Just got the Tolex Blues Jr.,,,and after watching THIS vid, I am already thinking about swapping out the speaker! A buddy of mine threw an Eminence Texas Heat into his blues Jr., and swears by it...any thoughts? Thanks for the GREAT video, too!
@indieclock What are you talking about, 12 strings?? He's using a 6-string guitar, just look for yourself. What he said was that he was playing a 12 bar pattern.
Tolex is harscher in a good way; nervous and brilliant ! The tweed get the real Mc Coy, that good old sound we all look for...Both are sweet litlle amps.
i prefer the tolex..... but i'll give you the smoothness on the tweed. both sound really good. i guess i just prefer the presence of the tolex. ... awesome shoot out. good job
@utubemaster047 I thought so too... I think it is because the extra treble of the Tolex one is picked up better by the mic. I did a head to head of these two and the tolex sounds harsh and sterile with too much treble. I bought the NOS tweed and it sounds great!
@RipzMan24 Put the volume on 12 and crack the master unti lyou hear sound. The volume controls the gain. If you want gain for a blues solo use a BOSS SD-1 overdrive pedal (if you are on a budget) or something better like a Barber Direct Drive. There are tons of OD pedals to choose from.
If you want rock guitar power chord gain you'll get there with a bridge humbucker pickup.
The tweed version is warmer and might work better for rhythem guitar. But in a solo the rounder a little sharper tone from the tolex might work better and cut through. However what this video shows is that speakers have a huge impact on sound.
Sounds like you can get the same sound by turning the mid rage off on the vinyl one. They both have the same boxy sound just the mids are different. You could try to get a solid pine cabinet for the tweed so that you can get a more tweed sound.
Personally, I liked the fatter tone from the tolex, but the tweed just looks cool. Maybe it's as simple as EQ'ing some more bottom end. Of course, I only listened on my little iPhone speakers.
Heh, if I had the money to go hand-wired, I would;)
(And even so, I wouldn't sully the good name of Blackfaces by referring to a Hot Rod series as such. Tho, they can be modded to sound pretty darn good - even the snobbiest aficionado should concede that.)
great demo, I have both tweed and sunburst ltd edition and used both at same time in a live recording. Sunburst, max out with reverb, the tweed dry.... awsome sound.
I like tweed better. Just more round and a tad scooped. Tolex (which I own) is rigid in the mids and shrill in the top end. Is the only difference between them the Jensen or is there more than that?
Thanks for the demo.. I personally prefer the tolex in this particular demo. It seems to have a fatter, darker sound, while the tweed is more pronounced in the mid-highs with more bite, like it opens up a little more. I guess I'm just a fan of the warmer sound.
It appears as though the tweed sounds warmer, has better resonance and is cleaner. The tolex is harsh, restrictive and muffled sounding. I prefer the sound of Vibro-KIng's because they're even warmer, better yet resonance and have pristine cleaness. Overall, Fender has the closest thing to a perfect amp. Although, I don't care for their analogy of "bell like chime" as it indicates that a guitar sounds clangy which I don't think it should sound like.
I just bought a tweed fbj today brand new and omg, I feel like this amp was made especially made for me. I couldn't be happier! Fender, you guys really did it right with this amp!
The Tweed version has a "milkier" tone, but the Tolex version could have the "harshness" (bright) pulled back a bit with a pedal. So the extra money one might spend on the Tweed could just as easily be spent on pedal(s). Buut what wha-wha pedal would be best through these lil amps? Anyone have a video demo of pedals through these amps?
The tweed sounds scooped compared to the tolex one. Both sound great and that strat sounds great. It's a matter of taste. Ironically, I think the tweed sounds more like a BF era Fender with the big scoop while the tolex one sounds tweedier with the more forward mids. Great comparison.
I have compared this amp to my VIBE DOLPHIN 20 and… my Vibe is sooo much better!
Vibe Dolphin it has more drive and sustain, is more dynamic, it’s lighter and it has a great reverb and tremolo sounds! Last but not least, Vibe is cheaper!!
I have the tweed BJr and it is a beautiful amp, cuts nicely through the mix crispy clear, bigger speaker and much better quality and it takes pedals like heaven, the Tolex while not a bad amp at all but is a bit mor muffled than the Tweed and has a smaller speaker, but still a great tube amp
@jonmy7 but the max wattage output does nake a difference, if I'm not wrong the tolex has a 20 watt 12" speaker where the Tweed has a Jensen 50 watt 12"
I like them both. Tolex sounds warmer, while the tweed boasts more clarity. Why not buy both?! Also I hear the BJ lll has shock absorbers on the tubes to control rattling.
