Just ahead of the 2018 Winter NAMM show, Fender has announced updates to four of its most popular guitar amplifiers, the Hot Rod series. Updated models include Blues Junior™, Pro Junior™, Hot Rod Deluxe™ and Hot Rod Deville™.
Let’s take a closer look at each amplifier and see what Fender has changed.
Fender Blues Junior™ IV Guitar Amplifier
The Blues Junior™ is one of Fender’s most popular guitar amps, owing to its fantastic tone, great looks and portability. Coming in at only 15-watts, Blues Junior IV will be content at home, on stage or in the studio.
The Blues Junior IV sees Fender adding a modified preamp circuit and smoother-sounding reverb. The modified preamp circuit results in an increased “fullness” of tone, with greater definition and clarity, all pumped out of the 12” Celestion A-type speaker. The improved, smoother-sounding reverb means you’ll still get plenty of rich, shimmering tone regardless of how much reverb you dial in.
Finally, aesthetic updates include improved control panel texture and graphics, ivory pointer knobs, steel-reinforced strap handle and a lightly-aged silver grille cloth.
Fender Pro Junior™ IV Guitar Amplifier
Fender’s updated Pro Junior IV amplifier sees two notable changes: a modified volume circuit and classic tweed appearance. The modified volume circuit offers a more gradual breakup than prior Pro Juniors, resulting in more precise gain adjustment and tighter, more defined bass when being overdriven. Pro Junior IV pushes all 15 watts of this fantastic Fender tone through a single 10” Jensen P10R speaker.
Cosmetically, the IV Pro Junior is wrapped in a lacquered tweed-covering, with vintage-style ‘50s grille cloth, a chrome, two-knob control panel (Volume and Tone) and a leather handle.
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe™ IV Guitar Amplifier
An updated version of one of the most popular gigging amps on the market, the Hot Rod Deluxe, Hot Rod Deluxe IV offers 40-watts of pure Fender tone and features a modified preamp circuit, smoother-sounding spring reverb and updated aesthetics.
The modified preamp circuit found in Hot Rod Deluxe IV results in improved note definition, regardless of how hard you’re driving the amp. The 12” Celestion A-Type speaker offers smooth highs, round lows and laid-back midrange. Like the Blues Junior IV, the improved, smoother-sounding spring reverb means you’ll still get plenty of rich, shimmering tone regardless of how much reverb you dial in.
Finally, Hot Rod Deluxe IV sees a variety of aesthetic improvements. Looking down at the amp you’ll find ivory pointer knobs, an improved control panel texture and graphics. A steel-reinforced strap handle and lightweight pine cabinet will make you travel from gig to gig with confidence. Finally, the lightly-aged silver grille cloth and black textured vinyl give it that unmistakable Fender vibe.
Fender Hot Rod DeVille™ 212 IV Guitar Amplifier
Based on feedback from hundreds of players, Fender redesigned the 60-watt, 2x12” Hot Rod Deville 212 IV, offering a modified preamp, smoother-sounding spring reverb and updated aesthetics.
Loaded with a pair of 12” Celestion A-Type Speakers, Hot Rod Deville IV features an improved preamp section, resulting in better overdriven note definition, regardless of how hard the amp is pushed. Like the other models, the improved spring reverb has been modified for smoothness, resulting in great tone, regardless of how much reverb you dial in.
Aesthetic improvements include ivory pointer knobs and an improved control panel. Like Hot Rod Deluxe IV, the Deville IV features a steel-reinforced strap handle and lightweight pine cabinet. Classic Fender vibe comes courtesy of the lightly-aged silver grille cloth and black textured vinyl.
Related: Fender introduces Limited Edition 60th Anniversary Jazzmaster series.