Haven’t watched any of your videos in a long time, and I gotta say, Shane, with this video I see you’ve really upped your game as a presenter. Very clear, concise and informative. Great job!
Just got my own Super Sonic 22 and can’t say enough good things about it. The effects loop footswitch is ingenious. The dual gain drive, also ingenious. The reverb sounds very smooth, tho, if you really want that surf or slapback reverb sound you’ll need a reverb pedal. It’s a reverb that blends in with your sound moreso than being it’s own effect.
Nobody will ever convince me that the deluxe reverb is a better amp than the supersonic 22 when you set it up correctly. The burn channel is always on with gain 1 at 4-5, gain 2 off, treble and middle up. It gives the best edge of breakup clean tone of nearly any amp I’ve owned. My main amp is a ‘67 super reverb but I’ll always bring the supersonic without hesitation for smaller gigs.
Great comparison of two iconic Fender amps!! You offer great arguments for bot the Super-Sonic 22 and the Deluxe Reverb. While I would lean towards the Deluxe Reverb (a 68), I see the value of the Super-Sonic 22. Appreciate your opinions and experience Shane! Cheers!!🎸🎸😎🤙🏾
If you don't like the reverb on the Deluxe, you can run the reverb "send" into channel 1*, then plug your guitar into channel 2. The controls for channel 1 will now work on the reverb: the Volume will work as a kind of "depth", and you can use the "treble" and "bass" to shape the reverb's EQ. You can also use a lower gain tube for the reverb driver to reduce the level of reverb. *You may need to use a 1' patch cable with a female end to plug the reverb line into, it's a rather short cable to get to reach channel 1's input
I have the 60W SuperSonic. It is a beast. It will shake the windows at 3-4. I use it in an Iso-box, so I can crank it to 4 and it sounds glorious. I use the Bassman side. The Vibrolux side is unbelievably bright, but you can EQ it to sound very good clean.
3 years into supersonic ownership after renting a Deluxe Reverb for a month. Never looked back. Great pedal platform and you can get surfy tones if you try.
I remember back in 2013 I bought a Marshall DSL 40 and my best friend got a blonde Supersonic 22. Sounded great together in our band. It was the Shane back line!
I’ve been using a Super Sonic for years and love it. Very versatile with the EFX loop and gain channel. Ii use it in a wet/dry with a Princeton Reverb also with an Eminence 12” makes a great setup.
The Tonemaster Blonde deluxe reverb though is sooo fkn gorgeous. And they really did a good job simulating the tube version. Unbelieavable for the money
Good review my friend I just put a supersonic 22 on lay bar today I am very happy about what I did I was going for a tone master twin and I was humming and hiring between the supersonic or the tone master twin and I thought no I'm going for the supersonic even though I have heard that there is some problems with it but I thought I'm going to give it a go I reckon there's issues with every amp every amp has got a story to tell Thanks for your review and thanks David Thumbs up from Geelong 👍
I've had the same 69 Bandmaster Reverb since 1984 and I can't imagine ever wanting to change amps. Fender amps are the Holy Grail of cleans and a great pedal platform. I do like that Super Sonic amp though, sounds great!
The Bandmaster Reverbs are amazing amps! My personal favorite amp is my ‘67 Bandmaster. It’s different than the Bandmaster Reverb due the to obvious reverb difference, as well as the non-reverb one have a solid state rectifier, but they are still more similar than not. I almost exclusively play chords- either 70’s hard rock style, or clean open chord strumming. When I turn it up to 6 or 7, and strike a power chord, it’s just absolute 70’s rock n roll heaven. The solid state rectifier lends itself so well to this style. But if I was a more versatile guitarist, and played a lot of leads and other stuff, I would definitely want Bandmaster Reverb like you have! They are amazing amps. It’s just that for what I do, the simplicity of circuit, and solid state rectifier, are exactly what I need. Random question- does your ‘69 BMR have the drip edge around the grill cloth? It doesn’t mean anything, I’m just curious.
as you explained the amp wasn't loud enough, you showed a video of a gig. your amp was level on the floor, and you were right on top of it. the guy with the bad cat had his on a stand angled up. to me, i play always with a slanted quad, as i get a great angle to ear to hear my amp at low volume, probably alot quieter than your combo on the floor for myself, the audience and the sound engineer, which in the bands i play in is usually myself. 22watts has plenty db to cut a loud drummer if you follow bad cat dude. not having a go, just an observation. cheers.
Saw one of your older reviews of the super sonic because I was torn between the two. Thanks Shane for doing these reviews. Because of your video I’m buying the head/cab version of the super sonic. Good to see you again Shane @Intheblues. Just hanging out in Nevada now just another day in Paradox 😉
Good to hear a genuine comparison bw these 2 lovely amps. I’ll take the liberty of extending your comments to my 68CDR, (yes, not identical) and find them reassuring!
