Fender Blues Deluxe

This is a review for the Fender Blues Deluxe tweed from Mexico.
I had the blues devil and this is also a hot rod.
I love hate this amp, Its sitting on level TWO and above that is LOUD ASS.. Im not sure how accurate the 40 watts is because its plenty loud. Now that I got my complaints off, I LOVE this thing. Its super DEAD *** SEXY TWEED. Most good looking amp I ever had. They really got this thing to look vintage and arguable better looking then a real vintage..

All the Reverb and distortion is great, effects loop is handy. I opened it up and it looks like a SOLID STATE amp with tubes. Much different from my twin and my sovtek. That said I like it plenty.
Iv had these hot rods going on 4 years and I don't have any idea what the presence knob is yet every so often I give it a turn for good luck? Perhaps its an audience knob that makes more people show up to the gig? Appears to work 50/50 lol..

Lets see, don't try to mod it or screw with the tubes and you will be fine. Have an amp guy do it. Mine was gigged quite a bit and the old owner said he has a real amp tech go over it and keep it working for his gigs, new tubes and bias. I think if you want to make this a Boutique amp get your head examined its near solid state and get a better effects or vintage EQ for your own tone. New Webber and some new custom tubes if you wish and it wont break. Its very hot where we are and the thing hums along near silent. I think being mine is 5 years old or so and looks NEW might explain how/why I give this a 10 on reliability, DON'T mod unless your a guru, thats why we make amp gurus because they don't even play music they just repair amps in little dark apartments and they need food and water so take the amp to them, they will appreciate it.

I never used fender for anything, I have a tech do things for 1/10 fenders price.

lets see mine is from Mexico and this will mark my first mex gear, I have no china or Korean anything but its holding up and the construction is top quality. I LOVE how it looks and the over drive and Reverb are pretty good being this is NOT A Boutique amp! I like the light weight and sold my 2x12 twin and blues devill and got this. Its a perfect amp for small clubs, back of your trunk and week end events when you dont want to lug your 4x12. Hay i ts got a really sweet tone and fit and finish and reliability is nice. Just the correct amount of controls, not to many! Did I say its near solid state on the inside? All Tube Preamp and Power Amp, Tube Complement 3 X 12AX7, 2 X 6L6, SS Rectifier. Im surprised how expensive this amp is now on ebay. But its a fender and they are the best factory amp and you can get parts and service in every town, gotta love that if it blows on tour you can get a replacement anyplace but guys this wont be as high quality durable as a black face twin so take care of her, she has plastic crap on the inside and the outside looks better then Elvis coffin.

I'm sure you've seen the features on other reviews; a clean channel, a dirty channel, no fancy stuff. I have an original 1993 production model that was made in the Brea, CA plant. I had the overdrive channel modded that was a mistake, don't touch it. It's perfect for classic rock and blues. Definitely not for high gain applications, but it does sound great with a good overdrive pedal in front of it. I use it with a 2x12 lopo cabinet with vintage 30 copys instead of the speaker that's in it. Without a doubt more power than you would ever need for a small bar and even larger venues. Very loud considering the 40w power rating. 3 12ax4s and 2 6l6s, very simple.

I play mostly guitars with humbuckers in it except for a 86 esp with emg active single coils and an 81 and a jay turser 335 copy with a gfs dream 180 and a mean 90 in the bridge. This amp is loud, the most I have it turned it up in the bars I play in is 3 and that's out of 12 not 10. As I stated I've had it modded which I do regret so my tone controls are changed to replicate an old bassman. Even so, using the right stomp boxes, I can get about any sound I want out of this amp. The modded overdrive channel is about unuseable so I keep the amp clean all of the time and use a behringer vintage overdrive pedal as my main overdrive sound. Of course, it has the well hearlded Fender clean sound, clean as a whistle. Oh and the reverb is smooth as ever. Great overall sound, just wish I kept it stock.

I use this as my only amp every show. It has been in the shop a couple of times. This was due to my putting power tubes in it and not getting it biased. It blew the output tranny and eventually killed the low power supply in the amp. After these repairs it has been perfect, never lets me down. The amp tech put in a stronger output tranny after the original blew and supposedly had a power output of over 50w now. So, it's almost a super blues deluxe now.

Never have talked to Fender, I got the amp after the warranty ran out.

I've been playing for about 13 years and playing in a band for 8 years (I was playing in bars since I was 17). Not saying I'm an expert but I know what sounds good and this amp has it. If you play metal, beware but for everything else, it's great, especially for clean sounds. If someone stole it, I'd give them 12 varieties of hell and then get it back. If you can find a good used one, buy it. I doubt you'll regret it.

This review is the the 1990's USA made amp.

This amp has everything you need to play a guitar and really enjoy your sessions. It's not complex, there's no computer, no chips, no DSP. It's just you, your axe, a nice set of tubes, and a great looking amp.

Control tonal control via the standard knobs. There's 2 channels, clean & dirty. The tweed material can get dirty if misused, so don't rest your coffee on it. The tubes used & features are elaborated everywhere on the net if your interested. I understand the power supply is more reliable electronics but all other areas are tube powered.

The fender site has a pdf manual that describes all the features. The design of this amp is based on the famous & sought after vintage & rare bassman. They say it sounds similar. I never heard a bassman so can't testify to that.

Tone.

I pump noise from a 2004 US fat strat, a 90's standard strat, & a 90's Tele. You may have heard, there is nothing quite like a Fender Guitar through a Fender amp. You can consider that a truism. The amp really opens up with the fat strat on the dirty channel. I can't think of a better combo. The tone is just sweet. Think anything from Ventures, Jimmi, et al. Wow.

There is this chime you hear when the treble is set above med that just grabs your heart and doesn't let go.

I also use an assortment of pedals which expand the sonic range quite well.

In 10 + years she hasn't let me down.

PS: All ratings on this amp are 10's --- do ya see a pattern? :-)

The best kind: never needed - it's a Fender :-)

Been playing on and off 35 years. If I lost her, I would immediately go go out & buy a used US made 90's amp. The Mexican amps are probably the same, but there's something about a U.S. made Fender.

Brand New in September 2008. Came with a foot switch and a decent cover from Sam Ash. It has 2 channels but the overdrive channel is not very heavy sounding. Thats fine with me. I use a Tonebone Classic pedal for more gain on both channels. I like the reverb. I kept everything stock on it. At first the speaker is harsh but after one month it is finally broken in. So it sounds pretty good.
It is loud. At above 2 the sound is very loud so this is for playing live with a band, not for playing at home unless you live far, far, far away from neighbors.

