I had 2 Hot Rod Deluxe and were really fantastic clean amps in my opinion. Also had great sounding reverb. I would definitely recommend it to a gigging musician but for playing quietly it's still loud on lowest usable volume
I've played through both of these amps live, at the same time and separately. They'll both definitely get the job done, but the HRD has a Mid control that definitely helps cut through the mix. The DR sounds great but can get lost in the mix for leads. It also breaks up earlier than the HRD due to the difference in wattage.
The deluxe is loud' how many piece band and what kinda music to get lost in the mix? Like already mentioned' an EQ pedal will help with that or get a clean boost pedal.
That's nothing a Tube Screamer can't take care of. They are great for giving you that mid range push and low end attenuation to help cut through on leads
The DR had a more even sonic spectrum, sounded more neutral, hi fi, and more versatile. The HRD had a mid focus grind, had more character, more twang. If you could keep both, they’d be very complementary in the sense that you could switch between them depending on your mood. If you want to keep only one, the DR is more versatile. Jmho.
Yeah I completely agree with that. There are some aspects of the HRD i prefer but i do find it far too brittle on the ears at times haha. will definitely be keeping the DR though
Bwoah, I tried a hot rod 7 years ago in a music store, just for fun and I was stuck for 1.5 hours. I just loved it soooo much and was about to get one for my stereo rig. But that plan was gone when I moved to my appartment, happy with a strymon iridium but would still love me some fender amps
I think the Hot Rod had a little more top end and bite than the Deluxe Reverb. I personally liked the DR better myself mainly because Im not a fan of trebly and bitey sounding tone. I prefer the full, fat punchy tone of the neck pickup and the DR really brings that out nicely! Great sound comparison and playing!
I had the Hot Rod Deville 3 with the 4x10s instead of the 2x12. I think they sound better with the 4x10s, but they are both great amps. Ended up selling mine because I got a super good deal on a Twin that needed work and fixed it myself. A speaker swap will really bring that Deluxe Reverb to life though. Eminence Swamp Thangs or Texas Heats, or even one of each would make it an absolute killer blues amp. EDIT: I don't know why I was thinking the Deluxe reverb was a 2x12, but if I had to pick a speaker to put in it, I'd go with the Texas Heat.
I had a the Deville a few years ago which i definitely preferred to the Hot Rod Deluxe but I wasn't really gigging and it was far too loud for playing at home haha. How did you get on with fixing the Twin? Yeah I've been looking at maybe swapping out the speaker but there's too many options out there lol. I'll look into the Texas Heat
@@RoyvanRikken it's highly subjective, but swapping speakers will definitely change the sound drastically. I don't think Eminence makes the Texas Heat in 10 inch, but I've heard good things about the Copperhead and the Ragin' Cajun. For the 410 deville, I'd probably go with Ragin' Cajuns myself. There's audio samples on TH-cam you can listen to and get an idea of which ones you like, but they will always sound a bit different in person. A lot of people really swear by the Eminence Legend 1028s or the Jensen P10Rs. Really depends on what kind of music you play and what kind of sound you're going for. The same speakers can sound fantastic to one person and horrible to the next. I actually rather like the stock Jensens that come with some of the older Hot Rods, but I think they moved to some less expensive ceramic Eminence speakers in the newer ones that are just kind of mediocre sounding to me. It's all personal preference.
@@connorpensonmusic My twin is back at 100%. Had to replace a couple tubes and move the heater wires straight to the tube sockets, then went ahead and replaced all the filter caps while I had everything apart. Whoever had it before me also had it biased incredibly cold, so I got it back up to about 70-75% plate dissipation and all of that together really brought it back to life. She's an absolute beast now, but I only get to take her out on bigger gigs because it's just so dang loud. I've also got an AC-30 S1 which is the newer 1x12 with only the top boost channel and that's been my main gigging amp at smaller venues. For jams and rehearsals, I usually just grab my Katana 100.
There’s not much in it tone wise. I could work with either one. I think I’d just go with the DR for the convenience of having the controls on the front and that awesome tremolo channel.
I’ve owned a Hot Rod, and it was a very good amp … loud as all get out for such a compact package. The DR has a sweeter sound to me at edge of breakup, which comes in at a lower volume. So it really boils down to what sound you’re after, and at what volume you need for your circumstances. If you prefer a cleaner sound, the HR gives you more headroom, and approximately 25-30% more total volume. If you have to dime the DR to get to the needed volume, you’re going to be driving it hard, with maximum breakup. But at lower volume levels the DR offers one of the best classic Fender tones, which is why its popularity has endured for decades, just like it’s more powerful siblings, the Twin Reverb, and Super Reverb (my all time favorite). As I understand it, the Hot Rod Deluxe has been Fender’s best selling amp to date. Its power and sound at its price point makes it a super popular working man’s amp. One of the best bangs for the buck.
