Tweed looks and sounds perfect for my taste if you think its too trebly thats why you got the knobs there to mesure the highs mids and lows .. tweed its more alive than the iv .. iv sounds great too more like a British style blues rock amp the tweet more American blues classy and warm sound 👌🏻🎸 go with the tweed if you like buddy guy, clapton , robert cray , srv hendrix and more
This is by far the best review of the Blues jr on RUclips. Based on this review I was able to make an informed decision about whether to go for the tweed or blackface version . I ended up going for the Blackface as I found the tweed a little harsh for my taste , still a great amp just not for me . I can still get the crunch I want from the Blackface but I prefer the mid range sound . keep making these great videos , super informative and really helped me make the right decision . Would really love to see and hear your thoughts on the Bassbreaker amps , particularly the 15 watt version and maybe a comparison with the blues Jr .
I have to wonder, if it's not just the Jensen speaker vs. the Eminence? Fender is too cheap to mod the circuit. (Dammit... ) I mean, it would be cost prohibitive to manufacture a different PCB for the same line of amps with different components. (Better?)
If you don't like bright, you made exactly the right choice. The Blues jr in tweed with the Jenson is waaaaaay bright. It can be tamed but needs appropriate pickups. I run Fender pure vintage 59's which are bright by nature. The two together sound awesome, really, but i have to wind waaay back on the high end (amp, strat and pride of texas) to tame it.
You deserve more subscribers! Also, I've never heard an amp sound much like it does in person on a video. You made me choose the tweed, Thanks very much!
Chaz Michael thank you so much for your kind words! Glad that it shows. My goal is to have a great sound quality in all episodes, since this is a music show!!! Sound quality is super important!! Thanks
Exactly what I wanted to say. Except I suggest you to remove the woman talking italian or what it was in the beginning. Made me almost close the video, because I thought it's a foreign language. But your excellent guitar playing made me stay :)
it's not meant not meant to be offensive. the internet is highly efficient and full of content. people have very little patience if the content is wrong. they're just giving him tips for making it better.
What an outstanding review! Talking about tone--which is difficult in even your native language--in your second language, and doing it so effectively, is a real accomplishment. This was worth my time.
If that isn't fantastic pure soul blues playing with blues tone to die for.. I dont know what isnt! Love it! and a fab channel too! I have the Tweed as in this video and If you want or need a bit more clean headroom or want your tone to sound warmer, then simply swap a 12AT7 tube for the commonly used 12AX7 used in the V1 position and away you go !
Yes, as others have said, a well presented and informative review. I have been trying to find out what the differences are (that would influence the sound) between the two versions of the Blues Junior in the video (for a given model year/version the BJ electronics are the same): Original BJ (USA made) black: Circuit: first green PCB Speaker: Eminence, designed for Fender (closely resembling the Eminence Legend 125) BJ3 Tweed: Circuit: in 2001 the circuit was changed to enhance the treble, compared to the darker sound produced by the first green PCB's signal paths. The internal reverb signal order was also revised, which gave a cleaner signal. Speaker: The standard BJ3 is fitted with an Lightning Bolt speaker, produced by Eminence for Fender, but the BJ3 Tweed is fitted with a Jensen C12N speaker.
Hey Mustafa..that's the best dam comparison and. demo of the blues jr on the whole dam you tube well done dude I mean dam well done and you can play too..your pretty cool dude..
As far as I know they only have different speakers and of course covering material. The Lacquered Tweed version has a Jenson C-12N. The standard version is black textured vinyl covering with Black Faced style Black/Silver Grill cloth and a Fender Lightning Bolt speaker by Eminence. No other differences, not in the pre- amp section, same schematic, same parts,same tubes, same cabinet. Look at the wiring schematic and tube's in each amp if you do not believe me. So the difference you are hearing is all from different speakers and possible how broken in the speakers are in each amp. That's it Doctor!
wrong, the Mexican and American boards are different. My Mexican made tweed Blues Junior III Limited Edition version also came with the Jensen alnico speaker. It's quite a bit different than the standard black version from the USA and I think that's what we are hearing here. The tweed version sounds far superior in this video.
Robin Barrett Actually, Budda is right. Here is the blackface description straight from Fender: "From mid-1963 to late 1967, Fender’s so-called “blackface” amps were named for the color of their control panels, but as these amps also had black Tolex covering, the term “blackface” quickly came to denote any Fender amp that was basically all black."
