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Post subject: Fender Blues Junior, Bassbreaker, ??
Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 4:52 pm
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Location: Delaware, USA
Hi there,

I am new here and this is my first question. I recently bought a Professional Strat and am now getting ready to buy an amp. Have watched a lot of review videos on YouTube and come to a few selections for my HOME USE.

Blues Junior III or VI
Bassbreaker
AC-15C1 (sorry Fender..)

I do not think that I would be playing in a band in the future, so the amp would be used at home for practice and maybe at my friends' for jamming. That is why I am having 15W amps on the list.

Also, I would most likely be using a OD pedal or two on it, so my main interest is the clean channel.

I know it is all up to me but I wanted to ask you for your input - which one you choose/ have and why.

I like Blues and Funky stuff.

Thanks!!


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Post subject: Re: Fender Blues Junior, Bassbreaker, ??
Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2018 10:19 pm
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Lots of options. A 15-watt tube amp like the BJr will get REALLY LOUD so, depending on your living situation, you might not be happy with the results - e.g., if you live in an apartment, you probably won't be able to turn up the amp very loud. Only you can judge what works in your scenario.

Another option you might look at though is the Mustang GT line; depending on how loud you want to play, the GT40 or GT100 may fit your use case. I have been very happy with the tweed (especially the '59 Bassman) and blackface (especially the '65 Deluxe Reverb) models, and the amps have a lot of effects models too. Worth looking at anyway.


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Post subject: Re: Fender Blues Junior, Bassbreaker, ??
Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2018 2:04 am
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I am a BJr fan, even with the amp all stock, it will give you great cleans. It can get even better with the right tube lineup. Lower gain tubes in V1 and V3 (phase inverter), will clean the amp up quite nicely, while retaining the bluesy breakup when using the Volume as a gain and adjusting the Master for loudness. With the Volume cranked, and the Master low, you get the breakup at lower volume. Conversely, crank the Master and use the Volume for clean loudness.

Also, there are many mods and mod kits available for the BJr, so it can be anything from stock to a highly customized amp. After enjoying mine stock for a couple of years, I have modded mine over time. I changed stock tubes to a 5751 in V1, a 12AX7 in V2, and a 12AT7 in V3, added a bias adjust pot, standby switch (replaced the stock switch, with a 3-position off-standby-on), new tone stack caps, doubled the first stage filter capacitance, and finally changed the speaker to a Cannabis Rex. The speaker change really put it over the top as far as the sound. Of course, tastes vary as far as what kind of tone is wanted, but the stock amp is a great first tube amp.

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Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.


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Post subject: Re: Fender Blues Junior, Bassbreaker, ??
Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2018 10:19 am
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You should audition a Pro Jr. as well. They are built like an old tweed Deluxe and have a character of their own.


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Post subject: Re: Fender Blues Junior, Bassbreaker, ??
Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2018 12:27 pm
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I'd go:

1st choice: Blues Junior III or VI
2nd choice: AC-15C1

I still can't figure out what this "Bassbreaker" business is about.


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Post subject: Re: Fender Blues Junior, Bassbreaker, ??
Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2018 7:11 am
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Thank you guys! I still have not decided which one but am going to a local Guitar Center today and do my final demo. I cannot wait to get one.

Also thanks for the info on the mods. If I decided to get a FBJ, I would stick with the stock for a while. I do not want to get into the mods and spend more money on it right away. I'd rather spend that money on Delux Reverb or something instead.

Now, the III or IV is another question as they sound definitely different. Per one comparison video, I prefer the III. The IV sounds dull to my ears.

Cheers


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Post subject: Re: Fender Blues Junior, Bassbreaker, ??
Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2018 10:19 am
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jaepplays wrote:
Now, the III or IV is another question as they sound definitely different. Per one comparison video, I prefer the III. The IV sounds dull to my ears.

a lot of those demos videos are flawed in that they don't show what the amp sounds like in the mix with a band. Maybe the "duller" sound stands out in a live mix.


