Fender Hot Rod Deluxe

Bought this amp in 2006. Not that versatile--good for roots rock, blues and maybe R&B and gospel. It is NOT a true two channel amp. The feature I wish it had is this: it works well and doesn't break up so easily. The distortion from the "second" channel is very poor. This amp would be better off set up as a single channel amp with a boost (which, I guess the "second" channel basically is). Maybe this amp is good for only blues, MAYBE. The reverb as compared to my Vibrolux is somewhat lame as well.

I was playing nearly exclusively a custom made strat with a hot rails/cool rails/cool rails humbucker configuration. Styles I've played with this amp have been hard-edged original instrumental music that I write (hendrix meets ornette coleman type of stuff), and for gospel, r&b, and standard rock gigs. Let me first say that this is not necessarily a bad sounding amp, but it has some severe problems: The amp breaks up so early that I can't get a good, clean sound from it--in a word making the amp "useless" for my work. I'm giving it a lower sound quality rating because it breaks up so easily and, honestly, my Vibrolux Reverb sounds so much better that there's no comparison.

I bought this amp assuming it would be reliable, but it's turned out to be a useless waste of my money. It has never had very good headroom. I don't use this amp that much because most of the hits I do the venue provides equipment. I have only used this amp for my personal gigs or smaller gigs that I do locally as a sideman (mostly gospel gigs, rock/blues/r&b type gigs). I was sick of the fact the amp had very little headroom-brought it into a repair shop-they said all the tubes were shot-replaced entire set with matched tubes-used the amp for literally 4 short gigs-breaking up and crackling-brought it back to shop to be repaired-said the preamp tubes were shot (after only 4 gigs the pre's are shot!!!)! I complained to them and Fender that there is something obviously wrong with an amp that gets relatively gently used for 4 gigs and then needs all the preamp tubes replaced. And the thing still has no headroom. The amp has been a big disappointment.

Fender was decent with calling me back about my complaints about the amp. But the upshot is that I can no longer use this amp and now I have to sell (at a loss of course). It was repaired as I stated under warranty, but 2 repairs in four months is too much for me. The amp has got to go! I feel Fender should have offered some other solution for me with regard to the trouble I've had with it--even other technicians say that something is obviously wrong with an amp that burns brand new preamp tubes out after only 4 gigs.

I've been playing for over 25 years. If this amp was lost or stolen I would never get another Hot Rod Deluxe. Actually, I wish it was stolen--at least then my equip. insurance would give me a much better return than that of what I'm going to get when I sell it. I did like the initial sound of the amp--but the trouble it's been; the very, very poor headroom and the fact that I've gone through an entire set of tubes and now a second set in such a short time make this amp useless to me. I now have a Fender Vibrolux Reverb--a far better built, far better sounding and much more reliable amp as compared to the HR Deluxe. This is a budget amp and now I see why--what a disappointment!

bought new in 2000...made in usa....40 watt groove tube valve amp...3 channel...classic fender reverb...power to gig with....and that fender sound ....this beast is no mesa boogie.....this a rock / blues amp.....put a quality strat though these and there is THE sound......in the studio with a sm57...you have the sound on record....PERFECT rock amp.....but only if you can play....if your crap...well.....go buy a mesa....that sound makes anybody sound good....the main feature of this amp is the cranked overdrive of a fender valve amp....classic

as i said....this is a rock/blues amp...full stop....there are no new metal sound in this amp....just super clean tone..and a beautiful overdrive tone....you dont need alot of gain...just turn it up.....let the guitar and tubes do thier magic.....i am sure that all the reviewers that bag these like the sound of that heavy metal tone....eg mesa dual rectifier.....this is not one of those...never will be...just dont use too much gain...got to get those valves working.....classic rock/blues sound....

1 repair since 2000.....$80.00....still sounds great

never needed it....

been playing 40 years....had marshall jcm100....marshall 60w combo 2 x 12.....for me....they sound great.....but a quality strat through a hot rod is the sound...play good and you will sound good....full stop

Bought this amp in 2006. Not that versatile--good for roots rock, blues and maybe R&B and gospel. It is NOT a true two channel amp. The feature I wish it had is this: it works well and doesn't break up so easily. I wish it had the feature of being a gig-worthy amp! I wish it had the feature of NOT being a piece of useless junk. As far as features go, it's fine but the second channel is basically useless--the distortion from that channel is very poor. This amp would be better off set up as a single channel amp with a boost (which, I guess the "second" channel basically is). Maybe this amp is good for only blues, MAYBE.