Ok. It takes about 10 or 15 minutes to fully warm up. From that point on you will get killer tone from this for another 2 to 2 1/2 hours. After that it begins to fade a little bit probably from the heat. I noticed this when we played a 3 hour show. Nobody listening to the band noticed this but I did so I'm just saying.
I use a Gibson 2002 Les Paul Studio and a Montoya Strat copy. Both guitars are stock. I have a Tonebone Classic for more gain when I need it. Thats it. Guitar to Tonebone to the low input jack on the amp.
The clean channel is loud and clear. Gets tweedy with the bright switch on. Otherwise it is clean, clean, clean till about 7 on the Strat and 5 on the LP. Believe me when I say that 5 is about as loud as you ever need. After about 5 or 6 you get a little bit of OD from the clean channel. It's pretty nice sounding. The volume knobs go to 12 but after 7 there is no more volume to squeeze out of it so it just gets a little more compressed
The overdrive channel sounds exactly like a slightly overdriven tube amp running at full power, with the drive knob at 6 or above 6. Forget about distortion sounds on the drive channel because it doesnt get heavy distortion. It's a little bit of overdrive and maybe a little trebly boost but that's about it. It does have the authentic overdrive sound of a old Fender amp so Fender gets a tip of the hat for staying true to that sound, which is what I wanted when I chose this amp.
With the Radial Tonebone Classic Distortion OD pedal things heat up to the next level. I have the pedal set for a medium overdrive gain. It makes the clean channel sing and sort of gives that old time TS9 boost sound to the OD channel, with a lot of sustain and harmonics. The Tonebone is not really a distortion pedal. Its really a overdrive with a tube for the gain and tone. I tried a few other solid state pedals with this that I borrowed from a friend. A MXR distortion pedal was good. A Metal Zone was heavy and made a lot of feedback (I don't play that kind of music-yuk). A BBE Green Screamer was good but the BBE Crusher distortion pedal was muddy. I tried a boss chorus and a Keeley compressor. Chorus was sweet. Keely was the best sounding pedal of all because it completely focused the sound of the OD channel. For me the Tonebone classic is a real good matchup but the Blues Deluxe takes pedals with no problems.
I rate the amp as a ten because I wanted the classic Fender sound when I bought it and thats what I got. This amp will make you happy for country, classic rock, blues and rockabilly because thats what its made for. Hard Rock and metal guitarists probably wont like it much but it isn't made for that. I rate it a 10 for what it is.

I looked at the reviews for this amp and in my opinion it is liked by players who like more clean sounding stuff but the heavy music players dont like it because it isnt brutal enough. All I can say is dont buy a blues amp if you want a Mesa Boogie or Peavey 5150. But if you want to play clean and a little overdrive, and use pedals for harder sounds then this is a good amp for that.
I own a Peavey Classic 20 and a few SS amps too. I highly recommend the Blues Deluxe Reissue and if I had it to do over again I would buy this again. I hope it lasts a long long time.

US made, 1994, tweed, owned since new. 40 watts, nice size, very gig worthy. No idea what the Presence knob is for, twirling makes no difference in sound. Otherwise, great amp when it's working (see Reliability section).

Nice, clean, tubey Fender sound. Plenty loud. A little fussy when it comes to pedals. Stays clean all the way up. Sweet, full tone. Just wish it was more reliable.

Totally unreliable. It has crapped out in the middle of more gigs than I can remember. I've replaced input jacks, tubes, circuit boards, you name it. Other people swear by their BDLs so maybe the guys at Fender were high when they assembled this one. I keep fixing it because it's a great amp, but then something else craps out. Gives "Made in the USA" a bad name. Maybe the Heche en Mexico version is more reliable.

N/A

Playing 20+ years. Love the sound, size, look of the amp. Don't like having to keep repairing it. Would not be seriously upset if it were stolen because I'd know the thief would soon have a non-working amp on his or her hands, which would serve him or her right. Again, other people don't seem to have the same reliability problems I've had, so mine may just be a dog.

It's all been said.

This amp represents the truest "art" of guitar signal amplification. It's not an amp built for some specific job like a Mesa Rectifier or a Marshall JCM 800. No...this is a true signal amplifier without all the bells, whistles and useless, tone sucking ******** that modern amps have become infamous for.
Yes, it has tone controls but turning them full up eliminates them from the circuit. On this amp, tone controls are a waste. Unnecessary. I suppose Fender puts tone controls on this puppy because no one would buy an amp without the ubiquitous "3-BAND EQ" on it. Good tube designs are extremely dynamic and operate best without tone controls. Some of the greatest amps ever made had a single on-off knob that doubled as a volume control. Old Harmony amps come to mind.
The Blues Deluxe is all that. For experienced players who can still remember what sonic nirvana sounds like : THIS AMP IS THE ****! I'm blown away.
I'm playing through this amp with a Les Paul standard. Pickups are SD 59 types. Talk about co operation between fingers, wood, strings, pickups, guitar electronics, cable, pedal and amp! The Les Paul sounds like a Les Paul is designed to sound. Unbelievable clarity, every nuance revealed. The lows are crisp as hell...not one ounce of mud in the low end. If you can really play the instrument, this amp will make love to your guitar. Beware, there is no place to hide with the Blues Deluxe. It accentuates every touch of the hand to the fretboard with clinical precision. Legendary execution. If this amp doesn't make you cry with joy and appreciation, the problem is YOU.
My signal chain is: LP Standard, 10 foot ProCo cable, Barber Tone Press, 10 foot ProCo cable, Blues Deluxe. I wet myself every time I hear the heavenly tone of my Les Paul through this diamond. Maximum pro quality sound.

Get rid of the pre amp tubes. They are chinese garbage-pure and simple. Use JJ ECC 83s tubes and you'll be satisfied. This is a PC board amp but that doesn't mean it's a piece of crap. Take care of her and she'll take care of you. Talk to Bob at Eurotubes when the time comes for replacing your output tubes. Keep quality components in this puppy and she will sing for you. With the UL approved plasti-jack inputs and outputs you'll need to be gentle with her. She will reward you with the voice of an angel.

Started playing semi-pro in 1968. I'm a Les Paul player, period. This amp lets the TRUE sound of a Les Paul come through. It lets the guitar's tone and volume knobs tell all sorts of different, interesting stories. I love the blues, modern country and classic rock. It's a miracle that sound this good can still be bought for 700 bucks, off the shelf. This is the best amp that Fender had produced since the 60s.

