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  #31  
Old 05-16-2020, 11:05 AM
Steve DeRosa Steve DeRosa is offline
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Originally Posted by PetesaHut View Post
You make some great points, I will certainly take them into account.
While Ray indeed makes some excellent points, based on his comments I'm guessing he's coming from a somewhat different place in terms of his preferred electric guitar tone - perhaps more oriented toward overdrive, in which case things don't really begin to happen IME until you get the power stage into the game - and in that context I agree 100% with his assessment, particularly as the fellow owner of a Bugera V5. That said, having started my own plectral pursuits in the early/mid-60's - when a DJ was that strident-voiced guy on the (AM only) radio. blonde/blackface Fenders and blue-check Ampegs ruled the local working-players' circuit, Vox was the name on the amps those four English kids with the funny haircuts used (unavailable here in the US at the time, unless you had serious connections ), and Marshall was still half a decade away - and taken my first lessons from a jazz player I've been a guitar-cable-amp guy all my life, and a loyal devotee of the type of "big-clean" tube tone for which you too state a preference in the OP...

Fact is, you're not going to have the requisite headroom to achieve "good tone" - which, as many electric players have forgotten, does not necessarily equate with massive amounts of gain/distortion (FYI both Leo Fender and Ampeg founder Everett Hull knew this - and the latter staunchly refused to produce anything more powerful than 60 watts during his tenure) - and adequate dynamic range unless you have the electronic/sonic grunt to support it, i.e. either high speaker efficiency, high power output or both (I won't get into the nuts-and-bolts here). While the Bugera V5 sees heavy service as my coffeehouse/band-practice rig, that's as much a function of small footprint/light weight - and the fact that it'll hang with a tasteful drummer volume-wise makes it a valuable asset on a crowded stage; for home use I'm generally running the V22, a '65 Super RI, or a 100W "blackface Twin-clone" Fender Frontman 212R at reasonable levels: plenty of reserve power on tap, the "feel" that only a larger amp can provide (Les Paul routinely used a silverface Twin for small club work - I've seen him do it, and I'd tend to think he knew a little something about tone) and in the case of the V22 the additional ability to balance the pre/post/master stages, so as to be able to ride the sweet spot between clean and OD with touch alone, makes it my go-to for all but the largest houses as well as outdoor gigs. There's a saying among old-school drag racers, "there's no substitute for cubic inches" - and if your ideal electric guitar tone is best classified as full and clean IME there's no substitute for reserve power...
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  #32  
Old 05-19-2020, 01:02 AM
PetesaHut PetesaHut is offline
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Originally Posted by PetesaHut View Post
I have just ordered the Fender American Professional Stratocaster - Sienna Sunburst with Maple Fingerboard. Not from Sweetwater, however, their following link details the guitar very well.


https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...le-fingerboard

1. I have not played one and am purchasing online based on spec and reviews. Have I done the right thing? I hope so

2. I am now looking for a small amp for this Fender and my Epi Casino Coupe to play at home. Obviously I don't need or want a high powered amp. Looking for clean not dirty tones. I am primarily a 66y young acoustic player wanting to play electric again after a long absence from electric. I get that electric and acoustic are two different beasts.

I have the Blackstar Fly 3 Bluetooth as a contender.

Any helpful guidance and comments would be much appreciated.
I am seriously considering the:

Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb Digital Guitar Amp

5-WAY POWER ATTENUATOR SWITCH
Enjoy full, natural tone at almost any volume—from a full 22W of Fender power down to bedroom- and apartment-friendly 0.2W.


Anyone care to comment ?
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  #33  
Old 05-19-2020, 02:12 AM
Paleolith54 Paleolith54 is offline
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Originally Posted by PetesaHut View Post
I am seriously considering the:

Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb Digital Guitar Amp

5-WAY POWER ATTENUATOR SWITCH
Enjoy full, natural tone at almost any volume—from a full 22W of Fender power down to bedroom- and apartment-friendly 0.2W.