Nice demo! Love the way you edited to provide what I call "ear to ear comparison".
Caveat emptor---the EL84 tubes in the BJ rattle like hell at certain frequencies! It's a mechanical sound---i.e., not microphonics---and it's so awful that I'm selling my BJ after owning it for only 3 months. Google "Blues Junior EL84 tube rattle" in order see how widespread this issue really is for BJ owners and owners of amps with EL84s.
The blues junior is one of the best sounding amps around. I have played a tolex since they came out but the one thing they have in common is that they all sound good-but slightly tonally different. I cant really tell if this tweed makes a difference or not as it sounds about the same as a variant of the tolex. btw a tube screamer with a junior is simply awesome- I would really recommend that combination.
Sounds good. I would love someone to post a video featuring a shootout between.a Fender Blues Jr. Limited Edition vs. a Fender Blues Jr. III. Also maybe a Fender Blues Jr. Limited Edition with Bill M. Mod vs. a Fender Blues Jr. III. Could I be asking for too much???
Thanks for all your videos - this one in particular. I determined I love the Jensen mod and the tweed look. Just snagged me a Blues Junior NOS tweed at MusiciansFriend for $415 used! Hurry!
can someone help me out?... I'm thinking of getting the Blues Jr. Amp, "Tolex" version, and I'm gonna be playing it with a 2001 MIM strat with stock pickups; would i achieve a tone close to the one in this Video, or if not, at least close? Or if i should change pickups, what are some good options? thanks.
However, it is hard to make a valid judgement that I am ready to stand by without playing gigs with both of them. Maybe my tolex preference would be shot down after a set with the tweed, but as I hear it in this very fair (assuming all controls, both amps are set identically), the tolex has more bass and treble, and has a more transparent presence- a good thing in my book.
The stock speaker sounds like cardboard to me. The Jenson definately imbelishes. Have to say I like the cesletrian 30s in the Tx red ltds. Now that I want a tx red, their all gone. So now either I buy a Celetrian 30 to put in a standard blues jr. Or get one of these. Ive never been one on cosmetics in the past except on these little amps. I want a TX red with a wicker type front like the orange amps have. That would be a beautiful combination . cedebonzo has a cool demo if you havent seen it.
I sold my 100W Fender 94 Twin Amp and bought a Tweed NOS Blues Junior after watching some of your reviews. What a fantastic little amp! Now I can hear AND walk upright again---thanks Anthony!
I've got a Blues Deluxe which sounds great but too loud for a small blues club I play in. I got my blonde Tolex (MIM-cream board) today & it's sounds great but I'm already thinking of replacing the Fender Special design emminence spkr. Everyone out there, please send me your vote for 'Celestion Vintage 30' or 'Jensen C12N'. (I've also seen Weber) Let me know IYHO which sounds better in your experience. I play tele/strats. Any comments also please & thanks in advance.
Tried a Jensen C12N in my old green-board, black tolex B junior...just didn't like it. Sounded harsh to me. Might try a Celestion Green back though...
To my ears the tweed NOS lacks a degree of rock n' roll that you get with the lower fidelity speaker. Both are beautiful sounding though, I can't wait to get one for myself.
This is the best review I have ever seen... Sweet and simple with good editing. The only thing that would have made the review overall better would be a mic'd amp setup while recording this. All I can say is that, why cant more reviews be like this one?
i ended up getting the NOS. mostly because I wanted the tweed. I think the jensen sounds better. But you really have to try it out in person. Listening to compressed youtube audio over computer speakers isnt the same.
This demo makes me like the stock version more. Overall, the tweed has a rounder, smoother sound. I have the black one, though, and it's a fine amp, especially when you get a couple overdrive pedals.
I've owned the Tweed NOS for only 2 weeks and haven't had chance to use on stage yet. But, it seems the FAT switch simply boosts low frequency for fuller sound. It doesn't boost gain nor boost distortion. It really doesn't do much. P.S. reverb is a bit tinny. fingers
This is a great review man. Exactly what I needed to understand the differences.
IMO, the original (non-tweed) version has a nicer, more functional tone. Sounds like the NOS version is really missing some bite in the mids (which is probably the intent). Great video. Thanks.