This is the reissue version made in 2007. It's a very simple amp that just sounds great on either channel. Shared 3 band with bass, mid and treb controls. Presence and reverb. Effects loop and standby switch. Two preamp tubes, a 12AX7 inverter/driver and a pair of 6L6 / 5881 power tubes.
Very cool looking tweed on chrome with a brown grille. LOUD. Compared to the "modern" amps out today it is a lightweight for features. That's what it is SUPPOSED to be, a simple amp like those of yesteryear. Nice poly dust cover with silkscreened Fender logo. Two button footswitch included (channel switch and reverb switch) Weighs about 45 pounds.
This is my gig amp. I practice with a Peavey Bandit with 80 watts. The Blues Deluxe is just as loud, no problem..by the way, volume setting 1 is mute. No sound until you move to volume setting 2 on the dial...just like the really old time Fenders, and all knobs go to 12, Nigel!

Mine came with GROOVE TUBES 12AX7, V1 and V2 preamps. I replaced only these two tubes with JJ preamp tubes because the Groove tube 12AX7 tubes are crap. They rattle like all hell is breaking loose. Totally microphonic. I knew this when I bought the amp and ordered the JJs to cure the sicko Groove tubes. I left the stock tube in the phase inverter slot and kept the stock output tubes and stock speaker intact.
I have several Gibson Les Pauls. Some with ceramic pups, some with alnico pups and a couple with p90 pups. I don't own a guitar with "traditional" single coils. I plug straight in to the BDX and use the Fender footswitch when necessary. I set the clean channel to 7 or 8 and the OD channel to: MASTER-10, CHANNEL VOLUME (gain) at 3 or 4. So the overdrive is at higher volume than the clean but not very much distortion going on. I let my volume and tone controls CONTROL this amp. One thing about Gibson Les Pauls is that they are wired right. With just the volume pots on the guitar, I can move the clean channel from squeaky clean to that edge-of-breakup sound. On the drive channel it works the same albeit with more crunch on the sound. I have all the amp's tone knobs on 12. I never use the tone controls on the amp, only the presence and reverb to affect the sound. Everything else comes from the pickups, my hands and the amp. The BDX is not noisy at all beyond a slight (less than most tube amps) hum that is inaudible when playing. I always plug into the low gain input of the BDX. Never used the loop-no comment on it.
The BDX was created to capture that essential old-school Fender sound that is low gain, luscious, round and chimey sounding. I play the blues, some old-school rock (Stones, Zeplin, BTO, Credence, Southern Rock) and jazz-blues styles. The BDX is spot on for these styles. Really it is delicious and amazing for it's price. Right out of the box it produces a killer old-school Fender vibe. No question that you are playing a Fender amp.
The BDX is not meant to use in your bedroom. At its lowest volume setting it's tolerable but your apartment building neighbors will be calling the men in blue uniforms if you play this thing on volume setting 2 or above in your apartment. Unlike a lot of tube amps the BDX sounds really, REALLY good at low volumes. I give it high marks for that, alone.
Real quick let me say that I have played Strats and Telecasters through this at the same settings mentioned above. These guitars kill through this amp. I also tried out a Barber LTD, Digitech Bad Monkey, BOSS Metal Zone. Fulltone Fat Boost and Fulltone OCD with the BDX. I'm not a pedal guy but the BDX will do your pedals right-I can vouch for that.
In a nutshell, the BDX will cop otherworldly tones once you get rid of the bad preamps and allow for a reasonable break in period. It is easily capable of giving the high end, high priced amps in its class a run for the money. Of all the Fenders, VOXs and Boogies that I played while searching for a new gig amp, I always came back to this as my benchmark amp. It was the right size, lightweight, came with footswitch and cover and I honestly couldn't find anything that else that sounded superior to it in the sound category that I like, so I bought it.
From beautiful, shimmering cleans to light, crying, bluesy OD to old school rock tones this is the amp to have. I played and owned many many early 60s to late 70s Fender amps through the years and I can vouch for the authenticity of this amp. The Blues DeVille models are nice too-just bigger than i need. Nothing beats this amp in the "under $1500 bucks" price range. Honestly, it's a steal at 600-700 bucks, brand new with a 5-year warranty period. It looks cool as hell too. Awesome good tone on a beer buget, in my opinion.

I have had it for 7 months with no major issues. I'd say I have gigged with it about 30-40 times at shows where I could open her up to "loud as hell!" volume settings. Not one hiccup or problem. She holds together damned well at high volumes and sounds killer. Gig without a backup amp? NOT SMART. I bring the Bandit along because you never know but so far no problems at all with the BDX. It's a shame that the groove tube preamps are so lousy but the replacements cost less than 30 bucks and they'll last for years and years.
Irritants? Yeah, there are a few. The lettering on the chrome practically wipes right off! C'mon Fender, what's up with that? The tweed cloth covering stains and tears and is more fragile than thick tolex coverings so there's something to be careful of as a trade off for the retro looking cabinet.. There are no corner protectors on the stock amp. I bought some silver ones and installed them. If I had it to do over I would get black ones and paint them dark brown to match the grill. I read somewhere that you can remove the amp from the cabinet and apply a protective polyurethane or lacquer finish over the tweed. I've seen this finish on other Fender amps and it really mellows the look.
I'm taking off 3 points for no corner protectors, ****** preamp tubes, lettering rubbing off and lack of lacquer. But I will say that there have been no major problems at all. Hey, it's young at 7 months old.

5-year warranty. Tubes are warranted for a couple of months.

Played my first gigs in the 60s. No ****. I have played Fenders all my life and i am dyed in the wool as far as the Fender sound is concerned. I have owned Princetons, Deluxes, Twins, Supers, Pros and Champs-blackfaced, silverfaced et al. Always played Gibby guitars.
Fender disappointed me in the 80's but came through in the 90's with the Blues Reissue amps-which had some quality issues, I admit. When my Showman rig died of old age I was either going to buy a "vintage" setup or a reissue. Vintage cost mucho bucks-so that option died quickly. I looked at VOX amps (way too heavy and way too expensive) and Mesa combos (WAY too expensive and didn't have the sound I wanted) and finally came back to the Fender Hot Rod (don't like them at all) and Blues combos. Can't fault the Blues Deluxe..it was just what i wanted. like I said the 60 watt DeVille models are very nice too...just too big for an old 60+ player to haul around at my age.

