This is a very useful re-review. wish more 'hey check out my new amp' guys revisited their assessments. New amp technology has emerged steadily forward these recent years and this is THE time to embrace everything it has to offer us and let got of the valve bias(pun intended)
I own both a Super and a Deluxe Reverb Tone Masters, and my Twin Reissue and Marshall Stacks are gathering dust in my studio (got rid of my AC30 last year, never used it and too heavy to carry around). I could never been happier with those Tone Masters, 22 and 45 Watts, different tones, one is light and the other one is even lighter! I was after a TM Twin, but I got a S/H Super instead. No regrets! Limited lifespan? Maybe, but my 2009 Mac Pro is still working fine in the studio (Just finished mixing two new CDs). And I''m 70 anyway, so who cares of what will happen in 15/20 years!!
Exactly what you said! No one is going to need or use the full 85 watts. If you’re practicing alone, that’s ear splitting loud and if you’re playing a show, it’s still way too loud for stage volumes being what they are today. I initially bought the twin when it first came out and loved it, but quickly realized it was overkill. So while still within my return window at GC, I returned it and bought the Deluxe Reverb model. Love it, haven’t looked back. It’s all anyone needs and then some.
I experienced that same drop off and reboot. Once. Been solid ever since. One great attribute of this amp that gets overlooked is that it doesn’t pump out HEAT like tube amps do. That can really help in a small room. Great playing and video.
First good amp I owned was a bassman head and a pair of 15” JBL’s… Used that for years and had the head rebuilt and used for more years… Then one of those tweed 40 watt deluxe things from the 90’s… Both loud as hell and why I have hearing loss as well… Ok, well the reason I had hearing loss is because I turned them up too loud all the time… I recently bought the tone master deluxe and if I’d been able to do that back in the day, I might not be quite as deaf… probably not, I was young and liked loud… I love the deluxe TM but it resides at the rehearsal space so I recently ordered (still awaiting) the Princeton TM for use at home… Thanks for the great videos, love your guitar restorations…
Great video, I just recently bought a used tone master deluxe, I had previously been trying to get a Katana to do the job, and it can but the fender is what I learned to play with and so much simpler and straightforward… and the game changer is that knob on the back… Pull up your tone on the front panel and then set the level you want on the back…
Thanks for your review. I've had a similar experience with a Deluxe Reverb Tone Master. I was given it by my brother who worked for Fender at the time and was then playing through an AC15 and Red Knob The Twin. Initially, I didn't really like the Tone Master compared to the tube amps, but slowly I just started using it all the time, mainly because I could just switch it on and play it, and it always sounded the same, unlike the tube amps. Then, maybe because the speakers broke in and I learned how to set it how I liked, I started using it because I preferred the sound, and recently sold the AC15 (no one wants the Twin). I'm aware that, like a computer, it may have a limited lifespan, but would definitely buy another. I'd love a Tweed amp version or for Vox to make a digital AC30. As much as I like the idea of using tube amps, the practicalities of this technology make it so convenient compared to them. Half the price and with less than half the weight, and variable volume control and no 15 minute wait for it to sound good, they just have too many advantages.
I have had this same amp since it was available here in Australia, I think it was late 2019. Twin Reverb Tone Master with the Jensens Neo speakers. It has been a superb amp. It gets used daily, and used weekly for rehearsals by a bunch of teens, who forget to switch it off, play with all the dials, turn it on and off in short time spaces. It has had no problems in this time. I t works the same as it did from day one. It sounds great. I use it mostly at home on the 5watt setting on volume 10 to get that breakup or on the 12watt setting for a clean sound volume at around 6-7. That is plenty loud! I would love to try the deluxe reverb version of this to see if gets that more broken up sound, and I am also curious as to what people have found swapping speakers as I don't like using pedals on this amp beyond a Boost. Great re- review mate, and killer playing!
Exactly. Just a very good setup good for home or abroad. And thank you for watching, Rob! Glad you dug it! I'm jonesing for the Super Reverb version and can't sing this things praises enough. 🙏
Totally! However, I literally thought to myself..... "ehhh... we're gonna need another one this week. This vid is bizarrely normal and free of beautifully broken gear. Lol. Felt like a cheat!
