I bought this amp a little while ago and I absolutely love it. It's very compatible with pedals, just add a tube screamer of some sort and you have and aggressive lead channel. The only issue I had was with the rubber handle. It's no good and I replaced it twice then found out I could order a leather one from Fender that is made specifically for this amp and it's only about $20 which will save your $700 investment.
Not much talking, just getting dirty & clean - this is how proper amp demo should be. Thanks mate. I'm just about buying a FBJ, and wanted to hear the thing. Gooood it is! Thanks again.
You can hear the difference in mics, but you can really hear the different frequency response of the smaller speaker. That mojo tone upgrade was worth its weight!
I have an old green circuit board USA built FBJr and recently a tube blew out so I ordered not one but two new 12AX7s online. My amp used to sound great clean but the distortion side was actually kinda harsh (like the one in this vid gets). Long story short, I now have 3 different brands of 12AX7's in my amp. Putting them in a different order changes the tone of this amp drastically, and there is one combination that is just to die for.
Been following for MANY years, still love watching the pedalboard building videos lol! I’m trading off a Hotrod Deville 2x12 (I have two, only need one!) for a 1st/2nd gen Blues Junior for the size, but forsure the tone now! I picked up a cover gig once in a while and need a smaller amp for weight and stage size, this will be perfect with my black/white coiley cable!
In 2018 I bought a MIM Tele and one of these. This vid is one I looked at when considering what to buy. After, my nerdy side made this observation: - "Just with the basic Tele with ungraduated Tone & Vol. reduced to say, 10 different levels, plus the 3-way pickup switch, we have 10 x 10 x 3 = 300 different settings. I just bought a basic Fender amp which has 6 x 12-graduated controls plus a 2-way Fat switch. This gives us another 12^6 x 2 settings, = 5,971,968, which x 300 from the guitar gives 1,791,590,400 possible combinations. Just let that sink in!"
Great vid...traded a mint Danelectro Hodad w/ fake Bigsby for a Blues Jr w/ upgraded tubes and speaker awhile back. Best trade ever. Good demo, keep up the great work!! Dave
@fenderstratguy The tubes I have right now, from right to left as viewed from the rear, is the JJ 12AX7 near the input jack, a Sylvania 12AX7 next, and a Fender 12AX7 next to the EL84s. It is now extremely noise free and the distortion tone is terrific.
dude, gearmandude, thanks for the demo on the amp I happen to own! I've been futzing around with the knobs for the past couple of years (got mine in 2008). Now there is harmony between me, my strat, and my blues junior. Thanks for the demo of the settings you used. Peace!
Excellent demo of THE AMP vs someone showing us his guitar work when it's entitled an amp demo. Great work on keep the camera on the knob settings throughout and how the changes go, not too long on any one setting.
nice to hear an actual AMP demo as opposed to some guy showing off how he can speed pick, nice when the amp is demo'ed. thanks Gman, great job … makes me want to buy this and use it now that I have seen this.
I’ve got one of these in one of the limited edition color schemes. Great amp for bedroom and practice. Nice clean sound and good with pedals. These amps have almost no bass response though sadly. It doesn’t matter what speaker you switch to. It’s either the small cabinet size or the amps tone stack/EQ but these amps simply don’t have any low end thump. I have a 5 watt amp that has way more thump. Like I said though, great clean or semi-driven practice amp.
I appreciate the Quality of sound on gearmanndude's demos. They are not nearly as compressed as almost all others are. You can clearly hear changes in volume. That is usually not the case with other peoples' demos.
@hiphopsucks96 kind of. you can crank the volume and force the amp into overdrive and then bring the overall volume down with the master so you have cranked overdrive sounds in your bedroom.
@Jobrolster this one sounds a little tighter the tweed one with the different speaker sounds a lot more open, its amazing how much the different speaker changes the tone
As always, great demo gearmandude. Keep rockin'. This is a fabulous amp with tons of tone and character. Really surprising for such a small package. I was so close to buying the NOS Blues Junior tweed reissue, but right next to it was a floor demo Blues Deluxe Reissue for $25 less than a new Blues Junior ($579 at GC), so I got the the Deluxe instead and love it. The Blues Deluxe has 2 channel switching and a pre-amp send/receive, which is nice. Almost *too* loud for late nite riffing.