Purchased new in 2006, 60th anniversary edition Blues Deluxe Reissue.
Two channels. Clean and drive. Effects loop. Fender long-spring reverb. Special-design Eminence speaker, Chrome toggle witches, glass gem light, chicken-head knobs, tubes, lacquered tweed covering, nice duty dust cover, two button foot switch, chrome panel with white letters in the reverse-view mode, like yer standing BEHIND the amp when you adjust the knobs. Good idea, here.
Use this amp in my studio. It has the 'powah.'

I've read many of these reviews here and naturally there are a wide spectrum of opinions about this amp. Since I demoed this one at a dealer, got to see and hear it first, there were no surprises about its abilities or lack thereof. In its price range, this amp darn near puts 'em all down. I took my Telecaster and Stratocaster in for the amp demos, and after playing through a dozen amps, I preferred this one to almost every other in the store, except the Fender Hot Rod and Vibrolux. These amps really like my guitars.

The sound is good, even at low volumes (had to keep it low inside the store) Very clean clean channel, decent bass, great overall tone. In the studio, at higher volumes, it gives fairly well-rounded tube and speaker breakup for a nice, rich tube sound. The drive channel, though slight does distort some, but not much, until you set it at 12 and crank that sucker up. Then you've got your distortion. A little too much. It losses a lot of distinction in the mid and treble-end whilst the speaker is flapping about in it's frenzy.

I felt the speaker was perhaps a little light-of-magnet, or soft-of-cone for the extremely high volume levels, so I put in a heavier Eminence-recomended 'Swamp Thang' just to see how it sounded compared to the original. Uh, now we be talkin' about driving! Though I really like the original speaker's overall sound at lower volume levels, the 'Swamp Thang' does a better job when things heat up. It has the same basic voice, but it is more pronounced, more spacial, and definitely handles the high volumes with better articulation and clarity. A separate cabinet with both speakers in action would be the ideal here. I'm on it.

The overall sound of this amp as I bought, though, is very good. I have heard few that please my ear more. One could figure Fender know what they are doing.

I've had Fender products for years, decades. They are pro-grade tools of the trade, not to be mistaken for light-duty junk. I depend on their reliability and get it.

Best used by not needing it.

Beautiful amp. Well made. The vintage tweed looks don't hurt it either, but it's not indestructible. Use a little TLC when hauling it around, if that's what you do. It has no corner protectors and can be scuffed and stained, so let no one put stuff on it. It's an amp, not a table.

For the money, and let's face it, at this price you can buy some pretty good transistor amps, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better sounding, nicer looking forty-watt tube amp. And it is a Fender, after all, which is iconic to begin with. You want Fender sound, you buy Fender. This part requires little imagination or brain powah! It matters not, really, where an amp must be manufactured in order to be competitive in the market. If you must buy American made Fender Tweed amps, look to spend three times as much in the onset. This one has ultra-value. Oh, another thing; all the knobs go to . . . not eleven, but twelve!

made in mexico 2004

2 channels (normal and drive)

spring reverb

brightness switch

3 12AX7 pre-amp tubes

2 6L6 output tubes

Use the amp for band practise and live

I use a two eastwood guitars:

* classic 6 (gretsch country gent. copy) with filtron style p'ups
* nashville 12 (epiphone riviera 12 string copy) with NY Mini HBs

both sound great thru it but my tele thinline sounds the best with this amp.

I play in a 60s guitar pop style band

the clean channel breaks up quickly so humbuckers are a bad idea if you want articulate cleans. a tele works great tho. the brightness switch can be a good or bad thing. great for giving humbuckers bite.

I had problems with this amp regarding the sound quality. up until yesterday i was never satisfied with any tone. i replaced all the valves with sovtek and electro-harmonix ones and now it sounds great and alot louder. i think my amp originally had dodgey pre-amp tubes.

I'm going to buy a matching tweed 112 cab with the celestion vintage century speaker (80w) and i'm sure i will love the increased clean headroom and bass response. i will also replace the stock speaker to a vintage 30 or vintage century. the stock speakers sound too harsh.

i wont rate this amp a 10 because nothing will ever sound "perfect".

it has never died on me....

like i said before, the stock valves were shit and once i replaced them it has been great. touch wood. I was going to sell it and buy a deville but now i'm sure i'll keep it.

i've heard that these mexican blues deluxes and devilles are second rate incomparison to the US made ones of the 1990s. I've heard that alot of people have had problems with this amp.

*****!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

fender are awful.

considering the problems i couldn't give it a 10 but its soooo very pretty and i love it.

I will be hopefully be buying soon a new vox AC50 head so i'll let all you folks know how that goes.

Hi, This is an updated review on the amp that I have had for 2+ years.

I'm going to re-rate the amp based on the changes that I have had made by Ben Fargen at Fargen Amps.
The issue I had with the stock amp was that it sounded OK, but did not sound GREAT.
What was lacking was BLOOM and Fullness, and it would sound thin and harsh at times when pushed in a live gig.
Now, after Fargen's work, swapping out the speaker for a Weber, which I had done years ago, the amp sounds GREAT!

No problems

I've been playing 40+, and now performing out again on a weekly basis with a great blues band.
The stock amp and I had a sort of love-mmmmmmm relationship.
What Ben Fargen did was upgrade the caps, installed a Mercury Transformer that was twice the original size Fender put in the amp, and added some of his special touches.
Believe me, and I play, I can be very focused on what the amp is doing, and these changes that were made make a world of difference in what this amp can do.
The headroom has been improved, bloom and clarity are there, and over-driven tones sound fat and rich.
Cost of the changes, around $300, but I have an amp that sounds outstanding.
I also play a Fargen 30 Watt Blackbird for my Blackface tone, and now this for my 57 Twin Clapton sound.
Ben can be contacted at www.fargenamps.com
He does great work .... enjoy

Well I am new to the guitar market...and at 46 decided to learn the acoustic and electric, Bought a Line 6 spider valve to go with my Fender power strat HSS(Mexican), well the salesman said it was the best happy meduim between all tube and effects etc...well ater a week i was having great fun until i got bored with trying to sound like the 100 or so artists the pile of crap comes with so i decided to bypass the plastic effects and go straight through the tubes...my good i would have got a better sound plugging me axe into a half filled specimen tube...
Well as luck would have it the thing started popping and breaking down after a week...took it back and they asked if i wanted a replacement..after the salesman got back off the floor and spat out a couple of teeth he realised the error of his ways...dammit I thought got a fender guitar give me amp to go with it and i liked the retro look of the Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue.....yes I bought it on its retro looks....well i am new to this game....
No point telling you what its got just read below what other guys have said...I rate it a seven for features because being a novice what the hell would i know

