Getting the Most Out of a Fenders Blues Deluxe

From the backline to the frontline, Fender's Hot Rod amplifiers are the most played around the world. Get a taste of their sounds here.

Since their debut in 1996, Fender's Hot Rod Series of amplifiers has established a reputation being used in more studios and stages by more artists than any other amp line in the world.

Known for their reliability and tone, Hot Rod amps - which include the DeVille, Deluxe, Pro Junior and Blues Junior - are responsible for some of the tastiest sounds to come out of the last two decades.

In early 2018, Fender announced that the entire Hot Rod line would see its fourth iteration, as each model underwent subtle, thoughtful upgrades that include lighter cabinets and new speaker choices, as well as reverb, gain and volume control enhancements, all while preserving what players loved most about them.

As such, these Hot Rods are even more, well, hot-rodded, with more tonal options, whether you want to play lead or rhythm, jazz, rock or blues, and everything in between.

To give you a taste of the amazing ability of the Hot Rod IV Series, Fender Amplifier Product Development Manager Rick Heins weighed in with some EQ suggestions and accompanying audio examples to hear exactly what he means.

Blues Junior - Dry Chicken Pickin'

Volume: 4.5 / Treble: 7.5 / Bass: 7 / Mid: 3.5 / Master: 5.5 / Reverb: 2.8

One of the most-beloved small combo amps in the world, the Blues Junior IV adds modified preamp circuitry, smoother-sounding spring reverb and improved aesthetics that any player is sure to appreciate. It's also a good sized amp that offers the right amount of power for twangy chicken pickin' blending country, rock and blues with the included "Fat" switch in the off position.

Pro Junior - Pristine Clean

Volume: 4 / Tone: 4

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. For a pristine clean sound, it'll give you a ton of sparkle.

"Play with the tone on this," Heinz recommended. "If you've got a brighter guitar, take it down to 4. With a darker guitar, bring it up to 6 or 7."

Blues Junior - Rock Tone

Volume: 10 / Treble: 7.5 / Bass: 9 / Mid: 3.5 / Master: 4 / Reverb: 3

Engage the Fat switch with the included footswitch to the midrange for pronounced tonal thickness when soloing. And turn that volume up to let it fly.

Blues Junior - Blues

Volume: 8.1 / Treble: 4.5 / Bass: 7 / Mid: 11 / Master: 4 / Reverb: 4.9

As Heins noted, "You'll get just an edge of breakup with. Hit it with an overdrive and head to SRV city."

In addition, use the master to taste depending on the situation, but keep an eye on the volume knob.

Blues Junior - Clean Pedal Platform

Volume: 3 / Treble: 5.5 / Bass: 6.5 / Mid: 7 / Master: 6 / Reverb: 5.5

"If you try some pedals out with these EQs, you'll get a nice, clean jazzy drive," said Heins.

He also suggests turning the Fat switch off for this setting.

Hot Rod Deluxe / DeVille - Classic Rock Lead

Volume: 3 / Drive: 8.5 / Treble: 5.5 / Bass: 7.5 / Mid: 7.5 / Master: 2.5 / Reverb: 2 / Presence: 8

The Hot Rod DeVille 212 IV and 40-watt Deluxe IV are updated with modified preamp circuitry for smoother overdrive, enhanced note definition and smoother-sounding spring reverb. Heins recommended these settings if you're ready to unleash a classic rock solo.

Hot Rod Deluxe / DeVille - Blues Tone

Volume: 3 / Drive: 5 / Treble: 5 / Bass: 7.5 / Mid: 8 / Master: 2.5 / Reverb: 3.5 / Presence: 8

For great blues tone with a Hot Rod Deluxe or DeVille, Heins suggests trying these settings while playing through the neck pickup of a Telecaster or the middle pickup of a Stratocaster.

Pro Junior - Rockin' Out

Volume: 6.5 / Tone: 5.5

For a great classic rock sound, dial in these settings on your Pro Junior and use your bridge pickup.

Hot Rod Deluxe / DeVille - Clean Tone

Volume: 3 / Drive: 6 / Treble: 8 / Bass: 6 / Mid: 5.5 / Master: 2 / Reverb: 2 / Presence: 8

"If you have humbuckers, use the bright switch, although you won'y need that with single coils, unless you like how it sounds," said Heins.

You should also add your volume to taste. Here's a tip: If you're playing at home vs. playing with a band, you can adjust the volume level to your playing setting.

Hot Rod Deluxe / DeVille - Atmospheric Clean

Volume: 2.5 / Drive: 6.5 / Treble: 8 / Bass: 7.5 / Mid: 5 / Master: 2 / Reverb: 9 / Presence: 6.5

For a perfect clean vibe, kick up the reverb on the Deluxe and DeVille and listen to it sound great with single-coil pickups and tremolos.

Pro Junior - "Send it to 10"

Volume: 10 / Tone: 4

Unleash your inner rock god with the Pro Junior that has the volume cranked.

"These settings will give you a thick rock sound that's great to get feedback and searing leads," said Heins.

Hot Rod Deluxe / DeVille - Super Crunch Lead

Volume: 3 / Drive: 4.5 / Treble: 8.5 / Bass: 7 / Mid: 1 / Master: 3 / Reverb: 0 / Presence: 8

For the metal enthusiasts ready to get crunchy, turn the reverb and mid down and hear the Deluxe and DeVile roar.

Hot Rod Deluxe / DeVille - Dry Chicken Pickin'

Volume: 3 / Drive: 4.5 / Treble: 7.5 / Bass: 7.5 / Mid: 5 / Master: 2.5 / Reverb: 2 / Presence: 8.5

The Deluxe and DeVille are also definitely suited for some chicken pickin' with these EQs, just with a little more power behind it than the Blues Junior.

Hot Rod Deluxe / DeVille - Rockin' Rhythm

Volume: 3 / Drive: 6 / Treble: 8 / Bass: 6 / Mid: 6 / Master: 2.5 / Reverb: 9 / Presence: 6.5

Both humbucking and single-coil pickups go great with these rhythm settings. If you're looking for a popular example, think about the rock standard "Honky Tonk Women" from the Rolling Stones.

If you'd like to learn more about Fender's legendary Hot Rod Series, click here.

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Source: https://www.fender.com/articles/gear/dial-it-in-an-audio-guide-to-hot-rod-eqs