For under $450 used, there’s not a single tube amp that’s got the clean headroom that the HRD. Yeah the other amps sound better, that’s not really up for debate, but they cost literally upwards of 4 to 6 times as much. If you can get your sound and be inspired by a HRD, you can get your sound anywhere
Yup. Unless you’re actually making a profit as a musician. I dont see how you can easily justify the price difference. *sips tea* But thats none of my business. Ill stick to my hrd deluxe until Then.
peavey valveking 2x12 or classic 50 both have really good clean channels with tons of headroom, and I've bought one of each off craigslist for under $300. Great alternatives if you can find them.
I would still say the DSL40CR is much more versatile.... If you like to get your gain from pedals the yeah HRD is definitely a contender but if you want amp gain and still need a decent clean high head room sound... then the DSL40CR is where it's at....
Absolutely is up for debate IMO depending on what you like. I have a couple of boutique amps in my collection and played through the Mesa in this vid, but tonally HRD is one of my favs. Such a great clean tone! My issue? Volume control is pretty much on or off 😆
I upgraded from an FSR Hotrod Deluxe to the Mesa Cali Tweed a few months ago and it was worth every penny. This amp is pure magic! Happy Days! Thanks fellas, I’ve been really looking forward to this episode.
Love my HRD IV. Does everything I expect an amp to do. I barely think about it to be honest, which is really the best compliment a piece of gear can get.
The least expensive and most effective mod you can do to a Hot Rod Deluxe is to place a MXR 10 Band EQ in the effects loop. After years of doing mods and swapping tubes and speakers I tried this and was able to reshape the amp into something much more enjoyable. Later I was able to save up and get a Deluxe Reverb. I think the other problem with the Hot Rod is that the solid state rectifier doesn't have the same sag as a tube rectifier like the DRRI.
I think people would be a lot happier with “what they have” if they just spent the hundred bucks on that mxr pedal. It’s amazing what simple eq can do.
I had a version 3 for years. Hell, I never used the effects loop. I thought the drive and clean tone were great, mainly because I didn't try to make it something it's not. It's not like my Marshalls, other Fenders, Peaveys, etc. It was it's own thing. I found the best way to change it's tone was running an external cab. A Mesa 412 with v30s is a hell of a tone change. I though it sounded amazing through my Peavey 5150 412. I only sold it because a neighbor's kid needed a gigging amp, and couldn't afford much. I tried the new version 4, but it didn't sound like my old one, so i passed on it, but still a fine amp. Never had a problem with it for over a decade.
Agree with the speaker change. Mine has the Celestion 65watt Creamback and sounds great. But, it’s a sound fundamentally based on the Twin rather than a “tweed” or pushed Princeton sound. It is what it is. Otherwise, just buy a Vox-type amp as well.
You guys taught me everything (along with my cousin Matt). Yall brought me out of the dark ages. Thank you so, so much. That Pedal Show changed my life, honestly.
I have hrd 3. Had it a few years now the clean in it is absolutely amazing. The dirty Channel I never like but I run a distortion pedal and that fixed my problem. But the hrd is absolutely amazing and haven't wanted another amp since I got this one
I picked up a JHS Little Black Amp Box and it completely changed the clean channel. To be able to approach that natural breakup without having to blow down the doors of your house. Utilize those tubes efficiently. It's really the only way I use it now.
Got my imperial mk 2 last month. I was absolutely blown away, I love it. Bit overkill still for what I use it for, I only play at home so don't find any issue with head room. I'm fairly lucky as am semi detached with a neighbour that's never at home so can crank it a bit more than some at home. I think It's a keeper for me.
My HRD is the only amp I'll never sell. Mine has a v30 which may make a difference but the drive channel set to 4-5 with a ts9 in front of it is a serious gigging set up.Bought a few boogies in the last few years ( which are flipping ace of course) but man ....that fender does something special at gig volume.
Yes totally agree. Was a game changer once I put the tubescreamer through slightly over driven channel 2 of HRD with a strat. Immense gigging setup. And I don't think they emphasise how good the spring reverb sounds either.
I had a 2009 Python Deluxe(python skin cover,Celestion v30 onboard!). Awesome tone, amd my fellow bandmate had an Eminence Fender Design original version Hot Rod. They both are great, but the Celestion wins hands down. Now I have a Mocha Tolex covered one as well, with a Jensen. Those, are super bright and clear vs the mild breakup rock perfect sound of Celestions.
I've had a HRD III for a long time. Once I switched the speaker out for a Celestion heavy creamback, the amp came ALIVE. It overdrives much more quickly (around 4-4.5for me with low output single coil pickups) and has WAY smoother and rounder low end and a little less brash high end/upper mids. It no longer sounds like it wants to fart out and die once you get it past 4 or 5 on the volume knob. I still don't touch the overdrive channels, but the amp takes overdrive pedals really well, so I can still get decent overdriven tones at "relatively" low volumes. So if you have one and are looking for a speaker upgrade, I highly recommend a Celestion G12H-75. Worth every penny IMO.
Changing the speaker in a sub $1k Fender is an instant game changer! Bought a Yamaha 2x12 cab which was loaded with a couple of different Eminence Speakers, and just using one speaker either side of that cab with my Blues Deluxe sounds way better than the internal speaker. Tempted to just swap the internal speaker with one from the cab!
I like long videos. Occasionally there are times when I get a bit ear-blind (I know that's not a word, but you know what I mean ;) when it's several similar things being compared. And when you've got 2 good guitarists playing good guitars through good pedals and good amps making good videos with good audio production, everything sounds good and I don't know which similar thing I actually want...but it does give me somewhere to start from, which I suspect is kind of the intention... Keep up the good work, chaps. I'm off to buy a lottery ticket because now I want a Tone King...and a house without neighbours.
@Hmmm mmm The jackpot was over 100 million last I looked - if I win you can have one too. Dumble's for everyone - checks prices - erm....Dumble's for like 3 of you guys!
I've tried to stay clear of the HRD for most of my playing life, but I once played one and I was surprised at the way it did most of the things I like on an amp. It's funny how you have an idea of what you may or may not like, and then it changes completely the moment you actually try stuff. It happened the same way when I tried a Marshall DSL for the first time, I was set on buying one and ended up getting a Fender Bassbreaker 45 instead because it did exactly what I wanted the DSL to do (cleanish bluesy OD).
I just recently purchased a Tone King MKII, and I am getting some of the best tones I've every had. Also have to give yall some kudos because I also love getting my Tone King to get me to edge of breakup, and then kicking in my D&M Drive to take me where I need to go. When rocking my LP, I will also kick in my TI Boost with most of the bass rolled off. Simple signal chain, but absolutely amazing tones.
Please keep these deep dives going. There's no better channel like this for unbiased detail imho. I've had a series 1 HDR since they came out and have made great use of it. Last year I bought a gorgeous slate grey DRRI. It's more manageable in terms of volume, and to my ear takes my slightly excessive selection of pedals (I blame you guys ;-)) just as well. It's like I've been eating one type of apple for a while, and sure I've tried other fruit too, but have now found a smaller and slightly sweeter apple.
I love my HRD. I modded it with the Fromel Electronics ‘complete’ kit and it sounds phenomenal. It now has 2 clean channels (great for matching humbucker/single coils or solo boost) then the more drive channel is an overdrive. The master volume now works on both channels which is great for taming it.
Ditto for me... do the full Fromel mods and you've got it! BTW, that 'clean' channel volume issue is due to the HRD being built with a linear taper pot in that control... change it over to an audio taper pot, and there ya go! That is part of the Fromel mods, btw...
I did the same thing. The reverb is now extremely useable now as well. Completely different amp after the mods, should have been how fender made them in the first place.
I live here in Seattle and John fromel is a good friend of mine. He modded my Blues Juniors 3 with one of his kits, he worked on the tone stack and the gain structure and the Reverb as well. I've forgotten which kit it is now and he also for free added a tube driven tremolo circuit. I replaced the speaker with one out of a tone King and now my amp sounds as good as any Deluxe Reverb or hot rod deluxe. Frommel is a master!
Great concept for a potential series! I'd love one for the Blues Jr, if you want specifically a single channel amp with three band eq and 'verb you can't just go to the rest of the hot rod range
Y’all are literally the best Keep it chill It’s like hanging w real musicians Not watching just some demo video guys showing off I watch because it’s human and I learn better that way and you 2 have a wealth of knowledge I’m catching up on Mostly just want to say thanks
I've just bought a Hot Rod Deluxe IV. I tried it in the shop against a Blues Junior IV and Ltd Edition with a Jensen, Fender Bassbreaker 15, a Supro Amulet, a Tone King Falcon Grande, Fender Princeton 68, Fender Princeton 65, and Vox AC15. Honestly it had the most beautiful clean sound of all of them 😮 Punchy, full, sparkly with a lot of weight to the notes. No cab rattle, no hum (if you keep away about to feet from it with single coils). I mean it has the most beautiful sound. The volume taper works fine, the Reverb is beautiful.. I have quite good experience about recognizing when a sound is good.. and the HRD4 is really up there. The Gain Channel needs to be dialed in.. if you put the gain way up without adjusting the EQ, and play like a nerd on your guitar, it's gonna sound like crap. You need to dial everything in, and play the guitar with a dynamic touch, subtility. It is aimed for experienced players in my opinion. No high gain stuff here that will hide your sloppy playing. This is a characteristic of high quality Tone stacks in my opinion. Also, don't put the EQ at noon, and start from that. Start at everything at Zero and dial in from there. It takes pedals superbly, the Gain Channel when used with low gain is glorious to get a mid forward jazz sound. It is usable at home with the volume below 2. Just don't read forums, and go try it. Make a comparison with your guitar in hand (guitars in shops are so badly set up, you just can't get to play relaxed. Very important) And trust your ears, no forums. You'll understand the HRD4 is a classic beast.