@dtotheatothevtothee forgot...I did switch out the reverb tank because the stock on sucked. I need a new pot now though because the factory one isn't sensitive enough.
I use a Fender Blues Junior 111 at home with a Gibson Les Paul Standard sounds awesome and is simple to use with no fuss, I also really like the Lovepedal eternity E6 overdrive pedal with it, hope this helps
@hiphopsucks96 Yep, basically with the volume you control the valves presence and then with the master you control the quantity of volume coming out. Just got this amp today, it's a little jewel!!!
Cool thanks, I tried the bj yesterday and it is soooo loud and has that classic fender sound. wasn't expecting such a great sound from that tiny thing but wow. Thanks for your help!
I used to own a Blues Junior and bought it when it first came out (when it was still USA made). Damn got stolen years ago and I have yet to replace it. Are the newer ones better than the original production? I hesitated replacing it with a newer version primarily because they're made in Mexico. This one doesn't sound that different from the one I had. On a side note, this amp is very loud for 15watts. I jam twice a month with some other players. Our lead guitarist has this amp (the older american made version) and can be heard over a full drum kit and bass guitar. As long as it's off the floor, then you're good. We play mostly blues and classic rock, so this is perfect. He uses two pedal with it, but that's all it needs.
Depends on what sound you want. though neither amps will give you high distortion at all, i think this can you a heavier crunch, while the vox doesnt get much beyond slightly overdriven. Id take this amp but thats just me.
@RubyTuesday93 I bought the 100w 95lb egnator 4100 combo awesome tone, but wracked my back. Traded for 4100 head (65lb) and 2X12 cab, great tone, but hauling 65lb head around was still heavy. Then it died =complete silence two days before a gig! Hit local GC and bought the Blackstar HT5w head, this Blues Junior III, hooked in stereo and went to the casino gig. My bandmates said it's the best tone I've had. AND told me to TURN DOWN...we play modern to classic rock. it's plenty for club gigs.
I have this amp the exact same model i have a different speaker in it though, id bought it used i forgot whats in it. but its a awesome little amp. it can shine in many different areas.... if u buy one of these used in good condition get some good tubes for it and make sure its running correctly this thing is awesome
peavey windsor studio kicks this things ass! its basically the same but the peavey has more features like an effects loop, an attenuator and a standby switch
I have had bass players tell me to ease up on low end, because it was clashing with bass tones. I play with groups, this amp doesn't need to sound like a 4x12 cab, besides that, it isn't a 4x12 cab. All the luscious low end I've enjoyed while practicing at home - is useless for live. For focusing on the mids, and cutting through, this amp does that.
I had the original, and I think this sounds better. ...Then again, I must admit that your guitar licks also sound better. A most excellent demonstration video. You make me wish I'd never gotten rid of my Blues Junior. .........
@philotze Not really.. This amp isn't exactly the loudest 15 watt amp out there. Sure, it'll be hella loud when you do crank it, but it's not that bad.
Wow, I had been wondering what Christian Slater has been up to since starring in the Epic film Broken Arrow. PS: You were great in that movie Very Bad Things!
Pt2 ....This amp can seriously hold it's own now up against a similar boutique amp with a price tag 4 times it's own. If you love your JNRs Jack\Gearmandude check it out, I'm not a fan of musicians having top pay big business giants vastly pumped up prices in the search for 'Tone', and this guy proves you don't need to, couldn't recommend him enough. All the best. (When I get time I'll try and put together a demo of it)
I'll tell you one thing(that's all I know) This amp rocks! Lets hear it side by side with the older one you own.It makes me want to break out my old Mel Bay Books!
never compare fender, marshall and mesa.. they are different.. different style, different sound , different thinking... but beetwen fender amps I think bj is one of the most versatile. cranked sound also at app volume level.. very nice clear sounds..rock blues feeling.. portable.. low weight and also full usable on stage by mic. using about middle volume you can ugly ear it rear of you and get a nice mic sound ! that's my opinion of course
Blues Juniors really have a great sound. I read people talking about a boxy sound. Thats part of its appeal. Gets down old school and has a kind of shine on ya if mess around with one. I have a crazy relic one I got off craigslist. The reverb on this one sounds a little better than mine though. Open G though one gives a load of "Keaf" tones. Youre not going to find point to point under the hood but at this price point, who really cares? sounds great.
ey GMD, i gotta ask, why do you always have that bandanna thing behind your amps? does it offer any acoustic value? is it jus to protect from dust? or jus because you don't like showing the back of your amps in videos?