The DDR breaks up earlier than the HRD the first is a 22w, and the latter is a 40w, so for a true comparison, vol level on the HDR has to be higher than the DRR, so instead of 2.5 at least 3.5 on the HDR
@@connorpensonmusic the hot rod is just so loud so fast I know from forums that a few people used to replace the linear potis with some exp. Ones too have more control over the quiet part
2:53 song name please? Stop Dragging My Heart Around? S. Nicks and T. Petty? It was tasty. Regarding which amp- I like Vanilla AND Chocolate ice cream. Both different flavors- both nice. If I had to pick one it could easily be the '68 Custom Deluxe Reverb.
Your playing is nice- as is your song choice. In just my very humble opinion though, a A/B test should not be with popular songs as they are a bit distracting. Just play 3 basic chords and a simple rhythm and repeat on amp B. It's about hearing the tone comparisons. A simple 12 bar blues can work too. Looping isn't really necessary but OK once in a while if you are feeling it. Again, it is about the focusing on the amps- not your playing- not the songs, etc. This way, people can better choose which one they like.
Glad your strap is green - thought my monitor lost its color.
For my tastes, I loved the Hot Rod Deluxe. Very impressed.
I didn't want to like the Hot Rod Deluxe as much i did considering its a third of the price second hand haha.
I had 2 Hot Rod Deluxe and were really fantastic clean amps in my opinion. Also had great sounding reverb. I would definitely recommend it to a gigging musician but for playing quietly it's still loud on lowest usable volume
Its a fabulous amp, I was blown away myself in a music store. Just shows how much we neglect stuf that doesnt break the bank
Hot rod all the way cool video!
that's some pretty sweet playing, nice demo, great job.
thank you, that's always lovely to hear!
@@connorpensonmusic With pleasure ^_^
I've played through both of these amps live, at the same time and separately. They'll both definitely get the job done, but the HRD has a Mid control that definitely helps cut through the mix.
The DR sounds great but can get lost in the mix for leads. It also breaks up earlier than the HRD due to the difference in wattage.
Yeah I do feel like I'm struggling with not having that Mid control to find a nice balance depending on the room.
@@connorpensonmusicjust get an EQ pedal
@@Jeffcatbuckeye This! Bump up the mid range frequencies and voilà. The Deluxe Reverb is the best amp. Period!
The deluxe is loud' how many piece band and what kinda music to get lost in the mix?
Like already mentioned' an EQ pedal will help with that or get a clean boost pedal.
That's nothing a Tube Screamer can't take care of. They are great for giving you that mid range push and low end attenuation to help cut through on leads
They sound so different and so good each! But not the same price. HRD stays a very good value!
Set bar low then blow us away with how well you sound! Good job
This is some lovely nerdy guitar stuff. I liked the hot rod better. And i love your playing
Haha all for the nerdy guitar stuff! I do like the Hot Rod but the Deluxe gets my vote. Thank you :D
The DR had a more even sonic spectrum, sounded more neutral, hi fi, and more versatile. The HRD had a mid focus grind, had more character, more twang. If you could keep both, they’d be very complementary in the sense that you could switch between them depending on your mood. If you want to keep only one, the DR is more versatile. Jmho.
Yeah I completely agree with that. There are some aspects of the HRD i prefer but i do find it far too brittle on the ears at times haha. will definitely be keeping the DR though
Bwoah, I tried a hot rod 7 years ago in a music store, just for fun and I was stuck for 1.5 hours. I just loved it soooo much and was about to get one for my stereo rig.
But that plan was gone when I moved to my appartment, happy with a strymon iridium but would still love me some fender amps
I think the Hot Rod had a little more top end and bite than the Deluxe Reverb. I personally liked the DR better myself mainly because Im not a fan of trebly and bitey sounding tone. I prefer the full, fat punchy tone of the neck pickup and the DR really brings that out nicely! Great sound comparison and playing!
I had the Hot Rod Deville 3 with the 4x10s instead of the 2x12. I think they sound better with the 4x10s, but they are both great amps. Ended up selling mine because I got a super good deal on a Twin that needed work and fixed it myself.
A speaker swap will really bring that Deluxe Reverb to life though. Eminence Swamp Thangs or Texas Heats, or even one of each would make it an absolute killer blues amp.
EDIT: I don't know why I was thinking the Deluxe reverb was a 2x12, but if I had to pick a speaker to put in it, I'd go with the Texas Heat.
I had a the Deville a few years ago which i definitely preferred to the Hot Rod Deluxe but I wasn't really gigging and it was far too loud for playing at home haha. How did you get on with fixing the Twin?
Yeah I've been looking at maybe swapping out the speaker but there's too many options out there lol. I'll look into the Texas Heat
Would such a speaker swab also work for the HRDV 410 ?
@@RoyvanRikken it's highly subjective, but swapping speakers will definitely change the sound drastically. I don't think Eminence makes the Texas Heat in 10 inch, but I've heard good things about the Copperhead and the Ragin' Cajun. For the 410 deville, I'd probably go with Ragin' Cajuns myself. There's audio samples on TH-cam you can listen to and get an idea of which ones you like, but they will always sound a bit different in person.