I did exactly that. I purchased 3 SF DR's and they all had issues. I went to the Super Sonic, because it was a similar type amp. WOW!!!!!! It does the DR PLUS lots more !!!!! I don't use trem or reverb, so that didn't matter much. Mine was in a limited edition Black and Gold. I also have the matching LE Super Sonic Twin Amp.
I had the exact same issues. I bought three from GC. One even started smoking. The SS 22 is amazing !!!! Actually, it was four. There was a 1980's DR II that also had its issues.
One more potential advantage to some is that the super sonic also has a head version, which is pretty have for fender, so it's not quite a straight comparison between both, but still could be relevant to some
Awesome video Shane! I think it would be cool if you wrote a track and performed it with each of your guitars through the super sonic. Might be longy but I’d watch it lol
Paul R Smith needs to send you a nice core custom 24 for doing a great job showing off your own for his company. Even though you are not playing it for free advertising, he should send you one. Outstanding review of the amp man thanks.
i asked Tony McKenzie i was looking for a Fender amp. He said Fender Super Sonic 22 was one of the best amps Fender made. I still have my heart on The Fender Hot Rod Deville ML .I watched your best 11 Fender amps i did like the Bass Breaker 30R . I'm just not sure too many good amps to choose from
I think the SS has a phenomenal drive tone. It is so unique. But I have to say that the deluxe blows it away in so many other categories. It sounds much better with pedals, has a bigger, rounder, more 3D tone. And obviously the cleans are just incomparable. That edge of breakup tone on a DR is something to behold.
Yeah, that is a very tough choice. You know I went Blonde Tone Master version. I just can't afford or really carry around that big of an amp. You start compromising when your body is battered.
@Neon Thunderbird same here. It sounds absolutely amazing. Every time I play through it, I keep looking back at it because I can't believe it's digital. It sounds so dam good.
This amp lives up to the super in its name, all you really need is a nice delay pedal in the FX loop and you can control the rest with the foot switch, the dirty channel can be crunchy distorted or even fuzzy depending how you set the EQ and the drive #2 knob, which basically controls the amount of compression. Honestly I am sure the deluxe is a nice amp, but the super sonic clean channel, imo, has all the fender clean 6v6 magic, and the dirty channel is incredible you will probably appreciate it over any dirt pedals because of how much of the amps character it retains while distorting. Also the clean channel will overdrive when pushed above 4-5. The fat switch on the clean channel is more mids forward type of sound, they are both nice and it gives you a slight volume boost which makes it come out in the mix.
The FX loop ON / OFF is a giant feature for me. I do not know why an amp company does not include it 100% of the time. 1 of the major selling points for me was the Mesa Triple Crown 50 watt head. People need to be careful when buying a Fender Super Sonic 22 amplifier. There a 2 different types of footswitches. I bought mine used w no footswitch. The 3 button has NO FX loop ON /Off on the pedal. The 4 button one does have it for 25.00 more. Thank you for a great video. I love your playing style. It fit the amp.
I think Fender owe you big. After browsing so so many forums and vids, yours about the ss22w made my mind up. It’s sitting just beside me now and 22 is waaaay loud but it’s possible to be tamed. Thanks for so great reviews, man. Also, your old sad reviews about discontinued ss’s probably helped them revitalize it. Cheers m8! Edit: About to get my hands on a vox15c1-tvb, let’s see how it goes…
When it comes to 22-watt amps the SS22 and Deluxe are the most common choices. Which one do you like best and why? I cover the pros and cons of both amps in this video. 🛒 Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/15ORvx 🛒 Thomann - bit.ly/3bs9DSv 🛒 Sky Music - alnk.to/bEdnp2D (affiliate links)
Was struggling with which to get. Ended up going DRRI with the alnico Jensen. Just can't beat that reverb and I saw too many concerns/issues online with noise issues in the supersonic.
I was able to try both amps before I decided on the Ss-22. Personally, for the two pedals boards I use, the SS has the magic. Of course either amp is very good and should be tried out before purchase. It is great to read other players input, before a major investment. Keep up the great work Shane.
I've tried both, but owned the SS22. Unbeatable amp for versatility and tone for the price. Excellent for home use. I sold mine due to wanting to try something else and not having the finances to justify 2 amps. It wasn't the right decision. I'd buy another one tomorrow
Thanks for the review, excellent as usual. I have been a fan of Super Sonic for a while, but can't afford one. I really hope Fender do a Tonemaster Super Sonic 60.