I do like the sound of the Jensen C12N. Reminds me of my Fender Bassman. Too bad it makes it a one-trick pony though. You lose a lot of mids. I have a Texas Red with a Celestion Vintage 30 in it and I can get a wide range of tones out of it including the tone from that Jensen.
how would you say the tweed is for playing live? like as far as taking effects in front of it and it's over all volume (will my drummer be able to hear me if i'm still playing relatively clean?)
@Mr78130 I'm with you. To each his own, but I'm sure that's why Fender makes more than one version. What to some people is "warm" sounds muffled to me. I actually want to hear the highs and the bottom, and one can always roll off the highs. I've found it's more difficult to brighten up a muffled sound than to darken up a bright one.
I don't know about speakers or anything, but I prefer the tolex tone, feel more response when played with more puch. I think the tweed sounds more "weak". Adjustment of pannel control are the same on both amps?
Thank you for putting this together. It was effective and helpful. Right to the point with no filler. I wish everybody had the ability to show this type of judgement and restraint when putting equipment comparisons together. Well done!
Thanks for the info, 'cause I've tried both and felt the tweed sounded a bit better...still happy with the tolex but maybe I'll check out that speaker. Thanks again!
I have both of these amps (I should do a review too) and I find the tolex to be better for clean headroom, and the tweed makes much more breakup early. I want to get a switch so I can have both attributes. In a pinch, I am using the tolex with a blues driver. It is very hard to get a loud clean tone out of my tweed junior, which is a 095 VOS American model with the Eminence speaker in it.
I own a tolex. Not because of that but tolex is way more characteristic to me. This difference in EQ becomes an advantage when you plug humbucking pups also.
My guitar teacher just bought one of these things and let me muck around with it for half an hour in class. It was so full of warmth, life, and personality that I went home, found one on auction and bid on it immediately. If I don't win it, I'll be keeping my out for another anyway.
kinda like the tolex sound better
kgugalov 1 month ago in playlist Guitar Gear Demo Videos
I wish every amp demo was done like this.
TheKogunEnjou 1 month ago 5
Just got the Tolex Blues Jr.,,,and after watching THIS vid, I am already thinking about swapping out the speaker! A buddy of mine threw an Eminence Texas Heat into his blues Jr., and swears by it...any thoughts? Thanks for the GREAT video, too!
312chicagoadam 1 month ago
remember that he's using .12 strings ! that accounts for a lot of the chunk !
indieclock 1 month ago
@indieclock What are you talking about, 12 strings?? He's using a 6-string guitar, just look for yourself. What he said was that he was playing a 12 bar pattern.
budarday 1 month ago
@budarday i'm referring to the string gauge he's using on his mexican strat.
indieclock 1 month ago
@indieclock understood, 0.012", I see
budarday 1 month ago
Tolex is harscher in a good way; nervous and brilliant ! The tweed get the real Mc Coy, that good old sound we all look for...Both are sweet litlle amps.
rhum66 2 months ago
very professionnal clip! exactly what i was looking for....
rhum66 2 months ago
This video is brilliant... it resolved an argument with my friend, and of course, i won
TheAngusyoung101 2 months ago
TWEED. The Tolex is too harsh. Awesome demo though!
chriscanas 2 months ago
Tolex is better. Cannabis Rex is the tops though :)
Periphery100 2 months ago
i prefer the tolex..... but i'll give you the smoothness on the tweed. both sound really good. i guess i just prefer the presence of the tolex. ... awesome shoot out. good job
lexhitreset 2 months ago
TOLEX is better!
Trendtvshow 2 months ago
The tweed sounds better. Just a more pure tone.
JourneyAnyWay 2 months ago
Great presentation, Nice, Clear and Short to the point! Thank you so much!
smileykim 2 months ago
couldent have demoed it better. btw sweet playin
gugabool1 2 months ago
Nice review!
GiantPumpkinsRule 3 months ago
Wow what the hell, I always thought the V30s were alnico speakers, what the hell is an H-magnet?
SKAuthenticDank 3 months ago
I prefer the look of the tweed but the tolex sounds so much better!
utubemaster047 3 months ago
@utubemaster047 I thought so too... I think it is because the extra treble of the Tolex one is picked up better by the mic. I did a head to head of these two and the tolex sounds harsh and sterile with too much treble. I bought the NOS tweed and it sounds great!
StratMatt777 3 months ago
more definition in the tweed
rasselbock 4 months ago
I like the tweed better. It's like you put the whole amp in a thin wood box and miked and picked up some wood tone with it.