I find it cool that you have your front door open and jamming out into the busy street. You got a sub from me. Anyways, I been thinking about getting a deluxe for my extra apt on my mom property and to have the step down attendulator. Thanks for the video!
Great video. I own one too (and the TM Deluxe Reverb). One of the many things I’ve had no issue with is just how reliable it is - also been really happy with the IR/XLR out…. Killer product. So versitatile.
So… I’ve got a blonde tonemaster twin. I play in a punk band. I generally use it on the highest settings at shows/practice, but it’s on 5 or so. Then on the lowest setting at home. I’ve got a half stack and I’ve got a blues jr too, but really haven’t played either of them since picking this up. It is kind of a do it all amp. I’ve never had a problem with it. Sounds great. Takes pedals. Easy to take places. Looks great. People have weird feelings about them, but it’s a legit great amp.
Thanks for the video. I JUST ordered one of these. Sound like I could have got away with the deluxe! Oh well, always wanted a twin reverb. Enjoying your channel!🎉
I have the blonde version and I never thought I’d use the 85w setting either, but yeah just did at a band gig in a VERY loud high ceiling bar. Had the volume at 4 too. The house was running it out front via the DI/Cab sim XLR so they were happy to be in control out there. I could hear myself all night. The kick back legs are so handy too, especially on smaller stages where I’m only a few feet from the amp. I’d like to get a Princeton version next, for those gigs when I don’t have the space to transport the twin, which is really only its (obvious) con, it’s size. Weight is no problem though! Easy one hand carry.
Interesting you mentioned the re-boot/power loss! I was playing a wedding once, and after I'd set up and checked sound, the celebrant comes in and plugs all their equipment into the same power outlet, followed by the DJ with their equipment... came down to show time and I beging to play... the amp was on, but there was no sound coming out of it. Too much of a voltage demand from the one power source. Incredible amp that needs its own power source.
I gigged the Twin and Super Reverb Tone Masters a bunch of times and wasn't disappointed. I kept the Super and sold the Twin. I probably should have gone the other way. I had zero issues with either of them. I'm current trying the new Tone Master Pro which has all of the Tone Master amps in it and a million other things too. Still seems easy to use though. The cabinet Fender released for it weighs nothing and looks exactly like a Hot Rod Deluxe, but also has the tilt back legs. I haven't played out with it yet, but I'm looking forward to it.
I think Fender is on a streak. Throwing tilt back legs on everything is such a bonus for live venues. Instant monitor. You gotta let us know how it carries live. That new setup could be a killer. The Super reverb..... yup. I want one of those pretty badly.
I have one. The driven sound is horrible but that's OK as it's a great pedal platform. You can run different ODs into each channel and A/B between them if you want. Always remember there are likely to be regular firmware updates so you're not necessarily stuck with what left the factory.
I haven't used it live but I've read you can use a direct line and have the cab Sim "shape" the eq to replicate different cabs. I can't say if it works or is any good regrettably
Yup! I'm a massive road trip urban ruin history buff. Rt 66 is just a vastly undertold cultural phenomenon. Plus if a right handed thief runs off with my amp at a show, the white paint is something visible from afar. A scenario not entirely uncommon in my experiences. And I prefer not to have my name on things. And I'm certain Jaimie Boy appreciates that. If ever the channel really caught on, I'd have to assume it was J Boy. Lol
I have a Tone Master and have tired running the XLR into an M Audio audio interface into my IMac/Garageband. It is quiet but sounds noisy and still like a line in no matter what the cab sim is. Any ideas?
@eldeeds99 Hey Mike, hope your ok with this but I'm pulling my brother and sister in on this. They are using a similar setup and are way more familiar with the program. @magdalena_reilly @josephr9930
Hey Mike, apologies for the delay! Ok, so believe it or not, it looks like we may have discovered a platform problem here. There are a few people online who have had the same issue. Lots of hiss and weak output. I'm guessing you've already done cable swapping. I'm going to keep reading up on this, and I will pipe in tomorrow. There's gotta be a way to get it sorted.
