Question:
I used to own one of these, and like most, I didn't find the dirty channel(s) to be too usable for what I play. Loved the cleans, but eventually I sold it to move up to a better amp.
This weekend I was in a local music store (not local to me, but not a big name store) and decided to try one out for kicks. I was using one of the new Korean Fender Showmasters (AMAZING guitars! Anyone played em?! You'd never guess they were Korean!) with the American SD pickups in it. The amp's tone simply blew me away. I was stunned at the clear, defined, not-muddy-at-all-like-my-old-HRDLxe drive of that thing. I even thought that the "more drive" was more than usable for somewhere between classic/modern rock. Anyone have a similar experience with the latest version of these amps? I think I just might re-buy one in the not-so-far future.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Casey I used to own one of these, and like most, I didn't find the dirty channel(s) to be too usable for what I play. Loved the cleans, but eventually I sold it to move up to a better amp.
This weekend I was in a local music store (not local to me, but not a big name store) and decided to try one out for kicks. I was using one of the new Korean Fender Showmasters (AMAZING guitars! Anyone played em?! You'd never guess they were Korean!) with the American SD pickups in it. The amp's tone simply blew me away. I was stunned at the clear, defined, not-muddy-at-all-like-my-old-HRDLxe drive of that thing. I even thought that the "more drive" was more than usable for somewhere between classic/modern rock. Anyone have a similar experience with the latest version of these amps? I think I just might re-buy one in the not-so-far future.
Are you talking about the re-issue Blues DeVille? That was the predecessor of the Hot Rod series, the drive channel was lower gain than the HR series. I had never played thru one, but a lot of guys liked 'em. Did you ever try putting a 12AT or 12AY7 in V2 on yer old HR? That cleans up the drive channel a lot. Mine is the 4x10, I think that config has a better defined bottom than 12" speakers anyway.
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Nope, though I like the Blues Deville. These were hotrods, like the one you sent me my attenuator for. and yes, I got a NOS AT7 to put in there and LOVED it!
Answer:
Originally Posted by Casey Nope, though I like the Blues Deville. These were hotrods, like the one you sent me my attenuator for. and yes, I got a NOS AT7 to put in there and LOVED it!
Cool. The more I mess around with amps, the more I realize how much difference the speaker and the speaker config makes; 1x12 vs 2x12 vs 4x10.... open back, closed back... Some speakers are bottom heavy, some are weak on the bottom, high end varies, different transient characteristics... different efficiency rating...

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man...maybe i need a 12AT7...hmm...that could make my life complete (for now)...yes...
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Hmm... next time you guys are near one at a store or something, try it out with a bridge bucker and tell me if you see what I'm talking about.