Nice demo! I had a BJ for years....sold it. Just bought another off craigslist and I'm loving it all over again. I liked the tone and I liked the playing on this video. The playing is always good but I think GMD was having extra fun with this one. I want a GMD CD. I would buy a GMD CD. Crank it in the car. Luther driving.....in my car.........yah....that would rock,
never compare fender,marshall and mesa.they are different.. different style, different sound , different thinking.but beetwen fender amps I think bj is one of the most versatile. cranked sound also at app volume level.. very nice clear sounds..rock blues feeling.portable.low weight &also full usable on stage by mic. using about middle volume you can ugly ear it rear of you and get a nice mic sound ! that's my opinion of course.maybe just could need to be morelinear on knob e.g.reverb and volume
I tried this amp yesterday in a guitar shop and I was quite disapointed. It sounded very boxy and shrill, tried it both with a USA strat and a Gibson ES335. I guess maybe for recording it would be ok especially if you want to use analog pedals in front of it, but I would not use this live. I tried the laney cub12 and it kicked its ass in all aspects.
Reasons to like this video
1. It's narrated by Jack Black
2. It's a great demo on the amp
3 It's narrated by Jack Black
all you're reasons are false except for 2
***** chill out its called a joke
***** Yeah bro, you just got trolllled brooo. You got me man, I'm busted, send me to the youtube police before I strike again
***** How dare you call me John Mayer.
***** Only if you got the joke, nevermind. I hope you have a great life (not really)
I always imagine gearmandude is actually Jack Black's character from School of Rock and this is what he does to get extra cash.
Thank you for showing it at different knob settings. Some morons don't do that and demo is useless. Good job man. I got one 9 months ago and love it.
Thanks for one of the most no nonsense, direct simple and thorough reviews I've seen of an amp. good luck fella. merry xmas to all
I bought this amp a little while ago and I absolutely love it. It's very compatible with pedals, just add a tube screamer of some sort and you have and aggressive lead channel. The only issue I had was with the rubber handle. It's no good and I replaced it twice then found out I could order a leather one from Fender that is made specifically for this amp and it's only about $20 which will save your $700 investment.
really though, what if this actually is jack black, doing guitar reviews.....what if....
too bad it isn't
***** it is!
northstarpheonix It isn't, his name is Eric Whorton.
Jonathon Plumbley lies!
northstarpheonix Haha. You don't have to believe it if you don't want to....
Great job of putting the amp through its paces and helping me decide!
you're fooling no one Mr. Jack Black
he isn't
ASAC Schrader is!
This is not "THE GREATEST" demo in the world, this is just a tribute!!!
Good to see Christian Slater working again!!
Mine keeps going into the shop for repairs. Back onto my '71 Princeton Reverb that I've had since '85 and has never given me a moment of trouble.
Awesome! This amp is incredible. Louder than anyone would guess at 15 watts.
I just bought one of these (Ltd Edition Silver Noir) and I love it. Gorgeous clean tone and cranks up nicely. Thanks for the demo!
Not much talking, just getting dirty & clean - this is how proper amp demo should be. Thanks mate.
I'm just about buying a FBJ, and wanted to hear the thing. Gooood it is!
Thanks again.
You can hear the difference in mics, but you can really hear the different frequency response of the smaller speaker.
That mojo tone upgrade was worth its weight!
Christian Slater and Jack Black had a child and his name is...gearmandude
kung fu panda is that you? nacho libre? naw i think jack is a gibson marshall guy
Mark S lol it does sound like him
best review I ever heard in terms of playing, I actually rewinded it a few times.
I have an old green circuit board USA built FBJr and recently a tube blew out so I ordered not one but two new 12AX7s online. My amp used to sound great clean but the distortion side was actually kinda harsh (like the one in this vid gets). Long story short, I now have 3 different brands of 12AX7's in my amp. Putting them in a different order changes the tone of this amp drastically, and there is one combination that is just to die for.
This is the best review I have found for this amp. Love the channel man!