Your problem might have been low voltage. Digital amps and keyboard modules don't like low voltage. Lab Series amps were known to have shut downs with low voltage and some people never experienced it too. I was doing a show on a hot August night just south of Boston and everyone in the city turned on their A/C. My keyboard player's modules began to shut down one by one until all he had was the stock piano patch and that died as soon as we finished.
The twin handles a dark tone a bit better. But really, both can do venues or garage sessions with ease. It's a good problem having to choose between the 2!
Yeaa. I wager the TM groups are a bit touchy over the channel jump and no ext cab out. To be fair though, many have found fault in the line out of a grudge against class d. So some may be justifiably mum.
@@breilly66 seems a good IR loader and effects loop would have made the TMs unbeatable Leaning towards Tone X and the new fender FRFR as a more versatile option for the same price 🤷🏻♂️
This thing gives me ear fatigue. Digital is powerful and class D amplifiers are really useful, however my ears get exhausted really fast with these amps. I had the deluxe and a quilter, both really sucked the life out of me. I can’t quantify why because they both really nail that fender tone but something on the high end is like a constant dog whistle in my ear. Most people don’t seem to experience the same thing, most are switching to digital, I have really tried to love them but I just can’t.
Here's what I've noticed. These are great pedal platforms and lean into a dark tone nicely. However..... any measurable delay or outsourced Reverb and the TR gets a very distracting high frequency response that I couldn't use live or in the studio. Love the amp. But gave up on certain tones when they would not come across cleanly.
I have a TM Princeton, play jazz, 335 - vol on 4. Clean, sounds and dynamics similar to what I remember from my 66’ bandmaster - distortion on TMs too harsh for blues and rock where you need grind
Been playing mine all over the country for 4 years now, and still love it!
Exactly! Mines still unbeatable as well! Best for the dollar I've ever had
This is a very useful re-review. wish more 'hey check out my new amp' guys revisited their assessments. New amp technology has emerged steadily forward these recent years and this is THE time to embrace everything it has to offer us and let got of the valve bias(pun intended)
Thanks for the review - interesting about the street gig. Glad it never re-occurred.
I own both a Super and a Deluxe Reverb Tone Masters, and my Twin Reissue and Marshall Stacks are gathering dust in my studio (got rid of my AC30 last year, never used it and too heavy to carry around). I could never been happier with those Tone Masters, 22 and 45 Watts, different tones, one is light and the other one is even lighter!
I was after a TM Twin, but I got a S/H Super instead. No regrets! Limited lifespan? Maybe, but my 2009 Mac Pro is still working fine in the studio (Just finished mixing two new CDs).
And I''m 70 anyway, so who cares of what will happen in 15/20 years!!
5 will get you 10 says that thing will be working for you at 105!
Exactly what you said! No one is going to need or use the full 85 watts. If you’re practicing alone, that’s ear splitting loud and if you’re playing a show, it’s still way too loud for stage volumes being what they are today. I initially bought the twin when it first came out and loved it, but quickly realized it was overkill. So while still within my return window at GC, I returned it and bought the Deluxe Reverb model. Love it, haven’t looked back. It’s all anyone needs and then some.
I experienced that same drop off and reboot. Once. Been solid ever since.
One great attribute of this amp that gets overlooked is that it doesn’t pump out HEAT like tube amps do. That can really help in a small room.
Great playing and video.
First good amp I owned was a bassman head and a pair of 15” JBL’s… Used that for years and had the head rebuilt and used for more years… Then one of those tweed 40 watt deluxe things from the 90’s… Both loud as hell and why I have hearing loss as well… Ok, well the reason I had hearing loss is because I turned them up too loud all the time… I recently bought the tone master deluxe and if I’d been able to do that back in the day, I might not be quite as deaf… probably not, I was young and liked loud… I love the deluxe TM but it resides at the rehearsal space so I recently ordered (still awaiting) the Princeton TM for use at home…
Thanks for the great videos, love your guitar restorations…
Great video, I just recently bought a used tone master deluxe, I had previously been trying to get a Katana to do the job, and it can but the fender is what I learned to play with and so much simpler and straightforward… and the game changer is that knob on the back… Pull up your tone on the front panel and then set the level you want on the back…
Seriously, the attenuator is a game changer!
