I've been a blues player for 50 years. Had every amp/guitar combo you can imagine. But never had a Fender Blues Jr. until now. I should kick myself for not getting one before. This is THE ultimate amp for blues. Crystal clear cleans, sweet creamy overdrive, and all in all, fantastic tone. I am what I call a 'minimalist' when it comes to guitar/amp, in other words, I don't (or very rarely) use pedals, just squeeze whatever tone I can get from my guitar (Fender Elite HSS with ebony fretboard) and amp, and this one gives me everything I could want. With just a tweek of a knob here and there, I can punch out sweet clean tone, all the way to down and dirty blues and everything in between, and the new 'fat' switch lets leads soar. Let's face it guys (and gals), most of ... MoreI've been a blues player for 50 years. Had every amp/guitar combo you can imagine. But never had a Fender Blues Jr. until now. I should kick myself for not getting one before. This is THE ultimate amp for blues. Crystal clear cleans, sweet creamy overdrive, and all in all, fantastic tone. I am what I call a 'minimalist' when it comes to guitar/amp, in other words, I don't (or very rarely) use pedals, just squeeze whatever tone I can get from my guitar (Fender Elite HSS with ebony fretboard) and amp, and this one gives me everything I could want. With just a tweek of a knob here and there, I can punch out sweet clean tone, all the way to down and dirty blues and everything in between, and the new 'fat' switch lets leads soar. Let's face it guys (and gals), most of our gigs are at small clubs, and this amp does well on its own, but at outdoor festivals, concerts or larger indoor venues, it can be easily mic'd due to a single 12" speaker, a sound technician's dream. Not overpowering on stage, and the sound guy can tweek my guitar as needed. I may sell my other amps and get another Blues Jr IV and run them in stereo on stage. Could not be more thrilled over an amp purchase than with this one, and I do this for a living. Still don't think a 15 watt amp can fill a room? The early rockers used 15 watt amps, (Beatles, Buddy Holly, etc...) with no PA system to mix it into, and they all were heard. Minimize your stuff and let your talent shine through sans electronic gadgets...roots, baby, roots. Great amp, great tone. Nothing cries the blues better than a Strat and a good amp. Hmm, talked myself into getting a second one just writing this review.

Awesome Blues

I wanted to get a simple tube amp after playing through a solid state amp for years. Rather than working with pedals and digital effects I wanted to go back to the basic tube amp to get this typical tube jazz and blues sounds. I did not try this amp in store and just watched some You Tube videos. I was impressed by the different types of sounds this amp could provide. For example, there was one demo that reminded me of Jimi Hendrix and another one that had beautiful clean fender-type Jazz sounds. When this limited edition came along I ordered it unseen. The specs indicated that it was of higher quality than the NOS version. It was made of plywood and has a specifically designed speaker. I took me a day or two to find my settings and getting used to the response of ... MoreI wanted to get a simple tube amp after playing through a solid state amp for years. Rather than working with pedals and digital effects I wanted to go back to the basic tube amp to get this typical tube jazz and blues sounds. I did not try this amp in store and just watched some You Tube videos. I was impressed by the different types of sounds this amp could provide. For example, there was one demo that reminded me of Jimi Hendrix and another one that had beautiful clean fender-type Jazz sounds. When this limited edition came along I ordered it unseen. The specs indicated that it was of higher quality than the NOS version. It was made of plywood and has a specifically designed speaker. I took me a day or two to find my settings and getting used to the response of the amp. Playing a Squier Affinity Strat with Lace Sensor SC I get the best jazz and blues sound when volume (gain) is between 5 and 7 and volume is at 2-3. It can be very loud but it sounds great at low volume as well. It retains that perfect tube sound even with different overdrive pedals. I am blown away by what I can get out of this amp. This is a simple to use amp with a lot of versatility for Jazz, Blues and Rock. I like the simplicity and it provides that blues sound that many guitar players are looking for.

Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue 40 Watts / Zzounds Customer Service A+