Been following for MANY years, still love watching the pedalboard building videos lol! I’m trading off a Hotrod Deville 2x12 (I have two, only need one!) for a 1st/2nd gen Blues Junior for the size, but forsure the tone now!
I picked up a cover gig once in a while and need a smaller amp for weight and stage size, this will be perfect with my black/white coiley cable!
It can be, depending on what kinda tone you want... Its great for low tone jazz as its a really warm amp. It also has some nice clean highs too...
Really impressed by your demo of this little guy. Big sound from a very price competitive amp!
In 2018 I bought a MIM Tele and one of these. This vid is one I looked at when considering what to buy.
After, my nerdy side made this observation: -
"Just with the basic Tele with ungraduated Tone & Vol. reduced to say, 10 different levels, plus the 3-way pickup switch, we have 10 x 10 x 3 = 300 different settings.
I just bought a basic Fender amp which has 6 x 12-graduated controls plus a 2-way Fat switch. This gives us another 12^6 x 2 settings, = 5,971,968, which x 300 from the guitar gives 1,791,590,400 possible combinations. Just let that sink in!"
Great vid...traded a mint Danelectro Hodad w/ fake Bigsby for a Blues Jr w/ upgraded tubes and speaker awhile back. Best trade ever.
Good demo, keep up the great work!!
Dave
@fenderstratguy The tubes I have right now, from right to left as viewed from the rear, is the JJ 12AX7 near the input jack, a Sylvania 12AX7 next, and a Fender 12AX7 next to the EL84s. It is now extremely noise free and the distortion tone is terrific.
dude, gearmandude, thanks for the demo on the amp I happen to own! I've been futzing around with the knobs for the past couple of years (got mine in 2008). Now there is harmony between me, my strat, and my blues junior. Thanks for the demo of the settings you used. Peace!
Excellent demo of THE AMP vs someone showing us his guitar work when it's entitled an amp demo. Great work on keep the camera on the knob settings throughout and how the changes go, not too long on any one setting.
Great job running through the different setting. Thanks
nice to hear an actual AMP demo as opposed to some guy showing off how he can speed pick, nice when the amp is demo'ed. thanks Gman, great job … makes me want to buy this and use it now that I have seen this.
your musical vibe has always been good jack. keep it up man
I’ve got one of these in one of the limited edition color schemes. Great amp for bedroom and practice. Nice clean sound and good with pedals. These amps have almost no bass response though sadly. It doesn’t matter what speaker you switch to. It’s either the small cabinet size or the amps tone stack/EQ but these amps simply don’t have any low end thump. I have a 5 watt amp that has way more thump. Like I said though, great clean or semi-driven practice amp.
Knob numbers are backwards in this version. I mean in my version the 6 and 7 are where you 1 and 12 are. Sounds rockin' sweet!!
I appreciate the Quality of sound on gearmanndude's demos. They are not nearly as compressed as almost all others are. You can clearly hear changes in volume. That is usually not the case with other peoples' demos.
is this jack black?
nope
***** woah, someone is a bit butthurt
Holy mother of god... The master knob is cranked all the way up...
@hiphopsucks96 kind of. you can crank the volume and force the amp into overdrive and then bring the overall volume down with the master so you have cranked overdrive sounds in your bedroom.
Nice demo ! I'm using 2 in stereo. I have the Humboldt BJ III w/ a Cannabis Rex.
All I need for now.
Yeah man..I rock two of them, one Billm modded and 1 stock..deadly little amps and the price can not be beat
Ah.. Just got this Amp this afternoon, cant wait to bring to the garage tomorrow so I can crank this bad boy up! BLACK JACK voiced man For The Win!
Wow he has the master cranked all the way for some settings, I know that is loud as holy hell
@Jobrolster this one sounds a little tighter the tweed one with the different speaker sounds a lot more open, its amazing how much the different speaker changes the tone
As always, great demo gearmandude. Keep rockin'.
This is a fabulous amp with tons of tone and character. Really surprising for such a small package. I was so close to buying the NOS Blues Junior tweed reissue, but right next to it was a floor demo Blues Deluxe Reissue for $25 less than a new Blues Junior ($579 at GC), so I got the the Deluxe instead and love it. The Blues Deluxe has 2 channel switching and a pre-amp send/receive, which is nice. Almost *too* loud for late nite riffing.