Thanks for your review. I've had a similar experience with a Deluxe Reverb Tone Master. I was given it by my brother who worked for Fender at the time and was then playing through an AC15 and Red Knob The Twin. Initially, I didn't really like the Tone Master compared to the tube amps, but slowly I just started using it all the time, mainly because I could just switch it on and play it, and it always sounded the same, unlike the tube amps. Then, maybe because the speakers broke in and I learned how to set it how I liked, I started using it because I preferred the sound, and recently sold the AC15 (no one wants the Twin). I'm aware that, like a computer, it may have a limited lifespan, but would definitely buy another. I'd love a Tweed amp version or for Vox to make a digital AC30. As much as I like the idea of using tube amps, the practicalities of this technology make it so convenient compared to them. Half the price and with less than half the weight, and variable volume control and no 15 minute wait for it to sound good, they just have too many advantages.
Absolutely. And if they did a tweed bassman TM or Vox had a viable competitive model, I'd be all over that.
I have had this same amp since it was available here in Australia, I think it was late 2019. Twin Reverb Tone Master with the Jensens Neo speakers. It has been a superb amp. It gets used daily, and used weekly for rehearsals by a bunch of teens, who forget to switch it off, play with all the dials, turn it on and off in short time spaces. It has had no problems in this time. I t works the same as it did from day one.
It sounds great. I use it mostly at home on the 5watt setting on volume 10 to get that breakup or on the 12watt setting for a clean sound volume at around 6-7. That is plenty loud!
I would love to try the deluxe reverb version of this to see if gets that more broken up sound, and I am also curious as to what people have found swapping speakers as I don't like using pedals on this amp beyond a Boost.
Great re- review mate, and killer playing!
Exactly. Just a very good setup good for home or abroad.
And thank you for watching, Rob! Glad you dug it! I'm jonesing for the Super Reverb version and can't sing this things praises enough. 🙏
@@NBodi Hehehe. You sound like you live a happy life mate. Keep smiling. ;)
Great revisit of this amp. I never even considered one of these before this video.
Love the interaction you’re getting in the comments too.
Totally! However, I literally thought to myself..... "ehhh... we're gonna need another one this week. This vid is bizarrely normal and free of beautifully broken gear. Lol. Felt like a cheat!
I find it cool that you have your front door open and jamming out into the busy street. You got a sub from me. Anyways, I been thinking about getting a deluxe for my extra apt on my mom property and to have the step down attendulator. Thanks for the video!
Absolutely! Wouldn't be neighborhood without a bit of noise. And thanks for the sub!
Great video. I own one too (and the TM Deluxe Reverb). One of the many things I’ve had no issue with is just how reliable it is - also been really happy with the IR/XLR out…. Killer product. So versitatile.
Glad you like the xlr out. I like the convenience, but not in love with the tone. Plug ins help a bit.
So… I’ve got a blonde tonemaster twin. I play in a punk band. I generally use it on the highest settings at shows/practice, but it’s on 5 or so. Then on the lowest setting at home. I’ve got a half stack and I’ve got a blues jr too, but really haven’t played either of them since picking this up. It is kind of a do it all amp. I’ve never had a problem with it. Sounds great. Takes pedals. Easy to take places. Looks great. People have weird feelings about them, but it’s a legit great amp.
Thanks for the video. I JUST ordered one of these. Sound like I could have got away with the deluxe! Oh well, always wanted a twin reverb. Enjoying your channel!🎉
Happy I could help! And thanks for tuning in!
One of my fav guitarists, cool vid!
Cheers Ny! Far too kind!
I have the Super Reverb Tonemaster and I love it.
I want one. Still looking locally!
It really sounds amazing. Although your playing certainly helps it shine.
Too kind! 🙏
I have the blonde version and I never thought I’d use the 85w setting either, but yeah just did at a band gig in a VERY loud high ceiling bar. Had the volume at 4 too. The house was running it out front via the DI/Cab sim XLR so they were happy to be in control out there. I could hear myself all night. The kick back legs are so handy too, especially on smaller stages where I’m only a few feet from the amp.