Let me first say that this is not necessarily a bad sounding amp, but it has some severe problems: I've played hard-edged original instrumental music that I write (hendrix meets ornette coleman type of stuff). I've used the amp for gospel, r&b, and standard rock gigs. In a word, this amp is "junk." It is now useless to me and I have to think of how to unload it. It's been nothing but trouble. I originally bought this amp 'cause I needed a small, fairly light combo amp to take to local gigs. I chose it because a particular road gig I had the venues were providing either the hot rod or deville amps for the shows. These were pretty big venues and big stages with pro sound people so I figured these amps must be pretty durable. Man was I WRONG! I give it a low rating with sound 'cause I can't use it professionally any more and that being the case it makes NO sound while sitting in the corner of my room not being used.

I bought this amp assuming it would be reliable, but it's turned out to be a useless waste of my money. It has never had very good headroom. I don't use this amp that much because most of the hits I do there is a road crew that provides everything or the venue provides equipment. I have only used this amp for my personal gigs or smaller gigs that I do locally as a sideman (mostly gospel gigs, rock/blues/r&b type gigs). I was sick of the fact the amp had very little headroom-brought it into a repair shop-they said all the tubes were shot-replaced entire set with matched tubes-used the amp for literally 4 short gigs-breaking up and crackling-brought it back to shop to be repaired-said the preamp tubes were shot (after only 4 gigs the pre's are shot!!!)! I complained to them and Fender that there is something obviously wrong with an amp that gets relatively gently used for 4 gigs and then needs all the preamp tubes replaced. And the thing still has no headroom. It's a 40 watt amp and breaks up as early as volume on 2 on the clean channel. At 40 watts this amp should be loud and clean on 2! And it even breaks up if I comp simple jazz changes with my 1956 ES 175 (has a P90 pick up in it--I usually use a strat with this amp)! I can't use this amp! It is totally unreliable for professional work!

Waiting to see if Fender is going to do the right thing by me with this Hot Rod Deluxe. Fender needs to replace it or buy it back from me. They have called me back but they have stated to me that we need to "wait and see" what happens with the amp next (in terms of tube failure).

I've been playing for over 25 years. "If lost or stolen" I would replace this amp with anything other than another hot rod deluxe. I did like the initial sound of the amp--but the trouble it's been; the very, very poor headroom (makes comping chords very hard to get a clean sound); and the fact that I've gone through an entire set of tubes and now a second set in such a short time make this amp useless to me. "Anything else you'd like to share?" Yes! I need a good amp technician in the NYC area! Anybody help me out there?

Bought in 2006. Play mostly R&B, Rock, Blues and Gospel with this amp. Never use the "B" channel. Gig with this amp in a number of different circumstances (mostly clubs). Very poor headroom. Use with a strat. The feature of the second channel (not a true separate channel) brings the rating down for me. I only use the clean channel with this amp. I just wanted a good, clean sound. I use separate box(es) for distortion if I want or need it.

I use a strat with this (custom made with combo of Duncan Cool and Hot rails). This is NOT a gig worthy amplifier. It has faired very poorly and has been in the shop twice in the last 5 months. The "B" channel (not a true second channel), is basically useless. Overdriving the B channel creates a buzzy, useless distortion sound. In June I brought the amp in to have it looked at. They said ALL the tubes were shot--and this is after only 3 years of minimal usage. Most gigs I do a backline is provided for me, so I rarely take an amp out. I was surprised that the tubes were shot. I paid for an entire set of matched tubes (serviced by Dbm Pro Audio in NYC). I complained that there was little headroom (amp breaks up as little as 2 to 2.5 clean channel volume). I used the amp on 4 short gigs. Noticed it was breaking up again and crackling. Brought it back to Dbm and they said the preamp tubes were spent. ONLY 4 gigs and the preamp tubes are spent! Something's obviously wrong. I get it back-still no headroom with only a guitar input (no effects) with volume on 2 (clean channel). This amp is a total dog! It even breaks up if I play my '56 Gibson ES 175 with a single coil P90 through it (just comping simple jazz chord changes)!

