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Post subject: SuperChamp X2, Hot Rod III Pro Jr., or Bassbreaker 007?
Posted: Sun May 22, 2016 10:34 am
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I have a Telecaster USA Pro, Modded with a S.D. Five-Two for Tele and a 4 way switch. I am looking for an amp with a 10" or smaller speaker and thought of these 3 amps.
I play Light Rock, a little Jazz and mostly rhythm strumming. I like cleans more than anything and a little crunch at times.

What to do?

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Post subject: Re: SuperChamp X2, Hot Rod III Pro Jr., or Bassbreaker 007?
Posted: Sun May 22, 2016 10:41 am
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Princeton Reverb.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: SuperChamp X2, Hot Rod III Pro Jr., or Bassbreaker 007?
Posted: Sun May 22, 2016 10:51 am
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Retroverbial wrote:
Princeton Reverb.

Arjay


Thanks, but to much amp for my small house. Smaller the better, I'm leaning toward the X2 and a couple pedals.
However, I may go up to a Pro Jr. and more pedals, and it is made here in North America, not China!

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Martin D-18 E Retro, Martin GPCPA4-Nat.
Fishman Loudbox Artist acoustic amp.


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Post subject: Re: SuperChamp X2, Hot Rod III Pro Jr., or Bassbreaker 007?
Posted: Sun May 22, 2016 3:38 pm
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pfflyer55 wrote:
Thanks, but to much amp for my small house.


Lest you be unaware, the Princeton Reverb is a 15-watt, 1 x 10 platform.

Just like the Super Champ X2 and the Pro Jr III.

:roll:

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: SuperChamp X2, Hot Rod III Pro Jr., or Bassbreaker 007?
Posted: Mon May 23, 2016 3:34 pm
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I have had both the X2 and the Pro Jr., of the two I liked the X2 a bunch more. The Pro Jr I sent back just after a few days, I kept the X2 for a year or so, then sold it, and I regret having sold it truthfully. Some of the folks on this forum like only the classic style Fenders which are of course great amps, but the X2 is one good little amp for the dollars. And with the Fuze software, it is tweakable to meet your own specs. I had great luck with my X2 in tweaking the thing for real good tones. My vote, hands down the X2.

X2 $379
Princton Reverb $899

You can't go wrong with either, but I have owned both style amps and truth be told I liked the X2 better. Now if you like the Fender cleans real bright the Princeton is the ticket, but of you like to be able to tame the bright, The X2 is very capable of that. Plus the Princeton has the Tremolo, which I have no use for. That is one reason I never buy the classic Fenders anymore, (although they are great amps)

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Last edited by desertbluesman on Mon May 23, 2016 3:44 pm, edited 2 times in total.

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Post subject: Re: SuperChamp X2, Hot Rod III Pro Jr., or Bassbreaker 007?
Posted: Mon May 23, 2016 3:37 pm
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Check out the X2 forums viewforum.php?f=45 you can get some good info on there from satisfied users.

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Post subject: Re: SuperChamp X2, Hot Rod III Pro Jr., or Bassbreaker 007?
Posted: Tue May 24, 2016 6:23 am
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Retroverbial wrote:
pfflyer55 wrote:
Thanks, but to much amp for my small house.


Lest you be unaware, the Princeton Reverb is a 15-watt, 1 x 10 platform.

Just like the Super Champ X2 and the Pro Jr III.


For Jazz and rhythm, the reverb tank might go mostly unused, and that's a large part of the high costs for the Princeton Reverb.
I may be cussing in the pews, but other brands might also be worthy of consideration, like the Vox AC-10C, or an Ibanez TSA15 since he said he'd like to go crunch at times.


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Post subject: Re: SuperChamp X2, Hot Rod III Pro Jr., or Bassbreaker 007?
Posted: Tue May 24, 2016 5:17 pm
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I went with the X2 and sure am happy I did, I had one last September and returned it without knowledge of it's vast tones. Now that I have another one I hope it is a keeper this time. I have had bad mojo with amps for the last couple months. Thanks for all the advice guys and keep it coming I have a lot to learn about this little Gem

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Fender USA Pro Telecaster HS
Fender Super Champ X2 15W tube combo.


Martin D-18 E Retro, Martin GPCPA4-Nat.
Fishman Loudbox Artist acoustic amp.


