Fender [Hot Rod Series] Blues Junior user reviews ( 7/10) - 47 user reviews

• 11/08/11

  yoTrakkz's review "Makes you sound like a pro"

  Characteristics

  I was surprised at how great this Fender Hot Rod Series Amp actually was. I was able to dial in a sound that I liked out of all 16 preamps. The clean and distortion channels all sound great at low and high volumes. This amp is more than loud enough to play over a drummer.

  Utilization

  A lot of the presets are even pretty good, but I would definitely recommend spending some time dialing in your own tones because of how versatile this amp is - you can pretty much get any sound you want.

  Sounds

  Another thing I like about this amp is that you can plug the amp directly into your computer for recording. The built in tuner is easy to use, but the screen is pretty small so it's a little hard to read. The effects are very good, definitely comparable to what you would get from something like a Boss compact pedal. It is pretty light at 36 pounds, and is very easy to carry around if you're going to a friend's house with it. i would definitely recommend the FBV MKII ($200) to go along with this, it makes it way easier to use, and you pretty much need a pedal if you're going to be playing live though.

  Overall Opinion

  I play an Epiphone Les Paul Studio Limited Edition through this one and all of a sudden I'm a rocker (I'm really not, but it sure seems like I am and that is all that is important!) The thing about this amp is that it is fun and because it's not that expensive, you won't be worried about how much you paid. .I recommend this to anyone not just using a Les Paul but to almost any guitar on the market, even a cheap one. The Fender Hot Rod Series amp will make it sound top notch no matter what. Try It!
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• 10/31/11

  King Loudness's review "Nice small Fender combo"

  Characteristics

  The Fender Blues Junior is like a smaller version of the famed Hot Rod Deluxe and Deville amps, right down to the cosmetics! It features 15 watts of tube EL84 power, and it has a single channel with basic EQ as well as a "fat" switch (which pumps up the midrange and gain a bit) and onboard reverb as well. It features just a single speaker and is very portable and light, a definite plus for a small gigging amp. It has a great Fenderesque sound as well which has made it very popular over the years with players of all styles.

  Utilization

  Getting a good sound out of this amp is pretty easy. It's only a single channel so it doesn't take much to really dial in and get tones happening. The EQ is similar to the other Fender amps I've tried - it's quite responsive and reacts well to subtle or extreme EQ changes. The fat switch in particular is a great thing to have - it allows the user to really coax some more midrange and gain out of the amp to get some more singing tones for lead work. This amp does have a decent bit of gain on tap which is nice for classic rock or fusion type sounds.

  Sounds

  This guitar seems to react well with both Strats/Teles and humbucker loaded guitars such as Gibsons or PRSi. The amp has a very neutral voice that accepts both the brighter Fender guitars and the darker Gibsons equally well. The clean tones are very Fenderesque - rich and warm with a hint of delicious sparkle and chime, especially when using a dash of reverb and a Strat. The drive tones go from very mild gain (think classic rock) to some thicker and chewier overdriven sounds that work best for single note lead work. I find the highest gain sounds get a bit muddy for chord work due to the small speaker, so I'd say it's best for lead work solely.

  Overall Opinion

  All in all I think the Fender Blues Junior is a great little amp for someone looking for a great portable and good sounding Fender amp for small gigs or recording. Many players have used these over the years and they're very popular around the world. They sell for about $300 used which is a good deal considering how good the tones are for the price. It's definitely worth a look if you're in need of a small amp that sounds great.
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• 08/23/11

  nickname009's review

  Characteristics

  15 watt all tube amp with 2xEL84 and 3X12ax7s
  
  12" speaker by eminence
  
  Solid state rectifier
  
  Reverb, Master, Middle, Bass, Treble, "Fat" Switch, Volume
  
  
  
  This is the most basic an all tube amp can get, single channel, low wattage and minimal controls. Very simple yet very effective. Just goes to show what guitar players can do with minimal equipment and/or what guitar players NEED vs what they WANT.

  Utilization

  Very simple to use. Plug in, wait a few seconds, and play.
  
  
  
  Tweak the knobs till you get what you want the amp to sound like.
  
  
  
  Suits my current needs, which is just a low watt tube amp that's clean so I can plug my distortion pedals in and get my sounds that way at lower volumes for late night practices as well as make recording a heck of a lot of a more comfortable environment.