I’d like to get a Princeton version next, for those gigs when I don’t have the space to transport the twin, which is really only its (obvious) con, it’s size. Weight is no problem though! Easy one hand carry.
Exactly to this! All the more reason I'm not hunting for a super Reverb TM now! Such good rigs for the money.
I haven't played the blonde version, but the standard one blew my mind! What did you find better with the blonde version?
Interesting you mentioned the re-boot/power loss! I was playing a wedding once, and after I'd set up and checked sound, the celebrant comes in and plugs all their equipment into the same power outlet, followed by the DJ with their equipment... came down to show time and I beging to play... the amp was on, but there was no sound coming out of it. Too much of a voltage demand from the one power source. Incredible amp that needs its own power source.
Interesting! And yes, it happened when I was on the same source as the bass rig and pedal board!
I gigged the Twin and Super Reverb Tone Masters a bunch of times and wasn't disappointed. I kept the Super and sold the Twin. I probably should have gone the other way. I had zero issues with either of them. I'm current trying the new Tone Master Pro which has all of the Tone Master amps in it and a million other things too. Still seems easy to use though. The cabinet Fender released for it weighs nothing and looks exactly like a Hot Rod Deluxe, but also has the tilt back legs. I haven't played out with it yet, but I'm looking forward to it.
I think Fender is on a streak. Throwing tilt back legs on everything is such a bonus for live venues. Instant monitor.
You gotta let us know how it carries live. That new setup could be a killer.
The Super reverb..... yup. I want one of those pretty badly.
@@breilly66the Super is absolutely awesome.
I have one. The driven sound is horrible but that's OK as it's a great pedal platform. You can run different ODs into each channel and A/B between them if you want. Always remember there are likely to be regular firmware updates so you're not necessarily stuck with what left the factory.
I don’t like the attenuator knob on the back. It feels flimsy. Glad to hear yours is going strong.
Yeeaaa. Truth. The attenuator know does feel pretty flimsy. Had def noticed that as well.
Sick playing
Much appreciated 🙏
Wonderful video! Question: Why not the blonde one? BTW checked out the new kinetics, great guitar, great fun!
What does the "Cabinet Sim" switch do?
I haven't used it live but I've read you can use a direct line and have the cab Sim "shape" the eq to replicate different cabs.
I can't say if it works or is any good regrettably
The cat cameos are my favorite. Why so much 66? (The route?)
Yup! I'm a massive road trip urban ruin history buff. Rt 66 is just a vastly undertold cultural phenomenon.
Plus if a right handed thief runs off with my amp at a show, the white paint is something visible from afar. A scenario not entirely uncommon in my experiences. And I prefer not to have my name on things.
And I'm certain Jaimie Boy appreciates that. If ever the channel really caught on, I'd have to assume it was J Boy. Lol
Only minor issue, I have to boost the highs to get the same sound as my tube Twin reissue.
Nothing an EQ pedal can’t fix
4:34 yes u do. Mids control. 2x12 speakers wider sound!
Yea! We do need it. Lol. If someone tried to take the TR TM from me now I'd fight them. Keeping this thing till it won't work anymore.
@@breilly66 me too. Ive come from a toneking skyking. Its getting sold. Now thats saying something.
Dude..... absolutely
I have a Tone Master and have tired running the XLR into an M Audio audio interface into my IMac/Garageband. It is quiet but sounds noisy and still like a line in no matter what the cab sim is. Any ideas?
Hey Mike, let me ask my brother and see if he can help. He's using that setup and will know more than me!
@@breilly66 Appreciate it!
@eldeeds99 Hey Mike, hope your ok with this but I'm pulling my brother and sister in on this. They are using a similar setup and are way more familiar with the program. @magdalena_reilly
@josephr9930
@@breilly66 That's great. Appreciate the help!
Hey Mike, apologies for the delay!
Ok, so believe it or not, it looks like we may have discovered a platform problem here.
There are a few people online who have had the same issue. Lots of hiss and weak output. I'm guessing you've already done cable swapping.
I'm going to keep reading up on this, and I will pipe in tomorrow. There's gotta be a way to get it sorted.