Right on. I’m a worship leader and play with several different group around and love the portability of my BJR but it doesn’t always cut the mustard when I have to play a loud clean…just wondering how much of that boxiness is the small cabinet vs the amp/speaker itself. Love the form factor and can live with the sound, but it’s not amazing…kind of like Dan with the HRD here, lol
I bought a Blues Jr with the Bill M mods and did not like it. I now have a Princeton 68 Custom. A much better clean sound but you need to turn it up loud to get gain. Or use a pedal. I ordered a Tone King Gremlin and can’t wait to get it. No Reverb though.
It's so interesting how subjective sound is. Everytime you went back to the Hot Rod Deluxe, I thought, "wow, that sounds way better". Then you'd say the opposite Great video!
I have had a HRD for 20 years. Always liked the clean channel, but it has been way too loud. Then I got the "JHS Pedals Little Black Amp" and placed it in the effects loop. This allows cracking of the volume knob to get into the sweet overdrive of the tubes, while keeping the volume down. Now I love the amp and the clean channel at volumes 5-7.
Unless I missed it, you guys didn't try plugging into Input#2 on the HRD. That apparently attenuates the input signal by -6db, taming the overall volume a little bit and allowing you to crank up the gain more before breakup
HRD was indeed my first amp as well. The first "problem" I encountered was the cleans feeling out of control (i had a 60 watt 212 deville) so I bought a boss compressor. That, a carbon copy and a fulltone fulldrive was basically my rig for a decade. Next amp was an Allen Amps (boutique-y builder in the states) Old Flame, which was his take on a super reverb. Basically never looked back BUT i'd be lying if I said my eyes dont light up whenever I see a working HRD appear as backline on a club date. They're not the best but theyre certainly not the worst and you will have a good show with one behind you
Oh I had an Old Flame. What a magical amp, I just needed something different for my uses. If I ever get to a point where I own and use more than two amps I’ll definitely go back that one
I had a deville too. Somethings it did great but out control is a good way to describe it. I traded/bought a Bruno Cow tipper after that and that’s probably my top amp I regret selling; there have been far too many.
I still thorn between Mesa Bogner Custom pro blues Delux reissue Deville Tweed mk2 that cover all styles ,and a Marshall Princeton Goldface love your channel guys and I still have the TPS underwear , Jagger Mick here -Steely Dan here .LOVE YOU GUYS ,i think the service that you are doing to all this companies by reviewing all their products its unbelievable. they should pay you all 10% from their profit monthly , also the credit card companies ,you causing a lot of money transactions.
I have a v40 combo and I cannot be a happier guitarist. Great sounds, great effects, greater mids range. You can go from none to MIDS, which the strat definitely needs.
Not sure if it's generational or what, but the Fender HRD just sounds like the records I grew up listening to... I know it is the cheapest, but I think I prefer it..
Hello legends! So, what makes an fx loop of a certain amp stand out when compared to another amp? I thought it didn’t matter as long as it’s placed between the preamp and power section. But I started to wonder after hearing Mick say that the hot rod has a very good fx loop. What makes a good fx loop? Thanks gents. Have a great weekend 🤙🏻
I loved my HRD, I now have a BJR and a DRRI which is my fav. I have a solid state Fender Deluxe which is a really great wee amp. I used to stand at the door of our local blues bar and listen to other guys play thru my HRD, unmiked and it sounded killer.
HRD III - For sure it's the speaker causing that spiky tone. I just bought one and tried some different speakers. Certain speakers make a WORLD of difference on this amp. Having said that, after switching back to the internal speaker, I realized that the sound of that speaker is a thing that you can use in a certain context. When you want some kind of raucous rock-a-billy or punk sounding riffs, this is your speaker. For something more refined, switch to a mellower speaker. So to give this amp its props, the clean sound is quite nice when the volume is low (and it's still quite loud enough to be usable). The dirty sound is quite good with a different speaker selection. It takes pedals very well. You can push it to some impressive loudness with pedals. And the fact that you can actually make this amp sound good with a speaker change is a testament to its versatility. I have a bunch of amps. They all don't respond well to speaker changes. Some amps have a sweet spot and every other speaker sounds like crap with that amp.
I would love to see an entirely Blues Driver show! See all possibilities, alikes choices and every trick that you guys know about it. Please. It will be a great episode!!
You all are so knowledgable, yet unassuming, that this has to be one of the best UA-cam channels, period. I don't have the money or the chops to buy 90% of what I have watched you all talk about, but it's such a pleasure to just hang out and learn from you all and listen to you all play that I always come back for another video.
I really enjoyed this. Just analyzing and exploring amp characteristics without putting any of them down - true class, like proper musos simply chatting about gear. Love that. In the spirit of pedal platforms and clean headroom, I'd be interested to hear you guys try a Rivera Venus Deux or Venus 6. Keep up the good work!
Seems like many use the Fender Deluxe Hot Rod for comparison. I've had one for 15 years now! Love it,..no issues what so ever! Guess I'll just keep it!
Talking about loud and clean, I play through a hot rod deville 4x10. That’s 60 watts of loud and clean. It has a lot of the same issues as the deluxe too. It gets really loud really fast, and it gets spiky when turned up too. I’m also not sure I’d call the drive channels even usable. The Victory and the Mesa Boogie definitely have my attention
I was watching last weeks show and my wife commented from outside the living room "hey you are getting alot better". Then she walked in the room and said "oh, I thought that was you" - but it was Mic playing on the TV. Then she looked at the TV and said "how come you don't have any cool tshirts like they do?". Don't ever think your not a good player Mic and that you don't have great taste in Tshirts Mic! I will direct her to the TPS shop for Christmas.
I wouldn't lose the FHRD , but i am sold on that Mesa, damn.. What an interesting circuitry allowing such a cool tonal spectrum. Thanks for this, guys.
Great show, as always, however I know you said very clearly that this was an upgrade situation however the HRD is under $750 USD and the Victory 140 is $2,150. Mesa Boogie California tweed @ $2,500. Tone King Imperial MKII as a combo is $2,600. Wouldn't a Deluxe Reverb be a better option? Still Fender clean but better and saves quite a few quid. But, I enjoy watching no matter the result as we get to listen to good info and even better playing!! Thanks guys
I agree it's a huge price jump and you would think there should be something in between but I can't really think what it would be. I think the deluxe reverb is out based on the assumption that people using the HRD are using both channels, so all these amps have switchable overdrive channels which the Deluxe reverb doesn't. I'm on a bit of a search for a forever amp, but all of these are still more than I could justify cost wise.
Couln't agree more. I don't personally know of a single guitar player that can afford these amps. I know I can't, and I don't know of any other players locally that can. I suppose if you are a pro level musician that is gigging regularly then you just figure out how to afford it, otherwise at these prices this just isn't practical at all. Many of us, if not most, are lucky to just have a guitar that plays and sounds well and rarely does it cost more than USD 2000 because for most of us that just isn't in a ballpark that is affordable, and likely never will be. Same goes for amps. If I owned a Hot Rod Deluxe I'd figure out how to make it work, do my best, and just play it. Beyond that, for the majority of us (or at least the people that I know), it's decent solid state amps, amp modeling, amp effects, pedal effects, and multi-effects, and even the really good multi-effects have gotten to a ridiculous price point that just isn't practical.
@@ronpipes1988 I was in the local punk scene when I was in college and every dirt poor college band and guys living out of vans had a 100 watt Marshall that cost every bit as much as these (inflation adjusted, cause I'm not young lol). If you want stuff like this, you can make it happen.
@@mechmat12345 I guess I'm just not willing to live out of a van. Like I said, if a person is a gigging musician, then yeah, they figure out how to pay for it. Back in my high school and college days (back when the earth still had that new dirt smell) there were a bunch of us that used to drool over the marshalls at this music shop in Memphis. We all wanted one, but we all knew that, for us, this type of thing just wasn't approachable. So, we used what we had and made it work. Most of us used cheap no name tube amps that got the job done, but little else. Gigging at clubs and bars, we just had to use what we were able to get and afford. All these decades later and retired, I could actually afford something like this if it was absolutely necessary, but I have to wonder what it would take to be absolutely necessary. I play solid state amps either in mono, mono mono, stereo wet, wet dry, or wet dry wet, or DI into my computer running Reaper and out through my monitors, and to date I've never had a reason to need an all tube amp. I've gigged off and on over the years and I've never come across an occasion in which I said to myself "if only this were a tube amp". The cost for a good one is just so prohibitive and the solid state offerings today are just so much better than when we were kids. Heck....I have a Fender Champion 100 2X12 sitting in the corner of my little studio that you can get all of the traditional Fender sounds from and it was just a bit under USD 300. You have to spend some time learning how to dial in the sounds depending on the volume you're playing at (admittedly solid states are a pain in that regard), but they are there. And with dirt pedals through the clean channel and modulations through the effects loop the thing just kicks arse. Anything from SRV to Boston, Iron Maiden and Rush (depending on the guitar of course), to anything Country. The Katana is an easier amp to dial tones inwith as is the Fender Mustang amp, Blackstar amps, etc. Any of these amps, including the cheap Champion 100, are immensely better than many of the tube amps of days gone by that most of us used to gig with. But like I said, I don't know a single guitar player in my area that can afford USD 2000 on an amp. If a person had to then yeah, they could figure it out, but that doesn't mean they can actually afford it.