The WGS et65 also sounds great with both of this amps , I have one one a DRR and I just installed 2 , on a supersonic 2x12 cab , and it sounds killer , it is a very fast response speaker , especially on a closed back cab
Great video. Thanks👌. I have a HRD .. just got a 65 Deluxe… love it! & I mean really love it! Will keep an eye out for a SS after watching this . Cheers.
Great video, thanks! I own a 22 and I noticed that the combo cabinet is 1 inch thinner than the Deluxe (front to back 8.5 vs 9.5). It sounds a bit lacking in the bottom end on either channel. So I bypass the internal speaker for a hot rod 112 cab for a bit extra bottom at home. Hate to do that, but it sounds better. On a gig, I just use the combo. Current internal speaker is Celestion A-Type.
You touched on the Jensen C12 speaker. A few months ago I accidentally paired a Jensen (Italian) C12N 4 ohm 50watt with the tiny Vox VMV50. I'm so pleased with this combination I have set up 2 rigs using gutted combo cabinets(lightweight stereo!). I humbly suggest if you really want to "hear" those tiny MV's plug it into that Jensen C12N.
I love my Supersonic 22 and it’s been my amp for over a decade, but the early models had problems with the reverb. After 3 reverb repairs I gave up and just run a Holy Grail through the loop. They might have fixed that by now. Besides that, it’s an amazing amp and I’ll never part with it.
My bandmate had the SS-22. It had so many problems with weird noises and crackles. It was brought into the shop a number of times and could be fixed. He ditched it and got one of the new Princeton Reverbs and it's far better.
Another great video as usual Shane. The Deluxe Reverb is louder with the better reverb and vibrato while the Super Sonic is more versatile. They both sound fantastic of course.
Love my supersonic head your videos had a big influence on my choice,. Matter of interest Shane what do you use on your fretboards to get that sheen thanks.
Shane I just purchased an amp in the same genre which is the ' GREG ' KOCH amp I haven't received it yet but I hope it is not a mistake, actually if I could figure out a way to loan it to you for a review I would do it brother, I've been a 'SUB' of for a long time, really love your channel, I trust your opinion on gear, thanks from Florida
@@intheblues reading the comments as I listen to the review and your reply here caught my attention. I've been to Sarasota twice, including my sister's wedding. Was a decent trek from Melbourne for those other than fam who made it over. And no, my sis doesn't live there, she married an English bloke. Go figure. 🤣🤣🤣
@@intheblues I wish you would contact me if you do make it, if you have an email address I can send some contact info, their is a little mom and pop vintage guitar place close to me that I know you would love not far from where you will be
I have been using the DRR Western limited edition and now I wear stetsons and cowboy boots while playing my geetaaah; yes siree bob! The Bugera power soak works well with it too.
Greetings from Geelong. Thank you Shane for this and your other great reviews. I just scored one of the Supersonic 22s on eBay for not too much $$$ and have a couple of questions. Firstly according the the previous owner it is around 10 years old and it has a 'Fender Special Design' label on the back of the speaker. Is this a Vintage 30? Secondly, what would be your choice of a replacement speaker to add more clean headroom? I get the idea this is possible, but am hoping for a recommendation. I play a MIM Jazzmaster with the 4-way switch and vintage 65 pickups. I play mainly American covers, and want to try my hand at surf. I appreciate your opinions.
I have always "Thought" I wanted the SuperSonic 2x12's Stack, mainly because it is the closest available today to the Fender Amps I used when I was teaching myself guitar in 1962. But the more I'm learning about it? The less I'm finding it matching my playing style (which I think your description when you mentioned 60's surf music is the concise version. I have other interests, but do not include distortion, gain, or overdrive.) This leads me back to the question I've asked before, is the Fender ToneMaster Super Reverb a good companion amplifier to my Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus. I'm hoping the 4x10's might add the "extra" I'm searching for. I'm not the least bit disappointed in my Roland JC-120 at all. I'm just curious if it is really the "Only Amp I Need or Will Ever Need!?!?!?!?" (Can it "really" be that "simple????") Great video and please keep them coming.
I have struggled to get phasing sorted properly when running an amp with 12” speakers along with an amp with 10” speakers. In my case, an Engl Ironball through a 1x12” and a JC40 with its built-in 2x10”. You will have an easier time with matching size speakers. So, maybe the TM Twin Reverb with your JC120
@@tpherndon Try a Radial Engineering Headlight pedal. You can switch between 4 amps and any combo thereof, The phase of each individually can be reversed, along with lifting ground individually as well. A great tool for multi-amp set-ups.
Great review but man so disagree with you about the C12K. That was the first thing to go on my DR 65. Neo V type or Creamback will bring one to life and lighten the amp considerably.