MaloneyGuitars 4 months ago
Is the tweed and the speaker the only difference between them?
slpplexi1969 4 months ago
The tweed has much less midrange. Honestly, the tweed one sounds more like a Fender.
66TheMagnificent 4 months ago
both sound great
fld1201 5 months ago
I have the tweed amp its a great sounding amp but there is no gain! like what the hell
RipzMan24 5 months ago
@RipzMan24 Put the volume on 12 and crack the master unti lyou hear sound. The volume controls the gain. If you want gain for a blues solo use a BOSS SD-1 overdrive pedal (if you are on a budget) or something better like a Barber Direct Drive. There are tons of OD pedals to choose from.
If you want rock guitar power chord gain you'll get there with a bridge humbucker pickup.
StratMatt777 3 months ago
So what is the speaker in the tolex amp? I am wondering if that would make a difference in my valve king 112 amp.
rjmprod 5 months ago
The tweed version is warmer and might work better for rhythem guitar. But in a solo the rounder a little sharper tone from the tolex might work better and cut through. However what this video shows is that speakers have a huge impact on sound.
blue9z 5 months ago
Can you do a lesson teaching that rhythm?
TopLink326 5 months ago
wow, glad guitar center only had the tweed version in stock :D
Runbassskaterock 5 months ago
I prefer the tweed glassy tone ;-D
Iverdero 5 months ago
I bet it'd sound great with both of them on at the same time.
DeathToIndieTV 5 months ago
Sounds like you can get the same sound by turning the mid rage off on the vinyl one. They both have the same boxy sound just the mids are different. You could try to get a solid pine cabinet for the tweed so that you can get a more tweed sound.
pleximanic1 5 months ago
Personally, I liked the fatter tone from the tolex, but the tweed just looks cool. Maybe it's as simple as EQ'ing some more bottom end. Of course, I only listened on my little iPhone speakers.
jr0706 5 months ago
Great demo i think the tolex sounds a little fatter with more low end
Andyvswild 6 months ago
the speaker makes a MASSIVE difference!
i'd love to see a tweed vs humbolt hot rod shoot-out!
mean0machine0 6 months ago 2
I play through a Tolex Blues Jr. and I can agree that the Blues Jr. is a MUST HAVE in the Tweed...much brighter and more defined sound
FECRWY 6 months ago
I like the thin sounding and snappyness of the solid state rectifier. Can you get the amp thiner sounding?
pleximanic1 6 months ago
someone needs to do this with the Humboldt Blues Junior!
ncrealtor911 7 months ago 4
I much prefer the Tolex!
GazzaBloom 7 months ago 11
I find it ironic that the Jenson speaker makes the Tweed version sound more like a Blackface Fender than the black Fender on the left... ~shrug~ :)
yobhsiFehT 7 months ago
@yobhsiFehT Black tolex doth not a Blackface Fender make... just say 'NO!' to ribbon cables and PC boards!
BuzzCrumhunger 5 months ago
@BuzzCrumhunger
Heh, if I had the money to go hand-wired, I would;)
(And even so, I wouldn't sully the good name of Blackfaces by referring to a Hot Rod series as such. Tho, they can be modded to sound pretty darn good - even the snobbiest aficionado should concede that.)
yobhsiFehT 5 months ago
Man the tweed one is nice! I gravitate towards one every time I enter a guitar shop.
CampfireHedphaz 7 months ago
I think the tolex sounded better on the low strings, but the tweed sounded better on the high notes.
murfdog19 7 months ago
i prefer the tolex.. not to clanky..v:)
ardiandhani 7 months ago
great demo, I have both tweed and sunburst ltd edition and used both at same time in a live recording. Sunburst, max out with reverb, the tweed dry.... awsome sound.
hansonmick 7 months ago
Hey in your opinion is the b.j nos loud enough for a bedroom amp with a backing track? and does it have an over drive channel?
StratPlayer4Life 7 months ago
The Tweed sounds a lot springier.
sonic777111 8 months ago
holy crap you're a beast!
monkey789able 8 months ago
The tweed got the cooler riffs no fair ha ha
variaxguitar 8 months ago 2
The tweed is more nasally and higher on the treble side, I prefer it for sure.