Sound:The sound quality of this tube amp is just like I have experienced in the guitar shops. Perfect, for the styles I like. Amp is very responsive to the smallest and lightest of touch. Harmonics have been very easy to find and play without muting the string too much.Features:1 of the most useful features of this amp is actually the drive / gain you can get out of this amp. Master Volume, plus Drive Volume, minus the stand alone Volume knob. Yes, I intend to get a few pedals. But after reading other reviews I was converned about not getting any drive / gain. Far from it. No, it's not heavy metal but if you add a pedal I don't see why you could not get some pretty heavy sound with this rig. Whatever components Fender uses to build these amps are certainly of ... MoreSound:The sound quality of this tube amp is just like I have experienced in the guitar shops. Perfect, for the styles I like. Amp is very responsive to the smallest and lightest of touch. Harmonics have been very easy to find and play without muting the string too much.Features:1 of the most useful features of this amp is actually the drive / gain you can get out of this amp. Master Volume, plus Drive Volume, minus the stand alone Volume knob. Yes, I intend to get a few pedals. But after reading other reviews I was converned about not getting any drive / gain. Far from it. No, it's not heavy metal but if you add a pedal I don't see why you could not get some pretty heavy sound with this rig. Whatever components Fender uses to build these amps are certainly of decent quality. Only time will tell with respects to longevity / durability.Ease of Use:As far as ease in getting the sound dialed in that you want, it takes a minute or 2 but not bad at all. I struggled getting gain / drive at first, but that was my fault. It's very plainly stated in the manual. Whatever your current axe is you'll find something to love about this amp.Quality:So far the amp seems to be made very well. Perhaps the wood for the cabinet could be heavier and of a higher quality, yet the back of the cabinet is for the most part enclosed. That helps. Cosmetically there are a couple very small flaws but nothing to get uptight about.Value:The value of this item compared to others in it's price range is fine. It delivers big time sound. Yes, you may be paying just a slight a touch for a "name," but it's crazy great sound and it's backed by Fender. The looks, the sound, the history. Just get 1 and you'll agree.Manufacturer Support:Here's the only CON I've found so far and I did contact Fender, who listened very well. It's incredible that the amp made it from Mexico to wherever here in the USA and eventually to a zZounds warehouse, then from there to my door with no apparent damage. FedEx perhaps was able to get this amp onto the automated systems as if it were manually handled the whole way I do not think it would survive the whole trip. The amp is actually shipped "upside down" as best I can tell. It's also marked "FRAGILE." It's also shipped in wafer THIN boxing, and that with only wafer THIN styrofoam protecting the edges of the amp!! the thin boxing had holes punched in it and the styrofoam cabinet supports looked like broken pieces of dried out beef jerky popcorn style. Really? $800 plus smackers and Fender ships like this? The amp got a very good going over and I'm still somewhat apprehensive because the 3 pound foot switch (metal) was just floating around inside the cabinet. That might not be a concern but the 3 preamp tubes have ZERO caging! What? It's no small miracle that those 3 preamp tubes were not crushed during shipment. The 2 6L6 tubes do have protective caging. Kudos to Fender on that 1. There is a place for the foot switch to be secured w/ velcro. It does not seem like that was done. Just toss inside the cabinet and bang around the whole way. But I can't see 1 scratch on those preamp tubes. Fender rep states they are aware of these 2 issues and the company is trying to resolve. I was told not to worry, the product is fully covered under warranty. So unless there is a surprise somewhere, what a great amp anyways. My suggestion is if Fender won't do better than this in the short term, perhaps a customer can request and pay for double boxing and zZounds get reimbursed for time and materials. You're hearts going to sink when you see the packing this beaut comes in. Heaven forbid it's raining and it's left on a wet front porch while you're not at home. Be home on delivery day! And if the foot switch is clanking around unsecured just give it a good look over and contact Fender directly. What a great product to ship in such a careless manner. So far, this is my 1 and only complaint about this wonderful tube amp. Fender was very easy to reach and speak with. Just be prepared for the possible above scenario and don't be afraid to order it. Between Fender and zZounds you will be taken care of should anything be wrong.The Wow Factor:The overall appeal of this amp is fantastic. I got to know this amp in the guitar shops and regardless of all the other choices to plug an axe into, the simplicity of the thing and the beauty along with the sound makes it a go to every time for me.Overall:This Blues Deluxe Re-Issue Combo Amp is not only what I started out for, it's what I've played at local guitar shops to test guitars with. For someone who plays with more skilled players (intermediate skill level for myself) it's more than enough of everything to play small gigs with, practice about any style with, and light enough to haul. Never have caught these on sale anywhere per say. Perhaps they do not go on sale much anywhere. I've had a Line 6 modeling amp for years that went kaput. Should've gotten rid of it a long time ago, as I am now getting those buttery smoothe tones I love. I never got to experience these tones with the modeling amp.

Great little amp, I wanted something lower wattage

I wanted something a little smaller and lower wattage for home use, but also for taking to jams at buddy's places. Last week with me + drummer, bass, 2nd guitar, PA it did great. I had it almost fully cranked, but it was loud enough (rock, country-rock, jam). There wasn't much more room to go for super loud outfits. Taking it again tonight.

I would recommend this product.

