone on nearly every great recording ever made! I mostly play a Bloomfield Drive though, and that Studio Signature of the 3 had the richest, most lush tone to my ears.
Amazingly done! 3 epic amps and I really enjoyed the playing!
Jack, your playing is absolutely fantastic mate, you could even make a 10w BB Blaster sound great 😆
Well ok, maybe not that!
Got the Turquoise II from John a couple of years ago. A very organic sounding amp. Single coil and humbuckers both work very well.
What a brilliant demo.
the Imperial rules. Jack, stellar playing!!
Perfect video ! And awesome playing ! Thank you
We have a 65 Reissue Deluxe Reverb up the ICMP in London and I can confirm that the clean sound is superb. It’s quite different to a Hot Rod Deluxe, partially due to that using a Celestion speaker, whereas the 65 Reissue sticks with the classic American toned speaker.
Cool chord changes on the melodic clean tunes. I like the Tone King best. I own a vintage 1965 Deluxe (Non-reverb model) with the original Fender labeled speaker. It's a clean machine past 7 on the volume knob.
The sound is formed by you fingers, then amplified from the amp! Everithing else i loosing time and money!I learned this from my 39 years of experience! Thanks for all your amazing playing! Thanks man!
Great demos and superb chops mate
Whaa!! The Tone King in my King!.... love the exquisite sound!....
Nice demo and beautiful playing!
I can't compare the amps because of his playing! I have to watch a few more times! WoW!
OMG that is some very very serious guitar playing right there!
I own a tone king falcon grande been playing many years ....yeah old....and this amp tone king is a beauty...covers the blackface ,tweed and an overdriven tube amp like Supro....really well...on expensive side but worth the saving up....
I played an Imperial a few years ago. It sounded absolutely divine. However, I was playing through it with the greatest masterbuilt Strat I had ever encountered from Alleva Coppollo.
Love the Tone King. It’s a warmer tone. I also like that it makes an all round amp with a lead channel.
I read a review on the Imperial stating that essentially there could be three kinds of fender amps in the one by Tone King. Having a Deluxe Reverb for awhile showed me how great of a sound it is. Overall I chose the head version with a cabinet. I’ve not yet received it but looking forward to it!
👍 Jack, your playing is killin it! Great demo
Maybe I would change my mind playing them in the room but via YT I like Fender the most 😀
Awesome playing and tones ! Two Rock does it for my ears !
This fellow is absolutely one of the most talented and tasteful players on all of UA-cam. Hugely melodic and musical in everything he demo's. And of course, a great marketer, as he makes ANYthing sound great! If i'm ever in the UK again, i am DEFINITELY going to visit PeachGuitars. Thanks much & best rgds.
There is nothing like pure clean tone. In my 50 plus years of playing I happened to come across a Holland Jazz 50 with 2 10" eminence legends in it. This by far was the absolute cleanest sound that I have ever experienced. My drummer and 2nd guitarist stopped playing and just listened in disbelief when they first heard it. Mike Holland used top tier components with cloth covered wiring and silver solder for his point to point old school masterpieces. The power tubes were 7581 audiophile 6L6 type tubes in it and were fairly pricey. Kenny Burrell had a signature model if that tells you anything. Heritage bought Holland out and they couldnt carry on the business in the high end amplifier market. Just sharing good luck all with your hunt for tone.
articulate but not wordy, good information well presented, nice playing too - well done
This video is 2 years old and I'm still shocked by how crazy good Jack's playing is. He's up there with Greg Koch and TPS as far as ludicrous noodling skills in demo videos.
I’m very impressed by his playing ability! Sounds amazing!
Awesome video and exceptional playing. I have a 1978 deluxe reverb and it has something the newer reissues do not have. The two rock amp seems comparable with a fender super sonic and its allot less expensive.
I liked the Two Rock the best, it's like the tone was mastered by a great sound engineer without losing any of the natural character of the amp.
I mean let’s be honest...Jack could play a scaffold board with some elastic bands stapled to it and make it sound incredible! 👌
Came for the amps - stayed for the playing! Great musician
yup - that tone king sounds like a good Princeton - I agree with Charles t!
Only Jack can make the DRRI sound better than the hand-wired deluxe Reverb! Good Lord every time I hear Jack play his chops are just better and better and his phrasing is just head-scratching and out-of-this-world!
Great stuff thanks for such reviews!!
Such a great review. Your playing and presentation is fantastic. I play 65 Deluxe Reverb RI and Princeton 65 RI. Love them both but ... thinking I might trade in all my amps and get the Imperial. On second thought time is better spent to improve my chops.
Absolutely awesome guitar playing and great Sounding Amplifiers great Demo 👍 👍👍
you can notice each amp took you into a different type of impro playing, all great!. I would be happy with any of these amps :)
superb playing. Maybe one of the best video from the channel👍❤️. 3 different flavors of clean. Two Rock for me, as a big surprise, because i found they usually sounds dark and have a lack of chime. (I would have loved to ear the 64 hand wound deluxe reverb in this video) EDIT: the deluxe 65 sounds insanely good for the price!
