Fender [Hot Rod Series] Hot Rod Deluxe user reviews ( 8/10) - 58 user reviews

• 10/31/11

  King Loudness's review "Not bad"

  Characteristics

  The Fender Hot Rod Deluxe is a fairly standard amplifier featuring two channels, an onboard gain boost for the drive channel, reverb, an effects loop and 40 watts of power driven by a single Eminence speaker. It is powered by a pair of 6L6s in the power section and it is basically meant to offer a decent Fender clean coupled with a reasonable drive circuit for everything from crunch to higher octane tones. It's a very common backline amp and I've used them at numerous club and festival shows. It's a pretty loud amp like many Fenders and cuts through in a band mix quite well.

  Utilization

  Dialing in this amp for good tones is reasonable. It does suffer from a pretty awful sudden volume jump that can be a disadvantage when dialing in sounds. It has a fairly reasonable EQ and reacts as it should to control adjustment. The tones themselves are decent. I find this amp sounds a bit anemic due to the single speaker configuration. I've had better luck with the 4x10 Hot Rod Deville which has a punchier attack to my ears. It has a pretty good range of tones from clean to high gain and despite sounding a bit thin it can be made to be a great workhorse amp.

  Sounds

  This amp sounds at home with a variety of different guitars and in a variety of musical contexts. It has a great classic Fender clean sound that gets great sparkle and clarity especially with a single coil loaded guitar like a Strat or Tele. The crunch tones have a great raw energy to them that is right at home with a Les Paul or ES335. The highest gain tones have a nice open airy quality but can be prone to buzziness at uber high gain. It's not an amp that was built with metal styles in mind but it does sound good for classic or hard rock, especially if boosted.

  Overall Opinion

  All in all I think the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe is a decent workhorse amp for some looking for a versatile amp with good clear Fender cleans and a reasonable drive tone. They can be had for about $500 used which is a fair deal. I'm not the biggest fan of the single speaker layout but it works well enough for what it is.
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• 09/07/11

  heads on fire's review "If it didn't explode, it would be my favorite amp."

  Characteristics

  Tube amp - 3 12AX7s, 2 6L6s
  
  
  
  40 watts
  
  
  
  1-12" special design Eminence® 8 ohm, 50W speaker
  
  
  
  3 channels - clean, drive, and more drive
  
  
  
  Master volume and gain controls in drive channel
  
  
  
  Bright switch
  
  
  
  Spring reverb
  
  
  
  External speaker output
  
  
  
  Effects loop
  
  
  
  2-button footswitch for channel selection/drive to more drive selection

  Utilization

  This seemed to be a great gigging amp - small and compact, didn't weigh too much, and looked great. The sounds were killer, and very easy to dial in. I could get great country, blues, jazz, and old time rock sounds out of it with no problem. Metal would be a bit harder to achieve - it took me getting out my dirt boxes to find a usable metal tone. But the drive and more drive channels were still great for inspiring solo flights!

  Sounds

  This amp sounds incredible. It has great, glassy, shimmery cleans with plenty of chime. And the dirty channels are pretty smooth - a bit hairy, but can be tamed by swapping preamp tubes for other manufacturer's products. The reverb is as good as you'd find on any amp, and the EQ section is sensitive, yet highly usable.
  
  
  
  I played these amps with all kinds of guitars - Strats, Teles, Les Pauls, 335s, shredder guitars, and they all sounded great, but like themselves - the amp is transparent. And it takes pedals very well also. The sound of this amp is nothing to sneeze at.

  Overall Opinion

  The Fender Hot Rod Deluxe is a marvelous idea in theory, but in practice, the amp is bound to make you rip your hair out of your head. In using PCB construction methods, Fender is able to have a well-designed circuit be manufactured and sold for a very low price.
  
  
  
  The problem is in the design - the tube sockets are mounted directly ON the PC board. What happens with tubes when you turn a tube amp on? They heat up. And heat is the enemy of solder traces, resistors, and capacitors - the heat from the tubes caused short circuits in my two HRD amps a total of four times, with the last two ending in literal smoke.
  
  
  
  If you want a great sounding amp that you're ok with throwing away in a few short years, by all means, get this amp. It is the opposite of durable due to its fatal design flaw.
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• 06/30/11

  iamqman's review "Better tone"

  Characteristics

  There are a couple new features in the Hot Rod Deluxe that are very important to me. The first one being that speaker that is standard is actually usable. They used to have some cheap speaker in there that wasn't very musical and a lot of guys would switch out the speaker for something much more sweeter in tone. The next feature is a usable gain channel two and three. Before the gain channels were so bad that I never even used them. They sounded terrible and nothing like a tube amp distortion.
  
