Fender Pro Junior

The only controls, tone and volume, are well designed. I also appreciate having the capability to use an external cabinet. An effects loop would have been nice.

Using a '68 Epiphone Sheraton and a new Yamaha Pacifica (strat copy), this little amp cooks. Great clean and overdrive tones for blues, jazz, most rock. Far more "punch", but less "thump", than the Fenders with 12" speakers. Fantastic sensitivity to pick attack. Nothing beats the sound of output tubes in saturation. Too bad Fender chose a solid-state rectifier (probably the only obstacle to achieving a "10" rating for sound).

No particular experience with this amp, but it seems verrrry solid. My other Fender amp is 30 years old and has never, ever given me problems.

This thing is a steal. Much more than a practice amp, this may be the best recording rig I've ever owned.

Volume, tone, 2 12AX7's, 2 EL84's, 10" alnico blue speaker. My rating for this category does not reflect my enthusiasm for this amp. I just feel that this amp's strong suit is in it's ability to dial in old Fender/blues tone. With this in mind, the rating for this category would be much higher. I'm not sure however, that a metal head would dig this amp as much as a blues/old rock player.

I use a PRS EG, CE and a 335 with this amp. With the EG, this amp takes on an old Princeton vibe at low volume. When the volume is increased to 5-7 the amp takes on a really cool distorted texture that is great for blues and works very well with the EG's Fralin p.u.'s. With my PRS CE, the amp takes on a more aggressive edge. At higher settings however, the sound becomes a little too compressed for me. But remember, on my CE the p.u.'s are pretty hot, lower output p.u.'s seem to fare better IMHO. My 335 really likes this amp. As long as you don't go too high on the volume, this guitar really speaks through this amp. For the most part, the amp is pretty dynamic and cleans up well. In comparing the Pro Jr. to my Blues Jr. I would sum it up like this: the Blues Jr. IMO, is more versatile and is able to get a louder clean tone than the Pro Jr., but the drive on the Pro Jr. is better, especially the higher gain tones. The Blues Jr. sounds a lot like my Twin and I guess that the Pro Jr. is closer to a tweed Deluxe (not that I actually own one, just from what I remember how the one I heard sounded). This is a great little amp and would probably just smoke in a recording situation.

I personally haven't had any problems with any of the new Fender stuff (knock on wood), but a blond tolex model in the store that I bought mine in had a weird overtone at higher volume and picked up a radio station. I'm not a tech but it sounds like it was maybe just a bad tube. Otherwise it seems like if you take care of this stuff you can avoid a lot of problems later on.

Never dealt with them, hope that I never do.

Nice amp. It is incredible what $200 will get you. This amp can come pretty close to a lot of old Fender amps without breaking the bank. I would go so far as to say that this is one of the finer amps that Fender has made in a long time (along with the Blues Jr.). These are the kind of amps that a lot of us expect from Fender and wish that they would stick to these kind of designs when drawing up new amps. I know that my review doesn't do this amp justice so be sure to check one out if you get the chance, I think that you will be pleasantly surprised.

This amp is very basic, just a volume and a tone. However the volume doubles as a gain setting when set beyond a level of 5. The tone control is very responsive, you get a lot of different singing sounds between 1 and 12. I use this amp for both practice and jamming. It is more than loud enough for these applications. When jamming, my friends typically use 60 what tube amps by Carvin or Marshall, and at normal playing levels, used for blues, rock & roll etc. I can always be heard clearly. My friends comments, "that is a kickin little amp" or " that amp has balls".

I use 3 different guitars. An 80's American made Fender Bullet, a Jackson Soloist STD, and a Peavey Raptor. I also use a Zoom 1010, a Boss digital delay/pitch shifter and a CryBaby wah. I have been playing for about 30 years and play a variety of styles. This amp sounds really great clean or dirty. I don't feel limited in any style. It sounds really nice as a clean blues amp. Surprisingly, it has made my rather cheap Peavey Raptor sound much better than it is. The distortion kicks in at about a volume of 7. If you want to get some cool feedback set the tone to 12 and stand realatively close to the amp.