Udonitron 8 months ago
A huge difference
abnerfm 8 months ago
the tolex sounds louder and fatter, the tweed sounds brighter i feel like i should own them both though
NintendoSinceBirth1 9 months ago
what speaker is in the tweed?
jstratton101 9 months ago
Tweed by a long shot
spwbjw 9 months ago
Doesn't it hurts in your ears when your cranking the master on 12?
pipon55 9 months ago
Hey is there a difference between the wheat version and the tweed version?
stretch90 10 months ago
@stretch90 the wheat version is the same as the tolex but with a different covering
NintendoSinceBirth1 9 months ago
Why is everyone saying they like the tolex better? The tweed is where its at yo
joskam092 10 months ago
Im finding that at first i like the tolex but the tweed has more dimensions in it sound and that wins in the long run.
Guitarstring187 10 months ago
I like the tolex way more.
gooseman25n 10 months ago
I like tweed better. Just more round and a tad scooped. Tolex (which I own) is rigid in the mids and shrill in the top end. Is the only difference between them the Jensen or is there more than that?
sickb2200 11 months ago
Tweed sounds a bit "muddy" to me. I prefer the Tolex.
MrJuno6 11 months ago
GREAT shootout!
dhayzoos 11 months ago
Good job, thnx for the reivew
daltontrum83 11 months ago
I like the tolex one better. By the way, good job keeping a steady tempo from one version to the other!
smautomat 11 months ago
Thanks for the demo.. I personally prefer the tolex in this particular demo. It seems to have a fatter, darker sound, while the tweed is more pronounced in the mid-highs with more bite, like it opens up a little more. I guess I'm just a fan of the warmer sound.
cassnate6259 11 months ago
Tolex :)
skarkees 11 months ago
now change the speaker to a Weber alnico or Celestion Blue alnico and you'll have an even better amp
1952Telecaster 11 months ago
It appears as though the tweed sounds warmer, has better resonance and is cleaner. The tolex is harsh, restrictive and muffled sounding. I prefer the sound of Vibro-KIng's because they're even warmer, better yet resonance and have pristine cleaness. Overall, Fender has the closest thing to a perfect amp. Although, I don't care for their analogy of "bell like chime" as it indicates that a guitar sounds clangy which I don't think it should sound like.
todmills 1 year ago
Comment removed
FancyHamsters 1 year ago
whats the full name of the tweed version?
qlino1313 1 year ago
@qlino1313 Fender Hot Rod Series Blues Junior NOS 15W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp
jude924 1 year ago
great video.
rynman47 1 year ago
I just bought a tweed fbj today brand new and omg, I feel like this amp was made especially made for me. I couldn't be happier! Fender, you guys really did it right with this amp!
alberthoffman25 1 year ago
judging from the vid alone i like the tolex better... a lot meatier of a sound
PumpkinDog33 1 year ago
The Tweed version has a "milkier" tone, but the Tolex version could have the "harshness" (bright) pulled back a bit with a pedal. So the extra money one might spend on the Tweed could just as easily be spent on pedal(s). Buut what wha-wha pedal would be best through these lil amps? Anyone have a video demo of pedals through these amps?
zzlong55 1 year ago
tweed
twirlyboggs 1 year ago
What volume does this amp start to break up at?
gamergeek3000 1 year ago
This made my mind up, tweed it is! Sounds fatter more Stevie Ray Vaughn-ish which is what i am after. Thanks for the vid.
whitestripebuzz 1 year ago
@whitestripebuzz I think the tolex sounds more srv...
seanymikes 1 year ago
@seanymikes true man. Tolex has a much darker sound, and fatter. Tweed would be good for knopfler stuff, not my cup of tea anyway.
celermail 8 months ago
The tweed sounds scooped compared to the tolex one. Both sound great and that strat sounds great. It's a matter of taste. Ironically, I think the tweed sounds more like a BF era Fender with the big scoop while the tolex one sounds tweedier with the more forward mids. Great comparison.
1Doz 1 year ago
I personally prefer the tolex sound, but much prefer the tweed to look at
JOHNNYG99X 1 year ago
Tolex version is brighter and tweed seems very muddy.
jangafettnuts 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I have compared this amp to my VIBE DOLPHIN 20 and… my Vibe is sooo much better!
Vibe Dolphin it has more drive and sustain, is more dynamic, it’s lighter and it has a great reverb and tremolo sounds! Last but not least, Vibe is cheaper!!
turboscreamer 1 year ago
tolex sounds much nicer to my ears.