Obviously, this is a very unreliable amp. I can no longer take it out and trust that it will be reliable for gigs. My work is very important to me and I need a reliable amp for my gigs. Also, this I believe this amp is rated at 40 watts--40 watts should have a hell of a lot more headroom! I've played through 25 watt amps that have more headroom than this piece of junk.

Matt at Fender said I have to wait to see if it fails again before we can take another step. I'm about to call him and tell him the amp is nearly as bad as it was before this second repair. I can't use this amp for gigs, Matt! It's useless to me. Fender is not avoiding me (yet!), and hopefully will do something about this problem.

I've been playing professionally for 25 plus years. I've played on stages and in festivals around the world. I would never replace the Hot Rod Deluxe with another one. I hate it! It's not a bad sounding amp, but because of the constant problem with burning tubes with very little use it marks this amp as useless to me for professional gigs. I'm not about to lose work because the equipment I'm using is unreliable. If you want a practice amp that sounds clean at low volume then this would be fine, but pushing the amp above 2 and it breaks up is useless for a good, clean comping sound with chords.

Newer made in Mexico model,2008.Superbly built.Lots of great features.Effects loop,bright switch,3 channels,real long tank reverb,2 guitar inputs(the second one attenuates the output level).

Playing with Gibson Les Paul standard.Sound quality is 9 with speaker and tube change.I recomend Eminence Cannabis Rex speaker and JJ tubes(turn the BIAS up a little to get better tone!!)Great,great Fender cleans on channel 1 and blues crunch on channel 2.Reverb is great if you keep it below 3.This amp LOVES all sorts of pedals,try combining Fulltone OCD ver.4 pedal with the amp on channel 2 set with mild crunch,or OCD on channel 1.

No problems over a year now.I run a small fan on the tubes.

5 year Fender warranty and 2 more Sam Ash extended warranty for a total of 7 years(is that awesome or what!).

I have been playing on and off for 25 years.Have played and owned lots and lots of amps.The size of the hot rod deluxe cabinet is bigger than the blues junior so it sounds much better and not small and boxy sounding.Also with 40 available watts you get much more clean headroom.Love how the amp takes pedals and has GREAT Fender cleans(almost Blackface)with the upgrades.Channel 2 is real good for blues crunch with the reverb on 2.5.I would buy it again.Please excuse some of the really bad reviews,their is a reason you see this amp EVERYWHERE at homes and gigs and is the number 1 selling amp.

features all nice just as expected

Excellent sound quality, can do jazz, blues, country, no metal.
The character, Barry Obamamau or whaever his F...... is, has no buisness giving ratings on Fender amps. His assasination on this Deluxe is pathetic. He gave no sound technical logic, just rants about how it was terrible. Get a life loser!

Never had a problem. Mine is the USA made, not Mexico, if that means anything

no problem. I've been playing professionally for 38 years and Fender has always come through for me.

As I said playing for 38 years, would buy this amp again if lost or stolen.

It was made in Mexico i think its a 08 or 07 I fell like its a great starting tube amp for the money. i play things U2, Coldplay Sigur Ros...ect

Im playing a USA telecaster with single coils. The distortion is not great with the stock speaker i would replace it if your looking for distortion.

Its never broke down yet and i play at my church 2 or 3 times a week. The only thing that happend was my springs in the reverb broke...?

Ive been playing this amp for about a year. Its really good, but try to find a used one it will save you alot of money! If it was stolen i would prob would not get it again, only because my style of playing has changed from the time i bought it. The pros of the amp are the clean channel and how warm the the tone is and it looks sweet. The Cons are the mids can really mud up the tone, the amps construction is deff not the best but it can take a beating. And the stock speaker should be replaced if you ask me after (i replaced the speaker I got much better distortion and overdriven tones). The amp is great for a first tube amp or somebody who only plays at home. But i play at my church 2 or 3 times a week so i have found myself wanting more tone.

All tube preamp and power amp supplied by 3 ECC83's and 2 6L6's =
Output 40 watts w/ a S/S rectifier/FX loop.
Combo = 12" Special Design Eminence? 8 ohm, 50 watt Speaker
Three Selectable Channels (Normal, Drive and More Drive)
Features Independent Gain and Master Controls in Drive Channel, Bright Switch, Effects Loop, Reverb, External Speaker Jack,
Controls: Presence, Reverb, Master, Middle, Bass, Treble, Drive Select Switch, Drive, Volume, Bright Switch.