I now love my Hot Rod Deluxe. A first series USA built. Full Fromel mods as per UA-cam information. NOW, it is wonderful. It does it all and is transformed. I highly recommend this amp with these easy mods.
I play a Hot Rod Deluxe in my school always and I always think it sounds too mushy. Coming from a V40 Deluxe at home and mostly playing Strats, ES and P90s the Victory can handle anything I throw at it, the Hot Rod can’t really. Especially when it comes to pedals. Delay and Drives just sound gorgeous with the Victory and get so washed up with the Hot Rod. Still a great amp, I much more prefer a blues junior tho if you don’t need as much wattage!
You guys are incredible! You have got me to the point - as an intermediate hobby player - when I decided to pick one tube-amp and the few pedals I really need. After testing modelers, solid-state amps, digital multi-effects, software, this and that. Thank you for your gentle education!
Hot rod deluxe with a curly cable. Will def take off some of the top end. Should give it a try (divine noise) make some awesome curly cables which Dan auberach (black keys) uses
Amazing how at about 43:00 when you use the overdrive pedal store signature pedal how well that made the HRD fender sound so much better, it was actually stunning.
Would be great. Me and Dan would struggle a bit because outside of a JTM45 and other Plexis, neither of us really know what to do with the post Marshall stuff. Too much rock for jazz/bloooze wimps like us. :0)
In the manual of the Tone King says that if you want more headroom you can change some valves that lowers the gain and they recommend their favourites. Love the amp for playing at home
Well, not loud enough for one person may be way too loud for the next person…. Do play it if you can! I mean it’s loud enough…. But it doesn’t have enough headroom for me personally. Cheers!
@@ThatPedalShow cheers. 👍Currently run an AC30HW in a pretty loud band and have always wondered about 20w being loud enough/have enough headroom (Have a few gain stages on the board too). I never run the AC30 in 15w mode. Caveat being never had the opportunity to try one of course. There’s not many Tone Kings around in Aus (amps in general it would seem - not within reasonable driving distance anyway!) so I would be buying online to try! They sound awesome though!
The Hot Hot Rod Deluxe was my first amp, purchased “sound unheard” from a catalog. It was awesome, but the sheer volume of the thing was overwhelming, especially because I didn’t know the proper way to adjust the settings and didn’t know who (in the pre-UA-cam era) to ask or what to ask. I let it go and never really looked back. I’m playing a Super Reverb now, which has the volume, but I know more about how to run things, thanks to years of trial and error and listening to the two of you. Grateful for your knowledge and the ways you share it! Thanks! 😊👍
Great show. Love the topic. I sincerely had to choose. I had a 1963 Fender Deluxe, a reissue reverb unit and Fryette PS-2 for years. I eagerly acquired an early Tone King Sky King during a trade. I knew I couldn't keep both. I felt the Sky King was the best amp I'd ever played through. After months of hemming and hawing, weighing the situation, I still have the Fender and reverb unit.
The perfect solution for me with this typs of amp, in my case a Blues Deluxe Reissue, was to build a simple "wampler master volume box" as explained by Mr. Wampler in his channel. Makes the volume much more tweakable whilst giving the possibility to crank those power tubes without the ear exploding volume. The stock speaker may sound a bit farty but the amp has been given new life.
Toneking skyking is life. And at 35W 2x6L6 a closer comparison to the HRD. Sold my imperial and got the SK for that extra solo headroom you guys discussed near the end 👍🏻 Also put the Andy wood model speaker in them. More efficient speaker and lighter 👍🏻
My first tube amp was a hot rod deluxe almost 20 years ago. I then went to a Mesa Boogie Electrodyne combo, then to a full Mark V half stack (which was instant regret too loud, too heavy), and now back to a Mesa Triple Crown combo, that I absolutely love. Mesa is much warmer, takes pedals even better, and the build quality is night and day. Also, pre Gibson their customer support has been 10/10, haven't had to use them since Gibson. I also moved to a Mesa Subway bass amp and it sounds amazing.
I've had a HRD for many years and that 'poke' is definitely a thing. I've done a few things to 'tune' it, changed the speaker, volume knob in the effects loop. I only use the clean channel with pedals. I do like it, but this video was timely. I've been browsing amps. Holy hell these upgrades are expensive though! Got any suggestions for something a bit less dear? I really liked the sound of the Mesa, so something in that area?
Second that. This video was “so your Honda Civic is great but you’re looking to step up. Check out this Ferrari and this Bugatti.” We skipped right over the Lexus and even the bmw.
When Dan said that the Victory just sounds like a guitar I couldn't agree more. His tele went from spiky'50s blues machine (not that there's anything wrong with that) to sounding like a sweet acoustic. Very nice.
just want everyone here to know that the "cannabis rex" speaker from eminence is a relatively cheap way to MASSIVELY upgrade your hot rod deluxe. that $150 or so is a lot cheaper than a new amp and will really strengthen one of the weak links in the chain. There are other speakers too! I just know that the cannabis rex absolutely rules.
I second this as a great speaker for the blues Jr. I replaced my stock tweed blues Jr speaker with a cannabis rex and it went from an amp I never used to my primary amp at home. 10/10
The major problem with your amp comparison is that it's not just an amp comparison, but you were also switching speakers, one 12" vs two 12" speakers at that, and probably different types of drivers, so of course that right there is going to have just as much if not more of a difference than the amps powering them.
Guys, don’t you think that the first thing after the HRD, is to change the speaker, I installed a V30 on mine which is the same as yours the III, and made a world of a difference, also for just 10 dlls we could swap a 12AX7 to a 12AY7 and mellow down that little beast called the HOT ROD DELUXE :)
Absolutely Leon. I put a WGS Veteran 30 (Vintage 30 clone) and 12AY7 tubes in my Blackstar and not only did the upgrades tame the amp but also gave it a really smooth tone.
Really helpful as I play my Deluxe happily everyday but get closer and closer to making the jump to the Imperial. One thing I do with my Deluxe is play with being the Mids knob up and down to really vary the sound. And the bass as well. Tweaking the EQ really gives you a delightful range of character to play with. And I’m running it through my OX Box, so I can chase those lovely higher levels of clean break up. Around 4 seems to be the sweet spot as a pedal platform. The amp really wakes up as I start to push my various pedal bird candy through it. But recently I’ve been trying to love it for it’s own stripes. And I’m beginning to think I’ll love the Tone King for all the same reasons, but far more passionately.
I use a 410 deville 60w wet for the headroom set clean paired with an ac15 dry set on the edge and for me for the price of both amps 2nd hand its a pretty damn good sound, with the right drive pedals complimenting the eq its capable of some really great tones for the price, for me its all about the cleans on the deville and the headroom as a wet amp for me that is where it lives and delivers i have no use for either drive channel they are not voiced in a way thats easy to play and are sonically unpleasent to my ear, would certainly like to pair the deville with that cali tweed
All of the hot rod series amplifiers have the same inherent problems and tone deficiencies. There is a fix though. If you contact John frommel and have him install his complete kit it will make this amplifier as good as any of the other amplifiers that they tested here today and it's far cheaper. Most of us cannot afford any of the amps that were tested other than the hot rod deluxe. I live here in Seattle and I know John from well he's a great guy and a genius when it comes to working on amplifiers. He modded my Blues Junior with his complete kit and he also installed a tube driven tremolo circuit for free! He worked on the tone stack, the gain structure and the Reverb and now my Blues Junior sounds better than any Deluxe Reverb or hot rod Deluxe that has not been modded. If you've got any of the hot rod series amplifiers contact John and he will set you up and you will be happy as a clam!
I play gigs that are almost all outside near the beach and in humidity and salt air. I paid 500 for a DeVille and it held up through 8 years and about 1000 gigs only had to take it to the shop twice. I wouldn't take an expensive amp to my gigs man.
By the way, I should have mentioned it yesterday, but applause for saying "black panel" amps around about 4:05, instead of the term by which they were formerly referred, which people are realising can be viewed in a negative light. I was just watching one of Australian social commentator Clementine Ford's videos about changing our speech patterns to remove problematic terminology, and it reminded me that I immediately caught Mick's reference yesterday whilst watching and was impressed. Well done, you!
Interesting, is it really a sign of people being impolite or of overly sensitive people bending the meaning of things to be "outraged". "Face" can mean many things, the face of a rock, forward facing, etc. The word face has often described the front of an object and again often with a descriptive term before it. Just an observation and some conversation, should we really change speech for some misconstrued feelings? Nothing against you, if this is something you are passionate about by all means speak your mind, just trying to ask questions and learn. Thanks and have a great day.
