Hey, I get my amp next week, and I am still trying to decide what to buy. I play blues music, and a little rock. I plan to own the amp for a really long time. I currently play in a bedroom, but I know a few people who are willing to join in a band with me. I understand that the Blues JR is great for the situation I am in right now, but I plan on playing shows, and if i am going to have this for a while, it might run into a problem, because of the fact that it distorts when you turn it up. Oh yeah, I am getting them at the same price...$400. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!

Get a DRRI.

Dont get a blues junior. The volume is fine their more than loud enough. Theres far better amps out there for less money than the blues junior.

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No no and no

I personally think the Blues JR has superior tone to the HRD's I've played. BUT the HRD will work better in a band, and if you want distortion at low volume, the Blues Junior can't do it without an accompanying drive pedal or something.

And I second the comment on the DRRI. Best purchase I've ever made, but a little more expensive than the options you're looking at.

Well, I can't speak for the other amps. But what I can say is that I have a Blues Jr w/ a Jensen that is probably my #1 amp right now. I love how it sounds. It's lightweight/portable. Mic'ing it for a show is no problem whatsoever.

If you plan on owning it for a long time, I would save up a little longer and get one of the reissues. The reissues have a much better build quality and the tubes aren't attached to the main printed circuit board in the reissues so you won't have the heat related problems associated with the lower end amps. I know the tubes are chassis mounted on the Deluxe Reverb Reissue. My HRDlx has always been a nightmare.

Hello Asyal14,

For me the Blues Jr is the answer,
but not for all, many need more.

I'm thinking a young man like
yourself would be better suited with
the Deluxe Reverb Reissue, more
money true, but along with the higher
cost a more suitable giging amp with
the cleanest of cleans & a few more
bells and whistles.

Cheers.

Hello Asyal14,

I use a 2000 HRD and it has been great- It cuts through the band mix very nice. I have not had the heat problems or any of the other issues so many people have talked about.

My only word of caution (For Both HRD and Blues Jr) would be the input jacks - They are cheap so make sure you lash your cable to the handle.

Good Luck

The Freeze

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There's Always Room For MELLOW !!!!

2000 MIM Stratocaster, Midnight Wine W/Texas Specials
2000 Fender Hot Rod Deluxe
1969 Fender Vibro Champ

That's not all that's cheap in the HRDlx. Mine doesn't cut real well. A 20 watt DRRI has more cut in my experience.

Just do a search not just on this forum, on the internet in general on Hot Rod Deluxe problems and you'll see what I mean. Mine's a dog.

I'm in the minority when I say I was not impressed with the Blues Jr. I spent the extra to get the tweed version, and was lucky enough to get it at a really good price. After about six months I traded it straight up for a used HRDLX, and I don't regret it a bit.

When I played with a drummer and bass player I really had no presence. The sound is boxy, and I found myself constantly messing with knobs. Even practicing at home I was always adjusting this and that. I know there are a ton of mods out there, and I'm sure that a lot could be cured with those mods, but I was not ready to spend time and money chasing something that I wasn't sure I could get.

The HRDLX is more of an overall versatile amp. The beauty is in the clean tone you get. It takes pedals well and it screams. This amp is loud! I have no problems playing live with it. I play everything from Hendrix and Clapton to Van Halen and Zeppelin. This amp does not nail those tones perfectly, but you can get close - especially with pedals.

If you can get either amp at the same price then obviously my 2 cents would say go with the more versatile HRDLX.

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2007 American Series Strat (Black/Maple) SCNs
Charvel San Dimas (Polar White) SD 59 & JB
Hot Rod Deluxe
Marshall JCM 2000 50 watt
Taylor 410 CE
Epiphone Les Paul
1983 Kramer Pacer

I would go with the Blues Jr ..But that is what i use as my main amp even by its self it is more than enough to play the average bar ..I myself use two U.S.A made BLUES Jr's for larger shows..The hot rod deluxe is an excellent amp ...But i find the Blues Jr gives me better tone and works better with drive pedals...If i'm playing somewhere that requires more then twin blues jr's can do i just mic them up really isn't a problem..I would try to find the older U.S.A made Blues Jr's instead of the Imports..I also have installed Celestion Super 65 speakers in my Blues JR's which IMHO are the best blues speakers on the market..I currently own both so i can give a very informed opinion on this question...I also own a Twin Reverb but i don't like to take it out of the studio...

It cant mate i tried most of them mods. Mine is a coffee table at our rehearsal room now. Fancy making a class A/B amp with fixed bias. Its ridiculous. The same kind of money in the uk will get you a 20 watt marshall dsl. Atleast with that you get a clean sound with some depth and a gain thats of some use.

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No no and no

I have both amps, a HRDeville 410 and a Blues Jr. Both get the job done at a minimum of cost but a maximum of tone.

you can buy too much amp for your needs ... buy what you need now, and worry about expansion plans later. get the marshall cab and head a few years down the road!

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2008 Am Dlx Strat HSS
2008 Am. Std. Ash Telecaster
2009 Gibson SG Standard
Hot Rod Deville 410
Blues Jr. NOS
Marshall MG100DFX
2006 Martin HD-28
1993 Alvarez Regent

I guess it depends on what you have to compare it too. I grew up using Fender Blackface, Silverface, Valco and Dano amps. The Hot Rod series can't hold a candle to them. In build quality and tone, my HRDlx not even as good as my 74 Champ Amp. I keep trying to make it better, but it's like making a silk purse out of a sow's ear. When I finally have to pay to get it repaired again, it's gone.

Don't get the Blues JR. If you are looking for a great amp get a blues deluxe. It cost a few hundred more dollars, but it is well worth it. You can gig with it. It has a great clean sound and it still sounds good distorted.