When I bought the amp one of the preamp tubes was microphonic. The tubes carry a 90 day warranty, so I returned the amp to my Fender dealer and they replaced the Fender tube with a Sovtek, this took care of the problem. I found out from the service tech, that this amp does not need to be biased when replacing tubes, therefore in the future I can change my own tubes. This amp has a 5 year warranty from Fender

After I had my tube replaced, Fender sent me a survey to fill out on the quality of the service. This is the only contact I have had with them. It appears as though they stand behond their dealers.

I love this amp. It sounds great. It is easy to transport. It is plenty loud enough. As I have said I have been playing for about 30 years. I have owned some of the vintage amps when they were not vintage. I owned a Fender quad reverb once. The Pro Junior has a better range of natural tube sounds, than the Quad reverb did. I really love the simplicity of it. I don't have to worry about amp settings. It just does it's job by producing very nice singing tube sounds. I would by this amp again in a second. I have the tolex version. It would be nice to have the tweed version also. I do wish that my version had the Groove Tubes that Fender is putting in their upcoming US tubes amps

1 tone 1 volume,Simple, effective, I like the clean to dirty volume control. The tone control is very responsive, not like the ones I am used to on solid state amps or even some tube amps

This amp is incredible. I have owned a 70's vintage fender quad reverb that had more power, but could not hold a candle to the Pro Jr in sound quality. I like the punch of the 10" speaker even better than the 12's on some models. I have been playing for 30 years, every style, and have owned today's vintage stuff when it was new. I tell you this amp is the best I have owned. I play an 80's Fender Bullet, a Jackson soloist standard and a cheap peavey raptor, thru it using a Zoom 1010, pedal echo and CryBaby. Even the Peavey sounds great thru this thing. I like to use the Peavey, neck and middle pickup combo, guitar tone 7, amp vol at 2, amp tone at 9, with the Zoom set at a blues patch. Man this sounds just like SRV. Oh yeah, This amp is loud, LOUD, I mean LOUD!!

I have had to take mine back to the dealer, because one of the preamp tubes was microphonic. The dealer had it back in a couple of hours. They replaced the Fender tube with a Sovtek. This did alter the sound a bit, but not for the worse. I found out in the process that you do not have to bias this amp when replacing tubes. This means I can do my own tubing in the future for around $50 for a complete refit.

Fender has a good warranty. My tubes are covered for 90 days and the rest of the amp for 5 years. They followed up on the tube warranty service with a service survey, which I returned to them, pleased.

This amp would be great for a beginner or experienced player. The beginner will appreciate not having to trade up. The experienced player will be amazed at the possiblities for sound expression that this amp gives you. I used these Harmony Central comments when I went searching for an affordable tube amp. I found that what they said about the Pro Jr is true. I would definitly buy it again and again. Thanks to all you folks for posting such rave reviews for this amp. It helped me to make one of the best purchases of equipment I have ever made.

The ultimate in functional simplicity! 1 vol., 1 tone, no bells and whistles

I play primarily Blues. I recorded using just the PJ a pro co Rat pedal with a low distortion setting, and a slight bit of delay- using a Les Paul Standard, Neck pickup, tone control rolled about half down, miced with an SM57 and I got the most AMAZING, singing, Clapton woman-tone you can get! Big amps? BOSH! Who needs 'em!!

Never had a problem ....

I have a friend that is a Registered Fender dealer ... don't forsee any problems

Playing 21 years, also own Hot Rod Deluxe (GREAT amp!) and a couple of Peaveys that are not worth mentioning. I recommend this amp to any one that wants great tone and a no-bull layout ..... IMHO the best $ for $ amp Fender has ever made

The controls of this amp are damn near perfect for me. It has no features except tone. No loop, no reverb, nothing. I use an outboard reverb unit with it. I don't thnk adding features to this amp would o anyting psitive for the tone. The simplicity creates the purity of tone. I use this amp for rehearsal and a second pro junior (using two) for many gigs. I've used bigger amps but I've never used a better one. One thing I wish Fender would do is ugrade the tubes they use. Even Sovtek EL84s are a substantial upgrade. Ruby STR7025 preamp tubes sound great in this amp.