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Post subject: Re: SuperChamp X2, Hot Rod III Pro Jr., or Bassbreaker 007?
Posted: Tue May 24, 2016 7:56 pm
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pfflyer55 wrote:
I went with the X2 and sure am happy I did, I had one last September and returned it without knowledge of it's vast tones. Now that I have another one I hope it is a keeper this time. I have had bad mojo with amps for the last couple months. Thanks for all the advice guys and keep it coming I have a lot to learn about this little Gem


It is a great little amp, I am truly sorry I sold mine, it is super portable and with the foot-switch, it is an instant channel switching amp, and the pedal lets you turn and off the efx as well. Don't forget to get into Fender Fuze once you do that you can tweak the second channel amps and on one setting on the cleans it lets you modify the middle tone control (There is no middle hardware knob) but you can edit it in Fuze on channel ,1 and lots of things on the channel 2 amps

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Post subject: Re: SuperChamp X2, Hot Rod III Pro Jr., or Bassbreaker 007?
Posted: Thu May 26, 2016 6:12 am
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desertbluesman wrote:
pfflyer55 wrote:
I went with the X2 and sure am happy I did, I had one last September and returned it without knowledge of it's vast tones. Now that I have another one I hope it is a keeper this time. I have had bad mojo with amps for the last couple months. Thanks for all the advice guys and keep it coming I have a lot to learn about this little Gem


It is a great little amp, I am truly sorry I sold mine, it is super portable and with the foot-switch, it is an instant channel switching amp, and the pedal lets you turn and off the efx as well. Don't forget to get into Fender Fuze once you do that you can tweak the second channel amps and on one setting on the cleans it lets you modify the middle tone control (There is no middle hardware knob) but you can edit it in Fuze on channel ,1 and lots of things on the channel 2 amps


I am hoping to get the software loaded soon and start changing the eq's, just don't have time this week but am looking forward to learning more!

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My Equipment:
Fender USA Pro Telecaster HS
Fender Super Champ X2 15W tube combo.


Martin D-18 E Retro, Martin GPCPA4-Nat.
Fishman Loudbox Artist acoustic amp.


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Post subject: Re: SuperChamp X2, Hot Rod III Pro Jr., or Bassbreaker 007?
Posted: Thu May 26, 2016 6:24 pm
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I'd go with the HRD III.. but you should know What it is and what it isn't

One thing that most Fender amps do.. "Is the stage" I.e. they are designed to be performed with. (a lot of non Fender amps are questionable if there isn't a PA present ) What does that mean to a layman? Take the HRD series.. A) Its loud! (designed for the stage) B) really sounds best when both channels are dialed close to 1/2 way, again Its an amp you perform with. Doesn't sound best at low volume... again its an amp designed for the stage... (seeing a trend here?) That's why it sounds best loud... and not in a bedroom. Volume goes to 12 because that's how Fender designs there Ext speaker jack (with a cab reducing the OT transformer power, doubling the load) you have to turn it up pass 1/2 way to get the same volume .. adding a cab gives you a lot of benefits. (for another thread) Also I like 6L6 better than El84's ala Bassbreakers... but I know plentty of people who like El84's

The HRD has "Exceptional Cleans" for the price point.. & The Drive is unique: used as a blues OD (drive setting 6 and below) you get some real nice saucy, bluesy over drive (especially with the Celestion 12p 80. Once that speaker gets broken in and mellows, its real nice. (not harsh/sharp and not bottom heavy.. Balanced ) IMO.. Pushing the Drive past 6 takes one right into the Alternative rock arena. Its not a traditional distortion but quite modern/alternative rock'ish.. something I'd picture Green Day using.

What it is not: (before it wasn't an amp for the apartment or bedroom ... way to loud to actually know how good this amp sounds) but now they have redesigned the volume and tone pots so you can dial below 2 and play a lot quieter. (still to really hear it you have to let it loose!) It's not a metal amp.. IMO best for Country, Blues, Jazz Classic Rock & Alternative Rock.. A huge variety... but not a metal amp. Yet it takes pedals like an amp double the price and you could use a heavy metal gain pedal and it would sound great.

On the Internet: I've read so some questionable reviews on the HR series by people who clearly did not know what this amp is and isn't. When they bought it they thought it would do "xyz" not "ABC" and clearly were not happy.

Point being this amp is a true work horse. And If I was looking at all three I'd take a hard look at the one I could jam on stage with and not worry if where I was jamming they have a PA system. By the way, you're sure to see a lot of musicians using the HR series in your travels. (Such is the popularity of the amp with working musicians)


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Post subject: Re: SuperChamp X2, Hot Rod III Pro Jr., or Bassbreaker 007?
Posted: Fri May 27, 2016 7:28 am
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pcalugaru wrote:
I'd go with the HRD III.. but you should know What it is and what it isn't

One thing that most Fender amps do.. "Is the stage" I.e. they are designed to be performed with. (a lot of non Fender amps are questionable if there isn't a PA present ) What does that mean to a layman? Take the HRD series.. A) Its loud! (designed for the stage) B) really sounds best when both channels are dialed close to 1/2 way, again Its an amp you perform with. Doesn't sound best at low volume... again its an amp designed for the stage... (seeing a trend here?) That's why it sounds best loud... and not in a bedroom. Volume goes to 12 because that's how Fender designs there Ext speaker jack (with a cab reducing the OT transformer power, doubling the load) you have to turn it up pass 1/2 way to get the same volume .. adding a cab gives you a lot of benefits. (for another thread) Also I like 6L6 better than El84's ala Bassbreakers... but I know plentty of people who like El84's

The HRD has "Exceptional Cleans" for the price point.. & The Drive is unique: used as a blues OD (drive setting 6 and below) you get some real nice saucy, bluesy over drive (especially with the Celestion 12p 80. Once that speaker gets broken in and mellows, its real nice. (not harsh/sharp and not bottom heavy.. Balanced ) IMO.. Pushing the Drive past 6 takes one right into the Alternative rock arena. Its not a traditional distortion but quite modern/alternative rock'ish.. something I'd picture Green Day using.