Most importantly: where has Dan found that trilby? I agree with the style choice, but mine is a bit too soft. 😃 I want to find a bit sturdier hat. No joke. Second, and perhaps more to the point of the channel: how would describe verbally the difference between a 1x12 and a 2x12? I hear a really distinct difference between the Fender and the Victory. In all respects, the Victory sounded better, more focused. But I only see you micing one speaker. So: is the difference we hear between the cabinets really only a difference between the speakers or does the cab have an an effect on what we hear as well?
Yes, a 2x12 will sound different from a 1x12 because two speakers will introduce some phase cancelation. When you close mic one of the speakers this effect won't be extreme, but it's still there to some degree. The size and construction of the cabinet will of course have some impact on the sound as well.
OK, so I watch your vids for many reasons, but honestly the genius, spontaneous playing is a big part of what keeps me watching. Don't call it noodling. When Mick plays at 25:40ish....I know it isn't a song, but I want to learn to play that.
Great show!. After hearing the hot rod compared with the Cali Tweed; I'm now thirsting for a tweed show. Love to see the lazy j and the Mesa and maybe another amp in a discussion about "tweed cleans " and the in-between sounds and of course some Neil Young sillyness. Have a great weekend chaps
A JHS Little Black Amp Box, volume pedal, or EQ pedal in the effects loop opens up a world of possibilities on the Hot Rod Deluxe. You can crank it up and get lots of nice breakup, but you can keep it at a reasonable volume. Maybe I'm too stupid to know the difference, but I think it sounds great with the stock speaker like this. I use the clean channel with the volume at 4 or 5 most of the time, but experimenting with EQ and drive channel there's a huge range there if you just keep the overall volume down.
After a Hot Rod Deluxe I went all over the amp spectrum, repeatedly tried various Deville models before finally arriving at destination 65ri Twin Reverb Custom 15..!!
The standard 2-12 RI twin reverb was my first “proper amp” been toying with the idea getting a 15” speaker for it, did you notice much difference between a 2-12 and a 1-15?
I recently got myself a victory v40 head. I A/B the hotrod deluxe into the same cab, I preferred the hotrod deluxe. After about a week or two of using the v40, my ears adjusted to the sound and character of the amp and I did another A/B test and found I liked the v40 better.
Chaps, thoughts on the Laney Lionheart series? In every demo I’ve seen they sound fantastic, but nobody seems to use them? Any pearls of wisdom or insight? Thanks
Amazing amps. I use two 20 watt Lionhearts for wet dry. One 4x10 and the other 2x12. Killer sounding. Prefer them to my super reverb and orange custom shop 50 for getting it done!
@@bryangarcia662 Is there much difference between the 5w and 20w? Guessing the 5w breaks up earlier, but does that make the 20w impractically loud on the gain channel at low volumes for home use? Thanks all
@@ThatPedalShow Would be really interesting to see how you guys think the 5w/20w Lionheart stacks up against other popular small amps like the Princeton etc!
This video made me so happy. Cali Tweed 4:40 owner, and I love playing my CS 70th anniversary Broadcaster through it. It's like magic, but my goodness I never set the EQ and gain like that at the 35 minute mark. Off to the basement to do this now, that sounded HUGE!!!!! I always knew the EQ was very sensitive, but man oh man you guys really showcased it! Well done fellas, well done!!!
Great roundup. You guys have definitely gotten the Victory amps on my radar. That V140 sounds utterly incredible on this, so I'm definitely going to check out it's little brother the V40 for my own needs. Also, as a potential future show topic -- Subway/Public Transit-friendly rigs? I've been gigging in New York City for almost ten years and the battle is always between tone, weight, and convenience when you've got to carry it all yourself on foot. I'd love to see you guys do a challenge where the weight of the gear had to be under a certain comfortable amount and see how much tone you could squeeze out of that.
A couple of weeks ago I asked about chasing Marshally sounds and not getting on with my Orange OR15, solved my problems when my girlfriend unexpectedly bought me a Morgan MVP23. I have it running wet with my pro junior dry, what a great amp. Cheers for all you do chaps
The volume taper on Hot Rod Deluxes just kills me in a backline situation. I've got in the habit of using an RC Booster as both a volume tweaker and headroom reducer with those amps.
@@ericleary5075 Unfortunately you dont' get to do that if it's backline amp owned by a hire company, which is the scenario I specifically commented on.
I actually like the overdrive channel on a hot rod deluxe but with one exception plugged into Input 2 not Input 1. It tends to tame it down and smooth it out a little more. Great video guys!🤘🏻
With all due respect to you, I've owned a USA tweed Blues Deluxe for 28 years now and it sounds amazing. Hot Rot Deluxes? If they're good enough for George Benson, who said they were just what he needed... they must be good for anyone! Of course there are fantastic amps out there from Victory, Mesa/Boogie, Fuchs, Little Walter... myself, if I were to upgrade and could afford to do so, it'd be to a Little Walter King Arthur!
Once I decided to give up on the drive channel (and the more drive), and just use the clean channel I have been very happy with it. The clean for me is wonderful and takes pedals beautifully.
![Easy Ways To Tame The Fender Hot Rod Deluxe [Input 2, Dr Watson, Tube Changes & More!]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YSqE6HNa3Gg/mqdefault.jpg)
![Easy Ways To Tame The Fender Hot Rod Deluxe [Input 2, Dr Watson, Tube Changes & More!]](/img/tr.png)
![How To Set Your Amp For Pedals [Gain, EQ, Volume & FX Loops]](/img/n.gif)
For under $450 used, there’s not a single tube amp that’s got the clean headroom that the HRD. Yeah the other amps sound better, that’s not really up for debate, but they cost literally upwards of 4 to 6 times as much. If you can get your sound and be inspired by a HRD, you can get your sound anywhere
Yup. Unless you’re actually making a profit as a musician. I dont see how you can easily justify the price difference.
*sips tea*
But thats none of my business.
Ill stick to my hrd deluxe until Then.
peavey valveking 2x12 or classic 50 both have really good clean channels with tons of headroom, and I've bought one of each off craigslist for under $300. Great alternatives if you can find them.
I would still say the DSL40CR is much more versatile....
If you like to get your gain from pedals the yeah HRD is definitely a contender but if you want amp gain and still need a decent clean high head room sound... then the DSL40CR is where it's at....
Absolutely is up for debate IMO depending on what you like. I have a couple of boutique amps in my collection and played through the Mesa in this vid, but tonally HRD is one of my favs. Such a great clean tone!
My issue? Volume control is pretty much on or off 😆
The HRD and a fender made in Mexico hss Strat was the starter set of choice in the early oughts. For $650 +/- you had a gig starter pack.
I upgraded from an FSR Hotrod Deluxe to the Mesa Cali Tweed a few months ago and it was worth every penny. This amp is pure magic! Happy Days! Thanks fellas, I’ve been really looking forward to this episode.
Andrew McNeil - Maddie Rice from the Saturday Night Live Band uses a California Tweed and she says she's very happy with it.
Love my HRD IV. Does everything I expect an amp to do. I barely think about it to be honest, which is really the best compliment a piece of gear can get.
I've had my Deville for almost 15 years, and it still is my #1 amp for playing jazz, and works decently for almost anything else.
The least expensive and most effective mod you can do to a Hot Rod Deluxe is to place a MXR 10 Band EQ in the effects loop. After years of doing mods and swapping tubes and speakers I tried this and was able to reshape the amp into something much more enjoyable. Later I was able to save up and get a Deluxe Reverb. I think the other problem with the Hot Rod is that the solid state rectifier doesn't have the same sag as a tube rectifier like the DRRI.
that's how I've been using it for years (with a speaker change)
I think people would be a lot happier with “what they have” if they just spent the hundred bucks on that mxr pedal. It’s amazing what simple eq can do.
I had a version 3 for years. Hell, I never used the effects loop. I thought the drive and clean tone were great, mainly because I didn't try to make it something it's not. It's not like my Marshalls, other Fenders, Peaveys, etc. It was it's own thing.
I found the best way to change it's tone was running an external cab. A Mesa 412 with v30s is a hell of a tone change. I though it sounded amazing through my Peavey 5150 412.
I only sold it because a neighbor's kid needed a gigging amp, and couldn't afford much. I tried the new version 4, but it didn't sound like my old one, so i passed on it, but still a fine amp. Never had a problem with it for over a decade.
Agree with the speaker change. Mine has the Celestion 65watt Creamback and sounds great. But, it’s a sound fundamentally based on the Twin rather than a “tweed” or pushed Princeton sound. It is what it is. Otherwise, just buy a Vox-type amp as well.
EQ everywhere! Truth
You guys taught me everything (along with my cousin Matt). Yall brought me out of the dark ages.
Thank you so, so much. That Pedal Show changed my life, honestly.
Thank you Greg, glad we can help!
I have hrd 3. Had it a few years now the clean in it is absolutely amazing. The dirty Channel I never like but I run a distortion pedal and that fixed my problem. But the hrd is absolutely amazing and haven't wanted another amp since I got this one
I picked up a JHS Little Black Amp Box and it completely changed the clean channel. To be able to approach that natural breakup without having to blow down the doors of your house.
Utilize those tubes efficiently. It's really the only way I use it now.