Growing up in the 60’s, I thought Fender and Marshall were the amps my favorite artists used. It’s very fun to go back and find that many of these artists (Linley, SRV, etc.) used Dumble amps. To me, the Two Rock gives us the full audio spectrum where the Fender is more brittle.
The amps sound amazing, but the playing is superbly amazing!
Thank you for the review, helped me a lot!
My friend has the imperial & I play throught it for him at times .... it is a loud beast that sounds nice !!
The deluxe sound on the intro 10 seconds in was the best
I have been thinking of getting the Fender Deluxe Reverb. This video helps in my decision 😁
@@omnicognatesnr5947 thank you for the info🎸
The Fender Reverb is undeniable!! Still the king of the cleans for me. Overdriven the Tone King is very nice but a grand more expensive!
Not when you compare its price to the hand-wired.
I have the non hand-wired reissue and the Tone King. There is no contest. Live, the Tone King is three times the amp the deluxe is. The tones are better in every way and the attenuator adds immense value opening it up for almost any venue, from club gig to bedroom gig.
@@wordragon Agreed. My Imperial is my favorite amp ever. It's just the right size, it's plenty loud, and can sound huge when you push the lead channel.
That Tone King thing is fantastic
Been using a Tone King Imperial Mk11 for the last few years. It is a storming combo, great tone and fantastic flexibility. I think you have underplayed the attenuated high gain channel - put an HSS Strat through it and it will really scream in bridge position. Can’t recommend the Imperial enough!
Yep I attenuate only one tick on the knob and jack the volume and it is a screaming monster and sounds amazing. The cleans are just as good as any deluxe or twin I have owned.....hence the word owned. Because once I got the TK MKII I didn't need a fender anymore. Only complaint is no effects loop.
I have one also, and it's everything and more than a Fender Deluxe. I've had a couple real original blackface Deluxes, and I'd take the Imperial over them because it's more capable. The cleans are beautiful, and its lead channel easily gets into Marshall territory.
I run mine with the Ironman attenuator at -3db, on the lead channel, with the gain on full, tone and mid-bite at about noon, and control it from the guitar and go from clean to scream.
@@8sigreg Agreed 100%^. You have the exact same settings that I use. I can do it all with that.
For many years I had a Mk I Imperial in the turquoise color. This was in the mid 90's or thereabouts. The amp was amazing! I sold it and have regretted it ever since. It was in perfect condition too. As I'm old and decrepit now 😜, I'm no longer gigging. However... if I were, I'd buy another Imperial in a heartbeat. Great amps!! 👍
Having said all that.... the Two-Rock is a damn fine amp too. Hey it's only money, right? I'd also like an original '65 Shelby Cobra... like that's ever gonna happen. 😆
Can the clean channel stay clean up against a loud drummer?
Nice demo Jack. I’ve had all of those and still have the Two Rock. The clean tones of the Imperial are to die for. However I preferred the Princeton to the Deluxe for my needs. The Two Rock sounds huge in a live gig situation. All great amps though, you can’t go wrong with any of them.
That’s what I’ve noticed…. Some ears may not hear I huge difference between these by themselves. But in a live setting….man oh man, I feel like a black face fender gets to sound too thin in a band, while the Two Rock has so much body and weight.
@@tigerhunter8878 exactly this. There are times when I can wind the wick up on the pair of Princetons that I use (both with Gold 10” speakers) but the Two Rocks always sound more “grown up” and fatter in a band mix.
I’ve been really considering getting the tone king for those classic American overdriven sounds, like I really loved the idea of getting the fender but I’ll never get drive without cranking it and the tone king just seems more versatile. Really love that the tone king has an attenuator cause then I can get overdrive at home too.
@@Seanph25 you can’t go wrong with the TK, it’s sublime
So beautiful played man❤️
Excellent comparison. I'm a Fender traditionalist, been playing them since the 1960s, so I'm biased (hehe). My current amp is the Custom Vibrolux Reverb-Amp. If I were studio gigging, however, that Two-Rock would be a strong contender. Presumably it's less noisy, which is my main complaint with Fenders. The Imperial sounds great, too. Fenders often seem to have a fuller high end on the 1st and 2nd strings, leaving their imitators sounding more "wirey" in the upper registers, but I didn't hear that with the Two-Rock in this demo, as I think I did with the Tone-King.
I just got a Boogie California Tweed head 40w with a 212 blackbird cab.
Great amp and loves pedals.
It is worth a try also and is worth every cent.
Beautiful playing 👌
Fender still got it, I already have the 68 model and are satisfied with that, but the other are also very good but much more pricy! Upon that i have a 65 twin reissue and I am a very happy owner, also a keeper!
Killer sounds and excellent playing!
Beautiful playing mate!
Great video! In my opinion, the 'Fender Deluxe Reverb' is by far one of the best amps in the market to date. Cheers
Outstanding playing
He’s a great player. I have the TK MKII and have had a DRRI in the past few years. What you don’t get from a video is how the amp feels. At any volume the TK’s touch response and sag are amazing whereas I found the DRRI like hitting a brick wall unless you were up around 7-8 volume.
Agreed about the Imperial's touch and feel. I usually run on the lead channel and roll the guitar's volume to control the gain, and when the amp starts to break up it's a blast. It just sings.
This really helps. Thanks!