Well loading into my car the salesman said plug it on and leave it to stand for a couple of hours on standby before you first play it otherwise it will sound to harse...then it will take about ten hours all together over a month to get the real musical sound out of the tubes.....i now had it about a week and have clocked up about 17 hours...the smell of warm tubes still fills the room like my grandfathers sweet smelling pipe tobacco....and the sound well everytime i turn the thing on i know its going to get just better and better...Ive heard its to loud to play it at home...well i have it turned down and i love it ........i dont want the thing cranked up...lets be honest most people only if they gig need to turn the volume up and i dont i bought it for fun.....and this will last me for years.....

havnt had it long enough to test realiabilty.....but reading other reviews this baby should live longer than me..so i am not going to test fate and give it a rating

never had to deal with them

Well i am still grinning from ear to ear....this amp CAN be used at home a give a lot of please for the hobby guitarist....however if Dave Gilmour does ring me for his next tour by any chance maybe i will have to consider a slightly bigger wattage but until then i am very happy.....
It goes to show whilst using this amp at home i know i am not cranking the valves up to ful potential...but frankly i dont care because i know the harder they are pushed the better they sound..but i would much rather potter along in the slow lane and replace tubes every 1000 years...but still grin from ear to ear..

Made in Mexico 2006?

1x12" combo in tweed

All valve (2 6L6 'groove tubes'and 3 preamp tubes)

2 channels, bright switch, presence, reverb, 40 watts...footswitch

At first i didn't think it had enough power but then i bought a gretsch copy and the amp seems to work well with single coils and lower output humbuckers (filtron etc.)

I use this amp live/practise/studio.

I use a eastwood classic 6 (gretsch copy) a indie two-tone (335 copy) and a modified squier tele thinline with seymour quarter pounder pups.

Sometimes my rhythm guitarist uses it with his lovely hagstrom viking.

If you have a les paul/335 or anything with humbuckers you will have to use input 2 as it'll break up almost immediately and you wont achieve a sparkling clean tone as it mentions in the manual. I didn't realize this at first. My favourite setting is clean at 3 with my eastwood classic 6 using the neck pickup. Its sounds reminiscent of the early rolling stones. real dirty. You need to keep the presence and treble back if you want to keep your hearing. Playing around with the EQ doesn't seem to do much. This amp is not responsive. The overdrive channel is good for blues but thats the limit. perhaps some alternative rock. I sometimes add a tubescreamer for more sustain.

From the moment i turned it on, the 2 power tubes were blue and in time the amp was behaving strange with the red light dimming and eventually going off completley. I took the amp back to fender where they repaired it apparently and it is exactly the same. they didn't even change the 2 blue valves. Also, they didn't screw the damn thing back together properly and it now rattles like a bitch!

Saying that, the amp has never died on me and i have been using it at high volumes at least 3 times a week for just under a year now.

I wouldn't buy another mexican made fender.

shite!....

i foned up and got nothing
I sent an email and it was sent back

unless you're trade i don't think they give a s**t.

I have spent almost a year trying to get this amp to work for me and if i had another 500 for a new amp i would buy a laney VC30 2X12". What i really need is a new vox AC30 or AC50. much more responsive. I will never buy another mexican made fender amp or any fender for that matter. There are so many better amps out there for less money and better reliability. I'm now saving up for a new Vox AC50 CPH and vox 2x12" cab that i'm putting in 2 alnico gold speakers. I might even buy a laney VC30 as they are only 400 and sound brilliant.

US made. I don't know how old it is, got it used, but it seems to have a few years on it. The serial number is 058578 if anyone cares to look up what that means, im too lazy.

As far as "features" goes, if you want to play Blues or even jazz this has all you need right out the gate. If you want to play Rock, get ready to buy a few pedals, but it's definitely worth it.

This amp completely fits in with my philosophy of "start with great tone and work everything else out later."

The sound is just great: smooth, warm, creamy tone. Dripping wet reverb, and if you play a strat like I do, it really compliments that twang.

However, this amp takes a little dialing in to tame. First of all: it's incredibly loud.

I'd say you're definitely going to want to add a compressor to your signal chain if only for volume control alone. The amp's very responsive, and has a huge dynamic range...but it's a bit much, and the sound gets alot less schizophrenic with a compressor to smooth it all out and add sustain.

Things get tricky when you want to get a dirtier sound. If you're looking for a right-out-the-box rock n roll amp that can give you more saturated gain, you might want a Marshall or Randall or something, but if you're willing to futz with a few pedals on this one, you WILL be rewarded. It really takes to tube screamers well, and when I plugged in my electro-harmonix Big Muff, I almost shit. It's just filthily distorted and fantastic. Still though: takes some tweaking.

I doubt you could get a more "modern" distortion sound out of this amp (I may be wrong), but if you're buying something covered in tweed, I assume you're into the same tones as me anyway and won't be disappointed.

My signal chain - Fender strat->Boss CS-3 Compressor->Snarling Dog Blues Bawls (wah pedal)->Ibanez TS-9->Big Muff->Ibanez AD-9->Amp

Sometimes I get the feeling this amp could benefit from a new speaker, and it's something I might consider in the future.

I'm giving this amp an 8 for that great tone and the distortion it's CAPABLE of.

I had to clean the pots when I first got it because I was getting alot of noise when adjusting them, and the "Bright" button wasn't working. I'm pretty sure this is because it was used though, and no fault in the design.

One complaint I have though, is sometimes when messing with the "Bright" button, I lose all sound and have to switch b/w the channels to get it back. Again, mine was used, so who knows, but I get the feeling this is more likely a design flaw, as I've read some similar sounding problems in reviews above.

I've had mine for about a year now and haven't had any problems aside from what I mentioned.

Haven't had to deal with them.

For me, this amp is a subjective 10, because it fits my tastes perfectly. But for recommending it to others, I'm gonna give it a 7 just because there are EASIER and more versatile amps to deal with out there.

I already know I'm keeping this amp as long as it's humming. I love the tone, love the retro look, love Fender in general. Just wish I didn't live an an apartment so I could really open her up more often.

Not a great variety of features if you're just playing straight through the amp, doesn't offer much distortion/overdrive for heavy metal but channels can be changed via a footswitch.

I have played my Les Paul straight through a JCM-800 and wish I could get that sound from this but it offers a beautiful warm sound that I would never change. I use Digitech GNX3000 effects and the amp makes EVERY sound perfect. Only problem is for home practice it's hard to get a quiet volume that won't upset the wife. At the lowest setting it's still quite loud but on the other hand, you'll never run out of volume, I've never had mine above 4!