  Sounds

  Sounds great! It's got the classic fender twang that you'd expect from fender clean amps. There isn't much more to say about this as everything has already been said about fender amps and the blues jr for maybe the past 30+ years!
  
  
  
  I like the fact that this amp delivers the same classic fender clean sound with such minimal effects/knobs etc. It's so basic yet sounds so great. Of course it's 15 watts but there is still a lot of headroom and the clean can be remain clean at band volumes depending on the drummer and what style of music one is playing. I've seen these amps used with live jazz bands from coffee shops to full out stadiums (mic'ed of course). They seem to hold up and do their job and do it efficiently.
  
  
  
  Of course there is no distortion on board, if you were to crank the volume you would get a bit of break up but I would hardly call it distortion, cause it's not exactly usable in any sense. This amp is designed for clean and designed to take pedals to accommodate for other sounds than clean.

  Overall Opinion

  Great basic clean amp for quite a few things: gigging, playing at home or recording if you have a versatile board that can accommodate for the different sounds you want. But the amp itself is more like a transparent-ish amp for your style. You can mold it to do what you want depending on the gear you have. By itself it is nothing but a good clean amp, small and reliable. With your board, your guitar and your fingers, you can mold this amp into whatever you want it to sound like. The Blues Jr is sort of like the honda civic of guitar amps. It's base is very normal and typical but it meant to be either modded, changed, added etc etc in order to become something. It's a great platform for somebody to create their own identity through it with the equipment they use.
  
  
  
  I wouldn't say it's great for metal, though I have heard some pedals put through that sounded VERY convincing. But for everything else, it's a great staple amp!
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• 07/31/11

  denied's review "The perfect little Blues rig"

  Characteristics

  - 15 watts
  
  - All tube
  
  - 1x12 speaker
  
  - Fat Switch
  
  - Spring Reverb
  
  - Self biasing
  
  - El84 powered
  
  - Eminence speaker
  
  - Controls for bass, middle, treble, pre and post gain
  
  - Solid State rectifier
  
  - Single Channel

  Utilization

  Great marks for usability. Small and lightweight, easily carried around. Yet loud enough that I’ve seen them used unmicced for small outdoor gigs. You get pretty much just the features you need at a great price. A full 12 inch speaker, spring reverb, pre and post gain controls, and a full 3 band EQ. The amp is self biasing so you don’t need to worry about taking care of that, all you’ll need are a matched pair of EL84s.
  
  I’ve seen some reliability issues with these; they aren’t as durable as vintage Fenders. But for the most part they hold up pretty well.

  Sounds

  It sounds great! Pretty easy to roll into overdrive at 15 watts. Yet you can still retain a pretty clean signal at reasonable volumes should you want to. It isn’t going to get you a classic Twin or Bassman sound, but is something new, a light bluesey OD as the name suggests. Can get anywhere from glassy to gritty, and the reverb is a nice touch. The Eminence speaker is supposed to be pretty close to a Legend, modified by Fender. The NOS versions come with Italian Jensen speakers.

  Overall Opinion

  The perfect little Fender combo. Probably one of Fenders best innovations in the last few decades. I’ve seen these used in all kinds of applications, they make perfect bedroom/college dorm amps, yet still have enough power on tap for jams and concerts. The best part is, they can be had used for around $300 which is almost a steal considering what it is. I’m not a fan of many current production amps, but they really did a great job with this one, I find myself recommending it regularly.
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• 06/24/10

  mooseherman's review "I love this amp!"

  Characteristics

  This is a tube amp made by Fender, one of the most well-known and loved Fender tube amps in existence. There are reverb, master, middle, bass, treble, "Fat", and volume controls on the amp. There is only one channel. The amp has 15 watts of power. There is a simple 1/4" input. The amp has a 12" speaker.

  Utilization

  Getting a good sound out of this is pretty easy. It has a similar sound to most Fender amps when in the normal mode. The controls are enough to really tweak the sound a bit, but the amp is basically gonna sound like a Fender amp regardless. The "fat" setting, though, is where the amp gets its name. It definitely fattens the sound up nicely for blues. Between the EQs and the two settings, this amp delivers plenty.