Your problem might have been low voltage. Digital amps and keyboard modules don't like low voltage. Lab Series amps were known to have shut downs with low voltage and some people never experienced it too. I was doing a show on a hot August night just south of Boston and everyone in the city turned on their A/C. My keyboard player's modules began to shut down one by one until all he had was the stock piano patch and that died as soon as we finished.
TM amps are not bad, but for digital clones I expected that they sound closer to the original models...
Looks like a fun practice, small gig amp. It does not sound like a real fender twin reverb tube amp.
Crazy that you never turned the amp up all the way. That says a lot about how far people have come from those days of walls of full stacks. 👍
Totally. Its a more reasonable culture I think. Gone are the excess 80s
Might have been low voltage from the venue
Hi, does it take pedals ok ? 🙂
It does. Except one.
Reverb. If the TM gets a whiff of an outside Reverb it starts throwing weird high frequencies that can show up on a recording. :(
I have both the Deluxe and Twin sitting in front of me with a direct A/B and for the life cannot decide. Any advice?
The twin handles a dark tone a bit better. But really, both can do venues or garage sessions with ease. It's a good problem having to choose between the 2!
Is this a made in China amplifier?
If you are running the amp with gain and turn your volume on your guitar down, will it clean up like a tube amp?
Absolutely.
Is this amp capable of jumping the channels?
Regrettably not. The design is a bridge too far and it only cuts the signal in an odd way.
@@breilly66 - Thanks, no one seems to want to discuss it.
Yeaa. I wager the TM groups are a bit touchy over the channel jump and no ext cab out. To be fair though, many have found fault in the line out of a grudge against class d. So some may be justifiably mum.
Yes. I did it on my reverb deluxe. It sounds like a mix between both channels.
Do you ever use the ir out / to front of house at gigs or to record?
I’ve heard it’s not great in that regard
Has that been your experience?
I have not used it myself. But regrettably, have heard complaints about hiss and low outputs. 🤔
@@breilly66 seems a good IR loader and effects loop would have made the TMs unbeatable
Leaning towards Tone X and the new fender FRFR as a more versatile option for the same price 🤷🏻♂️
The rebooting was almost certainly a loss of power - not the amp.
I think you're right. Just the other day it did it again. Like alot. Changed out my boards power strip and bam. Right as rain.
Well... IF the cat approves then it must be okay.
Exactly. He despises much. And what he doesn't despise, must be good. ✊️
This thing gives me ear fatigue. Digital is powerful and class D amplifiers are really useful, however my ears get exhausted really fast with these amps. I had the deluxe and a quilter, both really sucked the life out of me. I can’t quantify why because they both really nail that fender tone but something on the high end is like a constant dog whistle in my ear. Most people don’t seem to experience the same thing, most are switching to digital, I have really tried to love them but I just can’t.
Here's what I've noticed. These are great pedal platforms and lean into a dark tone nicely.
However..... any measurable delay or outsourced Reverb and the TR gets a very distracting high frequency response that I couldn't use live or in the studio.
Love the amp. But gave up on certain tones when they would not come across cleanly.
@@breilly66 I traded mine for the real deluxe and I can happily play that thing for hours at any volume.
Heck yea! Just the right speaker combination needed?
Uuggghhhh. That break up sound is horrendous. Clean is king, and I use my multi effects for distortion.
I have a TM Princeton, play jazz, 335 - vol on 4. Clean, sounds and dynamics similar to what I remember from my 66’ bandmaster - distortion on TMs too harsh for blues and rock where you need grind
If Fender says it's a Twin Reverb, it's a Twin Reverb.
Exactly.
This puts my mind somewhat more at ease. Thanks again!
Not correct. Played one today and NO WAY is the headroom and depth the same. Not even close.
Dude... the TM has 200 watts at full tilt. How much headroom do you need?
@@thomasslaughter7766 I didn't say I said it. Heck, I don't even work here.
the cat
Somebody was cutting your ac supply, out of spite.
Nah. It was a festival stage with security and I was on the same strip as the keys.
Tacky stencil
Get over yourself. Most shows I play there are several TRs in loading.
Stenciling amps is not for looks. It's so gear doesn't get lost or disputed.