Rick's and Fender hot rod deluxe

[Kees]

Hi guys,

I just got a nice, used Fender hot rod deluxe (40 W, full tube). Great depth and full ringing sounds. It works wonderfully with all my Rick's (higains and VP's, 6- en 12-string). There is a treble boost knob which, combined with the 'presence' option, provide me with a sound that almost convinces me that I do not need a Jangle box.

I can highly recommend this amp, not only because you can use it at home (don't set the volume higher than 2, though...).

Kees

[steverok]

I really like it with my hi-gain equipped 330 and 360, not as much with my Ric 12 strings, but still pretty good.

[jps]

I used to have a HRD that I played my former 660/12 through; I don't think I could get the gain past 1 1/2 before it was too loud for the apartment I was living in at the time.

[IHeartRics]

I was at a musicians jam night and played one of my Ric's through a Fender Blues Deluxe. It had a very nice tone with just enough grit. Definitely liked it.

[deaconblues]

While I like my HRD with other guitars, it just doesn't have the clean headroom for my Ric. The last band I was in played a few Byrds songs, and they would sound awful with my 330 distorting.

[JackAlan]

You're right about the volume control at 2 or less!!! I have a Fender Blues Deluxe (tweed) and that 40w tube amp is WAY to loud for my house anyway. I couldn't stand it and added a Weber Attenuator. Now I have MUCH better control over the beast in it and more voices (not in my head type, sheesh) from the amp. As far as a clean sound, don't know about the HRD but my Blues Deluxe is super clean when you want it. I like my Vox AC15C1 better for some of the Beatles sound but love that Fender B's Dx. Congrats on your find on the HRD amp. Is it a tweed or Silver face?

Jack

[Janglyman]

I have used a HRD successfully at gigs. It's nice and loud and sounds even better with an extra 1-12 cab. It gives a better bottom end.

[JakeK]

The HRD is a MODERN amp, which means it'd probably work best with a modern guitar (such as new 360, American Deluxe Strat/Tele, etc). Just my thoughts, though.

I think if you're looking for a vintage-style amp but you want to stay in your price range, the Blues Deluxe is the way to go.

[Rickygirl]

I have this set up too and really like the combination, though mine is a special edition. It sounds fab and is REALLY LOUD

[datru]

I have a 2000 360/6 and a tweed HRD from 2001 (I think). The tweed HRD was a limited edition with a Jensen P12N Alnico speaker. I think my Ric sounds great through it!

[charlyg]

I have been checking out a LOT of small tube amps lately and learned a few things I'd like to pass on.
Fender marketing guys decided that they would put a linear pot in for the Master Volume. This was done in order to fool folks at Guitarget etc. It maxes out around 2, but since it is that loud in the store at 2, folks surmise,"Hmm, if it is this loud at 2 it's gonna ROCK at 10 (or 11). The first thing to do is replace that master vol with an audio taper and all will be well.
I have been thru most of the Hot Rod's and currently have a Hot Rod DeVille 2x12, which is nothing more than the Deluxe with 20 more watts and a 2nd speaker. I haven't changed the vol yet, but I have a Hot Plate, and when I want cleans, I just run straight thru. I play a Rick bass, but my guitar is a hot-rodded Epiphone Dot Studio. The other issue is the input jacks. Due to the Euro laws, they had to use this cheap plastic jack or have two different models (1 for Europe and 1 for USA). The grounding laws are different. It is dumb to me because our input jacks are the best! I had to change mine. Here is the big secret to saving input jacks on newer Fender amps:

Wrap your cord around the handle before inserting into the jack. That way your handle will "handle" the stress if you forget and take a step too far whilst playing.


See ya,
CharlyG

[datru]

Everything you need to know about HRD's:

http://www.justinholton.com/hotrod/

[charlyg]

Also, I REALLY like matched JJs in the Hot Rod series. I always spend a little extra on the phase inverter so that the dual triodes inside are matched. V1 should be either NOS, or higher end JJ or GT. I did use a Ruby in V1 that seemed as good as the other two brands.

As far as speakers, I like the Eminence Legends that come with. Most folks don't like em because they are not broken in.
NOS Jensen, or Eminence Swamp Thang, or Michigan are the others I like. I am not a fan of the British humped mid thing in their amps an speakers. I am old school American I guess.

[jagdeluxe]

I own a HRD as well great amp but the volume is very touchy,seems to go from nothing to all out at 1.50

[charlyg]

I own a HRD as well great amp but the volume is very touchy,seems to go from nothing to all out at 1.50

Check out my comment above on replacing the master vol, or getting one of those attenuators that plug into the effects loop. That will solve the problem of the linear taper pot,