And so by this description, this silverface is a blackface? We're discussion slang here... ampwares.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Silverface-Deulxe-Reverb-Front.jpg
The priceless information here is not how the two amps differ. But, how he manipulates the volume and tone controls on the guitar. All that and how the amp's controls interact is the magic. I like both, riff dependent.
All cream board tweed Blues Juniors have a “Limited Edition” plaque on the back. There’s nothing limited about the edition; they built a bunch and when they ran out, they built another bunch. The Blues Junior chassis has also been used in the Two-Tone, a large amp with a 10-inch and a 12-inch speaker. The chassis can also be found in the weird, plastic-cased Deco-Tone and in some Custom Shop amps with exotic wood cases such as bubinga. Other cabinet coverings include blond Tolex, dark brown Tolex with a wheat-colored grille (custom for a Canadian music store chain), and the Texas Red Tolex. Outside the chassis, Fender has used several different speakers in some Blues Junior models. All green boards and all black Tolex BJrs use the Fender Special Design, which is built by Eminence and is equivalent to the Eminence Legend 125. This speaker has been used in the Hot Rod Deluxe, Blues Deluxe, Deluxe Reverb and the Twin Reverb, among others. This is a good, all-around speaker. It doesn’t have the deepest bass, however, and the highs can sometimes be “fizzy.” When the cream board tweeds were introduced, Fender chose the Jensen reissue (made in Italy) C12N. The C12N doesn’t sound much like vintage Jensens, and it can be shrill-sounding. But it cuts through the band well. Some people prefer the Special Design and don’t consider it an improvement. The Texas Red model uses the Celestion Vintage 30 speaker. The V30 is known for its strong midrange and is well suited for classic rock/lead guitar. It’s a little weak in the bass and the highs are a bit more muted than the other speakers.
This video has caused me to get dressed (8am Sunday morning) drive 40 minutes to closest GC to play these 2 amps if both are in & hopefully bring one home with me!! One of your other videos convinced me its time to slowly start the process of buying a new amp for home playing & was going to look into getting a fender hot rod pro jr in a few weeks, mainly because it's the cheapest tube amp with that fender tone. Then I watch this video & I'm putting my shoes on & checking bank account balances. I'm afraid to watch anymore of your videos, there's no telling what I'll be trying to buy next. Lol great tone, great playing, very well done. this video will be priceless to so many that are in the market for tube amp even if it's just to realize this ain't the tone they're looking for. You said it best when you said it's very hard to describe sound & tone with words! So true
Great demo and great playing - finally someone who is not acting and gives a straightforward honest review - thank you 😊 Owned a few BJR's and speaker is only diff between two (unless some slight year spec diff like caps, etc)... it is amazing to hear difference a speaker makes. Also, I own a modded BJR with Cannibus Rex and Hammond Choke, Transformer and high spec caps which is an amazing amp - best sounding BJR I have heard.
I really liked both amps, If I was going buy one it would be the Black face, just pref, but the tones hit me, just awesome tones. You are an amazing guitarist! and have inspired me to seek out more blues techniques, styles. thank you so much for making this very "connective" video. All the best to you.
I personally decided to buy the Tweed. It works really well as my main amp paired with a Tele with Seymour Duncan Hot for Tele pickups. I play through NYXL 10-46. Fantastic amp for lugging around with a pedal board. I will say that I have grown to like using this amp when I can turn it up. If you can't turn it up, then the bass feels really ugly and makes the guitar sound kinda stupid. When the volume is up, the cabinet is able to supply some of the missing bass that comes with lower volumes. I really like running the amp without the Fat Boost because I use an always one Keeley C4 that does enough compression. If you run this amp straight, I'd use the fat boost to give you a sense of that compression that really sweetens up guitar tone. If you are able to lug around a larger amp, certainly look into the Blues Deluxe that is only $100-200 more brand new and has more wattage and a bigger cabinet. Tone is subjective, so get what you want and make it work for you!!!
Hey Budda! Thank you very much for your effort and this excellent video! Great tone and playing! I like to show this vid to people who like to "bad-mouth" the Blues Junior - because I think you did a great job of showing what this little amp can do - with no effects, bells and whistles. I also like your attitude very much! Very positive and straight-forward at the same time - much appreciated! best regards - 68.