  
  
  
  
  Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III Combo Guitar Amplifier Features at a Glance:
  
  
  
  * Amplifier type: Tube
  
  * Output power: 40W
  
  * Speaker: 1 x 12" Celestion G12P-80, 8-ohm speaker
  
  * Output impedance: 4 ohms or 8 ohms
  
  * Preamp tubes: 3 x 12AX7
  
  * Power tubes: 2 x 6L6
  
  * Rectifier: Solid state
  
  * Inputs: 2
  
  * Channels: 3 selectable channels (Normal, Drive, and More Drive)
  
  * Controls: Presence, Reverb, Master Volume, Middle, Bass, Treble, Drive select switch, Drive Volume, Bright switch
  
  * Effects: Spring reverb
  
  * Effects loop: Preamp output/power amp input
  
  * Speaker jack: Extension speaker jack
  
  * Covering/grille cloth: Black textured-vinyl covering with Blackface-style black/silver grille cloth
  
  * Footswitch: 2-button, 3-function footswitch included
  
  * Cover: Amplifier cover included

  Utilization

  Details
  
  Type Tube
  
  Number of Channels Three
  
  Power 40W
  
  Speakers 1 x Celestion G12P-80
  
  No Effects
  
  Reverb
  
  EQ Treble, Bass, Middle
  
  No Modeling
  
  Number of Tubes 5
  
  Preamp Tubes 3 x 12AX7
  
  Power Tubes 2 x 6L6
  
  Inputs 2 x Instrument
  
  Outputs 1 x Speaker
  
  Footswitch I/O
  
  Effects Loop
  
  Height 18.75"
  
  Width 23.5"
  
  Depth 10.5"
  
  Weight 45 lbs.

  Sounds

  Now that they have a usable gain channel then this amp has much more flexibility that before. The old amps were just outright sloppy. The bad thing is that these amps are made in Mexico. So they are going to be cheaper made and will break down on you a lot quicker. I'm not sure if they fixed the jewel light from going out on this model. Everyone who owned this amp knows that the light always goes out on these things.
  
  
  
  Anyway, use this amp with any nice guitar. I like this amp with a solid Gibson Les Paul. I used it with a Line 6 Dl4 and a Ibanez Ts9 and I had some great tones that cut through the band quite well.

  Overall Opinion

  If you are on the market for a good tube amp that has two moderate low gain but usable gain then this might be the amp for you. That is if it is the newest model. The older models had an unusable dirty channel.
  
  
  
  I would recommend getting this amp is you need a decent clean amp that has a good tone for pedals. I gigged a lot with my amp but always ran pedals in front of it. The other two channels were pointless. If you need distortion then don't get this amp. However I would never buy this amp since its made in Mexico. For the price of this amp I would buy a used Marshall JCM2000. At new these amps come in at around $700. You can even pick up a Peavey 5150 for the price of this thing.
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• 03/15/11

  kasperjensen's review "She's My Pride And Joy..."

  Characteristics

  - 40W tube power
  
  
  
  - 3 X 12AX, 2 X 6L6
  
  
  
  - Solid state rectifier
  
  
  
  - 1-12" special design Eminence® 8 ohm, 50W speaker
  
  
  
  - Three selectable channels (Normal, Drive and More Drive)
  
  
  
  - Independent gain and master controls in Drive channel
  
  
  
  - Bright switch
  
  
  
  - Effects loop
  
  
  
  - Reverb
  
  
  
  - External speaker jack
  
  
  
  - 2-button 3-function footswitch for channel select, Drive select and "More Drive" select
  
  
  
  - Chrome panel
  
  
  
  - Vintage pointer knobs
  
  
  
  - Internal Variable Bias Control
  
  
  
  - 45lb

  Utilization

  I think, nay... I believe we are all guilty of shopping for guitar equipment with our eyes, rather than our ears. And I am particularly bad when it comes to this.
  
  
  
  Whatever manufacturer has placed most blue LED lights on their products, receives a framed letter with my credit card details for use at their discretion.
  
  
  
  Having said that, something caught my eye with the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe. Having gone through numerous amounts of slightly embarrassing set-ups, I decided to try something more plain. And I am so glad I did.
  
  
  
  I simply can not make this 40W combo sound bad (in terms of a template for me to noodle over... My playing is another issue).
  
  
  
  Anything I plug in sounds lush...

  Sounds

  The HRD (or "Simpleton" as I like to call it) has quickly become MY amp.
  