In the past I have owned a 65 Princton Reverb that I purchased new in 1965, and a 75 Twin Reverb that I purchased used in 1990. I have owned many other amps though the years Tube and solid state. But not nave had the sound of the Fender Tube amp. When the Blues Deluxe arrived, I unpacked it, checked for any damage from shipping and plug it in. It was love at first note! Nothing like it. The sound is true vintage Fender, Nice and fat. I highly recommend this product if you are looking for the sound that make rock and roll happen.

Love this amp, wish there was lacquered tweed option

I absolutely love this amp. The only improvement that I feel Fender should make is a lacquered finish over the tweed covering. I feel this amp is different in a few ways from its brother "hot rod deluxe". First off, I used to own the hot rod version of this amp and liked it but there were a few things that left me wanting more so to speak. The blues deluxe to my ear has what the hot rod deluxe is missing. The blues deluxe speaker is a bit slower to my ear which lends to a more vintage tone. The second channel has a good classic drive which is very useable. It seems to me that the hot rod deluxe had a bit more of a mid focused tone which is great but kinda lacks the vintage mojo that I was looking for.I am super happy with my purchase and will be applying shellac ... MoreI absolutely love this amp. The only improvement that I feel Fender should make is a lacquered finish over the tweed covering. I feel this amp is different in a few ways from its brother "hot rod deluxe". First off, I used to own the hot rod version of this amp and liked it but there were a few things that left me wanting more so to speak. The blues deluxe to my ear has what the hot rod deluxe is missing. The blues deluxe speaker is a bit slower to my ear which lends to a more vintage tone. The second channel has a good classic drive which is very useable. It seems to me that the hot rod deluxe had a bit more of a mid focused tone which is great but kinda lacks the vintage mojo that I was looking for.I am super happy with my purchase and will be applying shellac to the tweed as a barrier to dust and stains. It would be nice if Fender would take the extra step on the blues deluxe assembly line as they did with the rest of their tweed amps to add the laquered tweed finish.

Ready for my Desert Island

I bought my new Fender Blues Jr v4 about 2 months ago from a guy who decided he was more of a "Marshall Guy After All" so I got a bargain, but that was just the beginning. I wanted to spend some time and several sessions playing with this thing before I rushed into a review, but it turns out my first impressions have been even more reinforced since playing this thing for several hours, and the big word here is WOW.I have been playing for over 62 years (that's right, got my first guitar at 7) and bought my first Strat in high school. I've played and owned a LOT of different amps, and even now I have a few pieces for which I have some sentiment, but now it seems I will have to seriously reconsider. Good thing there is no "Amp Limit Law", but if there was I could ... MoreI bought my new Fender Blues Jr v4 about 2 months ago from a guy who decided he was more of a "Marshall Guy After All" so I got a bargain, but that was just the beginning. I wanted to spend some time and several sessions playing with this thing before I rushed into a review, but it turns out my first impressions have been even more reinforced since playing this thing for several hours, and the big word here is WOW.I have been playing for over 62 years (that's right, got my first guitar at 7) and bought my first Strat in high school. I've played and owned a LOT of different amps, and even now I have a few pieces for which I have some sentiment, but now it seems I will have to seriously reconsider. Good thing there is no "Amp Limit Law", but if there was I could finally happily liquidate all the others if I could have just my new Blues Jr.I have read voraciously for years about concepts such as "touch sensitive", "controlling breakup with the guitar volume", "takes pedals well", etc. Turns out these have only been myths to me all this time until now. Everything good and superlative that's been written about this amp is absolutely true. The preamp section is like pure magic in shaping the tone and delivering it to my favorite-EL84 power amp section. I have never been a fan of the usual Fender tube lineup, and when I heard this runs EL84s I was already excited. I am still a Strat guy to this day and love everything about it. But I have never even dreamed it could sound so good. I have an Egnater Rebel 20, a vintage Crate 15 watt blonde with a Dr Z speaker, and my prior favorite-a 5 watt Epiphone Valve Jr into a 12" Eminence Lady Luck. I have some others, but nothing I own or have owned can even come close to this thing. And what has been said about the Celestion speaker choice is again, absolutely right on. The sound from this amp would be as if you had an old Deluxe Reverb, did a cap job, retube, and maybe speaker upgrade. I guess I'm trying to say that it sounds