I'm reviewing a 2008 HRD made in Mexico. I was well familiar with the model when I bought it, as three of my friends have owned one. I play in a reggae/funk band and wanted a decent clean tube sound. It has enough power for small to medium large venues.

Fifty tube watts are loud. The basic sound is typical Fender, as good as any and better than most. I wanted a loud clean "ching" for reggae and funk, and was at first a little disappointed. It was great at lower volumes, but was breaking up at around four on the dial, which I only noticed as a problem at an outdoor gig. I spent a c-note to replace the stock speaker with a Weber California speaker and was quite pleased with the result. It is as loud as most situations would demand, ballsy and tight. I mainly use the clean channel but get a good sound with the drive channel by turning the master volume way up and putting the drive volume at about two. This gives it a snarly but not too distorted hot sound. As others have noted, the overdrive/more drive is too fuzzy for most styles and not brutal enough for metal. If you want a metally sound use a pedal, or better yet buy a Marshall. For Classic Rock, Jazz, Blues or Country this is just fine.

Like all tube amps there is a risk of blowing a tube. Carry spares. I also have a Roland Cube 60 which I bring along as a backup. The Fender sounds much better to me, though.

No problems so far. If a tube blows, it blows, it's part of the package.

This amp has gone up in price almost $300 in the last ten years, so it may be overpriced. I previously had a Carvin Belair, which is a 212 and every bit as good, and somewhat cheaper, but more weight to lug around, and I'm old. I chose this one based on what I knew to be true---a good clean sound plus portability and plenty of power. This is a best-seller for a reason. Those who say it sounds bad will never be satisfied with any amp. Perhaps they ought to work on their technique. The Carvin tube amps are good and a viable alternative, but this has more resale value. The stock speaker is cheapish, but that is easy to upgrade. I give it a nine for this price range, not in comparison to an expensive boutique amp.

Well documented; no need to go into details; your standard HRD.

Very nice, well rounded tone; perfect for classic rock and blues; nothing much heavier than that - this is not a metal amp.

Many bars throughout Seoul use this amp. so all I do is carry 'round a LP with a Boss "Dual Overdrive" pedal then plug in - dials are all set midway on the clean channel; your good to go !

I don't use the gain channel; too muddy for my taste and the "more drive" channel is useless unless you use it as a lead boost.

I'm not a pedal user; one is too many for me !

So far so good !

Is Fender in Korea ?

She's a beauty; just what the doctor ordered. Sold my Blues Jr. for this one. A much better amp. for med - large sized venues.

The BJ is just a bit underpowered for playing live straight off the stage and I never liked playing through a PA. Too much dickin' 'round w/ sound levels!

We never have time for a sound check in these places and there's never a sound guy around to moniter the board; so the HRD is the way to go if ya wanna play straight off the stage.

Fender really hit the nail on the head with this entire line, cosmetically anyways. "Gain" and "More Gain" are stupid ideas. What ever happened to a simple circuit, with tremolo in the second channel, that reproduces (see amplifies) the guitars inherent sweet tones and clips softly into a smooth breakup when overdriven? As someone stated earlier, one of the greatest features of this amp is that no-one wants it shortly after they buy it, so they can be readily found for cheap in the classifieds, sometimes cheap enough to get me thinking about using the rather cool looking box to house a classic circuit kit (which are often cheaper than the current Fender crap) and some good Weber speakers. If I can improve on the golden era Fender designs for $700, why can't Fender, with all their resources and cheap labour, do it for over a grand? I am well aware that this model belongs to the "Hot Rod" line and not the "Vintage Reissue" line, yet a gem is a gem and a turd is a turd.

Flat, uninteresting, spikey. The reverb sounds like your usual pawnshop brand solid state junk... perfect for tone-deaf youtube wankers, for wanking away on youtube whilst imagining they look & sound something like Stevie ray Vaughan (these people should not have access to amplifiers, think about it). If you've never plugged into a proper running tweed, blackface, or silverface model, then please disregard my opinion completely.

I would not depend on electronics built by this company.

Where I disagree with the previous poster is that the tweed-covered 1990's "Blues Deville" I owned really sucked too. Spiky as hell. This company is selling nothing more than the logo and some decent cosmetics.