Older speaker, tubes might be wearing out, capacitors might be going, etc. That tube amp likely will sound even more different 2 years from now or 2 years ago. If he really wanted to match them 1 for 1, he could just turn down the treble on the tonemaster and they'd be indistinguishable.
Night and day the 68 is warmer. But as always, comparing is never a single individuals experience. Anyone buying the Tone Master will still be thrilled.
I have a tone master twin reverb and I throw a boss eq pedal in front of it to thicken and warm up the tone. Will never be a true tube tone, but it’s pretty darn good and the weight differential is a huge plus.
Fender did a great job with the Tonemaster (however) it's not the same as a Real Tube Amp - which I prefer. I do also own a Fender Rumble 100 Bass-amp and a Yamaha THR 30II and I do enjoy them. Nice comparison.
As much as I really want to like the Tone Master as an all-around amp, it lacks something in depth vs the original. The cleans are great, the tremolo is great, but there is a noticeable difference in the breakup tone. Not to say that one is better than the other - they have similarities, but different features. I think the attraction of the TM is the attenuator and line out, as well as light weight. Time will tell if there is a longevity factor. A hand-wired amp can last forever with proper servicing. Digital amps may or may not stand up to the test of time. Too soon to tell.
Definitely too soon to tell if digitals can stand the test of time. However, given that 70s/80s synths and keyboards persist, it likely hinges on component quality.
I thought they would sond the same, a least... But none is bad. Only different. Why make an amp with the same name that doesn't sound the same ? All the TM amps have the same "issue". Maybe they don't want to kill the sales of their valve amps ? Imo it's stupid to make a digital clone that doesn't sound the same.
Tone master is #1
The original definitely sounds warmer, but I wonder how much of that comes from having an older speaker.
Older speaker, tubes might be wearing out, capacitors might be going, etc. That tube amp likely will sound even more different 2 years from now or 2 years ago. If he really wanted to match them 1 for 1, he could just turn down the treble on the tonemaster and they'd be indistinguishable.
Night and day the 68 is warmer. But as always, comparing is never a single individuals experience. Anyone buying the Tone Master will still be thrilled.
I think the first is the Tone Master. The 68 sounds fuller, rounder, more bass in it.
I have a tone master twin reverb and I throw a boss eq pedal in front of it to thicken and warm up the tone. Will never be a true tube tone, but it’s pretty darn good and the weight differential is a huge plus.
I used one at a recent session. Loved the amp I wasn’t thrilled with the built in ir. But mic’s it was stellar
That Ultra Strat is the winner
The 68 sounds more like a tube amp, which it is. The Tone Master has an odd lower mid thing going on that reduces clarity.
Fender did a great job with the Tonemaster (however) it's not the same as a Real Tube Amp - which I prefer. I do also own a Fender Rumble 100 Bass-amp and a Yamaha THR 30II and I do enjoy them. Nice comparison.
Thanks for watching, Michael.
As much as I really want to like the Tone Master as an all-around amp, it lacks something in depth vs the original. The cleans are great, the tremolo is great, but there is a noticeable difference in the breakup tone. Not to say that one is better than the other - they have similarities, but different features. I think the attraction of the TM is the attenuator and line out, as well as light weight. Time will tell if there is a longevity factor. A hand-wired amp can last forever with proper servicing. Digital amps may or may not stand up to the test of time. Too soon to tell.
Definitely too soon to tell if digitals can stand the test of time. However, given that 70s/80s synths and keyboards persist, it likely hinges on component quality.
Woof… stark difference, lighter weight lighter tone… tubes for the win
They both sound great. I'm going with amp 1 was the tonemaster 2 was the tube. 2 sounded just a little fuller
Swap out the speaker. That 10" Jensen in my pro jr was okay at best.
Swap for what speaker ?
My opinion, if you only had one amp there played it and said it was a Princeton, no one would guess that it’s a tone master…
Could,nt tell, so very close
I thought they would sond the same, a least...
But none is bad. Only different.
Why make an amp with the same name that doesn't sound the same ? All the TM amps have the same "issue". Maybe they don't want to kill the sales of their valve amps ?
Imo it's stupid to make a digital clone that doesn't sound the same.
The difference between them is as big as the difference between the earth and space. And not just the sound.
Don't care for the tone master amps but would take the tone master Princeton over a 68 silver face Princeton.
The Tube amp is better, and I havent even heard the comparisons yet. Analog/tube is always better.