My only issue I have with my SS22 is the reverb keeps going out. It's something with the cable. I have replaced it. I cleaned the connection. But still is just goes out and then will be fine. I love the amp though. It's my go too. Just would like to figure out why this keeps happening.
The way gigging is today with db meters etc (not that lve played in anger for a few yrs) where do ya get the chance to crank anything? I'd go the SS only cos of the loop & master...also never heard a Cel Redback..l learned sumthin!
Good points Shane! Hey, DO you know the studio just around the corner from you? It's called, 'Soggy Dog Recording'! Seems like a PRO place. Maybe you should check it out and do a video on it. Maybe a series of suburban recording studios around Melb. There's still quite a FEW about! Cheers mate!
8 times double-crossing the mighty deluxe!! I think that a modern day player would buy the supersonic and then after he would love the fender clean he would buy the deluxe as well!!
Thanks for the review. A couple of questions: what about price? Is DR more $$? Also are they constructed the same way or does SS use cheaper modern circuit boards? Does SS have reliability issues?
Price is easy to find. Just check the links in the description or google a local shop. Reliability issues I can confirm. I have an update video about my experience with this amp. :(
There's also the SuperSonic 60 if you need more headroom. Yeah, the drop in bass on the Burn channel is very noticable and annoying. I wonder if there is a simple resister mod to alter that.
One of my first memories of playing “real” gear was playing a Fender American Standard Strat (black with a maple fretboard) through a Super Sonic 100 watt 2x12 (I thought the blond look was so cool). At the time, I was like “this is the set up.” Got a Princeton not too long ago, but not sure why I didn’t consider a Super Sonic 22.
The SS 22 is way different than the 100w version. The bigger version is basically a Twin with some cool preamp tricks. They sound completely different. And honestly the Princeton is a much better amp than the ss22. You made a great choice.
Thanks for the video. As an avid Chiefs fan I wonder if I can believe anything you say…….but I guess guitar and football are not the same. I do think Josh is a hall of fame player (but don’t tell any of my friends).
Effects loop puts the SS way over the top assuming it sounds good. Problem is, I love a juicy reverb but there's plenty of nice pedals that give you that.
![[UNCUT] The Loyal Pin ปิ่นภักดิ์ EP.15 (1/4)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/TLBjiHvkKtE/mqdefault.jpg)
0:00 to 7:43 - man, I really want a super-sonic 22! 7:44 to 8:48 - man, I really want a deluxe reverb! Great video!
having an effects loops is a major +1 for me
Haven’t watched any of your videos in a long time, and I gotta say, Shane, with this video I see you’ve really upped your game as a presenter. Very clear, concise and informative. Great job!
This is exactly the best type of comparison review on TH-cam. Clear, concise, and thorough. Thanks so much
Thank goodness for these reviews and the amazing guitar playing. They cheer me up while the world spins into madness😀…..
world's doing just fine here.
I do love deluxe reverbs but the super sonic offers so much more for the same price range. Excellent review as always.
Just got my own Super Sonic 22 and can’t say enough good things about it. The effects loop footswitch is ingenious. The dual gain drive, also ingenious.
The reverb sounds very smooth, tho, if you really want that surf or slapback reverb sound you’ll need a reverb pedal. It’s a reverb that blends in with your sound moreso than being it’s own effect.
Great review of the differences! Love the Bills shirt!!
Nobody will ever convince me that the deluxe reverb is a better amp than the supersonic 22 when you set it up correctly. The burn channel is always on with gain 1 at 4-5, gain 2 off, treble and middle up. It gives the best edge of breakup clean tone of nearly any amp I’ve owned. My main amp is a ‘67 super reverb but I’ll always bring the supersonic without hesitation for smaller gigs.
Just put those settings on mine! Thanks for the tip
Perfectly said
I just got one yesterday, thanks for the tip.
Great video mate! Good to hear the differences.
Great comparison of two iconic Fender amps!! You offer great arguments for bot the Super-Sonic 22 and the Deluxe Reverb. While I would lean towards the Deluxe Reverb (a 68), I see the value of the Super-Sonic 22. Appreciate your opinions and experience Shane! Cheers!!🎸🎸😎🤙🏾
Great overview and comparison. Two fantastic amps.
I met my wife while playing a 40w Champion on the Supersonic setting. That amp will always have my vote lol.
If you don't like the reverb on the Deluxe, you can run the reverb "send" into channel 1*, then plug your guitar into channel 2. The controls for channel 1 will now work on the reverb: the Volume will work as a kind of "depth", and you can use the "treble" and "bass" to shape the reverb's EQ.
You can also use a lower gain tube for the reverb driver to reduce the level of reverb.