  
  
  I need to cover a variety of different styles from Beyonce and Lady Gaga to Blind Faith and Muddy Waters (and everything in between), and utilising a bunch of different amps and set-ups just isn't viable.
  
  
  
  So instead, I have what I would describe as "The Working Musicians Rig" :
  
  
  
  Fender HRD
  
  Guitar (whichever suits the band the best)
  
  Pedal board consisting of a TC Electronics Nova System, TC PolyTune, Cry Baby, Volume...
  
  
  
  I am so happy!
  
  
  
  Now with this I can get great tones for whatever the night may require, and I can get them fast.
  
  
  
  The HRD really just lets you mould your sound into the amp, rather than forcing you in another direction.
  
  
  
  The clean channel is to die for, and the overdrive channel is usable (although you will get much better results using pedals into the clean).

  Overall Opinion

  What I like most about it is the versatility the clean channel offers. I have plugged numerous amounts of pedals into the front end, and it has yet to respond badly to any of them.
  
  
  
  I can go from an Eric Johnson style smooth lead, using i.e.:
  
  
  
  Any glassy OD pedal
  
  MXR Carbon Copy (plus some reverb from the amp)
  
  
  
  to full on death using i.e.:
  
  
  
  Blackstar Blackfire.
  
  
  
  This is worth the price of admission alone (and lets be honest... It's a cheap amp).
  
  
  
  The dirty channel is not overly impressive, but I have yet to meet someone who buys a Fender amp for it's distortion. Still... This could be improved.
  
  I will hold my hand up now, and plead guilty to mistreating my HRD. Constantly being thrown in and out of trunks, clubs, home, rehearsal rooms, etc... It has worked up a few cosmetic "flaws", but has never once failed me (knock on wood).
  
  
  
  I would definitely recommend this combo to anyone who needs something that delivers night after night, and lets YOU decide how YOU want to sound.
  
  
  
  PS: You won't find a better clean channel out there.
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• 04/10/10

  mooseherman's review

  Characteristics

  This is a pretty solid tube amp. It has two channels, one clean, one distorted. The distorted channel has the option of switching between a crunch and a more powerful heavy distortion. There are two 1/4" inputs and an external speaker output. I don't think the speaker out is very necessary, because the speakers in this combo are fantastic. There's about 40 watts on this baby. It has a 3-band EQ, plus controls for volume for each channel, a gain knob on the dirty channel, a master volume and a reverb and presence knob.

  Utilization

  I like the sounds that you can get from this amp. It's almost perfect for rehearsing with a large band as you don't need to set up a huge pedalboard to really get the sound you need for songs. The dirty channel is surprisingly and refreshingly versatile. There aren't any effects other than reverb and distortion, so don't expect much in that way. The manual is pretty much unnecessary but it's at least there if you need it.

  Sounds

  I think that the clean tone on this amp is pretty awesome, if not phenomenal. Most Fender amps are usually pretty solid. I don't think there are many people who would be totally satisfied with the dirty tone on this amp. Functionally, it can cover a lot of stylistic ground from classic and country-rock to hard rock like Guns n' Roses. But it doesn't really compete with a Marshall stack or a good pedal. I'm sure that using the dirty channel in combination with a good pedal could result in some fantastic sounds. I think overall, though, that the dirty channel is weak. If you're just looking for the tube sound, I'd say go with a twin, it sounds better.

  Overall Opinion

  This amp is definitely a case of function over form. The tones work for rehearsals, like I said before. I wouldn't record anything with this amp, though. I also wouldn't really want to perform live with it. This might be good for up-and-comers more than seasoned vets. Think about that when purchasing.
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• 02/02/09

  phraseland's review

  Characteristics

  If you consider the price this amp is the perfekt tube amp for blues guitarists. The amp is relatively light weight, very practical, looks nice and contains the full power of tubes.

  Utilization

  This is a basic tube amp combo. As long as you don't overuse the highs there should be no problem to the get the sound you are looking for. For Overdrive or Distortion use a pedal and don't think about using the built in reverb with a setting higher than 4.

  Sounds

  It has a very warm tone with a lot of mids. The spring reverb Fender tends to build into these models just sounds very washy to me...I don’t like. In the upper frequency range the amp unfortunately sounds a bit too edgy.

  Overall Opinion

  Still I have to say that this amp is to me the best choice in its price range – especially when it’s being used as a good sounding power amp with speakers (meaning that the true sound character comes from the pedal board). It is equally suited for guitarists who are looking for a nice, warm clean sound.
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• 08/20/02

  Audiofanzine FR's review

  Characteristics

  (Originally written by /translated from Audiofanzine FR)
  
  
  
  This is an all-tube amp (original Groove Tube, 3 x 12AX and 2 x 6l6B!) ))
  
  It delivers 40 W and you can trust me, we are talking real watts and they are really 40, not a single watt less!
  