You are like 2 friends... i watch you drinking a southern comfort every time i can
Got my imperial mk 2 last month. I was absolutely blown away, I love it. Bit overkill still for what I use it for, I only play at home so don't find any issue with head room. I'm fairly lucky as am semi detached with a neighbour that's never at home so can crank it a bit more than some at home. I think It's a keeper for me.
My HRD is the only amp I'll never sell. Mine has a v30 which may make a difference but the drive channel set to 4-5 with a ts9 in front of it is a serious gigging set up.Bought a few boogies in the last few years ( which are flipping ace of course) but man ....that fender does something special at gig volume.
Yes totally agree. Was a game changer once I put the tubescreamer through slightly over driven channel 2 of HRD with a strat. Immense gigging setup. And I don't think they emphasise how good the spring reverb sounds either.
I had a 2009 Python Deluxe(python skin cover,Celestion v30 onboard!). Awesome tone, amd my fellow bandmate had an Eminence Fender Design original version Hot Rod. They both are great, but the Celestion wins hands down. Now I have a Mocha Tolex covered one as well, with a Jensen. Those, are super bright and clear vs the mild breakup rock perfect sound of Celestions.
I've had a HRD III for a long time. Once I switched the speaker out for a Celestion heavy creamback, the amp came ALIVE. It overdrives much more quickly (around 4-4.5for me with low output single coil pickups) and has WAY smoother and rounder low end and a little less brash high end/upper mids. It no longer sounds like it wants to fart out and die once you get it past 4 or 5 on the volume knob. I still don't touch the overdrive channels, but the amp takes overdrive pedals really well, so I can still get decent overdriven tones at "relatively" low volumes. So if you have one and are looking for a speaker upgrade, I highly recommend a Celestion G12H-75. Worth every penny IMO.
Putting a creamback 75 in anything is a good shout.
Changing the speaker in a sub $1k Fender is an instant game changer! Bought a Yamaha 2x12 cab which was loaded with a couple of different Eminence Speakers, and just using one speaker either side of that cab with my Blues Deluxe sounds way better than the internal speaker. Tempted to just swap the internal speaker with one from the cab!
I like long videos.
Occasionally there are times when I get a bit ear-blind (I know that's not a word, but you know what I mean ;) when it's several similar things being compared. And when you've got 2 good guitarists playing good guitars through good pedals and good amps making good videos with good audio production, everything sounds good and I don't know which similar thing I actually want...but it does give me somewhere to start from, which I suspect is kind of the intention...
Keep up the good work, chaps. I'm off to buy a lottery ticket because now I want a Tone King...and a house without neighbours.
@Hmmm mmm The jackpot was over 100 million last I looked - if I win you can have one too. Dumble's for everyone - checks prices - erm....Dumble's for like 3 of you guys!
I've tried to stay clear of the HRD for most of my playing life, but I once played one and I was surprised at the way it did most of the things I like on an amp. It's funny how you have an idea of what you may or may not like, and then it changes completely the moment you actually try stuff. It happened the same way when I tried a Marshall DSL for the first time, I was set on buying one and ended up getting a Fender Bassbreaker 45 instead because it did exactly what I wanted the DSL to do (cleanish bluesy OD).
I just recently purchased a Tone King MKII, and I am getting some of the best tones I've every had. Also have to give yall some kudos because I also love getting my Tone King to get me to edge of breakup, and then kicking in my D&M Drive to take me where I need to go. When rocking my LP, I will also kick in my TI Boost with most of the bass rolled off.
Simple signal chain, but absolutely amazing tones.
VERY Happy with my Tone King
Juts got mine, couldn’t agree more! TK for the win. Adore it.
Tone king is awesome
You just won a new customer for Victory 😊. Martin Kidd is indeed a genius and stands right up there with all the best amp designers.
Amazing amps!
Please keep these deep dives going. There's no better channel like this for unbiased detail imho. I've had a series 1 HDR since they came out and have made great use of it. Last year I bought a gorgeous slate grey DRRI. It's more manageable in terms of volume, and to my ear takes my slightly excessive selection of pedals (I blame you guys ;-)) just as well. It's like I've been eating one type of apple for a while, and sure I've tried other fruit too, but have now found a smaller and slightly sweeter apple.
I have these two and run them in stereo (a complete pedalboard in front) and it works great.
I love my HRD. I modded it with the Fromel Electronics ‘complete’ kit and it sounds phenomenal. It now has 2 clean channels (great for matching humbucker/single coils or solo boost) then the more drive channel is an overdrive. The master volume now works on both channels which is great for taming it.
Ditto for me... do the full Fromel mods and you've got it! BTW, that 'clean' channel volume issue is due to the HRD being built with a linear taper pot in that control... change it over to an audio taper pot, and there ya go! That is part of the Fromel mods, btw...
I did the same thing. The reverb is now extremely useable now as well. Completely different amp after the mods, should have been how fender made them in the first place.
I ordered my kit last week. I can't wait to get this done!
I live here in Seattle and John fromel is a good friend of mine. He modded my Blues Juniors 3 with one of his kits, he worked on the tone stack and the gain structure and the Reverb as well. I've forgotten which kit it is now and he also for free added a tube driven tremolo circuit. I replaced the speaker with one out of a tone King and now my amp sounds as good as any Deluxe Reverb or hot rod deluxe. Frommel is a master!
Will the Fromel mods work on the fender hotrod deville?
Great concept for a potential series! I'd love one for the Blues Jr, if you want specifically a single channel amp with three band eq and 'verb you can't just go to the rest of the hot rod range
Keep up the long shows guys, can't beat them. Still waiting for the attenuator video haha.
Attenuated delay videos need ADVANCE NOTIFICATIONS
Long time Mesa player, but I am still amazed at the difference that Cali makes.
Y’all are literally the best
Keep it chill
It’s like hanging w real musicians
Not watching just some demo video guys showing off
I watch because it’s human and I learn better that way and you 2 have a wealth of knowledge I’m catching up on
Mostly just want to say thanks
That is a huge compliment Kody, thank you!
🤙
Keep it up
My band/studio thanks you too
We have way better sounds now even if our songs still suck 🤫😝
That Victory is just so articulate. Beautiful sounding amp.
It’s a stunning amp!
I've just bought a Hot Rod Deluxe IV. I tried it in the shop against a Blues Junior IV and Ltd Edition with a Jensen, Fender Bassbreaker 15, a Supro Amulet, a Tone King Falcon Grande, Fender Princeton 68, Fender Princeton 65, and Vox AC15.
Honestly it had the most beautiful clean sound of all of them 😮
Punchy, full, sparkly with a lot of weight to the notes.
No cab rattle, no hum (if you keep away about to feet from it with single coils).
I mean it has the most beautiful sound. The volume taper works fine, the Reverb is beautiful..
I have quite good experience about recognizing when a sound is good.. and the HRD4 is really up there.
The Gain Channel needs to be dialed in.. if you put the gain way up without adjusting the EQ, and play like a nerd on your guitar, it's gonna sound like crap. You need to dial everything in, and play the guitar with a dynamic touch, subtility. It is aimed for experienced players in my opinion. No high gain stuff here that will hide your sloppy playing. This is a characteristic of high quality Tone stacks in my opinion.
Also, don't put the EQ at noon, and start from that. Start at everything at Zero and dial in from there.
It takes pedals superbly, the Gain Channel when used with low gain is glorious to get a mid forward jazz sound.
It is usable at home with the volume below 2.
Just don't read forums, and go try it. Make a comparison with your guitar in hand (guitars in shops are so badly set up, you just can't get to play relaxed. Very important)
And trust your ears, no forums.
You'll understand the HRD4 is a classic beast.
Long shows 👌🏻.
I just recently picked up a Tone King Imperial and I’m really impressed with it.
Brian, have you ever played a “suped-up” Blues Jr? I’m considering either buying a serious amp or putting less money into my Bjr via BillM mods.
@@justinoneil6971 yeah I’ve played a Humboldt Blues Jr - it has a different speaker and some EQ mods I think. Pretty cool amp.
Right on. I’m a worship leader and play with several different group around and love the portability of my BJR but it doesn’t always cut the mustard when I have to play a loud clean…just wondering how much of that boxiness is the small cabinet vs the amp/speaker itself. Love the form factor and can live with the sound, but it’s not amazing…kind of like Dan with the HRD here, lol
@@justinoneil6971 replacing a speaker for a higher quality option is usually a pretty impactful way to upgrade an amp like a BJR
I bought a Blues Jr with the Bill M mods and did not like it. I now have a Princeton 68 Custom. A much better clean sound but you need to turn it up loud to get gain. Or use a pedal. I ordered a Tone King Gremlin and can’t wait to get it. No Reverb though.
Been watching for 5 years now guys, & I'm still learning so much from you. Can't thank you enough! 👌👍
Imperial- my favorite drive channel of all time. Mid bite knob= 'more Dumble deluxe'
It's so interesting how subjective sound is. Everytime you went back to the Hot Rod Deluxe, I thought, "wow, that sounds way better". Then you'd say the opposite Great video!
I have had a HRD for 20 years. Always liked the clean channel, but it has been way too loud. Then I got the "JHS Pedals Little Black Amp" and placed it in the effects loop. This allows cracking of the volume knob to get into the sweet overdrive of the tubes, while keeping the volume down. Now I love the amp and the clean channel at volumes 5-7.