Classix1969 1 year ago
I have the tweed BJr and it is a beautiful amp, cuts nicely through the mix crispy clear, bigger speaker and much better quality and it takes pedals like heaven, the Tolex while not a bad amp at all but is a bit mor muffled than the Tweed and has a smaller speaker, but still a great tube amp
play3apesta 1 year ago
@play3apesta
I dunno, 12" is pretty much 12"
jonmy7 1 year ago
@jonmy7 but the max wattage output does nake a difference, if I'm not wrong the tolex has a 20 watt 12" speaker where the Tweed has a Jensen 50 watt 12"
play3apesta 1 year ago
@play3apesta Yes true, the speaker makes a massive difference - I was just being picky at your size comment ;-)
Great video by the way grr8bluesgtr
jonmy7 1 year ago
@jonmy7 LOL at your response, peace man and keep on rockin
play3apesta 1 year ago
tweed is waay fatter sounds nicer
carlosfrusciante1 1 year ago 14
tweed is much much better what ever you did :D
normalsigara 1 year ago
I like them both. Tolex sounds warmer, while the tweed boasts more clarity. Why not buy both?! Also I hear the BJ lll has shock absorbers on the tubes to control rattling.
Nice demo! Love the way you edited to provide what I call "ear to ear comparison".
Wish it was longer!
shango02005 1 year ago
Caveat emptor---the EL84 tubes in the BJ rattle like hell at certain frequencies! It's a mechanical sound---i.e., not microphonics---and it's so awful that I'm selling my BJ after owning it for only 3 months. Google "Blues Junior EL84 tube rattle" in order see how widespread this issue really is for BJ owners and owners of amps with EL84s.
Keepsu 1 year ago
great job!...loved the way you edited this vid...Tweet definetely sounds clearer
gfmgma 1 year ago
The blues junior is one of the best sounding amps around. I have played a tolex since they came out but the one thing they have in common is that they all sound good-but slightly tonally different. I cant really tell if this tweed makes a difference or not as it sounds about the same as a variant of the tolex. btw a tube screamer with a junior is simply awesome- I would really recommend that combination.
Barrymc100 1 year ago
i have no idea how you people like the tolex better, compared to the tweed it sounds all muffled. tweed is obviously better
soloist39 1 year ago
that tweed sounds way more three dimensional
omfg51 1 year ago 29
i put a celestion greenback an in my tolex and noticed absolutely no difference.
noobasdfjkl 1 year ago
i just noticed. it's funny. darn near everything is at 12.
galacticox4 1 year ago
I like the tolex version much more. Great demo, thanks.
tap4154 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Sounds good. I would love someone to post a video featuring a shootout between.a Fender Blues Jr. Limited Edition vs. a Fender Blues Jr. III. Also maybe a Fender Blues Jr. Limited Edition with Bill M. Mod vs. a Fender Blues Jr. III. Could I be asking for too much???
Fmaj7b5 1 year ago
The tweed does seem better for a Vaughan tone. I prefer the tolex...
radomu1 1 year ago
i also like the black tolex one better.
DCooper720 1 year ago
I like the blues junior more...
radomu1 1 year ago
Comment removed
eldridgg 1 year ago
I just tried out a fender blues jr. tolex. This is the exact kind of information I was looking for. Thanks
kosackhat4tw 1 year ago
This is so great! REALLY shows me what I want to know! Thanks for posting Sir!
jharri1 1 year ago
Thanks for all your videos - this one in particular. I determined I love the Jensen mod and the tweed look. Just snagged me a Blues Junior NOS tweed at MusiciansFriend for $415 used! Hurry!
TheRealRayJ 1 year ago
really nice demo btw
brooklynstudio 1 year ago
opt for the tweed version... OR, buy a new speaker?
brooklynstudio 1 year ago
Wow. Some tin ears out there.
The Tolex is middlin' and undefined. The Tweed has bite and a clearly differentiated range of tones.
Excellent approach to reviews. Would like to see more.
TreyRoque 1 year ago 4
can someone help me out?... I'm thinking of getting the Blues Jr. Amp, "Tolex" version, and I'm gonna be playing it with a 2001 MIM strat with stock pickups; would i achieve a tone close to the one in this Video, or if not, at least close? Or if i should change pickups, what are some good options? thanks.
beerbaron00 1 year ago
Really, I like the Tolex much more.
However, it is hard to make a valid judgement that I am ready to stand by without playing gigs with both of them. Maybe my tolex preference would be shot down after a set with the tweed, but as I hear it in this very fair (assuming all controls, both amps are set identically), the tolex has more bass and treble, and has a more transparent presence- a good thing in my book.