I've been looking at buying a blues junior for a while and all the reviews and everything I've read and watched I never knew there was a difference in sound between the black and the Tweed thank you very much I subscribed to your channel very informative
By far the best review i saw about them both. Thanks. I am going for the tweed. I rarely see videos above ten minutes. You speak well and interesting. And the info about the reverb was priceless. Great review.
Having just bought a blackface after quite a long time trying out both that and the tweed version, like others, I concur that this video gives a spot on representation of how I found the amps to perform. I wish I had seen this before heading to the guitar shop! I just couldn't live with how trebly and bright the tweed was, but was very impressed by the reverb and the look of that version of the amp. The blackface had a much warmer, more versatile sound however the reverb and aesthetics really let it down. In the end, sound won out over looks and I already own a reverb/delay pedal anyway. Great video.
I love my Lacquered Tweed Blues Junior. Sounds excellent will all my guitars.. single-coils as well as, humbuckers. Has great mid-range and pick-attack. Gotta know how to set it.. depending upon the guitar used.
There is LOTS of clean headroom in the Tweed.. IF one knows how to set it. Fat-boost off.. master volume up. Clean enough. Otherwise, buy a solid state amp.
Just to set the record straight, both amps have the same electronics. Speaker (& cab covering) are the only differences. The Tweed has a Jensen C12N speaker, while the black amp has one of several less expensive speakers, depending on year. The only difference in circuitry would be the early "Green Board" amps that were made in Corona CA. They had a much "darker" sound (which I wasn't happy with). The "BillM mods" and such were designed to brighten up the USA models, which the "Cream Board" Made in Mexico models addressed (along with a better reverb response).
@@BuddaGuedes I would guess you were comparing different years. They DID make small changes year to year, but for a given year, the circuitry is the same, and the only difference is the speaker. BTW, the C12N sounds drastically better than whatever they put in the black version for my purposes (I have 2 BJ's) Here's a quote "Answer: The differences between the Fender Blues Junior Lacquered Tweed and the Blues Junior IV are not purely cosmetic. The most important one is the speaker. You will find a Jensen C12-N with Ceramic Magnet on the Lacquered Tweed, and a Celestion A-Type on the IV."
This is a really good review-unlike most. Great playing. The difference you hear must be the speaker. I have the tweed myself. I installed a Jensen C12K (I remember how I hated the Jensen C12Q so I figured the heavier the better, and I like the 12K, but no, I put the C12N back in again.)I did cut the bright cap by the way. When they first came out in the early nineties I bought a Pro Junior and Blues Junior. Been a fan of the Pro ever since and did not like the Blues at all. But I gave the Blues another try a few months ago, and now I like it a lot. Strange. I don't like channel switching and master volume. Don't like power soaks. Thought the best compromise was a PPI master volume (volume seems to become a bigger problem by the year, doesn't it ) So I always believed that if you really had to use a MV, you cranked the MV and not too much of that pre-amp. With the Blues Junior I find that I turn the pre-amp all the way up, and even if I keep the MV down, it still sounds full and cleans up when you turn the volume down on the guitar ! I realize that this is not so much a comment on the difference between the black and the tweed BJ, but I am curious to hear what other people think about this MV thing that goes so much against what I always thought . Oh yeah. I like the tweed much better. I also think the tweed looks much better haha I don't really care what the reverb sounds like and I don't understand why people find it so important in any amp.I think that it is just as good (or bad) as , for example, on the deluxe reverb, as in : becomes too much fast. but as always, IMHO One last thing. I do believe that the build quality of the Pro Junior 3 has improved since version 2 and same thing goes for the BJ I suppose ?
Trouble (treble?) is, they both sound awesome. I love the warmth of the black, but the tweed has that amazing old school attack. I could find great tones with both.
I just got my Tweed Blues Jr. A few days ago. I prefer bassier sounds, so I like my amps to have a fat, thumpy low end. Yes, the tweed is very bright, but adjusting the EQ will do wonders and I can give it a fat bottom. It's also getting along with my pedals. Always wanted a tweed amp, so definitely happy with this bad boy!