Anyone care to comment ?
I have to wonder why, if you are playing clean at low volume, you'd pay $900 for a modeling amp. You don't need the so-called "attenuator" (which it is not) if you're clean; just turn the volume down. Maybe there are advantages I didn't see.
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  #34  
Old 05-19-2020, 02:24 AM
PetesaHut PetesaHut is offline
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Originally Posted by Paleolith54 View Post
I have to wonder why, if you are playing clean at low volume, you'd pay $900 for a modeling amp. You don't need the so-called "attenuator" (which it is not) if you're clean; just turn the volume down. Maybe there are advantages I didn't see.
Ok, thanks for your opinion, yes I can turn it down, an attenuator generally compensates for our inability to hear high and low frequencies if I remember from my Hi-Fi days many years ago. However, I except I may be wrong.
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Last edited by PetesaHut; 05-19-2020 at 02:35 AM.
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  #35  
Old 05-19-2020, 04:30 AM
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raysachs raysachs is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PetesaHut View Post
I am seriously considering the:

Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb Digital Guitar Amp

5-WAY POWER ATTENUATOR SWITCH
Enjoy full, natural tone at almost any volume—from a full 22W of Fender power down to bedroom- and apartment-friendly 0.2W.


Anyone care to comment ?
It may be more amp than you NEED, but you’ll never outgrow it. And from everything I understand, a lot of great players LOVE those Tonemaster amps. It’s basically Fender’s newer take on what Roland did with their Blues Cube models, essentially model ONE classic amp and create a solid state / digital amp really well and is as simple to operate as the original. This as opposed to modelers that can sound like almost ANY amp you’ve ever heard of, but are complex as the devil to get at all of those sounds. My amp is conceptually the same thing and I find it perfect for the application you’ve described. And Fender appears to have hit these new TM amps (Deluxe and Twin) out of the park. The only people who don’t love em are the hardest core tube snots, and a lot of slightly less dedicated tube snobs DO love em. They’re being gigged all over the place and yet are still great sounding bedroom amps.

I’d be looking seriously at them myself except I’ve already got a very similar amp that I love, and those amps are physically bigger than I’d want - I have really limited space and needed a smaller amp like the Blues Jr or Blues Cube Hot, which are essentially the same size. They’ll pronably be a Tonemaster version of a classic Princeton Reverb at some point, and I might check one out on the chance I might like it more than what I already have.

If you have the $$ and the space, go for it.... I can’t imagine an amp that will sound better with your new strat.

-Ray
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  #36  
Old 05-19-2020, 06:01 AM
PetesaHut PetesaHut is offline
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Originally Posted by raysachs View Post
It may be more amp than you NEED, but you’ll never outgrow it. And from everything I understand, a lot of great players LOVE those Tonemaster amps. It’s basically Fender’s newer take on what Roland did with their Blues Cube models, essentially model ONE classic amp and create a solid state / digital amp really well and is as simple to operate as the original. This as opposed to modelers that can sound like almost ANY amp you’ve ever heard of, but are complex as the devil to get at all of those sounds. My amp is conceptually the same thing and I find it perfect for the application you’ve described. And Fender appears to have hit these new TM amps (Deluxe and Twin) out of the park. The only people who don’t love em are the hardest core tube snots, and a lot of slightly less dedicated tube snobs DO love em. They’re being gigged all over the place and yet are still great sounding bedroom amps.

I’d be looking seriously at them myself except I’ve already got a very similar amp that I love, and those amps are physically bigger than I’d want - I have really limited space and needed a smaller amp like the Blues Jr or Blues Cube Hot, which are essentially the same size. They’ll pronably be a Tonemaster version of a classic Princeton Reverb at some point, and I might check one out on the chance I might like it more than what I already have.

If you have the $$ and the space, go for it.... I can’t imagine an amp that will sound better with your new strat.