P90dawg 1 year ago
GREAT DEMO, thanks for posting
itwasallgoodinthe70s 1 year ago
The stock speaker sounds like cardboard to me. The Jenson definately imbelishes. Have to say I like the cesletrian 30s in the Tx red ltds. Now that I want a tx red, their all gone. So now either I buy a Celetrian 30 to put in a standard blues jr. Or get one of these. Ive never been one on cosmetics in the past except on these little amps. I want a TX red with a wicker type front like the orange amps have. That would be a beautiful combination . cedebonzo has a cool demo if you havent seen it.
robrippen 1 year ago
I sold my 100W Fender 94 Twin Amp and bought a Tweed NOS Blues Junior after watching some of your reviews. What a fantastic little amp! Now I can hear AND walk upright again---thanks Anthony!
Keepsu 1 year ago
i love my blues jr nos more than fat kid love cake
blastofo 1 year ago
sound clips are too short to bask in each tone. alas, I think each amp has its merits, with the tweed sounding more "classic fender"
monkeyxx 1 year ago
fantastic review. straight to the point. great side-by-side!
logen99999 1 year ago
I'd say the tolex sounds better:P
lovg432 1 year ago
I've got a Blues Deluxe which sounds great but too loud for a small blues club I play in. I got my blonde Tolex (MIM-cream board) today & it's sounds great but I'm already thinking of replacing the Fender Special design emminence spkr. Everyone out there, please send me your vote for 'Celestion Vintage 30' or 'Jensen C12N'. (I've also seen Weber) Let me know IYHO which sounds better in your experience. I play tele/strats. Any comments also please & thanks in advance.
rleary1 1 year ago
that tweed has an SRV sound to it. much better than the tolex.
omfg51 1 year ago
Holy crape! That is an epic difference! Sooooo glad I own the tweed Hot Rod Deluxe :)
rolandcube30 1 year ago
im buying a tolex blues junior with the upgrade. so it should sound almost identicle to the tweed?
michaelgroenewald7 1 year ago
excellent demonstration. Thats the way its done. Thanks man!
MrOquedo 1 year ago
tolex rulez!
kalci 1 year ago
Tried a Jensen C12N in my old green-board, black tolex B junior...just didn't like it. Sounded harsh to me. Might try a Celestion Green back though...
HoraceLime 1 year ago
To my ears the tweed NOS lacks a degree of rock n' roll that you get with the lower fidelity speaker. Both are beautiful sounding though, I can't wait to get one for myself.
Metahedron 1 year ago 3
wait, whats the difference between the tweed and the hot rod?
HyrulianWarlord 1 year ago
This is the best review I have ever seen... Sweet and simple with good editing. The only thing that would have made the review overall better would be a mic'd amp setup while recording this. All I can say is that, why cant more reviews be like this one?
JJay512 1 year ago
thanks for the demo. That helps me with a decision. Thanks!
kdc300z 1 year ago
i ended up getting the NOS. mostly because I wanted the tweed. I think the jensen sounds better. But you really have to try it out in person. Listening to compressed youtube audio over computer speakers isnt the same.
blastofo 1 year ago
wow! the difference is extreme! the original speaker must be really crappy
satjathamma 1 year ago
Short, simple, sweet and very effective demo - thanks!
RickenVoxster 1 year ago
I prefer the mids of the tolex. The tweeds sounds too bright for me, although I'd add a little bit more treble to the tolex.
JusticieroDeLaMuerte 1 year ago
Wow! Right to the point without telling me how you aquired them, or that both come with master volume knobs and power cords.
I'm going to buy both amps just because you have them my friend...
papatire 1 year ago
how much more is the tweed? in € if possible
wooki321 1 year ago
tolex is just darker in my opinion, Tweed trumps tolex =D
hipyaboyya 1 year ago
Good review, Id like to hear more than the neck pickup though...
bigfish0886 1 year ago
Ever run these together in stereo?
pdbordelon 1 year ago
This demo makes me like the stock version more. Overall, the tweed has a rounder, smoother sound. I have the black one, though, and it's a fine amp, especially when you get a couple overdrive pedals.
Claymation99 1 year ago
wow the tweed sounded a lot clearer, big difference.
morningstar421 1 year ago
What is your favorite?
TheGuitarMartin 1 year ago
is the fat switch on or off??
