See that up there? That’s my newly acquired Fender Blues Deville/ Blues Deluxe amp. What so special about it. Tubes baby, lots of tubes. 5 to be exact.
You know back in the day, the television had tubes, but science brought around better things and soon they were really not in anything. Except guitar amplifiers. Why? Because guitarist realized that tubes actually gave their amps a really sweet tone. Now days owning a tube amp is a luxury not really afforded easily by the regular average working class dude.
But why is this beat up things so freaking special too me? Because this is not a reissue. This is an original.
Check out what ZZ sounds says about the reissue and realize that I have the original 1993 (it may be a 95, working on some leads). Check this out:
In 1993, Fender released the ‘Tweed’ series amps to great success and acclaim. The concept: what if a great old collectable 1950s Deluxe or Bassman was customized with channel switching and Reverb The Blues Deluxe and Blues DeVille were launched as vintage-styled tube amps with ’boutique’ tone at mass-produced prices, and many pro players in the rock, country, and blues fields used them with great results. After a few years, the Blues Deluxe and Blues DeVille were reborn as the Hot Rod Deluxe and Hot Rod DeVille, when they received modified circuitry, a third -More Drive channel, and Black/Silver cosmetic treatment. Though the Hot Rod series amps are more popular than ever today, increasing numbers of enthusiasts continue to request the warm tone, unique circuitry, features and look of the original versions. These ‘Reissue’ models will be offered in addition to the Hot Rods. The Blues Deluxe Reissue produces 40 watts into a single 12″ Special Design speaker by Eminence.
Technical Info
* 3 12AX7 preamp tubes and 2 6L6 output tubes
Aww, hell, it’s on now. I plugged it up and it sounds great. the dude I got it from even looked like it pained him to get rid of it, but I had something he needed and he had something I wanted so the deal was done.
The tolex has cigarette burns on it and I may end up changing it, after all, you can buy the EXACT same tolex fender used to make this with at 26 dollars a yard,lol. What do you think, would it be worth more looking mint, or looking rode hard and put up wet?
June 15th, 2009 at 12:03 am
wow, it is really a luxury, I’ve heard how valuable this tube amps are, sweet tones indeed, congrats and enjoy it.
I guess it is more valuable as it is now, cigarette burns and all, it looks good, what a treasure!
June 15th, 2009 at 12:06 am
That’s so badass dude, Gratzoleum!!!
June 15th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Hell yeah. You scored! I say you leave it as is. It gives it a look of “I’ve been around and I’m still pumping out the sounds.” Looks good to me my friend. Later.
June 16th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
That’s a nice amp mannnn.. don’t f-it up by restoring it. it’s probably worth much more like this. besides would you look genuine without a few burns and tears ?
no wayyyy dude,, play it loooouddd. blew my amp the other nite and now I’m on the hunt.
this one makes me smile.
I just may go vintage this time, since it’s such a great sound.
did you notice the story on Jimi Hendrix I did this past weekend ? deep huh.
June 16th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Nice amp.
Thanks for the kind words on my blog. :)
June 16th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Awesome amp you got there! To be honest, I wouldn’t do anything to it but play the hell out of it. Looks beautiful and much better the way it is now.
Keep it Rockin’
June 17th, 2009 at 11:19 am
awesome, dude!!! *drool*