  The amp has two low-impedance and high-impedance inputs, one preamp output, one power amp input, a footswitch connector, and an additional output for an 8-Ohm speaker. The Clean channel has an input volume control, and shares a (super effective) 3-band equalizer with the Drive channel which has its own drive and volume controls. The Drive channel can be set to the More Drive mode to get more saturation (it's not a Randall). A switch allows you to toggle between Normal and Bright modes (you get more attack in Bright mode). The reverb is superb, and a presence control allows you to color the sound at the end of the audio chain.

  Utilization

  Super easy to use
  
  The sound is exceptionally good
  
  The user manual (in English) is really simple
  
  I use it as a complement to a Marschall JCM 900

  Sounds

  I tested it with all my guitars and effects, and it works pretty good with everything.
  
  It is definitely a blues amp. I love the following setup: Slimcaster (my custom guitar assembled with spare parts and equipped with a Texas Special set) > Fuzz Face > Vox wah

  Overall Opinion

  I've been using it for six years now. I replaced the power tubes with KT66 this year and it sounds even better!
  
  The only problem I see is that it has too much power for my apartment
  
  I've used lots of amps and this one is true winner
  
  It's good value for money
  
  I would not hesitate recommending it
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• 01/04/12

  theandroid's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " THE sound"

  Characteristics

  The Hot Rod Deluxe III is a 40W tube amp (3 Preamp 12AX7, 2 6L6 power), with a big heavy firepower, which prohibits virtually flat in the game ... Specifically, it is hard to set ultra low volume, between 0 and 1 and a half (/ 10). It is better to lower the pickups or the guitar back on the input 2. Beyond 2, we already feel the room around and it will collapse just as repeated (according to your classmates). Frankly I have never been beyond 4, even in concert. Hearing loss without caps:). From what I've seen, the volume curve is not linear, rather asympotique, ca sends very strong at the beginning and after one gains little volume and crunch it naturally.
  
  I had a Marshall TSL 60W tube which was much more malleable on this aspect.
  
  
  
  Side inputs: two inputs jacks (the 2 being less sensitive, so a little less volume and shine ... I think). An effects loop.
  
  
  
  No line out. A little damage to the home recording or dub live on a console, but hey, we can do without.
  
  
  
  A clear channel with volume control, an overdrive channel with adjustable saturation levels and the volume (or two if we consider that we have the option drive / more drive).
  
  
  
  A single EQ for the different channels (treble, mid, bass), also a shame for those who want clear and distinct rules od.
  
  
  
  Overall, very good. Apart from the volume, the other knobs are precise and allow a wide variety of sounds.

  Utilization

  Very easy to use: one branch, we play, it sounds already hell. No need for manual, even if Fender provides several examples of config in different styles of music, which can help.
  
  The footswitch allows selection provides the clear channel / drive / more drive. Robust and efficient.

  Sounds

  Is perfect for my style (funk pop rock): very nice clean sounds, this is mainly why I bought it. And I'm delighted: the heat, sharp chiseled good, sensitivity terrible ... Side O / D, I must say at first I was really struggling: she seemed vague and not very powerful. And I took a Visual Sound J & H 2 to compensate. But in recent weeks, I went back on that channel and reflection, there is good: a good crunch a little runny, blues rock type, which, in this register, seems really interesting.
  
  Those seeking a real distortion, saturated fat, accurate, acute ... are bound to be disappointed but in a field more soft rock / blues / funk, I think it sounds pretty good actually. In the studio, recorded recently in securities, I even opted for the Hot Rod OD rather than the J & H.
  
  I use an ESP Eclipse II (two double EMG), mainly on the bridge pickup with this amp (if not, almost too low ...) and the following effects: MXR Phase 90, Boss DD3, Crybaby GCB95. Nothing to report: everything goes well.
  
  
  
  I put 9 in total (say 7 for OD).
  
  
  
  And a small review which had given me want to buy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1XIjDBvH_Q

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for six months in rehearsals and concerts, if it again, it would without hesitation! I love the clean sound, I began to appreciate the overdrive. I like the look very Fender, the canvas before the HP Silver, large knobs and the footswitch though strong, the little red light a little vintage. Moreover, it is not very heavy (compared to my previous Marshall 30 kg ...). In short, a very good choice, as far as I'm concerned.
  
  
  
  For home use, I think it's really oversized, unless you are deaf or Voison relatively far. A priori the Blues Junior is more suitable and I would probably see that side in this case.
  