A lot of people really swear by the Eminence Legend 1028s or the Jensen P10Rs. Really depends on what kind of music you play and what kind of sound you're going for. The same speakers can sound fantastic to one person and horrible to the next. I actually rather like the stock Jensens that come with some of the older Hot Rods, but I think they moved to some less expensive ceramic Eminence speakers in the newer ones that are just kind of mediocre sounding to me.
It's all personal preference.
@@connorpensonmusic My twin is back at 100%. Had to replace a couple tubes and move the heater wires straight to the tube sockets, then went ahead and replaced all the filter caps while I had everything apart. Whoever had it before me also had it biased incredibly cold, so I got it back up to about 70-75% plate dissipation and all of that together really brought it back to life. She's an absolute beast now, but I only get to take her out on bigger gigs because it's just so dang loud.
I've also got an AC-30 S1 which is the newer 1x12 with only the top boost channel and that's been my main gigging amp at smaller venues. For jams and rehearsals, I usually just grab my Katana 100.
There’s not much in it tone wise. I could work with either one. I think I’d just go with the DR for the convenience of having the controls on the front and that awesome tremolo channel.
There is definitely something going on in the DRRI character wise but it is pretty close. it is a pretty nice tremolo isn't it!
@@connorpensonmusic it’s a classic!
If you do more A/B videos, grab a nice Radial Twin-City ABY Amp Switcher Pedal. I have one and it's great.
I’ve owned a Hot Rod, and it was a very good amp … loud as all get out for such a compact package. The DR has a sweeter sound to me at edge of breakup, which comes in at a lower volume. So it really boils down to what sound you’re after, and at what volume you need for your circumstances. If you prefer a cleaner sound, the HR gives you more headroom, and approximately 25-30% more total volume. If you have to dime the DR to get to the needed volume, you’re going to be driving it hard, with maximum breakup. But at lower volume levels the DR offers one of the best classic Fender tones, which is why its popularity has endured for decades, just like it’s more powerful siblings, the Twin Reverb, and Super Reverb (my all time favorite).
As I understand it, the Hot Rod Deluxe has been Fender’s best selling amp to date. Its power and sound at its price point makes it a super popular working man’s amp. One of the best bangs for the buck.
What's the DR speaker? I loved ur tones with it.
2:21 Is this reverb from the amp? so nice
Is the hot rod a iii or iv?
The DDR breaks up earlier than the HRD the first is a 22w, and the latter is a 40w, so for a true comparison, vol level on the HDR has to be higher than the DRR, so instead of 2.5 at least 3.5 on the HDR
A common issue with the hot rod - it is crazy loud with surprisingly much headroom. Turn up volume to 2 and allready your living room explodes
i get what you mean but its hard to do a comparison like that as the hot rod would be way too loud to compare with the DDRI at 3.5.
@@connorpensonmusic the hot rod is just so loud so fast
I know from forums that a few people used to replace the linear potis with some exp. Ones too have more control over the quiet part
2:53 song name please? Stop Dragging My Heart Around? S. Nicks and T. Petty? It was tasty. Regarding which amp- I like Vanilla AND Chocolate ice cream. Both different flavors- both nice. If I had to pick one it could easily be the '68 Custom Deluxe Reverb.
What pedals were you using? Sounded great!!
Thank you Mike, I was using a Strymon Flint for reverb and The Dude & Wampler moxie for overdrive :)
I think the Hot Rod sounds better for me. More punch and more present.
Deluxe “sweeter” HRD a little sterile. I have both. HRD doesn’t cut as well in a mix
Your playing is nice- as is your song choice. In just my very humble opinion though, a A/B test should not be with popular songs as they are a bit distracting. Just play 3 basic chords and a simple rhythm and repeat on amp B. It's about hearing the tone comparisons. A simple 12 bar blues can work too. Looping isn't really necessary but OK once in a while if you are feeling it. Again, it is about the focusing on the amps- not your playing- not the songs, etc. This way, people can better choose which one they like.
The both sound pretty good to me, I really can't tell a big difference
I was surprised how much i liked the Hot Rod next to the Deluxe Reverb to be honest. I'd agree both are great options!
DRR by a long shot. What pedals are you using?
They are great aren't they! i was using a strymon flint, the dude & wampler moxie :)
Get an A/B switch to go from one to another.
I just commented the same. Radial Engineering makes a nice one that I have- buffered.
Which one takes pedals better????
For my taste the Deluxe reverb takes them a lot better.
what's the Overdrive pedal? on 6:25
Its a J Rockett The Dude V2. :)
Hot rod all the way
I imagine you came to find they are two different worlds...(?)
I definitely get the hype around the DRRI, it just sounds good at any volume which is a huge plus for playing at home
DR is better.