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Post subject: BJr III
Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2010 10:37 am
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I got to check out the BJr III at GC yesterday. The amp wasn't on display yet as they had just arrived that day. The salesman was nice enough to get one from the back and let me check it out. It appears that most of the changes are cosmetic, except for the "Sparkle Mod" which I still don't know what it is. The manual didn't include the schematics like my BJr came with, so I couldn't see if any circuit changes were made. I suspect that the "Sparkle Mod" is either different tone cap values, or caps added to the volume pots. They have also added a cage around the output tubes to prevent fingers from being able to touch them. I'll cover the new features as follows:

* Black Panel (instead of chrome)
(Self explanatory)
* New Badges
(Panel label on back is black instead of chrome like previous models have)
* Vintage Fender "dog bone" handle
(just like the Deluxe and Deville handles)
* Vintage Sized Jewel Light
(it looks like a normal sized jewel light, but suspect it is still an LED, just like on the C600)
* "Sparkle" Mod
(still don't know)
* Heavy Duty Set Screw Chicken Head Knobs
(the knobs have set screws, but are still on plastic shaft, unmounted pots, just like the previous models)
* Rattle reducing shock absorbers for the EL84 power tubes
(the exact same U-shaped channel and springs already on the previous models that holds the tubes in. The only difference is, the manual now refers to them as "Shock Absorbers". No tube rings as we expected)
* 12 inch, 8 ohm 50 Watt Fender® “Lightning Bolt” speaker by Eminence®
(different speaker than the previous models)
* External Speaker Jack
(not an extra jack as we thought, the manual says "Internal OR external speaker, just like before)

So except for the Sparkle Mod, the changes are pretty much cosmetic. But it is still a BJr, just with a facelift. I didn't AB the new and old amps, but as far as I can tell it still sounds like a BJr. It might be a little more "Sparkley" though, and the new look is nice. :)

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Post subject:
Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2010 10:46 am
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The Hot Rod Deluxe goes a little further with audio taper pots, new Celestion speaker and they claim tighter distortion which could just be a tube change and some cosmetics. There may have been a board revision too.
http://www.thefenderforum.com/forum/sho ... hp?t=45348

The guy who started the thread is an amazing amp builder.
http://www.tjadamowicz.com/amps/convert.html

TJ turns them into hand wired Tweed Pro 5E5A amps.

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Post subject: HRDlx
Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2010 11:09 am
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Hi 63supro,

Are you considering a new HRDlx? :lol: I have a feeling that the new HRs would have to be very, very impressive to entice you. :lol: Seriously though, the new circuit boards and tube mounting does look much better, maybe they have been listening to you. :D

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

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Post subject:
Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2010 12:17 pm
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Location: Natural Bridge, Virginia
I am puzzled why none of these changes are mentioned anywhere on the Fender website. If all of these improvements are being made, you would think they would want to trompet it to the world.

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Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2010 12:55 pm
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Location: France
Even in France, no announcement !

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Post subject: Re: HRDlx
Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2010 1:14 pm
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shimmilou wrote:
Hi 63supro,

Are you considering a new HRDlx? :lol: I have a feeling that the new HRs would have to be very, very impressive to entice you. :lol: Seriously though, the new circuit boards and tube mounting does look much better, maybe they have been listening to you. :D


The tubes are still mounted the same as are the 5 watt resistors. You would figure they would at the least either heat sink or raise the resistor a quarter inch off the board, but I guess maybe a human might have to get involved LOL.

I would rather just play an unamplified cigar box guitar than a HRD... amp. I wouldn't even care if they hand wired it and sold it for fifty bucks. Once bitten twice shy.There's way better built and sounding amps out there for the money and I still can't stand ribbon connectors in any amp, I don't care who makes them. I know they work, but I don't find the aesthetically pleasing in a guitar amp.

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