*You may need to use a 1' patch cable with a female end to plug the reverb line into, it's a rather short cable to get to reach channel 1's input
You have certainly spiked my interest in the Super Sonic. Nice vid Shane
I have the 60W SuperSonic. It is a beast. It will shake the windows at 3-4. I use it in an Iso-box, so I can crank it to 4 and it sounds glorious. I use the Bassman side. The Vibrolux side is unbelievably bright, but you can EQ it to sound very good clean.
3 years into supersonic ownership after renting a Deluxe Reverb for a month. Never looked back. Great pedal platform and you can get surfy tones if you try.
Been trying to explain why this is a great amp to my buddies. Nice!
I remember back in 2013 I bought a Marshall DSL 40 and my best friend got a blonde Supersonic 22. Sounded great together in our band. It was the Shane back line!
I’ve been using a Super Sonic for years and love it. Very versatile with the EFX loop and gain channel. Ii use it in a wet/dry with a Princeton Reverb also with an Eminence 12” makes a great setup.
The Tonemaster Blonde deluxe reverb though is sooo fkn gorgeous. And they really did a good job simulating the tube version. Unbelieavable for the money
You must own one
Shane, you got the best guitar channel on TH-cam. Keep up the good work bro!
Thanks so much mate!
I have both! The Super Sonic 22 offers more flexibility. My Celestion G12H-150 Redback equipped Deluxe Reverb has a more lush tone.
I am hearing a lot of good things about those Redbacks.Have not had the chance to hear one in person yet.
Good review my friend
I just put a supersonic 22 on lay bar today I am very happy about what I did I was going for a tone master twin and I was humming and hiring between the supersonic or the tone master twin and I thought no I'm going for the supersonic even though I have heard that there is some problems with it but I thought I'm going to give it a go I reckon there's issues with every amp every amp has got a story to tell
Thanks for your review and thanks David
Thumbs up from Geelong 👍
I've had the same 69 Bandmaster Reverb since 1984 and I can't imagine ever wanting to change amps. Fender amps are the Holy Grail of cleans and a great pedal platform. I do like that Super Sonic amp though, sounds great!
Saya ada juga fender band master
The Bandmaster Reverbs are amazing amps! My personal favorite amp is my ‘67 Bandmaster. It’s different than the Bandmaster Reverb due the to obvious reverb difference, as well as the non-reverb one have a solid state rectifier, but they are still more similar than not. I almost exclusively play chords- either 70’s hard rock style, or clean open chord strumming. When I turn it up to 6 or 7, and strike a power chord, it’s just absolute 70’s rock n roll heaven. The solid state rectifier lends itself so well to this style. But if I was a more versatile guitarist, and played a lot of leads and other stuff, I would definitely want Bandmaster Reverb like you have! They are amazing amps. It’s just that for what I do, the simplicity of circuit, and solid state rectifier, are exactly what I need. Random question- does your ‘69 BMR have the drip edge around the grill cloth? It doesn’t mean anything, I’m just curious.
@@kevinmurtagh4996 yes indeed, it has the steel edge around the grille cloth and has a tube rectifier. It's a really sweet amp!
as you explained the amp wasn't loud enough, you showed a video of a gig. your amp was level on the floor, and you were right on top of it. the guy with the bad cat had his on a stand angled up. to me, i play always with a slanted quad, as i get a great angle to ear to hear my amp at low volume, probably alot quieter than your combo on the floor for myself, the audience and the sound engineer, which in the bands i play in is usually myself. 22watts has plenty db to cut a loud drummer if you follow bad cat dude. not having a go, just an observation. cheers.
Saw one of your older reviews of the super sonic because I was torn between the two. Thanks Shane for doing these reviews. Because of your video I’m buying the head/cab version of the super sonic. Good to see you again Shane @Intheblues. Just hanging out in Nevada now just another day in Paradox 😉
Good to hear a genuine comparison bw these 2 lovely amps. I’ll take the liberty of extending your comments to my 68CDR, (yes, not identical) and find them reassuring!
Great comparison Shane. Oh, the curse that is the overly-loud drummer.
That's why we have a mic'ed cajon player. No issues carrying my 34 lb Princeton to gigs! 💪
Been considering getting a DR and you’ve given me some things to consider. I always appreciate your reviews and thoughts, Shane. 🤘😊👍
Stick with the DR. You won’t be disappointed
🎸🎸Great review Shane, SuperSonic is a great amp for the price, I’ve said it before, that ‘Fat’ setting is the best!✌️
great overview of each 🎸👍
I use the Supersonic 22 Head through 2 Rola 1x12 Marshall cabs.I have no idea what it is supposed to sound like but I love the way it sounds.