I'm using this Telecasters and a Les Paul Junior with these amps. I use Fralin or Van Zandt single cls in the Teles and a Duncan Pearly Gates in the LPJ. The amp suits my style about perfectly. I'm looking for a Custom Vibrolux Reverb to buy but there are moments when I think I'd be better off just buying another one of these (45 watts, three 10s, sounds like a bassman to me). The amp can be noisy with single coils or outboard effects turned on, especially overdrive pedals like the TS9. I use a Dyna Comp for slide and some fuzz but the amp does it better, really. This amp can make nice clean Fender tones and great gritty overdrive for blues. If you're looking for hair metal tones, this isn't your amp but for just about anything else, it has it. The distortion is not brutal enough for metal.

The achilles heel of this amp, besides the crappy Fender tubes, are the speakers. While they're sonically excellent and rated at 30 watts, I've blown them in a PJ. Replacements aren't expensive (I just picked up two Mojo MP10Rs, identcal to the Blue Alnicos for $80) Both my as are the tweed models but I hear tnder went to ceramic magnet speakers in the tolex models. The alnicos sing but I wouldn't use an O/D pedal while it was cranked, the clipped waveform would probably be enough to blow the speakers. Despite the vulnerability f the speakers, I'll keep using them.

Never had to. Only replaced tubes and speakers.

I've been playing for 31 years and this might be the best amp, dollar for dollar, Fender has ever made. They nailed it with this one. I love the Custom Vibrolux Reverb and will buy one when funds permit but until that happens, or if I decide to buy another PJ, these will do. If it were lost, I'd buy nother in a heaertbeat. No hesitation. I didn't really compare it to similarly priced products because in tuibe amps, there really aren't any I know of.

It doesn't get much more basic than this.

I play a lot of different styles, and I have to say that it sounds totally awesome for cleaner stuff. Using a Gibson Country Gentleman and playing blues or country, it puts out just enough bass for the size of the amp - you can't expect much more (but you can wish, can't you?). The cranked settings are totally cool - lots of controllable feedback and beautiful compression. For (dare I say it) heavier rock, I've tried the amp cranked with my Parker Fly and a Korg Pandora Box. On the scooped mid settings with heavy bass from the Pandora, the cabinet just can't handle it - it resonates like crazy and you just can't get that tight low end. But in all fairness, this amp wasn't designed to do this.

Have only had it for 2 weeks - so far so good!

????

I was in search of a good, light amp to jam around with, and this seemed to be the only tube amp that was both light enough and had the right price. I also own a Hot Rod Deluxe and an ADA MP-1 rack with a Marshall 4x12 and 1x12, so I think I have most of my bases covered. For clean stuff, you can't beat the Fenders, but for heavier stuff the MP-1 does the job. The rack is just a little too cumbersome to jam with.
I looked into the Laney LC15 and the Songworks Little Lanilei amp, but couldn't play either of them (no dealers in Hawaii). I don't think you can beat the Pro Jr. for what it does, especially considering that at 20 pounds is about the lightest amp you can find that will sound this good. Just recognize that it does only one thing really well. I wanted a lightweight amp that I could use with my Pandora box and Parker Fly and have a world of sounds at my fingertips. This won't work for that application. I'd definitely look into the Mesa Subway Rocket, but it still weighs ten pounds more that the Pro Jr.
Yeah - I'd buy another one.