-Ray
I am still learning about electric amps, and while I have read an extraordinary amount of information from reviews and, comments, I still have much to learn. I don't want to spend more than I need too, however, I see no sense in buying an American Strat Pro and playing it through an amp that is anything less than stellar. I would like to stay with Fender tried and true amps that have a long-standing reputation for quality sound, namely clean vintage type tones. I don't want dirt or overdrive, I don't want a myriad of effects, except for the basics, chorus, delay for example. I'm 66y young, I like to play Shadows type instrumentals (anyone remembers the Shadows Hank Marvin ? ) I also like also play fingerstyle, Love Mark Knopfler. I say all this to declare my musical tastes and hence the right amp for that genre. Many have said a tube amp likes to be driven hence not suitable for low volumes. Some have said that the Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb Digital is every bit as good as their original tube version of the Deluxe, even better according to one commenter. Perhaps I should have said I think I have found the right amp for me, but still looking never the less. That is the truth, I won't pull the trigger on an expensive amp such as the Tone master until I am totally sure I am making the right decision. I do feel sure I am a lot closer to my holy grail.
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  #37  
Old 05-19-2020, 06:35 AM
Paleolith54 Paleolith54 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PetesaHut View Post
I am still learning about electric amps, and while I have read an extraordinary amount of information from reviews and, comments, I still have much to learn. I don't want to spend more than I need too, however, I see no sense in buying an American Strat Pro and playing it through an amp that is anything less than stellar. I would like to stay with Fender tried and true amps that have a long-standing reputation for quality sound, namely clean vintage type tones. I don't want dirt or overdrive, I don't want a myriad of effects, except for the basics, chorus, delay for example. I'm 66y young, I like to play Shadows type instrumentals (anyone remembers the Shadows Hank Marvin ? ) I also like also play fingerstyle, Love Mark Knopfler. I say all this to declare my musical tastes and hence the right amp for that genre. Many have said a tube amp likes to be driven hence not suitable for low volumes. Some have said that the Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb Digital is every bit as good as their original tube version of the Deluxe, even better according to one commenter. Perhaps I should have said I think I have found the right amp for me, but still looking never the less. That is the truth, I won't pull the trigger on an expensive amp such as the Tone master until I am totally sure I am making the right decision. I do feel sure I am a lot closer to my holy grail.
Keep in mind that "lots of people" tend to make general pronouncements, often because that's what they've always heard. The whole thing about a tube amp needing to be driven has nothing to do with what you're after. Regarding clean tones, my tube amps sound just as good at conversational volumes as when up at clean gig volume. So while my initial input was that you don't need a tube amp for your purpose, there is no reason to shy away from one either.
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  #38  
Old 05-28-2020, 07:22 AM
PetesaHut PetesaHut is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PetesaHut View Post
I have just ordered the Fender American Professional Stratocaster - Sienna Sunburst with Maple Fingerboard. Not from Sweetwater, however, their following link details the guitar very well.


https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...le-fingerboard

1. I have not played one and am purchasing online based on spec and reviews. Have I done the right thing? I hope so

2. I am now looking for a small amp for this Fender and my Epi Casino Coupe to play at home. Obviously I don't need or want a high powered amp. Looking for clean not dirty tones. I am primarily a 66y young acoustic player wanting to play electric again after a long absence from electric. I get that electric and acoustic are two different beasts.

I have the Blackstar Fly 3 Bluetooth as a contender.

Any helpful guidance and comments would be much appreciated.
Its early days but I feel confident that I made the right choice by purchasing the Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb. Great tone, sound great at low volume levels. Very happy
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  #39  
Old 05-28-2020, 01:28 PM
Chickee Chickee is offline
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Originally Posted by PetesaHut View Post
Its early days but I feel confident that I made the right choice by purchasing the Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb. Great tone, sound great at low volume levels. Very happy
Wow, what a rig you put together for yourself! Congratulations!
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  #40  
Old 05-28-2020, 03:55 PM
PetesaHut PetesaHut is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by raysachs View Post
It may be more amp than you NEED, but you’ll never outgrow it. And from everything I understand, a lot of great players LOVE those Tonemaster amps. It’s basically Fender’s newer take on what Roland did with their Blues Cube models, essentially model ONE classic amp and create a solid state / digital amp really well and is as simple to operate as the original. This as opposed to modelers that can sound like almost ANY amp you’ve ever heard of, but are complex as the devil to get at all of those sounds. My amp is conceptually the same thing and I find it perfect for the application you’ve described. And Fender appears to have hit these new TM amps (Deluxe and Twin) out of the park. The only people who don’t love em are the hardest core tube snots, and a lot of slightly less dedicated tube snobs DO love em. They’re being gigged all over the place and yet are still great sounding bedroom amps.

