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Post subject: Mexican made verses American made Hor Rod Deluxe amp
Posted: Sat May 28, 2011 9:44 pm
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Hey all, can anyone here tell me if there are any differences, such as build quality between a Fender Hot Rod deluxe amp, made in Mexico and one made in the United States? Thanks!

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Post subject: Re: Mexican made verses American made Hor Rod Deluxe amp
Posted: Sat May 28, 2011 10:17 pm
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Generally speaking the US and first Mexican versions of the HRds were exactly the same, using the exact same parts all made in the same place, the only difference is where the parts were assembled. The BJr was one exception, as the amp's reverb circuit was reconfigured just as production was moved to Mexico, resulting in improved sound in the subsequent Mexican models over the US version. There have been small circuit revisions over the years, not making any difference as far as quality of build.

The only real difference between the US and newer Mexican versions may be in the type of solder used. I believe that the US versions and the earlier Mexican versions were made before the switch to RoHS compliant solder, so the earlier versions would have better solder joints IMO. The newer (crap) solder has been more problematic in the newer amps, although the version III Hrds have beefier circuit boards that may hold up better under the increased heat required to use the new solder.

It seems that manufacturers that wanted to sell in Europe were required to use the new solder starting in 2006, but many probably made the switch much earlier, maybe even a couple of years earlier.

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Post subject: Re: Mexican made verses American made Hor Rod Deluxe amp
Posted: Sat May 28, 2011 10:28 pm
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In summary, any USA-made reissue amp will treat you well.


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Post subject: Re: Mexican made verses American made Hor Rod Deluxe amp
Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 11:54 am
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any clue when Fender switched to RoHS solder? I've got a Pro Jr, the board is stamped year 2005.


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Post subject: Re: Mexican made verses American made Hor Rod Deluxe amp
Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 1:13 pm
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That's around the time when the change happened, look for the RoHS sticker. My BJr has a "No ROHS" sticker on the PCB in the upper right corner. I assume that the sticker indicates RoHS compliant solder. Not exactly sure when mine was made, but I think that it is 2005 to 2007. :idea:

Image

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Post subject: Re: Mexican made verses American made Hor Rod Deluxe amp
Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 2:53 pm
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ah, i think my board was a convert. I see a symbol that reads "Pb" with a strikethrough circle, like on a no smoking sign. i assume that means lead-free solder, aka RoHS compliant.

is this new solder really that crappy? is significantly less reliable than the old solder?

ive been using a fan to relieve some heat from the amp, hopefully that helps prolong things


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Post subject: Re: Mexican made verses American made Hor Rod Deluxe amp
Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 4:08 pm
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msvolpe wrote:
is this new solder really that crappy? is significantly less reliable than the old solder?


It might interest you to know that all military and aviation-related electronic equipment built in the US and destined for use in Europe is RoHS-exempt.

Ever wonder why?

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Mexican made verses American made Hor Rod Deluxe amp
Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 8:05 pm
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i read that the lead free stuff has a higher flow temp, so im hazarding to guess that maybe it isn't so bad, regarding how heat reacts with the board. that said, should work ever have to be done on the board, fingers must be crossed, because the board itself might not like the extra heat required to re-solder with this stuff. also, there is a higher potential for cold joints.

i hope to never have to do any re-soldering on this board for as long as possible. im sure something will blow one day, but hopefully it will be a long time until then. thats all i can ask for.

damn hippies...preaching for a cleaner earth as they continue to drive their gasoline cars. A true hippie wouldn't need a Prius, or any car at all. I find it funny that we're pushing to keep lead out of the environment, the same place where lead came from to begin with.

and not for anything Fender, but i have a hunch this is all because the gov't offers tax breaks for RoHS compliance. You sold out again, say it aint so...


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Post subject: Re: Mexican made verses American made Hor Rod Deluxe amp
Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 8:44 pm
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Welcome to the NWO. :(

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Post subject: Re: Mexican made verses American made Hor Rod Deluxe amp
Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 10:15 pm
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msvolpe wrote:
I find it funny that we're pushing to keep lead out of the environment, the same place where lead came from to begin with.


The toxic effects of lead upon human physiology are well-known and not in dispute. But honestly, how many kids are out in their pop's garage, snorting up the vapor from heated 60/40 lead/tin solder? This same misguided eco-jihad is why lead-free hobby paints begin to rot the moment the bottle is opened. I've had bottles of Testor's enamel turn to latex rubber in as little as two weeks from the time the bottle was opened. Meanwhile my dwindling stock of Pactra paints from thirty years ago is still as fresh and as usable as the day I bought them.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Mexican made verses American made Hor Rod Deluxe amp
Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 4:42 pm
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Yeah, and the lead makes the paint chips chewy too. That's probably what happened to me. :oops:

The solder is only a small portion of what's wrong with the DRDlx. Both American AND MIM.

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