Sounds Like a Practice Amp

I was very disappointed in this purchase. I'd been looking to upgrade my old Fender Super 112 that was often breaking down from age (30+ years old!). I recorded with a III in the past and enjoyed how it sat in the mix. I had read the reviews for the IV, and the idea that the bass was improved, making the tone more in line with the classic "Fender clean" sound was a huge selling point.On my old amp, the clean channel really sparkled with OD and boost pedals (the drive channel was a little too grungy though). I was hoping to get the same "Fender clean" with this, but when I brought it home and plugged in my pedals and guitar, I was extremely disappointed with the sound.Basically, it sounds like a practice amp: small and boxy, lacking in bass and presence. The ... MoreI was very disappointed in this purchase. I'd been looking to upgrade my old Fender Super 112 that was often breaking down from age (30+ years old!). I recorded with a III in the past and enjoyed how it sat in the mix. I had read the reviews for the IV, and the idea that the bass was improved, making the tone more in line with the classic "Fender clean" sound was a huge selling point.On my old amp, the clean channel really sparkled with OD and boost pedals (the drive channel was a little too grungy though). I was hoping to get the same "Fender clean" with this, but when I brought it home and plugged in my pedals and guitar, I was extremely disappointed with the sound.Basically, it sounds like a practice amp: small and boxy, lacking in bass and presence. The difference between 0 and 12 on the bass control was minimal. The mid control ranged from "small amp" to "muddy." The treble control and those frequencies sound good, but without the others to complement it, it's not enough. Overall, it's volume is plenty loud, but there's no sense of power with the volume. It still sounds like a small amp.I think my worst mistake was that I thought I could save some money and weight by going for this over a Hot Rod or other big Fender combo amp. But honestly, the extra money for something like that would be worth it. This amp is way overpriced (it sounds like a cheap amp with a 10" speaker, honestly).If you want that boxy mid-range for recording, picking up a used III for a studio might be worth it. But if you are looking for a small practice amp, there are less expensive options that sound just as good. As I was looking for a new primary amp with the versatility for the gigs and the studio, this is not the amp for me.

This amp is excellent

I use this for home and despite the excellent sound quality, I was worried it would be too loud. With gain controls on my les Paul and on this amp I can play easily at a volume nobody complains about. Generally a 3 setting on the guitar and a 1-2 on the amp on the 1st input. If you use the second input and overdrive you can keep the volume at the same level and create the distortion of the 80's bands too. Sound quality is very clean and I bought it as a pedal platform, but haven't added any yet because of the versatility. It looks very cool and the sound quality is spot on. As an added bonus it's made in the USA and Mexico.

Very versatile, with rich tone

I decided to write a review on the Blues Jr. IV after reading a few other reviews that dissed the Blues Jr. The review claimed that there were no reviews from "owners" who had actually purchased the amp, on the premise the price was too high, and therefore, no one would buy it. So, here you go, a review from an actual owner of the Blues Jr. IV. I was turned on to the amp in Houston, TX last summer 2018 while playing at the Big Easy. I had been using other peoples amps, which doesn't always have the most predictable outcome. I finally decided I needed something dependable, predictable, with good tone, spring reverb, a touch of overdrive, and small enough for traveling (as my home is in Alaska). I've have probably played through every amp that was ever made, and came ... MoreI decided to write a review on the Blues Jr. IV after reading a few other reviews that dissed the Blues Jr. The review claimed that there were no reviews from "owners" who had actually purchased the amp, on the premise the price was too high, and therefore, no one would buy it. So, here you go, a review from an actual owner of the Blues Jr. IV. I was turned on to the amp in Houston, TX last summer 2018 while playing at the Big Easy. I had been using other peoples amps, which doesn't always have the most predictable outcome. I finally decided I needed something dependable, predictable, with good tone, spring reverb, a touch of overdrive, and small enough for traveling (as my home is in Alaska). I've have probably played through every amp that was ever made, and came back to tube amps in my sojourn about 15 years ago. 15 watts in a tube amp is more than enough power for most all clubs, and in those venues where the area is much larger, no problem. I haven't been to a larger venue yet that didn't have a decent PA system where I could mike the amp if I needed more power to be heard in the mix. I have played the Blues Jr. II and III, and they're fine, but without a doubt, the tone with the Blues Jr. IV is a definite step up. I finally found one in a music store in New Orleans. What sold me on this amp was a gig on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, and it performed perfectly!! So why didn't I use my Deluxe Reverb, Pro Reverb, Princeton Reverb (with a Vintage 30 12" in it) or my 15w Bassbreaker??? Because they all are just over the line in weight, and by the time I pack them in a case, we're talking too much $$ as freight/baggage, depending on which one I take. The Blues Jr. IV weighs in at just at 31.5#, and I pack it into a padded hard sided large suitcase (the make is Coleman), and altogether it weighs under 50#, and I can take it on Alaska Air for free!! So far it has held up very well. All the tone and power I need. Great amp!