I bought this amp second hand about 3 years ago and it worked fine for the first 2. It developed a problem that caused the amp to keep cutting out at higher volumes, it turned out to be a dry joint and was quickly repaired but it did cost ??50 for the repair. Has worked perfectly ever since.

Never dealt with Fender direct.

A great amp with a great clean sound. Will do your effects and playing great justice.

This is for a 1994 Fender Blues Deluxe made in the USA...NOT the current re-issues that are made in Mexico. This is a 2 channel amp that is basically a Clean channel, and an Overdrive channel. It is based off of Fender's answer in the early 90's to make a 1950's Deluxe or Bassman amp with channel switching and reverb. It is 40 watts with a single 12" Eminence Gold Label speaker. Mine came with 2 Sovtek 6L6GC power tubes and 3 Shuguang 12AX7 preamp tubes installed. After my first couple of days with the amp, I noticed that the preamp tubes had some microphonic feedback at higher volumes, so I replaced them with JJ Electronics ECC83S preamp tubes, and now my problem is solved!
This is NOT a High Gain amp like my Peavey 5150. BUT...this amp is a tone monster! And yes..a clean sounding amp can be full of luscious TONE!
It has 2 inputs, Volume knob and Bright switch for the Normal channel, and a Drive (preamp gain) and Master Volume for the Drive channel. Both channels share Treble, Bass, Presence and Reverb controls. It also has an effect loop (power amp in + preamp out), footswitch, standby and power switch.

As I said before, if you are after a high gain amp, there are plenty of buzzy, muddy amps out there for you. If you are looking for an amp that has a warm, clean tone on the clean channel, and a creamy, thick overdrive channel, then this amp is for you! This amp was based off of the original Fender Bassman, which was the amps that the old great Marshall's were based off of. This amp can get me crystal clear clean tones, and yes...if you want a great SRV or Eric Johnson tone, this one will get it for ya! The overdrive channel is very responsive, and you can EASILY dial in a "Sunshine of you Love" Clapton tone! It is a punchy, warm, creamy, crystal clear LOUD amp! I just cannot stop playing it! This amp is very responsive to your guitars pickups, volume knob and pick attack. It can capture every nuance of your playing...even if your playing is good or bad!

So far, so good. It doesn't appear to have that "Blues Deluxe Channel Limbo" switching problem that was on the 1993 models. Apparently Fender fixed this bug by then.

Purchased my amp used. I have never had any dealings with Fender's customer support.

I have a ton of guitars (Fender American Strat with Samarium Cobalt pickups, 1988 Gibson Les Paul Standard with Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates pickups, 1998 Peavey Wolfgang American Deluxe, various Kramers, Ibanez' and other homemade guitars) and I have played them all thru this amp, although the Strat and the Les Paul just SING on it!
I hate to just give out a perfect 10, but if you want a great sounding, clean amp with a creamy overdrive (not a buzzy, muddy high gain box), then this amp is it!

Not sure what year mine is, but it's not the Reissue. Not the most versatile amp, but if you want a great sounding amp at a reasonable price, this is it as far as I'm concerned. It's plenty loud for 40 watts, and the tones are smooth and creamy. It's got some bite when you need it too. I don't care for the overdrive channel, but I wouldn't use it anyway because I use pedals.

Great clean sound, not like glass, but that's not what this amp is supposed to be. It's a great bluesy sound and get the tone set right,and you can get awesome rock & country tones also. It's probably overall the best amp I've owned. I play mostly classic rock & 70's stuff. I've been playing pretty much the same stuff for 40 years! I've never had any issues with noise, or anything else actually. Just a a good, reliable machine.

Never had any problems, so no issues here.

N/A

I've been playing about 40+ years and owned more gear than I can remember. I love this amp and would probably buy another one if the deal was right. I play my 70's Japanese Strat most of the time, but I also have an Epi Les Paul Standard. I like the Strat with it the best. I highly reccomend this amp.

This is an update to my review of 7/8/2007

Shortly after writing the review, I was getting ready to play through the amp and could not get the red pilot light to come on. Turns out it was burned out. Now it's not that this is a big deal as you can get a replacement at Radio Shack for a couple of bucks, but after only three weeks???
Just last week I was playing it and in the middle of playing, the channel select switch quit functioning. It appears that it failed mechanically as you can feel the absence of the "click" which used to occur and still does on the reverb switch. Called the nearest authorized repair center (85 miles away) and was advised to send it to them. They said it would most likely be covered by warranty, except for shipping (around $5 each way)....let's hope so. This is now only after owning the amp for three months.
So, I've had three problems in three months: Tube rattling (mentioned in my initial review), a burned out pilot light, and a broken channel select switch.
I do still love the sound of this amp, although I have added a Boss Chorus, and an Ibanez TS-9 pedal, (plus a Boss tuner) in the signal chain for more diversity.....BUT Fender really does need to address these quality issues with the suppliers of their electronic parts!!!!! It has been annoying.

I think the discussion of how the company handles warranty issues is given too much attention in these reviews. The "need" to have warranty work performed is the better measure of worth. There shouldn't be more than one incident in a hundred or more for a quality product and Fender is doing poorly in this regard. I would rather have paid another $100 if it meant the product rarely had failures.

Great sound, plenty of volume, reasonable price, good looks, not too heavy (@ 45 lbs.), but three annoying failures (costing me $50-$55 out-of-pocket to correct). So how do you rate that?

I'll be brief since it's all been said. 40 watts, 2 12AX7 preamp tubes, 1 12AX7 tube phase inverter, 2 6L6 power tubes, solid state rectifier, solid state reverb circuit, 2 footswitchable channels, effects loop, single 12" Eminence Fender spec'd speaker, printed circuit board amp, tweed covered particle board cabinet.

This is where I'm tempted to say, it sounds great, "for a cheap amp".

But the thing is, it sounds great, period.

It strikes a perfect balance between Fender and Marshall vibe, having the top end slice of an old Deluxe Reverb, the bottom end of a Twin Reverb, only much warmer, like a vintage JTM45. In many good ways, this is a very un-Fender, Fender.

The Overdrive channel is mild, putting out nice, rich, old-school, pegged-non-master-volume amp tones at manageable volumes

Plus, with the clean channel, this is the best pedal platform I've ever used, putting out true boutique tones with a Jetter Gain Stage Red and Blue, Hermida Zendrive, Ibanez TS808 and a Voodoo Labs SparkleDrive.

I've used it with a Strat, Tele, Les Paul, SG, CS-336 and an Epi Emperor jazz hollowbody.