@dtotheatothevtothee forgot...I did switch out the reverb tank because the stock on sucked. I need a new pot now though because the factory one isn't sensitive enough.
Now that's the way you review an amp no blah.blah,blah and an overhead camera with various settings.......THANKS BUDDY....MORE PLEASE!
Great review mate, no BS, good view of the dials, great sounds, top marks from the UK.
Cool little amp with great sounds.
FEEL BY MATCHBOX YOU ARE MY HERO. Kyle Cook is awesome. They are (or were) so underrated as a legitimate rock threat.
I use a Fender Blues Junior 111 at home with a Gibson Les Paul Standard sounds awesome and is simple to use with no fuss, I also really like the Lovepedal eternity E6 overdrive pedal with it, hope this helps
@hiphopsucks96 Yep, basically with the volume you control the valves presence and then with the master you control the quantity of volume coming out. Just got this amp today, it's a little jewel!!!
Cool thanks, I tried the bj yesterday and it is soooo loud and has that classic fender sound. wasn't expecting such a great sound from that tiny thing but wow. Thanks for your help!
I used to own a Blues Junior and bought it when it first came out (when it was still USA made). Damn got stolen years ago and I have yet to replace it. Are the newer ones better than the original production? I hesitated replacing it with a newer version primarily because they're made in Mexico. This one doesn't sound that different from the one I had.
On a side note, this amp is very loud for 15watts. I jam twice a month with some other players. Our lead guitarist has this amp (the older american made version) and can be heard over a full drum kit and bass guitar. As long as it's off the floor, then you're good. We play mostly blues and classic rock, so this is perfect. He uses two pedal with it, but that's all it needs.
I love how you sound exactly like Gearmandude!~ Every time!
@Tomcsek84 with tubes you have to let the tubes warm up for a few seconds before you hear anything
Depends on what sound you want. though neither amps will give you high distortion at all, i think this can you a heavier crunch, while the vox doesnt get much beyond slightly overdriven. Id take this amp but thats just me.
@Tomcsek84 Yes it takes a while for the tubes in the amp to warm up.
@RubyTuesday93 I bought the 100w 95lb egnator 4100 combo awesome tone, but wracked my back. Traded for 4100 head (65lb) and 2X12 cab, great tone, but hauling 65lb head around was still heavy. Then it died =complete silence two days before a gig! Hit local GC and bought the Blackstar HT5w head, this Blues Junior III, hooked in stereo and went to the casino gig. My bandmates said it's the best tone I've had. AND told me to TURN DOWN...we play modern to classic rock. it's plenty for club gigs.
I have this amp the exact same model i have a different speaker in it though, id bought it used i forgot whats in it. but its a awesome little amp. it can shine in many different areas.... if u buy one of these used in good condition get some good tubes for it and make sure its running correctly this thing is awesome
It's clearly NOT Mr. Black because he's not using the Pick of Destiny.
@CriticsConfession yes by far. my 60 watt hybrid amp shys in comparison. its going into a 50 watt speaker
When volume is at 12 o'clock, and master is at 5, 9, 10 o'clock, there's not hum or hiss??
peavey windsor studio kicks this things ass! its basically the same but the peavey has more features like an effects loop, an attenuator and a standby switch
Good demo. I felt like I got a really good taste of the amp.
You can get an attenuator to reach those sounds at a lower volume.
I love this amp too Jack!!
have a good evening Black!!
I have had bass players tell me to ease up on low end, because it was clashing with bass tones. I play with groups, this amp doesn't need to sound like a 4x12 cab, besides that, it isn't a 4x12 cab. All the luscious low end I've enjoyed while practicing at home - is useless for live.
For focusing on the mids, and cutting through, this amp does that.
I had the original, and I think this sounds better. ...Then again, I must admit that your guitar licks also sound better. A most excellent demonstration video. You make me wish I'd never gotten rid of my Blues Junior. .........
@philotze Not really.. This amp isn't exactly the loudest 15 watt amp out there. Sure, it'll be hella loud when you do crank it, but it's not that bad.
Wow, I had been wondering what Christian Slater has been up to since starring in the Epic film Broken Arrow. PS: You were great in that movie Very Bad Things!