I did exactly that. I purchased 3 SF DR's and they all had issues. I went to the Super Sonic, because it was a similar type amp. WOW!!!!!! It does the DR PLUS lots more !!!!! I don't use trem or reverb, so that didn't matter much. Mine was in a limited edition Black and Gold. I also have the matching LE Super Sonic Twin Amp.
I had the exact same issues. I bought three from GC. One even started smoking. The SS 22 is amazing !!!! Actually, it was four. There was a 1980's DR II that also had its issues.
One more potential advantage to some is that the super sonic also has a head version, which is pretty have for fender, so it's not quite a straight comparison between both, but still could be relevant to some
A few years ago, Fender was offering a Deluxe Reverb as a head… while no longer offered, you might find a used one out there.
Let’s go Buffalo. My favorite things Fender amps and the Buffalo Bills. Hi from Western New York
this is the most informative video i've seen all month
Awesome video Shane! I think it would be cool if you wrote a track and performed it with each of your guitars through the super sonic. Might be longy but I’d watch it lol
Great Review. I was curious about the two!!!
Paul R Smith needs to send you a nice core custom 24 for doing a great job showing off your own for his company. Even though you are not playing it for free advertising, he should send you one. Outstanding review of the amp man thanks.
I went down the fender amp rabbit hole recently and ended up with a 68 custom
Princeton. Add a plexi pedal and you’ve got a great distortion channel.
i asked Tony McKenzie i was looking for a Fender amp. He said Fender Super Sonic 22 was one of the best amps Fender made. I still have my heart on The Fender Hot Rod Deville ML .I watched your best 11 Fender amps i did like the Bass Breaker 30R . I'm just not sure too many good amps to choose from
Have had my Supersonic 22 for 9 years, will never get rid of it, in fact I have stocked up enough valves to last me 15 years at least. It's a keeper
Honest review! I really like my SS-22!
I think the SS has a phenomenal drive tone. It is so unique. But I have to say that the deluxe blows it away in so many other categories. It sounds much better with pedals, has a bigger, rounder, more 3D tone. And obviously the cleans are just incomparable. That edge of breakup tone on a DR is something to behold.
Hilarious 😂
Yeah, that is a very tough choice. You know I went Blonde Tone Master version. I just can't afford or really carry around that big of an amp. You start compromising when your body is battered.
@Neon Thunderbird same here. It sounds absolutely amazing. Every time I play through it, I keep looking back at it because I can't believe it's digital. It sounds so dam good.
@Neon Thunderbird 🍺
This amp lives up to the super in its name, all you really need is a nice delay pedal in the FX loop and you can control the rest with the foot switch, the dirty channel can be crunchy distorted or even fuzzy depending how you set the EQ and the drive #2 knob, which basically controls the amount of compression. Honestly I am sure the deluxe is a nice amp, but the super sonic clean channel, imo, has all the fender clean 6v6 magic, and the dirty channel is incredible you will probably appreciate it over any dirt pedals because of how much of the amps character it retains while distorting. Also the clean channel will overdrive when pushed above 4-5. The fat switch on the clean channel is more mids forward type of sound, they are both nice and it gives you a slight volume boost which makes it come out in the mix.
The FX loop ON / OFF is a giant feature for me. I do not know why an amp company does not include it 100% of the time. 1 of the major selling points for me was the Mesa Triple Crown 50 watt head. People need to be careful when buying a Fender Super Sonic 22 amplifier. There a 2 different types of footswitches. I bought mine used w no footswitch. The 3 button has NO FX loop ON /Off on the pedal. The 4 button one does have it for 25.00 more. Thank you for a great video. I love your playing style. It fit the amp.
I think Fender owe you big. After browsing so so many forums and vids, yours about the ss22w made my mind up. It’s sitting just beside me now and 22 is waaaay loud but it’s possible to be tamed.
Thanks for so great reviews, man. Also, your old sad reviews about discontinued ss’s probably helped them revitalize it.
Cheers m8!
Edit:
About to get my hands on a vox15c1-tvb, let’s see how it goes…
I like the SS 22 , very versatile , I like DR but I rarely use vibrato, great review as always Shane , you're my go to
When it comes to 22-watt amps the SS22 and Deluxe are the most common choices. Which one do you like best and why? I cover the pros and cons of both amps in this video.
🛒 Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/15ORvx
🛒 Thomann - bit.ly/3bs9DSv
🛒 Sky Music - alnk.to/bEdnp2D
(affiliate links)
Was struggling with which to get. Ended up going DRRI with the alnico Jensen. Just can't beat that reverb and I saw too many concerns/issues online with noise issues in the supersonic.
The Deluxe is the one for me Shane...although I don't mind the super sonic, one of the better newer amps Fender have made.
