NEW: Fender Hot Rod Series Guitar Amps
Posted on Thu 25 January 2018 in Amplifiers
Coming out of the Fender newsroom, alongside the announcement of the American Original series is the unveiling of 4 reborn classic amps; the Hot Rod Devillle, Hot Rod Deluxe, Pro Junior and Blues Junior.
It’s an announcement that Fender says is due to an overwhelming demand from players - the rebirth and updating of four classic guitar amps. The original versions of these Fender amplifiers are romanticised and highly-regarded in players circles...and rightly so.
Fender Hot Rod DeVille 212 IV
The Fender Hot Rod DeVille 212 IV, has been updated it with modified preamp circuitry, smoother-sounding spring reverb and refined aesthetics that any player can appreciate. The standard for gigging guitarists worldwide, this scorching 60-watt 2x12 combo delivers the goods and then some with hot-rodded power and performance to spare.
The Fender Hot Rod DeVille 212 IV includes a pair of 12” Celestion A-Type speakers, which provide powerful, well-balanced output with smooth highs, laid-back midrange and full, round lows. The modified preamp circuitry improves overdriven note definition, so you’ll have sonic clarity no matter how hard you push this amp. The onboard spring reverb has been modified to add smoothness, so you still get rich, shimmering tone, no matter how much reverb you use.
The updated aesthetics include a lightweight pine cabinet, improved control panel texture and graphics, ivory pointer knobs, steel-reinforced strap handle and lightly-aged silver grille cloth, giving it the unmistakable look you can only get from a Fender amp. Pedal-friendly, flexible and reliable, the Hot Rod Deville 212 IV is an ideal addition to any electric guitarist’s amp collection.
Next on the list is the updated version of the legendary Hot Rod Deluxe IV, which has had a similar upgrade as the other models in this series such as a tweaked preamp, smoother reverb and updated facelift. A supercharged amp decked out with player-requested features, this 40-watt 1x12" combo is ideal for guitarists who need hot-rodded power with performance to spare.
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV
The new Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV includes a 12 inch Celestion A-Type speaker for well-balanced output. The improved preamp circuitry offers up clearer overdriven note definition, so you'll have articulate sound no matter how hard you ramp it. This amp’s modified spring reverb offers the same luscious ambient sound you know and love, but with improved smoothness to dial in your sound at any volume.
The new Hot Rod Deluxe IV features the classic Fender look of sparkling silver grille cloth, lightly aged to give it even more mojo. Lightweight, yet strong, pine was used to craft Fender amps in the 1950s and ’60s, making for more resonant and more “musical” speaker cabinets, making it a good choice for this reimagined classic. In response to feedback from musicians, Fender redesigned the control panel graphics, making it easier to use during live performances.
Fender Pro Junior IV
One of the most beautifully simple guitar amps that has been used as a go-to tweed amp in countless studios is the Fender Pro Junior. The new Fender Pro Junior IV is probably the most distinct out of the series thanks to its single input socket, single tone knob and single volume knob. Long-revered by players of all stripes, the 15-watt Pro Junior IV adds a modified volume circuit and a classic tweed appearance to this workhorse amplifier.
A compact and straightforward tone machine, this amp is ideal for performing guitarists who need great tone and remarkably touch-sensitive dynamic response. The Fender Pro Junior IV includes a 10 inch Jensen P10R speaker for tight, well-balanced output with plenty of high-end sparkle. Jensen speakers are the traditional Fender amp speakers, featuring sweet articulation with cool vintage-style breakup when pushed.
The modified volume circuit breaks up more gradually, allowing precise gain adjustment to make tones that range from immaculately clean to devilishly mean, and offering tighter bass with improved definition when overdriven. The stage-ready style features a lacquered tweed covering, vintage-style ‘50s grille cloth, chrome control panel with red jewel light and a leather handle, giving it the unmistakable look and vibe of a classic Fender amp.
Blues Junior IV
Last but by no means least is one of the most-beloved small combo amps in the world, the Blues Junior IV adds preamp circuitry modified for robust, powerful low end, smoother-sounding spring reverb and improved aesthetics to the package. This amp features a 12 inch Celestion speaker and a 1-button foot-switch for FAT mid boost. Celestion speakers are acclaimed worldwide for their distinctly rock ‘n’ roll flavour, with a more modern sound and utterly classic roar when pushed.
A 15-watt favourite in any setting, this amp is ideal for guitarists who need to hit the stage or studio at a moment’s notice with warm tone and versatile features. The modified preamp circuitry has increased fullness, with greater definition and clarity. The onboard spring reverb has had a similar overhaul to the other models to add some needed smoothness, no matter how much reverb you use and at any volume. The updated aesthetics of the Fender Blues Junior IV include the classic Fender look of sparkling silver grille cloth, lightly aged to give it even more mojo, red jewel pilot light and a simple, yet classic steel reinforced black band handle for extra comfort when carrying. Furthermore, the Blues Junior IV has the classic pairing of 3 x 12AX7 valves in the pre-amp and 2 x EL84s in the power stage.