I gig with the amp regularly in a rock/funk, fusion & blues band, plus I've used it for sub and pickup work for straight blues, country and classic rock. It works well for all.

I am knocking off 2 points for the speaker, which while capable, is not as dynamic or sparkly as needed in some styles. FWIW, I replaced mine with a Celestion Vintage 30, a speaker well suited for the way this amp is voiced, and it just KILLS.

There is one problem these early Blues Deluxes were prone too (mine is a first year, '93 model). It is in the lower power circuit that causes the amp to sometimes lock up with the overdrive channel light on, but no sound. There were two Fender Technical Notes released to address this, one in '93 and one in '95. Google search for amp technical forums with "Blues Deluxe Channel Limbo" as the search criteria, print it out and either DIY if you're qualified, or take the amp and the notes to a good amp tech for some preventative repairs. This will make the amp as robust as anything out there, and beyond gig worthy. Since Fender recognized the problem early on, and addressed it, no points off - just do yourself a favor if you have an older one and get it checked out.

Never had to deal with Fender CS, so no opinion.

I have been gigging since the mid-to-late 70's. Have owned two other of these amps and would definitely replace mine if it were lost or stolen.

I have also bought, sold, re-bought and re-sold almost every blackface amp Fender ever made since 1976. Also owned a '59 Champ, a handfull of silverface era Fenders, a 50 watt, Plexi Marshall half-stack, some Peavy "Classic" series tube amps, a couple of old Music Mans, a Boogie Mk IIc, a couple Fender Blues Jr's, and I'm sure a few others I've forgotten about. This amp definitely rates. With certain pedals, this amp gives off a KILLER Marshall vibe. With others, this amp is square in "D" amp territory.

I've had my Blues Deluxe for about 11 or 12 years. I play a Tele and the tone is great. When I first bought this amp I was in Blues band and used no effects. I found the reverb and the overdive was all I really needed.

The clean channel is outstanding. The overdrive is also great if you are not looking for distortion. The overdrive has just enough bite, more sustain great for solos. Recently I've been playing through a DigiTech GNX3. After much tweeking mainly setting the GNX3 to direct instead of AMP models I'm quite pleased with the tone.

After about a month I needed to replace Tubes. I was playing out when the tubes went bad. That was bad. I did get a free replacement and those tubes work until last winter. I just replaced the whole set about a month ago from Tubeworks and my Amp never sounded better.

Overall I would I not get another Blues Deluxe. Mine was made in America. Why did Fender have to start making these in Mexico? I know they sold out on guitars along time ago and some of overseas models are good. But I would pay an extra 200 bucks or more if I new Fender products were made in the U.S.A.

Just bought used - the guy thought it was a '95 or something. It's the Made in USA model and NOT the Re-issue that is made in Mexico. Not gonna list the specs as they are listed her on other reviews. but it has only two channels (not 3 like the Hot Rod Dlx.

I also have a Hot Rod Dlx. that I had sent to Omega Amps to modify. I saw this and took a gamble as it needed tubes and was kinda dirty and messy on the control board. I have tons of guitars - 8 Strats and 3 Tele's and an original '73 Tele Dlx. Les Paul and more. What I like about this amp compared to the others . . . When you engage the overdrive channel, that's just what you get - overdrive. i.e. sounds the same as clean but as if you've cranked up the volume on the clean enough to distort. Sounds really creamy. Almost not enough overdrive with the single coils but with the Tele Dlx with Humbuckers, it's got plenty! Again, sounds like it's supposed to sound! Like Stevie Ray pushing his Fender amps. I am very impressed. Plus, it's loud as hell!

Just got it but I would think that it's better than my Hot Rod Dlx. as those have some weird things that can make them quit on you.

Haven't had that experience as yet and I have a Hot Rod Deville, Hot Rod Dlx. and this amp. So far so good.

When you get this thing dialed in right, it's amazing! Not sure what they did differntly with the Re-issues or the Dlx. but they don't compare to this one. If you can find one of these old US models, snag it like I did! Most people know that the overdrive channels on the Hot Rod Dlx. and Deville sort of suck. Putting JJ Tubes in my DeVille (and re-biasing the amp as per Euro-Tubes suggested settings) improved that quite a bit to say the least. My Omega mod is great but overdrives are more "Marshall" sounding. This one sounds really good. Plus, put some pedals in front for some really juicy sound! I just bought that Fender Bassman pedal from Boss. As much as I know there are pedal snobs out there that will only go with the botique pedals . . . check this one out. It nails it pretty good. Try it with the Deville 410. Turns it into a Bassman!

Basic features for a two channel amp. Shares EQ which is a drawback.

Typical Fender sound in this price range. Actually very good. My biggest complaint is that there is no range on the volume. In fact that is why I am returning it tomorrow. I was going to use this as a second amp as a delay amp and to get a more fendery sound but it goes from off to full volume from 1-2 on the volume knob. It blew away (volume wise only) my Dr Z Maz 18 which is a loud amp for 18 watts. This is a VERY loud amp. This is coming from a guy who played out with a "evil" twin and a tomemaster. Both 100 WATT AMPS! If that aint loud I don't know what is. This amp could keep up with those for sure. Also the EQ doesn't do much for the tone. Presence does little too. I might be spoiled from my Dr Z amp.

For $650.00 this is not a bad amp or a bad buy. Out of the box it sounds good and has the quality of sound you expect from Fender. I am returning it because I traded in an "evil" twin that is 100 watts and is far easier to control the volume on than this amp. For me this is a HUGE FLAW in this product and Fender really needs to address it if they want to have a truely great amp for this price range. Still if you don't mind the volume (and theres a LOT) this did have some usable sounds even with the EQ.

The amp is new with one gig but I got a good feel for it. It suites vintage rock blues and R&B very well. the second channel is very sweet sounding with both channels having very smooth mids. Plenty loud even outside..had it on 4..stays clean longer as you raise volume
better than I thought..true fender vibe better than my dad's 65 twin.
chanel and verb switch....plenty power.

This amp takes pedals well as needed if you want vintage distortion on through to Black Crows...At about 5 with a PRS Hollow body 2 (strong buckers)it starts to breakup sweetly. Channel 2 live is far different than bedroom volumes of course. I get the VERY strong hunch this amp would benefit greatly from anew speaker..perhaps the Jensen some of the other reviewers mentioned...or tone tubby. I only use high end pedals because they have come so far..Keeley BD2..Sd1..Fulltone OCD....very quiet amp..just a nice round smooth sound...this is far from a metal amp..but woulddo it if fed the right stuff...I could probably use some tube research to see what can beat the Ruby's...but they sound good...It beats the Devilles by a mile and the bassman...Actually playing most Fenders in a very large music store huge high ceiling room this amp blew the others away. I find it very very helpful to go befor closing and have a fair player play my guitar through it and walk around the room..I do not recommend a smokin' player...