Hey Budda, first... your English is skillful and appreciated. Big, big fan of the many Portuguese futebol players on my favorite team, Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves). The warmth of the black face, I'm sure, will complement my Epiphone 335. Your video was incredibly helpful. Obrigado meu amigo.
HEY, my tweed had the same rattle. Easy fix. Check the screws that hold the back internals into the amp. Mine were loose. I tightened them up and the rattle went away.
Great video. It made me rethink my amp settings on my BJ tweed. I changed out the stock speaker long ago, it made the amp brighter and louder. This is a good video even if I don't care about the Tolex version because I already have the tweed.. Thank you!
Thanks for that intelligent and fare demo. You completly nailed it with your analysis. I love them both and that's always my problem... I just love the different personalities of any good amp and guitar.(and pedals too!). I am damned...
I like the way you explain how you feel each amp sounds in detail and at the beginning of the video. Hardly any other you tubers do this. Good video - thumbs up from me
I put different tubes in my tweed blues. also changed the speaker to a weber alnico. the speaker change makes a HUGE. difference in clarity and taming the harsh highs
Great video! I purchased the Tweed Blues Junior but was leaning towards a black face. It turns out I made the right choice. You;re a great player as well!!
Thanks for the video, I had settled on the Tweed and your video helped confirm that. Your english was very easy to understand also. Keep up the good work my friend.
I don't mean to be rude...But there is some wrong info in this video. Here is the deal..... There is the older USA amps with the "green" circuit board and the newer Mexican made amps with the "cream" board. They are all made in Mexico now.. And there is NO difference AT ALL in the "MIM" amps! Simply different tolex/tweed coverings...AND speakers! That's it. Speakers make a huge difference in tone. And the only difference between the older USA amps & the MIM versions is that the USA amps are darker sounding and the MIM are brighter sounding, and also how the reverb is wired. The verb is wired up better on the MIM amps (USA made amps had some hum in the verb) They are ALL killer amps though! I have an old USA "Woody" version, and I love it! They are also easy to mod too. Look up BillM Audio...He has some really good info on the amps!
static fuzz thanks for you input. It happens that my black blues jr is made in Mexico. Watch episode 44 where I compare both amps using both each other speakers and the built in speaker. Thanks again for your great contribution.
my usa made black version has the cream board. i installed a celestial V30. Did a couple of cap changes via BillM.Changes a resistor for a slightly lower tube bias. Use a 12Au7 in the Inverter position. It now is much better than stock. Playing with tubes will drastically change the character of most amps.
Great comparison video Budda! I got the tweed version with the Jensen C12N speaker. Really liked the tones but found the speaker had too much high end and too fizzy with the gain (volume) cranked. I swapped the stock speaker out for a Celestion Vintage 30 and was very happy with the new sound... more mids focused and tighter bass, especially with the gain cranked. In general it just tamed the high end more. Great amp, really like it. Thanks again for your review!
Hats off Doc. Great job on playing, using English and above all sharing your thoughts on my own amp - Blues junior tweed. Like you, I do find the treble overshadows its sound and will be looking to address that issue - either Bill M. mods or a speaker swop to the Cannabis Rex as advised by Bill and many many others. You are doing God's work and its very much appreciated. Cheers from sunny Thailand
Rocksteady thanks a lot. Although I like the tenderly sounds of the tweed it’s a little too much of an effect. The black sounds a lot more like a normal amp. Thanks for your support
@@BuddaGuedes I will do. Noticed that you did one on the speaker comparison alone. Of course, with all the variations of BJs out there now, it's a matter of matching expectations to the specs., I guess.
Great review man! I like the tweed because you can adjust your mids, bass, treble no big deal. But you can't adjust for the, I don't know the word, transparency. The black blues jr. sounds muffled to me. I can only play around 4 volume before it gets too loud for me. And it is plenty clean down there.
Hey Budda, ever tried a AT7 (ecc71) as first stage tube (next to the input jack). It adds more use to the amp and gives more ease on dialing in a good gain level. It makes the amp sounding more like the old blackfaces(clean and powerful)..
![Megan Thee Stallion - Bigger In Texas [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QxTkZTLWdo4/mqdefault.jpg)
Love this guy. First he lives in a castle, second he can rock a hair barrett, and finally he knows what he is talking about! Great videos.