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Post subject: Re: Fender Blues Junior, Bassbreaker, ??
Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2018 5:03 pm
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TimsAudio wrote:
You should audition a Pro Jr. as well. They are built like an old tweed Deluxe and have a character of their own.


Wise words. I've played a Pro Jr. in a small club band context with my Strat and was really happy with the tone I was getting with the neck pickup - even got some nicely controllable feedback a couple of times to feed my inner Townshend 8)


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Post subject: Re: Fender Blues Junior, Bassbreaker, ??
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2018 7:10 am
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Well, so I went to a local GC and tested out many amps with a MIM Strat they had - Blues Junior, Pro (yes!), HRD III, BD and Vox AC-15.

They all sounded awesome while the AC-15 sounded quite different as expected. My main interest was how they sound and perform at a very low volume as I will be using one at home. I had read about a suddenly increase in volume on those Fender amps and thoroughly confirmed it. The AC-15 did not have such phenomenon. I guess that I can turn the amp up and then control the final volume on my guitar.

At a low volume (2-ish), the BD and HRD sounded richer than the Junior and the Pro but to my surprise, the AC-15 sounded so good for some reason. It sounded more airy/ open. I would personally choose the AC-15 over the Junior and pro for 15W.

Thanks again for all your input. I might end up buying the AC or even the BD, which might be a better investment for a long run.

Cheers


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Post subject: Re: Fender Blues Junior, Bassbreaker, ??
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2018 7:48 am
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Cool jaepplays. 8)

Yes, Vox has its own type of sound, and it seems that you dig it, which is the only thing that really matters. :)

_________________
---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.


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Post subject: Re: Fender Blues Junior, Bassbreaker, ??
Posted: Wed Feb 07, 2018 5:42 pm
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Well, after weeks of back and forth among those amps, I have finally ordered a FBJ III Tweed and it will arrive tomorrow. Loved the AC-15 but to me, the BJ is more neutral and a better platform for pedals. I might end up buying the AC-15 later as well :)

I will play it stock for a while and get some pedals (The Dude, TS, some delay).

Thanks again for your help here!

Cheers


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Post subject: Re: Fender Blues Junior, Bassbreaker, ??
Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2018 12:06 am
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Please report back on the BJr, congrats. 8)

_________________
---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.


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Post subject: Re: Fender Blues Junior, Bassbreaker, ??
Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 8:40 pm
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Got a BJr (III) last night and have been playing not stop. It is a very nice sounding amp indeed. No wonder why it has been super popular. I cannot play loud (Master 2.0, Volume 5.0) but its clean channel is stunning with my new pro strat. I am very happy with it.

I do not believe that I can get some nice distortion at this level so I ordered "The Dude" from J Rockett. It will be a sweet set up for me.

I might consider changing the tubes at some point. hehe.

Cheers

PS: One thing that I do not like about the amp is the handle. It is a nice looking handle but it feels very weak. No wonder Fender changed the design for the IV. I wonder if the new handle would fit on my III when it breaks.


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Post subject: Re: Fender Blues Junior, Bassbreaker, ??
Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2018 6:22 am
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Blues Junior is a great choice....I've had one for a long, long time and it does not disappoint.
I am also in the Pro Junior camp. I got mine for Christmas (2017), and can't stop playing through it. I finally ABY'd it with my Blues Junior, so I can show the Blues Junior some love...however; I find myself back on the Pro Junior every time (just something about that thing that amazes me).
My Super Champ X2 and my Solid State amps just sit there and look pretty any more; because the Blues and Pro Juniors rule the Studio.

Bassbreaker's look and sound cool in the videos I've seen, but I have zero experience with that line. And the one and only Vox I ever owned, was the worst amp I ever owned, so I'll never go there again.


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Post subject: Re: Fender Blues Junior, Bassbreaker, ??
Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2018 6:57 am
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Oh and that Master volume. Soooo touchy. Any mod or alternative to counter that? I know there is a mod kit but I prefer something simple

Cheers


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