With the EXTREME exception of the new Fender Supersonic which has been a nightmare for my Dad who still plays at 75 Fender has a Boogie topnotch track record..But DO NOT touch the SUPERSONIC piece of garbage...great amp..just won't make sound.

always had fair support..but nottop notch based on my Dad
's sad 1200$ nightmare boat anchor...please spread the word..Fender dealers I have talked to do their best to stear customers away from it..but the 5 year warranty with Dad's supersonic..NOPE!!!!!!!

been playing for 40 years..I'd probably buy again..naaahhh I wouldn't either..I'd get a VHT because of the raves and friends I have heard..But for the money this is a great sounding Fender..I have learned that with the exception of low wattage botique amps..Maz 38 comes to mind..40 to 50 watts is just right as I have owned 15 or so amps or rack setups. being a Boogie guy from Mark 4 (awful amp) through many others to my now best fo show the Rectoverb (got 9.3 on sound) I am suprised how well the Fender holds up for half the $.. I will say that with an extension speaker..celestion...it really sounds huge fat but NOT muddy at all..lows are fairly tight...mids very smooth if you back them way down...very nice reverb IMUO...probably one of the best amps at $529..Another awsomw feature it weighs probably 15 to 10lbs less than the Recto.

Tube Combo
40 Watt
2 Chanels (Clean + Chrunch)
Fender Spring Reverb
Made in Mexico

This is a blues amp and I will not complain about his low gain as so many other.
If you??re looking for a high gain amp get something else!!!
Because this amp is called Blues Deluxe!!!
So I??m more a vinatage kind a guy. I only got one guitar a Gibson Les Paul and I play rock from Stones to Guns n Roses to... Whatever...
If I need more gain for maybe Guns n Roses kind of stuff, I put a distortion pedal between and it sounds amazing.
I??ve tried many amps over the years and I??ve owned a Boogie before.
This amp has the best chrunch sound I??ve ever get!!!
The clean channel is also very beautifull, nice reverb. Everything bluesy sounds amazing...
But if you put the reverb over 4 then it gets gets useless in my opinion, just to much...
My only complaint is the loudness of this amp.
If you set the amp??s controls as quiet as possible which is volumecontroll 1,5 then you got max volume for homeplaying..
2 is about three times as loud and i doubt you will ever turn it over 2,5. I??ve once gigged with a lokal rock-coverband i had the volume on 2 I was definetly the loudest. I know tube amps are loud and I ain??t a sissy man I had a Mesa before! But the volumecontrol is poor!
Ok this category is called sound so I give it a 10

Got this amp for over 6 months no, still love it, no problems at all

Never needed

I??m playing for 20 years now. If youre looking for a tube amp with a great sounding clean channel, a Stones to ACDC sounding crunch then you will love this amp.
But be carefull this amp will may be to loud...

This amp is very old, however it sounds amazing. The tubes give it a warm bluesy sound. This amp is quintessential for any blues player. I, however do not play blues, I play metal. This amp does not have much distortion, but when rigged with a distortion pedal it sounds killer.

it sounds most excelllent for blus and clean, and goes very loud but has little disortion

i bought this amp used in horrible condition with ciggarette burns all over it, i thinks its from the early 80's. however it still sounds awesome and has never let me down.

this is good

July 1995 as the serial number next to the speaker says FG
Blonde tolex,which was offered only in 1995,features Fender Blues Deluxe logo on front instead of Fender on the tweed version bought from a private seller who never took it outside his room
Still has the original set of tubes
440 euro was a good price (i am italian)considering that we can actually pay more than 700 euro for a mexican Blues Deluxe reissue
I give it a 7,would have been a 10 if an external speaker output was installed but u get what u need
Put it on the stage,turn it on and start to play

Guitars: 2xStrat Am.Standrad 2005 rosewood,Strat Vintage 62 maple,Tele Am.Series 2005 rosewood,Gibson Les Paul Standard 1999 -none of these guitar have been modified in the elctronics
0.10 mostly Ernie ball on every guitar
My fx chain is: Boss SD1- JH1 Dunlop wah- E.H. metal muff- Danelectro coolcat chorus- Boss DD6 - Vox volume pedal
George L'S cables and a warwick pedalboard with internal power supply
If u want to hear the real sound of a Fender guitar,no matter if Strat,Tele,Cyclone or Jaguar ... and u have a budget of 300-500 euro...no choice but this amp
Beautiful clean channel even at high volume,lots of bass and definition
I read about a useless overdrive channel...not true
Stop complaining about the drive,and start understand how to use the equalisation on a amp and how to set your guitar
Drive:7 Master:6 Bass:6 Middle:7 High:3 Presence:2
Try this on the neck pu of a Strat...rock it
Sounds real good on the Les Paul also,obviously more round but that's the Gibson and his humbucker
Tried it with many guitars...when it was sounding bad it was the guitar,not the amp :d
Reverb is nice and not noisy at all,after 4-5 is useless in my opinion
My speaker is a gold label Eminence,and it's very loud and clear
I don't use fx loop a lot,when i tried it sounded cool and not noisy even though i think is -2/3 dB on the output
When it comes to using your stomp boxes...surprise is coming...this amp with a good equalisation on the clean channel turns a good pedal into an awesome pedal
With the Metal Muff i can have from a nice 70's classic rock tone to a 80's hard rock and when pushed to limits u get the tallica with a bridge single coil am.st. pu believe it or not
With a nice overdrive u get anything in the between...from SRV to Eric Johnson
Try different settings on the drive channel and the overdrive will perform real good,keeping dynamics
For those of you complaing about noise...change power supply for ur pedals and buy good cables...and switch off ur mobile phones when playing (and old tvs :d)

12 years so far,stock tubes,never had a problem,built like a tank,never let me down
If it ever will,i would spend 2x to get another one

Never contact Fender,no need

For those of you guys out there playing old school metal...can u read it?It says Blues not Metal Deluxe...BUT...withthe right pedal u can do it!For classic rock and blues this is the combo
Been playing for 15 years,29 years old now...lots of gigs...they will hear u,for sure,and the drummer will kick your ass if u wont turn the volume down to at least 5-4
No need to use a microphone in small clubs
Not an amp to buy if you practise at home,40w tube amp is loud
It will become a classic