  Sounds

  This amp sounds phenomenal. It's bright and sparkly with just enough low end and middle to round it out. With the "fat" switch depressed, it's a thick, rich tone that still shines on top. I really love the sound of the "fat" setting with a Fender Strat, or even a Les Paul. It's just a rich, meaty sound that recalls the Fender Twin's classic sound, as well as the Champ. It does have it's own distinct qualities though.

  Overall Opinion

  I think the sound of this amp is obviously the best thing about it, it's got such a great tone. It really brings out the sound of the instrument well, and it's crystal clear while still being gritty. The "fat" setting alone sets it apart from the rest. While not distorting it per se, it definitely enhances it to rock it a bit more. I think that this is a reasonably priced amp considering what some of the other Fender Amps tend to go for.
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• 09/03/09

  moosers's review

  Characteristics

  The Fender Blues Junior is a tube based guitar amp that is quite small and packs a lot of punch.  It has a 1/4 inch input and delivers 15 watts of power.  For only a 15 watt amp, this guy can really crank pretty loud.  The setting controls on the amp include volume, reverb, master volume, treble, bass, and middle.  These are pretty basic parameters so if you have any experience with Fender amps at all, you will pretty much know how to use this right off the bat.

  Utilization

  Using the Fender Blues Junior is just about as easy as using any amp out there.  It has the basic parameters but still allows for a good amount of control over your tone as it has the three EQ knobs as well as reverb.  Getting a good sound is quite easy and I find that if you have the settings set to the default (midway) and the volumes at only two or three, you'll have a pretty good sound.  From there I usually play with the EQ and the reverb to get the sound that I am looking for on that particular day.  I've never seen the manual for the Fender Blues Junior, but one isn't necessary because the amp is easy to use without one.

  Sounds

  The sound quality of the Fender Blues Junior is surprisingly really awesome.  I didn't expect much from this amp because it is so small, but when I plugged in a guitar and a Fender Rhodes, both sounded really awesome, even at low volumes.  While it has the word blues in the name, this is a great tube amp for all types of genres as I have used it for pop and rock as well.  This is a perfect amp for practicing as you can bring it anywhere easily, for live shows, and for recording.  Unless you are playing in large venues, this amp will definitely work for live shows in bars and smaller venues.  It is great that you can have this amp for all sorts of situations, as you never know when it will come in handy.  It has a lot of crunch to the tone and is great for a variety of situations.

  Overall Opinion

  I've been using the Fender Blues Junior for about a year or so and it is probably my favorite amp out there that is 15 watts or less.  I still can't believe how loud this amp can get and I never seem to have it any louder than three or four as it gets too loud.  The price is quite reasonable since it is so small - this is a really good bang for your buck.  If you are looking for a small practice amp that can go above and beyond, the Fender Blues Junior is for you.
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• 02/18/12

  jazzyjay's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " deadly"

  Characteristics

  Tube amp etc. ... it's always the same config. My Blues Junior is the basic model, the next generation.
  
  He has a good look anyway. I like seeing the 'diamond'. It's stupid but I like it. On such small amp there could have been seeing a plastoc. Besides the rest is aesthetically coherent. It looks vintage combo. In short pass, it's everyone's tastes.
  
  I read on this page that the settings were not on top. I always thought the opposite! Three knobs for EQ that are effective. I play rock, I get my set in two seconds. I play jazz, I put the bass 3, treble and midrange to 3 to 8 and go! The reverb is a little afraid, okay, but I do not buy an amp for the reverb. And since it is there, and well, I'm using ...
  
  The button 'FAT' adds fat to the sound. In fact I am not using the amp without the 'FAT'. The interest for me is to work the amp to the max.

  Utilization

  Work to make the amp max: This is also where the strength of the Blues Junior. Imagine that for stage I ask to rent an amp for me not to carry it on the train. They rarely provide me with anything other than the hot rod deluxe (the big brother of the blues junior). The latter is probably very good, but the problem is that I've never made more than 1.5. Result, I never use the lamps to good diet and I have a tiny sound of kiki (all transparent and bodiless) on stage just to not tear the ears of others zicos (this is music that sound almost I do, so not too much volume).
  
  With the blues junior is different. I push the volume and master up to three (not below it sounds), and there magic!, He began to roar and the sound is to die for. The volume is not necessarily the strongest but the sound is much better.
  