Purchased my first Pro Jr. right after they were shown at the NAMM show a few years ago. It is one of the first run and it's been my #1 amp since then. I own a 1995 Holland 40watt Bassman combo with reverb(3x10+1x10for reverb), a 1962 Selmer Zodiac Twin-Thirty 2z12(with tremelo), a 1996 Fender Prosonic 2x10(with reverb), a Risson LTA head w/reverb & tremelo, a Risson Clone head, and a Risson CTA 1x12 combo-all extremely fine amps. I have played most of the boutique amps and most of the major brands. For my money, the Pro.Jr is, dollar for dollar, the best amp in the world. Spoke with Bruce Zinky about it once, and he said that when they were designing the Pro. Jr. it was their goal to make an amp without a bad sound in it. To my ear, they succeeded. No matter where you set the tone and volume, no matter what type of guitar or effect, it sounds great. It is also the loudest 15 watts I've ever played. It is more than loud enough for small gigs and will push both my 16ohm Greenback-loaded 4x12 and my G12H-30 2x12 cabinets (in parallel through my EH Swichblade)easily to reasonably high levels. Have 2 2x10 extension cabs for it as well, but I actually like it's sound best through it's internal speaker, though I do prefer to be about 45 degrees off axis from it. The only feature it didn't have was a standby switch, which I had added by Ed Sanner of Sanner Electronics. Have spoken with Mark Baier of Victoria Amps about making a 4 tube version of it now that he's figured out how to preserve the sound of a low powered amp at twice the power(Double Deluxe). I hate micing amps-that's why I have so many of different power levels. The Pro.Jr. is great as it is, and if I need a bigger one, I'll call Mark. A tip: use a Jan 5751 in the first spot and a very low noise 12AX7 in the second. Also, use Philips 6BQ5's in the output section-these upgrades are worth it! If you love the stock sound, you'll lust after the upgraded one. Have always had difficulty dialing in "THE SOUND" on amps, usually because their were too many knobs-the Pro. Jr's 1-volume, 1-tone, 1-input are just right for me-I play lots of blues and rock, but also have quiet, fingerstyle parts, too-the Pro.Jr. handles them all. It makes any guitar played through sound like it should.It's a 10 in my book.

Sorry, I put everything in your first opinion box. My hands tired, please use it for both-thanks

It is a workhorse-has never let me down.

N/A

Have already bought another one, and may pick up 1 or 2 more.
Please see first comment box for rest of info.

Simplicity is wonderful. A knob for tone, a knob for volume. It doesn't need anything else. Whether I use a Jerry Donahue stompbox or my ART SGX 2000-Express for to enhance my sound this amp always delivers. And it's always loud enough! For such a small amp it packs a wallop. I regularly play with guys who have 4x10 cabinets and separate heads,and this amp can always be heard! All those year I busted my ass lugging monster amps around...now when I go out to play I laugh at everyone else getting a hernia. I can carry all my gear in one trip! I give it a 10 for simplicity and function.

I play a variety of rock genre styles using a Rickenbacker 330 and a '62 re-issue Fender Jazzmaster. From Britpop to noise rock (no hair metal please!) this amp always gives me a crisp, clean tone that especially sounds great in a studio setting. In rehersal I rarely have to run the volume over '5' to be heard clearly. But, beyond '5 you start to get that great tube driven overdrive sound, that's when it gets dirty.

I haven't any problem in a year of hard playing!

Fender is reliable. 'nuff said.

I've thought about buying a second Pro Jr. for live stereo applications. Shop around before you buy this amp. Check the WEB, make some calls, and don't pay over $230! The dealer cost on these is around $100 so don't get skunked and pay $279 like my local guitar store tried to charge me. Assholes!

This amp has only 1 volume and 1 tone control. No reverb, no gain, no middle, no separate bass & treble, no loops, no red sound, brown sound, green sound, 4 X 12 cab simulation, etc. To me, this is mostly good, so the low rating for features is not a drawback to me.

Good meaty tone, hard to believe all that sound comes out of 1 ten inch speaker. On ten, it produces a good Fendery distorted sound. Clean up to about 5, at which point its pretty loud. Easily loud enough to use for practice with a drummer.

No problems whatsoever in 2 years or so. Simple is better.

No repairs or dealings with Fender

There is a lot to like about this amp- small size, light weight, overall good sound, definite tube tone, ample volume & distortion, cool looks. Until a month ago or so I would definitely have given this a 'buy again' tag, but then a friend of mine bought a used '65 Bassman for about $250, which he is currently playing through 2 10's. The Bassman is a much, much better amp than the Pro Junior, and there seem to be a lot of them around for under $300. Paired with a small cab, the Bassman is quite portable, and is way more amp- more power, much better sounds all around. I'd save my $230 (Pro Junior) and go true vintage. If you really must have a very small combo, the PJ is a good value.

One channel, one input, volume, and tone. Speaker jacks accepts any 8 ohm speaker. No standby switch.

Everything they say is true. This amp sounds wonderful! It's got that classic Fender tone and when cranked it roars. Sounds best with humbuckers, IMO. I played it thru a single 12 in a 2 cu. ft. cab and it sounded great with that also.