I’d be looking seriously at them myself except I’ve already got a very similar amp that I love, and those amps are physically bigger than I’d want - I have really limited space and needed a smaller amp like the Blues Jr or Blues Cube Hot, which are essentially the same size. They’ll pronably be a Tonemaster version of a classic Princeton Reverb at some point, and I might check one out on the chance I might like it more than what I already have.

If you have the $$ and the space, go for it.... I can’t imagine an amp that will sound better with your new strat.

-Ray
Hi Ray,

From all the research I have done, your assessment is bang on! Yes, I have spent a lot of money to get what I want, but I also look at it as an investment. If for any reason I can't play or no longer wish too, this amp and certainly the Strat will give me a reasonable return on my money! That's what I have told my wife anyway
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  #41  
Old 05-28-2020, 08:04 PM
guitararmy guitararmy is offline
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As someone who has spent more than a little amount of cash on no-name guitars, you've made the right decision to get a quality guitar and amp.

It should bring you many years of guitar-playing pleasure, and will also probably lead you down the rabbit hole of electric guitars and amps!
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  #42  
Old 05-30-2020, 03:07 PM
FoxHound4690 FoxHound4690 is offline
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I just got my AmPro strat in 3 tone sunburst with maple neck, absolutely love the thing. I primarily played a les paul for the last 2 years so getting used to playing a strat has been a bit of a new adventure for me. My hands are really getting used to it now.

Whenever you buy a guitar online as you have done here, don't stress too hard if you're worried you wont like it since you didn't get to try it out before you bought it. I've never came across a guitar that I couldn't get used to the feel of with enough play time. I used to have a Redding 512 12-string acoustic and it had an absolute tree trunk of a neck on it and i struggled with it hard because i only have small hands and don't have long fingers but after a month of persevering with it I was fine.

and don't worry at all about tone, those Vmods that are heading your way are sensational I honestly can't understand why people don't like them... I've seen a video of Eric Clapton playing a strat through a Fender deluxe reverb and thought it sounded pretty amazing. very retro
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  #43  
Old 05-30-2020, 06:41 PM
PetesaHut PetesaHut is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FoxHound4690 View Post
I just got my AmPro strat in 3 tone sunburst with maple neck, absolutely love the thing. I primarily played a les paul for the last 2 years so getting used to playing a strat has been a bit of a new adventure for me. My hands are really getting used to it now.

Whenever you buy a guitar online as you have done here, don't stress too hard if you're worried you wont like it since you didn't get to try it out before you bought it. I've never came across a guitar that I couldn't get used to the feel of with enough play time. I used to have a Redding 512 12-string acoustic and it had an absolute tree trunk of a neck on it and i struggled with it hard because i only have small hands and don't have long fingers but after a month of persevering with it I was fine.

and don't worry at all about tone, those Vmods that are heading your way are sensational I honestly can't understand why people don't like them... I've seen a video of Eric Clapton playing a strat through a Fender deluxe reverb and thought it sounded pretty amazing. very retro
I was worried about the new "Deep C neck" but it has proven to be fine. The Strat is my 3rd guitar which I have purchased online based on research and commentary. So far so good, happy with all of them.

I love this strat, had I not been happy with its sound and playability, I would have just put it up on the wall like a painting The photos do not do it justice.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...le-fingerboard
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