Can you still use other effects delay, reverb, and the black box also in the effects loop?
@@philspill6854 no problems at all. Best little investment in long time 👍
@@ThomasMejerHansen awesome thanks
I also have a HRD with the same JHS box. Definitely an ear-saver
Unless I missed it, you guys didn't try plugging into Input#2 on the HRD. That apparently attenuates the input signal by -6db, taming the overall volume a little bit and allowing you to crank up the gain more before breakup
HRD was indeed my first amp as well. The first "problem" I encountered was the cleans feeling out of control (i had a 60 watt 212 deville) so I bought a boss compressor. That, a carbon copy and a fulltone fulldrive was basically my rig for a decade. Next amp was an Allen Amps (boutique-y builder in the states) Old Flame, which was his take on a super reverb. Basically never looked back BUT i'd be lying if I said my eyes dont light up whenever I see a working HRD appear as backline on a club date. They're not the best but theyre certainly not the worst and you will have a good show with one behind you
Oh I had an Old Flame. What a magical amp, I just needed something different for my uses. If I ever get to a point where I own and use more than two amps I’ll definitely go back that one
I had a deville too. Somethings it did great but out control is a good way to describe it. I traded/bought a Bruno Cow tipper after that and that’s probably my top amp I regret selling; there have been far too many.
I still thorn between Mesa Bogner Custom pro blues Delux reissue Deville Tweed mk2 that cover all styles ,and a Marshall Princeton Goldface love your channel guys and I still have the TPS underwear , Jagger Mick here -Steely Dan here .LOVE YOU GUYS ,i think the service that you are doing to all this companies by reviewing all their products its unbelievable. they should pay you all 10% from their profit monthly , also the credit card companies ,you causing a lot of money transactions.
I have a v40 combo and I cannot be a happier guitarist. Great sounds, great effects, greater mids range. You can go from none to MIDS, which the strat definitely needs.
Not sure if it's generational or what, but the Fender HRD just sounds like the records I grew up listening to... I know it is the cheapest, but I think I prefer it..
Hello legends! So, what makes an fx loop of a certain amp stand out when compared to another amp? I thought it didn’t matter as long as it’s placed between the preamp and power section. But I started to wonder after hearing Mick say that the hot rod has a very good fx loop. What makes a good fx loop? Thanks gents. Have a great weekend 🤙🏻
I loved my HRD, I now have a BJR and a DRRI which is my fav. I have a solid state Fender Deluxe which is a really great wee amp.
I used to stand at the door of our local blues bar and listen to other guys play thru my HRD, unmiked and it sounded killer.
Mick! Dan! Love the show! Love that you guys comment as well. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for being here. And there is NOTHING wrong with being sexy. ;0)
@@ThatPedalShow there’s a fine line between clever and stupid, lol.
HRD III - For sure it's the speaker causing that spiky tone. I just bought one and tried some different speakers. Certain speakers make a WORLD of difference on this amp. Having said that, after switching back to the internal speaker, I realized that the sound of that speaker is a thing that you can use in a certain context. When you want some kind of raucous rock-a-billy or punk sounding riffs, this is your speaker. For something more refined, switch to a mellower speaker. So to give this amp its props, the clean sound is quite nice when the volume is low (and it's still quite loud enough to be usable). The dirty sound is quite good with a different speaker selection. It takes pedals very well. You can push it to some impressive loudness with pedals. And the fact that you can actually make this amp sound good with a speaker change is a testament to its versatility. I have a bunch of amps. They all don't respond well to speaker changes. Some amps have a sweet spot and every other speaker sounds like crap with that amp.
I would love to see an entirely Blues Driver show! See all possibilities, alikes choices and every trick that you guys know about it. Please. It will be a great episode!!
Blues Driver might be my favorite pedal! Please do it!
@@batsshadow I agree its a great sounding circuit.
I like my Superphat Mod by Keeley which is based on a Bluesdriver circuit.
I have the waza craft blues driver. Easily my favorite pedal on my pedal board. This pedal is so versatile. The range of tones is amazing.
I got Waza too. Man, it's so fantastic!! I play everything with him, and I use it as a always on pedal. I got treble bleed on my main guitar.
Yes I had a keeley modded one. I sold it. Because felt guilty on buying amp. But then went in a hunt to get another. It rocks
You all are so knowledgable, yet unassuming, that this has to be one of the best UA-cam channels, period. I don't have the money or the chops to buy 90% of what I have watched you all talk about, but it's such a pleasure to just hang out and learn from you all and listen to you all play that I always come back for another video.
Ah, thanks so much 🤓🙏
I really enjoyed this. Just analyzing and exploring amp characteristics without putting any of them down - true class, like proper musos simply chatting about gear. Love that. In the spirit of pedal platforms and clean headroom, I'd be interested to hear you guys try a Rivera Venus Deux or Venus 6. Keep up the good work!
Seems like many use the Fender Deluxe Hot Rod for comparison. I've had one for 15 years now! Love it,..no issues what so ever! Guess I'll just keep it!
Talking about loud and clean, I play through a hot rod deville 4x10. That’s 60 watts of loud and clean. It has a lot of the same issues as the deluxe too. It gets really loud really fast, and it gets spiky when turned up too. I’m also not sure I’d call the drive channels even usable. The Victory and the Mesa Boogie definitely have my attention
I own the DeVille 4x10 (Version I) as well. I tamed it down by changing the preamp tubes. This makes the drive channel finally usable.
I was watching last weeks show and my wife commented from outside the living room "hey you are getting alot better". Then she walked in the room and said "oh, I thought that was you" - but it was Mic playing on the TV. Then she looked at the TV and said "how come you don't have any cool tshirts like they do?". Don't ever think your not a good player Mic and that you don't have great taste in Tshirts Mic! I will direct her to the TPS shop for Christmas.
Thank you so much Cam, that’s super kind of you to say!
Mick: "Bigger, fuller, much wider range of overdrive..." In my head immediately: Fitter, happier, more productive...
hahaha what a great comment!
Gotta love Radiohead references!
I wouldn't lose the FHRD , but i am sold on that Mesa, damn.. What an interesting circuitry allowing such a cool tonal spectrum.
Thanks for this, guys.
Great show, as always, however I know you said very clearly that this was an upgrade situation however the HRD is under $750 USD and the Victory 140 is $2,150. Mesa Boogie California tweed @ $2,500. Tone King Imperial MKII as a combo is $2,600. Wouldn't a Deluxe Reverb be a better option? Still Fender clean but better and saves quite a few quid. But, I enjoy watching no matter the result as we get to listen to good info and even better playing!! Thanks guys
I agree it's a huge price jump and you would think there should be something in between but I can't really think what it would be. I think the deluxe reverb is out based on the assumption that people using the HRD are using both channels, so all these amps have switchable overdrive channels which the Deluxe reverb doesn't. I'm on a bit of a search for a forever amp, but all of these are still more than I could justify cost wise.
Couln't agree more. I don't personally know of a single guitar player that can afford these amps. I know I can't, and I don't know of any other players locally that can. I suppose if you are a pro level musician that is gigging regularly then you just figure out how to afford it, otherwise at these prices this just isn't practical at all. Many of us, if not most, are lucky to just have a guitar that plays and sounds well and rarely does it cost more than USD 2000 because for most of us that just isn't in a ballpark that is affordable, and likely never will be. Same goes for amps.
If I owned a Hot Rod Deluxe I'd figure out how to make it work, do my best, and just play it. Beyond that, for the majority of us (or at least the people that I know), it's decent solid state amps, amp modeling, amp effects, pedal effects, and multi-effects, and even the really good multi-effects have gotten to a ridiculous price point that just isn't practical.
@@ronpipes1988 I was in the local punk scene when I was in college and every dirt poor college band and guys living out of vans had a 100 watt Marshall that cost every bit as much as these (inflation adjusted, cause I'm not young lol). If you want stuff like this, you can make it happen.
@@mechmat12345 I guess I'm just not willing to live out of a van. Like I said, if a person is a gigging musician, then yeah, they figure out how to pay for it. Back in my high school and college days (back when the earth still had that new dirt smell) there were a bunch of us that used to drool over the marshalls at this music shop in Memphis. We all wanted one, but we all knew that, for us, this type of thing just wasn't approachable. So, we used what we had and made it work. Most of us used cheap no name tube amps that got the job done, but little else. Gigging at clubs and bars, we just had to use what we were able to get and afford.
All these decades later and retired, I could actually afford something like this if it was absolutely necessary, but I have to wonder what it would take to be absolutely necessary. I play solid state amps either in mono, mono mono, stereo wet, wet dry, or wet dry wet, or DI into my computer running Reaper and out through my monitors, and to date I've never had a reason to need an all tube amp. I've gigged off and on over the years and I've never come across an occasion in which I said to myself "if only this were a tube amp". The cost for a good one is just so prohibitive and the solid state offerings today are just so much better than when we were kids.