  And it can still send 'naughty when pushed a little. I do not even see the point of having a bigger amp. In repeat I am not ready to put it back on stage and there are returns. then the walls of Marshall amp to Iron Maiden is over!

  Sounds

  I played with jazz guitars (half case), a sheraton 2, a Strat. Everything sounds good, with a preference for the sounds 'round' (type gibson). For some time with a HBE powerscreamer overdrive and I really broke out. Looks like this pedal was made to go with.
  
  it has been said, but the effects go well in this amp.

  Overall Opinion

  I for one year. I bought it quickly because I needed a lamp versatile amp for the studio and because I knew it would sell easily seen its popularity. Finally the more I play, the more I feel that I will keep it a good time.
  
  Some of the change. I will change the HP may be one day for a greenback but today I will like that.
  
  it may be a tad expensive (530 euros for me), but everyone knows that the price you think the day of purchase, the quality however, you think about every day.
  
  I conclude with this sentence that I authorize you to quote.
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• 02/05/12

  Yvan_P's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Modified"

  Characteristics

  well we know

  Utilization

  uh I think yes

  Sounds

  Then this is the slap because this amp is modified
  
  the input transformer and output have been changed by mercury
  
  the hp is a weber alnico condos have changed by oranges
  
  lamps by lamps (all) of cryo English at Watford Valves
  
  a detail of the output tubes and it's not EL84 E84L is not the same thing that makes more sins
  
  and especially the sound is warmer.
  
  
  
  result sound garish original no longer exists and make room has a more versatile with incredible presence, a gentle compression and low
  
  
  
  typed his fender with a natural distortion at top

  Overall Opinion

  3 or 4 years I do not know
  
  I heard not when I say that's
  
  the reverb is bad
  
  the value moueh but I'm with modif in the upscale
  
  yes I do it again this choice
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• 01/31/12

  bobzik's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  See other opinions or characteristics of the manufacturer.
  
  
  
  I NOTE THE BLUES JUNIOR MADE IN MEXICO 2 telex, CREAM BOARD

  Utilization

  Simple and intuitive (except taken to pedal and HP).
  
  The sound is good, the reverb is poor beyond Level 2.
  
  We must push a little to get a good sound especially with the second channel (button down).

  Sounds

  it's perfect for blues, rock.
  
  j'obtient mostly clean sounds, crunch, and a slight distortion (blues), for cons for Hard rock is not possible.
  
  Guitar squier stratocaster deluxe (SSS), fender stratocaster United States (SSS).
  
  I like the sounds I made an Excel spreadsheet with my various settings.
  
  
  
  Note, with a multi-effect, as I try (BOSS GT-10, DIGITECH RP255) is really very average (I will soon try with analog pedals).

  Overall Opinion

  3 years of intensive use.
  
  This is the only amp that I use regularly, I try other long enough to really compare.
  
  + Pros: The simplicity of the whole lamp, clear sound and distortion, the warmth of sound when you push a little sound.
  
  - Cons: Sometimes the sizzle, the reverb (I have changed a RUBY TANKS), I changed what I did not like (see site for many BILLM info on this amp in ENGLISH) a manufacturing defect repair by a single weld.
  
  
  
  A thought: it is better to buy a more expensive amp that works well with all, rather buy a cheaper amp and make modifications necessary but not see the difference (reverb, solder, capacitors, reglgae bias, add button LINE, EH 12AX7, EL84 JJ) thereafter (thus losing the 5-year warranty). Otherwise purchase for editing.
  
  
  
  But we must recognize that for a tube amp for "apartment" is really not bad, I always find its sounds, and it's always a pleasure.
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• 11/20/11

  AceLeppard's review ( translated ) Improve this translation ""Working Man's Blues-Rock Amp""

  Characteristics

  Combo 15 Watt All Tube (2 EL84 power and two 12AX7 in pramp)
  
  EQ 3-band: Treble, Middle and Bass
  
  A grant-knob reverb
  
  -A "Volume" which acts on the volume of prampli and a "Master" who gre gnral volume.
  
  One-switch "fat" supposed to give body to the sound.
  
  Hp output into 8 ohms, a footswitch jack to enable / disable the Fat.
  