What it is not: (before it wasn't an amp for the apartment or bedroom ... way to loud to actually know how good this amp sounds) but now they have redesigned the volume and tone pots so you can dial below 2 and play a lot quieter. (still to really hear it you have to let it loose!) It's not a metal amp.. IMO best for Country, Blues, Jazz Classic Rock & Alternative Rock.. A huge variety... but not a metal amp. Yet it takes pedals like an amp double the price and you could use a heavy metal gain pedal and it would sound great.

On the Internet: I've read so some questionable reviews on the HR series by people who clearly did not know what this amp is and isn't. When they bought it they thought it would do "xyz" not "ABC" and clearly were not happy.

Point being this amp is a true work horse. And If I was looking at all three I'd take a hard look at the one I could jam on stage with and not worry if where I was jamming they have a PA system. By the way, you're sure to see a lot of musicians using the HR series in your travels. (Such is the popularity of the amp with working musicians)


Point well taken, but I already bought a SC/X2 and have it set up already with a foot switch on the way. and mine has 2 6V6 power tubes and a single 12AX7 pre amp tube. The cleans are great all the way up to about 7 or 8 with my Tele at about half way, and the eq's both at 5. Not to loud and still has tone for days. The Hotrod Pro jr and all the pedals to make it a jam-er would cost about "gulp" $800. Not for my blood! Since I play sitting within reach of my controls on the X2, I can model it the way I want and not hurt my hearing or offend my neighbors. I've been told about the pro jr and what it needs to be a home recording or road worthy amp is just not what I'm after. I can add only the foot switch and a looper pedal to my X2 and all for under $550.

My X2 is still a gig worthy amp, but the likelihood of gigging for me is out of my reach. All this and it is still a 15W Tube amp, with some Solid State Fx and Eq. A very good mix for my taste!

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Fender USA Pro Telecaster HS
Fender Super Champ X2 15W tube combo.


Martin D-18 E Retro, Martin GPCPA4-Nat.
Fishman Loudbox Artist acoustic amp.


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Post subject: Re: SuperChamp X2, Hot Rod III Pro Jr., or Bassbreaker 007?
Posted: Fri May 27, 2016 2:27 pm
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pcalugaru wrote:
The HRD has "Exceptional Cleans" for the price point..

It could be argued that many Fender tube amps are famous for "Fender clean", with extra shimmering and ringing. The Hot Rod is one of those. Some want just that tone, and consider it a strong point of Fender amps. Others would rather have the choice to get a clinically clean tone that they can modify with effects, because you can always add shimmer or other coloration, but never take it away.


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Post subject: Re: SuperChamp X2, Hot Rod III Pro Jr., or Bassbreaker 007?
Posted: Fri May 27, 2016 7:54 pm
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Quote:
Point well taken, but I already bought a SC/X2 and have it set up already with a foot switch on the way. and mine has 2 6V6 power tubes and a single 12AX7 pre amp tube. The cleans are great all the way up to about 7 or 8 with my Tele at about half way, and the eq's both at 5. Not to loud and still has tone for days. The Hotrod Pro jr and all the pedals to make it a jam-er would cost about "gulp" $800. Not for my blood! Since I play sitting within reach of my controls on the X2, I can model it the way I want and not hurt my hearing or offend my neighbors. I've been told about the pro jr and what it needs to be a home recording or road worthy amp is just not what I'm after. I can add only the foot switch and a looper pedal to my X2 and all for under $550.

My X2 is still a gig worthy amp, but the likelihood of gigging for me is out of my reach. All this and it is still a 15W Tube amp, with some Solid State Fx and Eq. A very good mix for my taste!


You chose well.. 15w X2 is a fine amp.. and as you know pretty good at recording also..


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Post subject: Re: SuperChamp X2, Hot Rod III Pro Jr., or Bassbreaker 007?
Posted: Mon May 30, 2016 7:43 am
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I have loaded Fuse and have tinkered around with it for a couple days now and am hearing the benefits already. In Ch1 the mids are dimed in factory settings and that seems to take out some of the higher volume clean sound. I scooped the mids in between 7-8 and that sounds good and clean at mid to higher volumes. All the Fx's seem to be great where they are and I don't really understand all the settings for each particular effect. More tinkering to be done I guess!

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My Equipment:
Fender USA Pro Telecaster HS
Fender Super Champ X2 15W tube combo.


Martin D-18 E Retro, Martin GPCPA4-Nat.
Fishman Loudbox Artist acoustic amp.


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