I was able to try both amps before I decided on the Ss-22. Personally, for the two pedals boards I use, the SS has the magic. Of course either amp is very good and should be tried out before purchase. It is great to read other players input, before a major investment. Keep up the great work Shane.
I've tried both, but owned the SS22. Unbeatable amp for versatility and tone for the price. Excellent for home use. I sold mine due to wanting to try something else and not having the finances to justify 2 amps. It wasn't the right decision. I'd buy another one tomorrow
@@jeremyjohnston592 - I understand Jeremy! Finances are a priority!
Thanks for the review, excellent as usual. I have been a fan of Super Sonic for a while, but can't afford one. I really hope Fender do a Tonemaster Super Sonic 60.
+1
The WGS et65 also sounds great with both of this amps , I have one one a DRR and I just installed 2 , on a supersonic 2x12 cab , and it sounds killer , it is a very fast response speaker , especially on a closed back cab
Great video. Thanks👌. I have a HRD .. just got a 65 Deluxe… love it! & I mean really love it! Will keep an eye out for a SS after watching this . Cheers.
Great video, thanks! I own a 22 and I noticed that the combo cabinet is 1 inch thinner than the Deluxe (front to back 8.5 vs 9.5). It sounds a bit lacking in the bottom end on either channel. So I bypass the internal speaker for a hot rod 112 cab for a bit extra bottom at home. Hate to do that, but it sounds better. On a gig, I just use the combo. Current internal speaker is Celestion A-Type.
That is interesting to know.
You touched on the Jensen C12 speaker. A few months ago I accidentally paired a Jensen (Italian) C12N 4 ohm 50watt with the tiny Vox VMV50. I'm so pleased with this combination I have set up 2 rigs using gutted combo cabinets(lightweight stereo!). I humbly suggest if you really want to "hear" those tiny MV's plug it into that Jensen C12N.
I love my Supersonic 22 and it’s been my amp for over a decade, but the early models had problems with the reverb. After 3 reverb repairs I gave up and just run a Holy Grail through the loop. They might have fixed that by now. Besides that, it’s an amazing amp and I’ll never part with it.
My bandmate had the SS-22. It had so many problems with weird noises and crackles. It was brought into the shop a number of times and could be fixed. He ditched it and got one of the new Princeton Reverbs and it's far better.
Another great video as usual Shane. The Deluxe Reverb is louder with the better reverb and vibrato while the Super Sonic is more versatile. They both sound fantastic of course.
This amp is Fender's best kept secret. I've got the head and built a matching cabinet for it and I love it.
Love the shirt...Go Bills!!!
As a Wyoming native, I appreciate the Bills t-shirt because of Josh Allen. Great video and Go Pokes!
I didn't know the Bills Mafia was in Australia!
Love my supersonic head your videos had a big influence on my choice,. Matter of interest Shane what do you use on your fretboards to get that sheen thanks.
Shane I just purchased an amp in the same genre which is the ' GREG ' KOCH amp I haven't received it yet but I hope it is not a mistake, actually if I could figure out a way to loan it to you for a review I would do it brother, I've been a 'SUB' of for a long time, really love your channel, I trust your opinion on gear, thanks from Florida
Hi Randy. I'll be in Florida mid-year all being well. Keep an eye on the updates. I'll be in Sarasota for a week or two coming up.
@@intheblues reading the comments as I listen to the review and your reply here caught my attention. I've been to Sarasota twice, including my sister's wedding.
Was a decent trek from Melbourne for those other than fam who made it over. And no, my sis doesn't live there, she married an English bloke. Go figure. 🤣🤣🤣
@@intheblues I wish you would contact me if you do make it, if you have an email address I can send some contact info, their is a little mom and pop vintage guitar place close to me that I know you would love not far from where you will be
Very helpful comparison!!! Do you recommend putting a Jensen C12K speaker in the Super Sonic to make it sound even nicer? cheers
I have been using the DRR Western limited edition and now I wear stetsons and cowboy boots while playing my geetaaah; yes siree bob! The Bugera power soak works well with it too.
Greetings from Geelong. Thank you Shane for this and your other great reviews. I just scored one of the Supersonic 22s on eBay for not too much $$$ and have a couple of questions. Firstly according the the previous owner it is around 10 years old and it has a 'Fender Special Design' label on the back of the speaker. Is this a Vintage 30? Secondly, what would be your choice of a replacement speaker to add more clean headroom? I get the idea this is possible, but am hoping for a recommendation. I play a MIM Jazzmaster with the 4-way switch and vintage 65 pickups. I play mainly American covers, and want to try my hand at surf. I appreciate your opinions.
Which one is better? Hot rod deluxe or super sonic?
Yes! Go Bills!!!!
Great stuff as always mate.
Always loved the super sonic.
Great information...Thanks!