Chainmail 1 year ago
@Chainmail
I've owned the Tweed NOS for only 2 weeks and haven't had chance to use on stage yet. But, it seems the FAT switch simply boosts low frequency for fuller sound. It doesn't boost gain nor boost distortion. It really doesn't do much. P.S. reverb is a bit tinny. fingers
fingers002 1 year ago
I have the tolex and it's pretty trebley...?But that's what I like about it.
bobert995 1 year ago
blues hunior got very accurate clarity.
nuaurea 1 year ago
This is a great review man. Exactly what I needed to understand the differences.
IMO, the original (non-tweed) version has a nicer, more functional tone. Sounds like the NOS version is really missing some bite in the mids (which is probably the intent). Great video. Thanks.
ImageRiver 1 year ago
im sooo gonna get this junior blues , thanks for the awesome shootout , nice playing to :)
alexfheind 1 year ago
I do like the sound of the Jensen C12N. Reminds me of my Fender Bassman. Too bad it makes it a one-trick pony though. You lose a lot of mids. I have a Texas Red with a Celestion Vintage 30 in it and I can get a wide range of tones out of it including the tone from that Jensen.
tonyc329 1 year ago
how would you say the tweed is for playing live? like as far as taking effects in front of it and it's over all volume (will my drummer be able to hear me if i'm still playing relatively clean?)
CaptainErn 1 year ago
short and sweet. This is how all demos should be. Thanks
musicman00010 1 year ago
Why is the blues junior such an amazing amp?
abcxyz91291 1 year ago
I don't know why but I like the tolex better
Mr78130 1 year ago
@Mr78130 I'm with you. To each his own, but I'm sure that's why Fender makes more than one version. What to some people is "warm" sounds muffled to me. I actually want to hear the highs and the bottom, and one can always roll off the highs. I've found it's more difficult to brighten up a muffled sound than to darken up a bright one.
nicero870 1 year ago
I don't know about speakers or anything, but I prefer the tolex tone, feel more response when played with more puch. I think the tweed sounds more "weak". Adjustment of pannel control are the same on both amps?
RivasGuitar 1 year ago
excelente!!!!
mondellodario 1 year ago
Thank you for putting this together. It was effective and helpful. Right to the point with no filler. I wish everybody had the ability to show this type of judgement and restraint when putting equipment comparisons together. Well done!
coloradojazz 1 year ago
Sweet. Both sound good. If they weren't side by side, no one would even think about the isue of the tonal differences, etc. Nice playing!
mitscan 1 year ago
call me crazy but I like the tolex one better. nice and chunky.
kujofox 1 year ago 24
@kujofox me too
diegomaderal 1 year ago
@kujofox
Me too!!!
Heritage1969 1 year ago
Hmm - the moment you switched from Tolex to tweed I said to myself just: "No".
I prefer the Tolex versions sound...
Heritage1969 1 year ago
Thanks for the info, 'cause I've tried both and felt the tweed sounded a bit better...still happy with the tolex but maybe I'll check out that speaker. Thanks again!
lamborn55 1 year ago
What speaker did you upgrade the tweed with?
lamborn55 1 year ago
@lamborn55 The tweed comes with an upgraded speaker over the tolex, a Jensen C12N.
gr8bluesgtr 1 year ago
Wow. This is great. Extremely useful for me personally and I love how the amps switched over in the video.
Bodie007 1 year ago
Nice chops... a great non standard tuning as well takes some of the BOING out of a strat!
everlovin 1 year ago
i use a tele and if i use a tweed the twang will be twice as much right?
reaLJustiFied 1 year ago
Thanx for this short but really intresting and great review. I like the Tolex more...
Heritage1969 1 year ago
tweed :P
pettesisterna 1 year ago
I have both of these amps (I should do a review too) and I find the tolex to be better for clean headroom, and the tweed makes much more breakup early. I want to get a switch so I can have both attributes. In a pinch, I am using the tolex with a blues driver. It is very hard to get a loud clean tone out of my tweed junior, which is a 095 VOS American model with the Eminence speaker in it.
lighteningboy 1 year ago
I own a tolex. Not because of that but tolex is way more characteristic to me. This difference in EQ becomes an advantage when you plug humbucking pups also.
Great demo by the way. Thanks
dudarstmein 1 year ago
My guitar teacher just bought one of these things and let me muck around with it for half an hour in class. It was so full of warmth, life, and personality that I went home, found one on auction and bid on it immediately. If I don't win it, I'll be keeping my out for another anyway.
shingudaze 1 year ago
i like the tolex better. just a preference
eddieramone2 1 year ago
the tolex has a lot more nasty high mids while the tweed has a smoother tone.
ruffles272 1 year ago