  
  
  Can be blamed a lack of line out and a common equalization for two channels, but you get done.
  
  
  
  PS: Note that I just had a failure (weld redone on channel O / D, which gave no sound ...), which is pretty rare for a Hot Rod. He was still under warranty, but I was a little surprised.
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• 01/04/12

  hoenne's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " The ideal for me"

  Characteristics

  I do not repeat these specificities.
  
  
  
  Note: It is far too powerful, making it unusable in an apartment (except with a very soft, as it does not heat), and it easily covers a group spent the 4 / 12.
  
  
  
  So I took a power attenuator VHM (200 € with shipping costs). And there's really a great amp, it draws the best anywhere.
  
  
  
  So 8 / 10 for the need to reinvest back.

  Utilization

  See previous.
  
  
  
  Manual clear.
  
  
  
  Once mounted on the VHM is most excellent, warm, clear, slightly crunchy (depending on how it sets the attenuator) ideal for almost any style, with a good distortion (blackstar distX) you can even get out of the sounds metal type, although this is not that he is more comfortable.

  Sounds

  Played with a stratovolcano majority, nickel for it.
  
  
  
  Versatile enough we get all kinds of sounds, with some good pedals.
  
  
  
  The sound is pure amazing.

  Overall Opinion

  I have for nearly three years.
  
  I tried a lot of things before you buy.
  
  
  
  Most: the sound, versatility, overall quality, power.
  
  
  
  Cons: the overflow of power, unusable at low volume, price + reinvested
  
  
  
  With the experience I remake that choice unless the Fender came in at € 500 20w, there'd be a perfect compromise.
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• 10/22/11

  mcl57's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Good amp!"

  Characteristics

  We will go over the details, previous posts have already been around the issue.
  
  
  
  But remember that this is an amp 40W lamps, with plenty of power available, so use a limited basis in an apartment.
  
  
  
  The only point here is that models 1 and 2 were equipped with HP Eminence, not top to the amplifier must admit.
  
  The problem is solved with the HP Mark.3 which features a Celestion!

  Utilization

  The configuration of the amplifier is very simple:
  
  
  
  - A power switch and a Stand-By
  
  
  
  - A switch button to switch from clean to overdrive, and another to switch to "More Drive" after the OD active.
  
  
  
  - A clear volume, a setting of "Drive, a 3-band EQ common light / OD, OD for a Master, a setting Reverb, and Presence control.
  
  
  
  For the third point, the knobs are easy to read and display an adjustment of up to 12.
  
  
  
  The sound setting on the other hand is more difficult because the bass is much too pronounced for my taste on this amp. However, each player must find "his" sound, so it is difficult to answer the question. It is best to try the beast yourself and form your own opinion.
  
  
  
  The manual is not necessary.

  Sounds

  This amp can suit different styles of music, provided you use good pedals and have an HP Embedded Celestion. In the case of an eminence, the use will be restricted to the blues, or rock.
  
  
  
  I tested the beast with a Strato on which I play a lot, and it's pure bliss, at least if you're looking for a Fender. It's simply the best combo available to reproduce the sound of your legendary Fender axes.
  
  I also have a Les Paul, but it does not sound like it should be over, but hey it tastes like history says.
  
  I do not use the reverb, and I is the presence to a minimum. Both options distort the sound too much for my taste.
  
  
  
  As for clean sounds, the amp stays true to the legend of the brand, ie the sound is perfect, regardless of the scratches.
  
  The overdrive is excellent too, but be careful not to push too much gain, it gets disgusting after a while (that's why he is avoiding the "More Drive" as much as possible).
  
  And again I repeat, some say that the Drive is great, but it's not my opinion, I would say that does not correspond to the amp, because it is not in my opinion to produce big sound distortion.
  
  
  
  So in summary, the sounds are perfect if you make use of this amp it is intended.

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for 2 years now and I must say it is perfect in its field.
  
  
  
  I tried some amps before choosing the one, but my final choice was the Fender. What better way to have the perfect sound and clear your Start and Tele?
  
  
  
  It is not flexible, however, I advise you if you need to play sound distortion or otherwise, to make a good booster pedal, or if you have money to take another amp ...
  
  
  
  So if you play guitars Fender Squier or even, this amp is for you. It will highlight the deep sound of your instrument and you will see that it is the foot!
  
  In addition, the price / quality ratio is excellent, and it is a sturdy and portable amp. The 40 W in the bag he did not flinch, even when faced with a drummer excited.
  
  
  
  To conclude, if I had to redo this choice, I will do well heh!
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