  
  
  My version, while buying new this year is a panel rglages Submitted chrom.
  
  The finish is exceptional, the new version has a black panel also benefitted from amliorations in this area.
  
  All knobs are gradus 1 12: louder than Spinal Tap!

  Utilization

  The configuration is simple and will basically the amp is single channel, dpourvu loop effects. Plug 'n' Play are the watchwords.
  
  Some regret labsence a standby ... if only one gaffe to make time for heating / cooling, the lamps should last, especially since it is Groove Tubes, the rf ences in the Contents.
  
  
  
  The main strength of this amp is its relationship qualitprix / weight / power. It can carry around everywhere, concerts RPTES, quite easily and we can make blush power tubes without exploding the ears of everyone. ;)
  
  
  
  Strong point, you can switch between lead and rhythm sound has a clean sound simply by assaying the attack and grant the volume knob: thank you to the single channel!

  Sounds

  I play Rock, Blues, Heavy Metal or Hard. I am interested in Jazz recently also.
  
  The amp does not have as many 6L6 Fender, they are EL84, rather common to Vox amplifiers, which in this sigent Blues Junior. This hybrid mid gtrain rsulte a Fender, Vox half, trs singing, leaping with mids.
  
  The amp starts to sing vritablement when the master is the third party.
  
  
  
  The grain base of the amp is definitely bluesy. Warm, it is difficult to get out a clear its strictly Manir has a Twin or a Roland Jazz Chorus.
  
  Outright saturation is unattainable, the volume of pramp located on 12 gives at best a crunch pushed. We will not fawn all bought this amp to make Mtal ... has less to add to it one or more pedals!
  
  
  
  The amp as a level hair chtif its grain and my taste, I added an MXR Micro Amp to give it body and shine no more. Leads for Rock or Blues, I boost with an Ibanez TS808 and when I want more rubber, activate a Proco Rat. The versatility of the amp it is dmultiplie, and as long as one chooses good pedals, it does not lose momentum, thanks to the low power of the amplifier and simplicity of its design! The amp accepts pedals well trs of Manir gnrale.
  
  
  
  I play a Stratocaster, a Les Paul and a Flying V.
  
  
  
  I do not find that the legalization particulirement be effective, but it will calm a Telecaster too bright or too dull a Les Paul.
  
  The original speaker does not seem to capture the richness that the amp could offer ... Can I be the change one day! ^ ^
  
  
  
  The new versions seem to be more versatile and offer a much better saturation. Yet it is the version "chrome" that I chose because it seemed warmer, less sharp ... basically, if your thing is the riff Keith Richards and Rory Gallagher, the Blues Junior III you will get better. I was looking for a grain closer to that of Vaughan, I am delighted.
  
  
  
  Note that to have it plugged into a Marshall 4x12, this little Fender can be transformed into bte Hard / Blues Vintage, confirming the Reserved What many users on the quality of the firm / loudspeaker. I also think a 1960 Marshall acqurir trs soon so I will appreciate the combination! ^ ^

  Overall Opinion

  I use it now for about 1 month.
  
  I possdais before a Mesa Boogie Mark II, for the absolutely outstanding sound, at first silent far too powerful for home use or even live (they taient barjos has the power issue era srieux ...)
  
  So I was looking to replace just a small portable lamps and usable volume level.
  
  From the Hard Basically, I have become over time a big fan of Blues. And I think better a vintage amp that can boost an amp sound that's Higain donf and which can not draw any distinction!
  
  
  
  The Class 5, in Marshall is great, but the abscence of the Master pnalise lot to me. In addition, it Submitted as 5 watts, and if 50 or 100 is often too much, 15 watts Submitted an excellent compromise.
  
  The Vox AC-15 Custom Classic gnial also silent, but not as warm and fat than the Fender could be.
  
  In this price range, and single-channel (my favorite setup!) The Blues Junior is untouchable in my opinion for those who love the Blues Rock.
  
  
  
  I would do exprience with this choice, even if I think in the future to add to it an AC15 or a Marshall, because the Blues Junior is not everything.
  
  
  
  DEFINITIONS In and as others before me have said, I'd say this amp is an excellent compromise between power usable, affordable prices, a warm grain, a dynamic and well-tural weight quite acceptable. This is not the best amp in the world, but it does a good job;)
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