Thanks for the kind support mate. 😎👍
How can I not take the word off Bills Fan,
Great Video
Thanks!
Go Bills!
anyone else notice popping when switching from the vintage to the burn channel?
Shane help. Supersonic or the Mesa Boogie Fillmore???
I have always "Thought" I wanted the SuperSonic 2x12's Stack, mainly because it is the closest available today to the Fender Amps I used when I was teaching myself guitar in 1962. But the more I'm learning about it? The less I'm finding it matching my playing style (which I think your description when you mentioned 60's surf music is the concise version. I have other interests, but do not include distortion, gain, or overdrive.) This leads me back to the question I've asked before, is the Fender ToneMaster Super Reverb a good companion amplifier to my Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus. I'm hoping the 4x10's might add the "extra" I'm searching for. I'm not the least bit disappointed in my Roland JC-120 at all. I'm just curious if it is really the "Only Amp I Need or Will Ever Need!?!?!?!?" (Can it "really" be that "simple????") Great video and please keep them coming.
I have struggled to get phasing sorted properly when running an amp with 12” speakers along with an amp with 10” speakers. In my case, an Engl Ironball through a 1x12” and a JC40 with its built-in 2x10”. You will have an easier time with matching size speakers. So, maybe the TM Twin Reverb with your JC120
@@tpherndon Try a Radial Engineering Headlight pedal. You can switch between 4 amps and any combo thereof, The phase of each individually can be reversed, along with lifting ground individually as well. A great tool for multi-amp set-ups.
@@docyoung7600 Phase reversal isn’t sufficient. I have an ABY that does phase reversal. The 10s and the 12s are only *partially* out of phase.
I liked before watching… I just know it’s gonna be good
Great review but man so disagree with you about the C12K. That was the first thing to go on my DR 65. Neo V type or Creamback will bring one to life and lighten the amp considerably.
I'm learning so much!
My only issue I have with my SS22 is the reverb keeps going out. It's something with the cable. I have replaced it. I cleaned the connection. But still is just goes out and then will be fine. I love the amp though. It's my go too. Just would like to figure out why this keeps happening.
Great info. Thanx. Bills Mafia!
They still make the SS? I had no idea.
The way gigging is today with db meters etc (not that lve played in anger for a few yrs) where do ya get the chance to crank anything?
I'd go the SS only cos of the loop & master...also never heard a Cel Redback..l learned sumthin!
Good points Shane!
Hey, DO you know the studio just around the corner from you? It's called, 'Soggy Dog Recording'! Seems like a PRO place. Maybe you should check it out and do a video on it. Maybe a series of suburban recording studios around Melb. There's still quite a FEW about!
Cheers mate!
Man i want to see fender expand the new tone master series to include some of the more gainy amps
8 times double-crossing the mighty deluxe!! I think that a modern day player would buy the supersonic and then after he would love the fender clean he would buy the deluxe as well!!
Thanks for the review. A couple of questions: what about price? Is DR more $$? Also are they constructed the same way or does SS use cheaper modern circuit boards? Does SS have reliability issues?
Price is easy to find. Just check the links in the description or google a local shop. Reliability issues I can confirm. I have an update video about my experience with this amp. :(
@Shane nice shirt - Go Bills!
There's also the SuperSonic 60 if you need more headroom. Yeah, the drop in bass on the Burn channel is very noticable and annoying. I wonder if there is a simple resister mod to alter that.
hey so i heard that fender amps don't work too well with fuzz, is this true and if so is it true for this amp?
Fender Gtx amp vs Line 6 Catalyst vs Boss katana
First time I've seen an Aussie with a Buffalo Bills shirt. How did that come about?
Need mesa combo amp which one to buy?
One of my first memories of playing “real” gear was playing a Fender American Standard Strat (black with a maple fretboard) through a Super Sonic 100 watt 2x12 (I thought the blond look was so cool). At the time, I was like “this is the set up.” Got a Princeton not too long ago, but not sure why I didn’t consider a Super Sonic 22.
The SS 22 is way different than the 100w version. The bigger version is basically a Twin with some cool preamp tricks. They sound completely different. And honestly the Princeton is a much better amp than the ss22. You made a great choice.
Thanks for the video. As an avid Chiefs fan I wonder if I can believe anything you say…….but I guess guitar and football are not the same. I do think Josh is a hall of fame player (but don’t tell any of my friends).
i had a 66 DR with a WGS Veteran30 spkr...was epic..
Effects loop puts the SS way over the top assuming it sounds good. Problem is, I love a juicy reverb but there's plenty of nice pedals that give you that.
Bills fan?! You know Shane, if you start a Bills channel you may be the only TH-camr I'll need.
Great review, although now I have to keep them both!