Heck....I have a Fender Champion 100 2X12 sitting in the corner of my little studio that you can get all of the traditional Fender sounds from and it was just a bit under USD 300. You have to spend some time learning how to dial in the sounds depending on the volume you're playing at (admittedly solid states are a pain in that regard), but they are there. And with dirt pedals through the clean channel and modulations through the effects loop the thing just kicks arse. Anything from SRV to Boston, Iron Maiden and Rush (depending on the guitar of course), to anything Country. The Katana is an easier amp to dial tones inwith as is the Fender Mustang amp, Blackstar amps, etc. Any of these amps, including the cheap Champion 100, are immensely better than many of the tube amps of days gone by that most of us used to gig with.
But like I said, I don't know a single guitar player in my area that can afford USD 2000 on an amp. If a person had to then yeah, they could figure it out, but that doesn't mean they can actually afford it.
The Mesa Boogie California tweed is about $1800 in the US.
that mesa boogie actually blew me away
I now love my Hot Rod Deluxe. A first series USA built. Full Fromel mods as per UA-cam information. NOW, it is wonderful. It does it all and is transformed. I highly recommend this amp with these easy mods.
I play a Hot Rod Deluxe in my school always and I always think it sounds too mushy. Coming from a V40 Deluxe at home and mostly playing Strats, ES and P90s the Victory can handle anything I throw at it, the Hot Rod can’t really. Especially when it comes to pedals. Delay and Drives just sound gorgeous with the Victory and get so washed up with the Hot Rod. Still a great amp, I much more prefer a blues junior tho if you don’t need as much wattage!
You guys are incredible! You have got me to the point - as an intermediate hobby player - when I decided to pick one tube-amp and the few pedals I really need. After testing modelers, solid-state amps, digital multi-effects, software, this and that. Thank you for your gentle education!
Hot rod deluxe with a curly cable. Will def take off some of the top end. Should give it a try (divine noise) make some awesome curly cables which Dan auberach (black keys) uses
Yeah, it is weird. Curly cables do a whole lot. I am surprised this Duo does not know This Divine intervention . lol🤭🤔
Amazing how at about 43:00 when you use the overdrive pedal store signature pedal how well that made the HRD fender sound so much better, it was actually stunning.
Side note: any chance of a “El34 amp” episode similar to the EL 84 one. By that I mean. Marshall vs victory vs Friedman ect?
Would be great. Me and Dan would struggle a bit because outside of a JTM45 and other Plexis, neither of us really know what to do with the post Marshall stuff. Too much rock for jazz/bloooze wimps like us. :0)
@@ThatPedalShow have Rabea come for another episode! Love seeing you together in the past.
I’m so glad the Cali Tweed has return in your videos ☺️ what a lovely amp !
In the manual of the Tone King says that if you want more headroom you can change some valves that lowers the gain and they recommend their favourites.
Love the amp for playing at home
Was about to pull the pin on the Tone King - right up until Mick said ‘Not loud enough..’ Thanks Gents. Great episode.
Well, not loud enough for one person may be way too loud for the next person…. Do play it if you can! I mean it’s loud enough…. But it doesn’t have enough headroom for me personally. Cheers!
@@ThatPedalShow cheers. 👍Currently run an AC30HW in a pretty loud band and have always wondered about 20w being loud enough/have enough headroom (Have a few gain stages on the board too). I never run the AC30 in 15w mode. Caveat being never had the opportunity to try one of course. There’s not many Tone Kings around in Aus (amps in general it would seem - not within reasonable driving distance anyway!) so I would be buying online to try! They sound awesome though!
Hey hey, my vote for the Cali Tweed! (Ok maybe half of it is that I own one and that it looks freaking cool).
That V140 sounded glorious!! I would have loved to hear it with OCD in front of it. Great vid .. bravo!
The Hot Hot Rod Deluxe was my first amp, purchased “sound unheard” from a catalog. It was awesome, but the sheer volume of the thing was overwhelming, especially because I didn’t know the proper way to adjust the settings and didn’t know who (in the pre-UA-cam era) to ask or what to ask. I let it go and never really looked back. I’m playing a Super Reverb now, which has the volume, but I know more about how to run things, thanks to years of trial and error and listening to the two of you. Grateful for your knowledge and the ways you share it! Thanks! 😊👍
Nice one JOhn. Hope you’re loving that Super - sound of ages!
Nice one JOhn. Hope you’re loving that Super - sound of ages!
Nice one JOhn. Hope you’re loving that Super - sound of ages!
Great show. Love the topic. I sincerely had to choose. I had a 1963 Fender Deluxe, a reissue reverb unit and Fryette PS-2 for years. I eagerly acquired an early Tone King Sky King during a trade. I knew I couldn't keep both. I felt the Sky King was the best amp I'd ever played through. After months of hemming and hawing, weighing the situation, I still have the Fender and reverb unit.
The Hot Rod’s clean channel still sounds the best. Just sounds like ‘home’.
Not compared to a blackface deluxe... THAT is Fender clean.
The perfect solution for me with this typs of amp, in my case a Blues Deluxe Reissue, was to build a simple "wampler master volume box" as explained by Mr. Wampler in his channel. Makes the volume much more tweakable whilst giving the possibility to crank those power tubes without the ear exploding volume. The stock speaker may sound a bit farty but the amp has been given new life.
Toneking skyking is life. And at 35W 2x6L6 a closer comparison to the HRD.
Sold my imperial and got the SK for that extra solo headroom you guys discussed near the end 👍🏻
Also put the Andy wood model speaker in them. More efficient speaker and lighter 👍🏻
My first tube amp was a hot rod deluxe almost 20 years ago. I then went to a Mesa Boogie Electrodyne combo, then to a full Mark V half stack (which was instant regret too loud, too heavy), and now back to a Mesa Triple Crown combo, that I absolutely love. Mesa is much warmer, takes pedals even better, and the build quality is night and day. Also, pre Gibson their customer support has been 10/10, haven't had to use them since Gibson. I also moved to a Mesa Subway bass amp and it sounds amazing.
Nice, I blimmin LOVED that Electra-Dyna amp. Mick here.
@@ThatPedalShow The Electra-Dyne head is a mainstay in our Test/Demo room in the Jensen factory... such a great amp... :)
I've had a HRD for many years and that 'poke' is definitely a thing. I've done a few things to 'tune' it, changed the speaker, volume knob in the effects loop. I only use the clean channel with pedals. I do like it, but this video was timely. I've been browsing amps. Holy hell these upgrades are expensive though! Got any suggestions for something a bit less dear? I really liked the sound of the Mesa, so something in that area?
Check out the new Fender Pro Reverb or Bass Breaker 30. Laney GH30R?
12AT in V1
Second that. This video was “so your Honda Civic is great but you’re looking to step up. Check out this Ferrari and this Bugatti.” We skipped right over the Lexus and even the bmw.
@@shckltnebay 12AY7 more musical and sweet
@@shckltnebay I've tried that, it's been a while though and was before my other mods. I think I still have the tube around here somewhere
When Dan said that the Victory just sounds like a guitar I couldn't agree more. His tele went from spiky'50s blues machine (not that there's anything wrong with that) to sounding like a sweet acoustic. Very nice.
just want everyone here to know that the "cannabis rex" speaker from eminence is a relatively cheap way to MASSIVELY upgrade your hot rod deluxe. that $150 or so is a lot cheaper than a new amp and will really strengthen one of the weak links in the chain. There are other speakers too! I just know that the cannabis rex absolutely rules.
I second this as a great speaker for the blues Jr. I replaced my stock tweed blues Jr speaker with a cannabis rex and it went from an amp I never used to my primary amp at home. 10/10
are there any other speakers you could recommend?
i’m from Australia and it’s really hard to find Eminence speakers over here.
@@cactus-mcjacktus i've heard creambacks are really good in HRDs but i have never personally heard one. i'm looking into upgrading my speaker as well
That Mesa Cali Tweed sound is to die for!!! Totally awesome!!!
The major problem with your amp comparison is that it's not just an amp comparison, but you were also switching speakers, one 12" vs two 12" speakers at that, and probably different types of drivers, so of course that right there is going to have just as much if not more of a difference than the amps powering them.
I’ve owned a Tone King Imperial MkII for over three years. It is an extraordinarily fabulous amplifier.
Guys, don’t you think that the first thing after the HRD, is to change the speaker, I installed a V30 on mine which is the same as yours the III, and made a world of a difference, also for just 10 dlls we could swap a 12AX7 to a 12AY7 and mellow down that little beast called the HOT ROD DELUXE :)
I installed Mesa Boogie 6L6 s and got a smoother less abrasive tone a higher volumes.
Absolutely Leon. I put a WGS Veteran 30 (Vintage 30 clone) and 12AY7 tubes in my Blackstar and not only did the upgrades tame the amp but also gave it a really smooth tone.
Really helpful as I play my Deluxe happily everyday but get closer and closer to making the jump to the Imperial. One thing I do with my Deluxe is play with being the Mids knob up and down to really vary the sound. And the bass as well. Tweaking the EQ really gives you a delightful range of character to play with. And I’m running it through my OX Box, so I can chase those lovely higher levels of clean break up. Around 4 seems to be the sweet spot as a pedal platform. The amp really wakes up as I start to push my various pedal bird candy through it. But recently I’ve been trying to love it for it’s own stripes. And I’m beginning to think I’ll love the Tone King for all the same reasons, but far more passionately.
Do it, you will not regret it! I made the jump aswell and man does this thing shine. Best amp ive ever played / owned. Miles above a deluxe reverb.