Ah ah! Thanks a lot
Tweed looks and sounds perfect for my taste if you think its too trebly thats why you got the knobs there to mesure the highs mids and lows .. tweed its more alive than the iv .. iv sounds great too more like a British style blues rock amp the tweet more American blues classy and warm sound 👌🏻🎸 go with the tweed if you like buddy guy, clapton , robert cray , srv hendrix and more
Finally someone who turned the master to full,and used the volume alone for level!
Eh eh
This is by far the best review of the Blues jr on RUclips.
Based on this review I was able to make an informed decision about whether to go for the tweed or blackface version . I ended up going for the Blackface as I found the tweed a little harsh for my taste , still a great amp just not for me . I can still get the crunch I want from the Blackface but I prefer the mid range sound . keep making these great videos , super informative and really helped me make the right decision . Would really love to see and hear your thoughts on the Bassbreaker amps , particularly the 15 watt version and maybe a comparison with the blues Jr .
Great suggestion!! I'll try to get my hands on one.
Thanks
I could not agree more!Just the very first comparison nails it.
Henk
I have to wonder, if it's not just the Jensen speaker vs. the Eminence? Fender is too cheap to mod the circuit. (Dammit... ) I mean, it would be cost prohibitive to manufacture a different PCB for the same line of amps with different components. (Better?)
Budda Guedes hi bro. Am looking everywhere a comparison between the bj 3 tweed and bj 4. I think you are the best reviewer for this.
If you don't like bright, you made exactly the right choice. The Blues jr in tweed with the Jenson is waaaaaay bright. It can be tamed but needs appropriate pickups. I run Fender pure vintage 59's which are bright by nature. The two together sound awesome, really, but i have to wind waaay back on the high end (amp, strat and pride of texas) to tame it.
Fender Blues Junior Tweed all the way,mine is on order.
Yes for me too
Did you play in a band setting? I have one and thought the same until I tried it in rehearsal. I don't like it to practice with.
It’s a bright amp but I love it
It’s very Albert King, our Albert Collins
@@dirkdiggler6230 what about turning down the treble? :D
Hey man, amazing review! Thanks for taking the time bless us with this video! 😬
You’re more than welcome
You deserve more subscribers! Also, I've never heard an amp sound much like it does in person on a video. You made me choose the tweed, Thanks very much!
Chaz Michael thank you so much for your kind words! Glad that it shows. My goal is to have a great sound quality in all episodes, since this is a music show!!! Sound quality is super important!! Thanks
Exactly what I wanted to say. Except I suggest you to remove the woman talking italian or what it was in the beginning. Made me almost close the video, because I thought it's a foreign language. But your excellent guitar playing made me stay :)
MediaLiveHD same here...
It isn't Italian or others latin language...
it's not meant not meant to be offensive. the internet is highly efficient and full of content. people have very little patience if the content is wrong. they're just giving him tips for making it better.
What an outstanding review! Talking about tone--which is difficult in even your native language--in your second language, and doing it so effectively, is a real accomplishment. This was worth my time.
Thank you so much for the support. I’m really happy
this guy can play blues
If that isn't fantastic pure soul blues playing with blues tone to die for.. I dont know what isnt! Love it! and a fab channel too! I have the Tweed as in this video and If you want or need a bit more clean headroom or want your tone to sound warmer, then simply swap a 12AT7 tube for the commonly used 12AX7 used in the V1 position and away you go !
Thanks a lot for your kind words and suggestions
This guy is the definition of a good bluesy player. A good guitar and a 15w amp with a little reverb. Done
Thank you so much
Doesn't matter which one I buy, neither comes with those fingers :(
Eh eh!
The detail and the effort is here again. Very good.
Thank you so much!!! Glad you've liked it!!
Yes, as others have said, a well presented and informative review.
I have been trying to find out what the differences are (that would influence the sound) between the two versions of the Blues Junior in the video (for a given model year/version the BJ electronics are the same):
Original BJ (USA made) black:
Circuit: first green PCB
Speaker: Eminence, designed for Fender (closely resembling the Eminence Legend 125)
BJ3 Tweed:
Circuit: in 2001 the circuit was changed to enhance the treble, compared to the darker sound produced by the first green PCB's signal paths. The internal reverb signal order was also revised, which gave a cleaner signal.