Wow, gorgeous sounds!
just crank up the volume until you get the overdrive sound you wish. If it get´s too loud: use the master volume. That´s it!
holy crap... you actually used the reverb!
Man is that ever a nice sounding amp!!
Pt2 ....This amp can seriously hold it's own now up against a similar boutique amp with a price tag 4 times it's own. If you love your JNRs Jack\Gearmandude check it out, I'm not a fan of musicians having top pay big business giants vastly pumped up prices in the search for 'Tone', and this guy proves you don't need to, couldn't recommend him enough. All the best. (When I get time I'll try and put together a demo of it)
always dig your your reviews! Keep'em up. I picked up a red texas junior, very cool amp! Cheers from Vancouver Island,Canada
thanks for the review mr. black
he does a lot of pedal demos with a blues junior (the previous version) but it will give you a good idea :)
I'll tell you one thing(that's all I know) This amp rocks! Lets hear it side by side with the older one you own.It makes me want to break out my old Mel Bay Books!
What’s the difference between master and volume knob? Sorry i’m a beginner, sorry for stupid question..
That's due in part to the mic he's using. If he had an sm57 on it, the sound would be much more true IMO.
never compare fender, marshall and mesa.. they are different.. different style, different sound , different thinking... but beetwen fender amps I think bj is one of the most versatile. cranked sound also at app volume level.. very nice clear sounds..rock blues feeling.. portable.. low weight and also full usable on stage by mic. using about middle volume you can ugly ear it rear of you and get a nice mic sound ! that's my opinion of course
Jack Black or Gearmandude, I enjoy all his reviews!!! He´s does it with style, and not filling minutes with wimpy talk, like others.
@superkulmedkniv25 What do you mean fuzzing up? If you mean it starts to distort, it's designed to work like that.
Fantastic Video. Sounds like a great little amp.
Blues Juniors really have a great sound. I read people talking about a boxy sound. Thats part of its appeal. Gets down old school and has a kind of shine on ya if mess around with one. I have a crazy relic one I got off craigslist. The reverb on this one sounds a little better than mine though. Open G though one gives a load of "Keaf" tones. Youre not going to find point to point under the hood but at this price point, who really cares? sounds great.
I like this amp, nice playing too
Digging the reverb 8:27
ey GMD, i gotta ask, why do you always have that bandanna thing behind your amps? does it offer any acoustic value? is it jus to protect from dust? or jus because you don't like showing the back of your amps in videos?
Nice demo! I had a BJ for years....sold it. Just bought another off craigslist and I'm loving it all over again.
I liked the tone and I liked the playing on this video. The playing is always good but I think GMD was having extra fun with this one.
I want a GMD CD.
I would buy a GMD CD. Crank it in the car. Luther driving.....in my car.........yah....that would rock,
Love it, great Matchbox 20 riff too!
@BombshellBill simply for eye candy...no reason...just a backdrop of sorts
ROCK ON!
GMD
never compare fender,marshall and mesa.they are different.. different style, different sound , different thinking.but beetwen fender amps I think bj is one of the most versatile. cranked sound also at app volume level.. very nice clear sounds..rock blues feeling.portable.low weight &also full usable on stage by mic. using about middle volume you can ugly ear it rear of you and get a nice mic sound ! that's my opinion of course.maybe just could need to be morelinear on knob e.g.reverb and volume
10 year video anniversary!!!
Yeah for its size and wattage the blues junior really gets loud, my friend has it and I think Im gonna get one myself.
Great review! Can't wait to get myself one of these bad boys
amazing sound, finally decided to get rid of my vox valvetronix and get one of these sweet babies... but for now, looking for a buyer...
Is this thing loud enough for a rehearsal studio practice with full band or would it need to be mic'd up? Thanks
its loud enough for a full band rehearsal
bought one of these today , really cool
I tried this amp yesterday in a guitar shop and I was quite disapointed. It sounded very boxy and shrill, tried it both with a USA strat and a Gibson ES335. I guess maybe for recording it would be ok especially if you want to use analog pedals in front of it, but I would not use this live. I tried the laney cub12 and it kicked its ass in all aspects.
Fender Blues Junior III and Fender Blues Junior In what of difference, except the price?
Yeah your right. I was getting that too.