I use a 410 deville 60w wet for the headroom set clean paired with an ac15 dry set on the edge and for me for the price of both amps 2nd hand its a pretty damn good sound, with the right drive pedals complimenting the eq its capable of some really great tones for the price, for me its all about the cleans on the deville and the headroom as a wet amp for me that is where it lives and delivers i have no use for either drive channel they are not voiced in a way thats easy to play and are sonically unpleasent to my ear, would certainly like to pair the deville with that cali tweed
I had a 4/10 deville for about 10 years. I always walked with on arm out like I was carrying the damned thing! 🤣 They are heavy and LOUD!!!
All of the hot rod series amplifiers have the same inherent problems and tone deficiencies. There is a fix though. If you contact John frommel and have him install his complete kit it will make this amplifier as good as any of the other amplifiers that they tested here today and it's far cheaper. Most of us cannot afford any of the amps that were tested other than the hot rod deluxe. I live here in Seattle and I know John from well he's a great guy and a genius when it comes to working on amplifiers. He modded my Blues Junior with his complete kit and he also installed a tube driven tremolo circuit for free! He worked on the tone stack, the gain structure and the Reverb and now my Blues Junior sounds better than any Deluxe Reverb or hot rod Deluxe that has not been modded. If you've got any of the hot rod series amplifiers contact John and he will set you up and you will be happy as a clam!
Can you advise as to where to go after a Mesa MkV 35?
I’ve just bought one and the mrs is effing furious.
I’m thinking a YMCA or cheap B&B……?
Hahahahahahah!
Absolutely loving Butters with the Cali tweed , very crispy with some solid gruntiness. TPS all the way !!! 💥
I play gigs that are almost all outside near the beach and in humidity and salt air. I paid 500 for a DeVille and it held up through 8 years and about 1000 gigs only had to take it to the shop twice. I wouldn't take an expensive amp to my gigs man.
There's the purdy, and the tried and true...
By the way, I should have mentioned it yesterday, but applause for saying "black panel" amps around about 4:05, instead of the term by which they were formerly referred, which people are realising can be viewed in a negative light. I was just watching one of Australian social commentator Clementine Ford's videos about changing our speech patterns to remove problematic terminology, and it reminded me that I immediately caught Mick's reference yesterday whilst watching and was impressed. Well done, you!
Interesting, is it really a sign of people being impolite or of overly sensitive people bending the meaning of things to be "outraged". "Face" can mean many things, the face of a rock, forward facing, etc. The word face has often described the front of an object and again often with a descriptive term before it. Just an observation and some conversation, should we really change speech for some misconstrued feelings? Nothing against you, if this is something you are passionate about by all means speak your mind, just trying to ask questions and learn. Thanks and have a great day.
Most importantly: where has Dan found that trilby? I agree with the style choice, but mine is a bit too soft. 😃 I want to find a bit sturdier hat. No joke.
Second, and perhaps more to the point of the channel: how would describe verbally the difference between a 1x12 and a 2x12? I hear a really distinct difference between the Fender and the Victory. In all respects, the Victory sounded better, more focused. But I only see you micing one speaker. So: is the difference we hear between the cabinets really only a difference between the speakers or does the cab have an an effect on what we hear as well?
Yes, a 2x12 will sound different from a 1x12 because two speakers will introduce some phase cancelation. When you close mic one of the speakers this effect won't be extreme, but it's still there to some degree. The size and construction of the cabinet will of course have some impact on the sound as well.
OK, so I watch your vids for many reasons, but honestly the genius, spontaneous playing is a big part of what keeps me watching. Don't call it noodling. When Mick plays at 25:40ish....I know it isn't a song, but I want to learn to play that.
THanks Daniel!
Great show!. After hearing the hot rod compared with the Cali Tweed; I'm now thirsting for a tweed show. Love to see the lazy j and the Mesa and maybe another amp in a discussion about "tweed cleans " and the in-between sounds and of course some Neil Young sillyness. Have a great weekend chaps
Try the Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue, the drive channel is far better than the HRD
A JHS Little Black Amp Box, volume pedal, or EQ pedal in the effects loop opens up a world of possibilities on the Hot Rod Deluxe. You can crank it up and get lots of nice breakup, but you can keep it at a reasonable volume. Maybe I'm too stupid to know the difference, but I think it sounds great with the stock speaker like this. I use the clean channel with the volume at 4 or 5 most of the time, but experimenting with EQ and drive channel there's a huge range there if you just keep the overall volume down.
I love that you use the term 'Black Panel' instead of the older, less appropriate description of those types of Fender amps.
We have Lollar to thank for that. We never gave it a second thought until they mentioned it. And then it was the right thing to do.
@@ThatPedalShow - Yeah it's very respectful, and nice to demonstrate change and learning.
As a “black” man, I’ve always felt awkward using the phrase “blackface.” Good to see that others now feel the same.
Black face?????
I love my Hot Rod Deluxe. Have had it since 1998
After a Hot Rod Deluxe I went all over the amp spectrum, repeatedly tried various Deville models before finally arriving at destination 65ri Twin Reverb Custom 15..!!
Sweeeeeet!
The standard 2-12 RI twin reverb was my first “proper amp” been toying with the idea getting a 15” speaker for it, did you notice much difference between a 2-12 and a 1-15?
I recently got myself a victory v40 head. I A/B the hotrod deluxe into the same cab, I preferred the hotrod deluxe. After about a week or two of using the v40, my ears adjusted to the sound and character of the amp and I did another A/B test and found I liked the v40 better.
Chaps, thoughts on the Laney Lionheart series? In every demo I’ve seen they sound fantastic, but nobody seems to use them? Any pearls of wisdom or insight? Thanks
I've liked every one I've played. Mick here.... We should have more Laney amps!
@@ThatPedalShow I've been using a Laney Lionheart L-5 Studio amp for bedroom playing and home recording and it's fantastic. The 20W is even sweeter. 😎
Amazing amps. I use two 20 watt Lionhearts for wet dry. One 4x10 and the other 2x12. Killer sounding. Prefer them to my super reverb and orange custom shop 50 for getting it done!
@@bryangarcia662 Is there much difference between the 5w and 20w? Guessing the 5w breaks up earlier, but does that make the 20w impractically loud on the gain channel at low volumes for home use? Thanks all
@@ThatPedalShow Would be really interesting to see how you guys think the 5w/20w Lionheart stacks up against other popular small amps like the Princeton etc!
This video made me so happy. Cali Tweed 4:40 owner, and I love playing my CS 70th anniversary Broadcaster through it. It's like magic, but my goodness I never set the EQ and gain like that at the 35 minute mark. Off to the basement to do this now, that sounded HUGE!!!!! I always knew the EQ was very sensitive, but man oh man you guys really showcased it! Well done fellas, well done!!!
Great roundup. You guys have definitely gotten the Victory amps on my radar. That V140 sounds utterly incredible on this, so I'm definitely going to check out it's little brother the V40 for my own needs.
Also, as a potential future show topic -- Subway/Public Transit-friendly rigs? I've been gigging in New York City for almost ten years and the battle is always between tone, weight, and convenience when you've got to carry it all yourself on foot. I'd love to see you guys do a challenge where the weight of the gear had to be under a certain comfortable amount and see how much tone you could squeeze out of that.
A couple of weeks ago I asked about chasing Marshally sounds and not getting on with my Orange OR15, solved my problems when my girlfriend unexpectedly bought me a Morgan MVP23. I have it running wet with my pro junior dry, what a great amp. Cheers for all you do chaps
Oooof!
Man, her birthday is gonna be expensive.....
The volume taper on Hot Rod Deluxes just kills me in a backline situation. I've got in the habit of using an RC Booster as both a volume tweaker and headroom reducer with those amps.
Put a 12at7 in V1. Problem solved
@@ericleary5075 Unfortunately you dont' get to do that if it's backline amp owned by a hire company, which is the scenario I specifically commented on.
My HR Deluxe iii doesn’t have the volume taper issue. It’s wonderful.
Oh am I glad to see you both, what a week! Bring on the geeking!
I actually like the overdrive channel on a hot rod deluxe but with one exception plugged into Input 2 not Input 1. It tends to tame it down and smooth it out a little more. Great video guys!🤘🏻
This is exactly how I run mine. Input 2, overdrive channel only. Back off on guitar volume for clean sound.
@@mrSlush50 Exactly!
Oh thank you Gents for this episode!!! Looking forward to immersing myself 👍🏻💥
I’m a country and rock player. I love the clean channel
Mick's right - the "Hot Dod Relux" sounds bloody brilliant naturally breaking up on the clean channel!
Like kentucky bourbon, there’s no such thing as a truly terrible tube amp. Even of Theyre cheap, theyre still nice.
With all due respect to you, I've owned a USA tweed Blues Deluxe for 28 years now and it sounds amazing. Hot Rot Deluxes? If they're good enough for George Benson, who said they were just what he needed... they must be good for anyone! Of course there are fantastic amps out there from Victory, Mesa/Boogie, Fuchs, Little Walter... myself, if I were to upgrade and could afford to do so, it'd be to a Little Walter King Arthur!
I much prefer the Blues Deluxe.
Once I decided to give up on the drive channel (and the more drive), and just use the clean channel I have been very happy with it. The clean for me is wonderful and takes pedals beautifully.