Only had it 2 days so I can't tell. Since Fender warranties them for 5 years, I expect it will be fine.

Haven't had to use it, hopefully won't need it.

I'd buy it again in a second. I think it would sound great in stereo with a Blues Jr. because you'd have some reverb then.

This is a tiny amp. However, don't let it fool you! Remember, good things come in small packages, and this amp is simply great! It only has a volume knob and a tone knob. It's simplicity and power, not to mention EXTREMELY good blues, jazz, country, and rock (not metal) tones. If you are gigging in a small club, or a large club with a good PA, this is the amp for you!

I bought one in 1995. I bought my 2nd one last year. The first is tweed, the 2nd is beige tolex. The changes are only cosmetic. They both deliver the goods. I use a strat with a variety of analog stomp boxes. I have also used a 335, les paul, and tele with equally successful results. A primary feature of this little tone gem is its natural breakup. It can be pushed to 12 (yes, "These go to 12"--- Mr. Tufnel!) and all you get is a sweet, natural overdrive with plenty of note definition. Also, this thing is the ULTIMATE recording amp. I used it on a session, and when I walked in, my Marshall heaving mates laughed at me in disbelief... with good miking techniques, this thing sounds like godzilla in the control room... needless to say, the laughing stopped!!!

All I have needed to do is replace the tubes, because my of my constant gigging...

none to date

This is the ultimate big tone for small bucks amp!!! One of my pro-juniors is good for a small club. For larger jobs, you can mike your amp, or do this: I recently bought a Morley A/B box, and I run 'em together... In the words of J.J. Walker-------- "Dynomite!"

Only has a vol. and bass/treble. what more do you need? This little amp sounds great for its size, I play mostly blues and it suits me fine

sounds great on 11!! very nice distortion, and LOUD!!

never had a problem

This a great little amp. very versatile. mike it and you have an excellent gig amp. small so it takes up very little space. looks nice too. I sold my marshall stack (from my metal days), and have been very happy with my pro.

This amp has no features but that's the idea. It has one volume and one tone. 15 all tube watts into a 1x10. it's so nice not to have all the B.S. to dial, instead it just cuts to the chase.

Because it's only 15 watts you can turn it up all the way and play volume. I play blues and jazz and found the clean tone to be wonderful with a 335. as I get the volume past half way it begins to break up. With a strat it stays cleaner longer due to the difference in pick up output. Turning the volume way up you get amazing crunch with plenty of sustain, less so with the fender of coarse. It dosen't do the super LA hair band crunch which is fine by me. The tone control acts like tone pot on a guitar. Full on seem bright and clear and rolling it off darkens things a bit. I tend to favor rolling it off. I'm a fulltime guitarist playing clubs all over San Francisco and although I havn't tried yet, I think it's loud enough to play a small club. I use it as a back up for my 4x10 so I've done a few sound checks with it miked and it sounded huge. I havn't taken it to the studio but I imagine it would be amazing on tape.

So far so good

Fender has a great warranty.

I'm thinking about getting a few more. It would be cool to get a Y-chord and run two of them live. Or slave it as monitor/ feedback inducer.

A versatile amp with no gimmicks. One input, one volume, one tone. 15 all-tube watts, through vintage 10-inch. Loud enough for civilized rehersals, loud enough for many gigs. Real pretty genuine tweed, leather handle, chrome control panel, retro chicken head knobs. Everything you could want, with nothing you don't want.

Sounds great, with lots of clean headroom. Gives some pretty lovely tube overdrive crunch without any outboard assistance. Sounds nice with my Epiphone Les Paul Custom. I plug in a Zoom 3030 multi-effects pedal, giving me all the sounds I could want, without a lot of crap on the amp itself to deal with.

I'm pretty easy on an amp. So I can't vouch for its battle-readiness.

I'd buy it again. I traded in a Fender Blues Deluxe (40 tube watts 1x12) because it was too much amp for my little practice room. The Pro Junior is all I'd ever want. My local Fender heaven -- Wray's Music in Lemoyne PA -- gave it away for $199 new!! The only thing I'd like would be another instrument input for my cheapskate jamming partner who is ampless right now.