Speaker: The standard BJ3 is fitted with an Lightning Bolt speaker, produced by Eminence for Fender, but the BJ3 Tweed is fitted with a Jensen C12N speaker.
Best amp comparison video I've watched in ages. Thank you.
Hey Mustafa..that's the best dam comparison and. demo of the blues jr on the whole dam you tube well done dude I mean dam well done and you can play too..your pretty cool dude..
Anthony Gonzalez oh, thank you so much. Keep watching the show and please share it with the world.
All the best to you,
As far as I know they only have different speakers and of course covering material. The Lacquered Tweed version has a Jenson C-12N. The standard version is black textured vinyl covering with Black Faced style Black/Silver Grill cloth and a Fender Lightning Bolt speaker by Eminence. No other differences, not in the pre- amp section, same schematic, same parts,same tubes, same cabinet.
Look at the wiring schematic and tube's in each amp if you do not believe me.
So the difference you are hearing is all from different speakers and possible how broken in the speakers are in each amp. That's it Doctor!
PeterDad60 thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. I believe you.
"Face" on classic Fenders refers to the panel behind the knobs. Calling this a "Black Face" is strange.
wrong, the Mexican and American boards are different. My Mexican made tweed Blues Junior III Limited Edition version also came with the Jensen alnico speaker. It's quite a bit different than the standard black version from the USA and I think that's what we are hearing here. The tweed version sounds far superior in this video.
Robin Barrett Actually, Budda is right. Here is the blackface description straight from Fender: "From mid-1963 to late 1967, Fender’s so-called “blackface” amps were named for the color of their control panels, but as these amps also had black Tolex covering, the term “blackface” quickly came to denote any Fender amp that was basically all black."
And so by this description, this silverface is a blackface? We're discussion slang here... ampwares.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Silverface-Deulxe-Reverb-Front.jpg
Thanks for this video, it answered my question. Well done! I'll be going with the tweed.
Nothing wrong with the tolex but there are some subtle differences the Tweed is definitely a little more warmer
I came here for an amp review, but left with a handful of tasty licks.
Eh eh. I’m glad to know that.
The priceless information here is not how the two amps differ. But, how he manipulates the volume and tone controls on the guitar. All that and how the amp's controls interact is the magic. I like both, riff dependent.
Thank you so much for your support
All cream board tweed Blues Juniors have a “Limited Edition” plaque on the back. There’s nothing limited about the edition; they built a bunch and when they ran out, they built another bunch.
The Blues Junior chassis has also been used in the Two-Tone, a large amp with a 10-inch and a 12-inch speaker. The chassis can also be found in the weird, plastic-cased Deco-Tone and in some Custom Shop amps with exotic wood cases such as bubinga.
Other cabinet coverings include blond Tolex, dark brown Tolex with a wheat-colored grille (custom for a Canadian music store chain), and the Texas Red Tolex.
Outside the chassis, Fender has used several different speakers in some Blues Junior models. All green boards and all black Tolex BJrs use the Fender Special Design, which is built by Eminence and is equivalent to the Eminence Legend 125. This speaker has been used in the Hot Rod Deluxe, Blues Deluxe, Deluxe Reverb and the Twin Reverb, among others. This is a good, all-around speaker. It doesn’t have the deepest bass, however, and the highs can sometimes be “fizzy.” When the cream
board tweeds were introduced, Fender chose the Jensen reissue (made in Italy) C12N. The C12N doesn’t sound much like vintage Jensens, and it can be shrill-sounding. But it cuts through the band well. Some people prefer the Special Design and don’t consider it an improvement. The Texas Red model uses the Celestion Vintage 30 speaker. The V30 is known for its strong midrange and is well suited for classic rock/lead guitar. It’s a little weak in the bass and the highs are a bit more muted than
the other speakers.
Nice... I appreciate the time you took to do the Blues Jr. comparison. Keep up the great work.
This video has caused me to get dressed (8am Sunday morning) drive 40 minutes to closest GC to play these 2 amps if both are in & hopefully bring one home with me!! One of your other videos convinced me its time to slowly start the process of buying a new amp for home playing & was going to look into getting a fender hot rod pro jr in a few weeks, mainly because it's the cheapest tube amp with that fender tone. Then I watch this video & I'm putting my shoes on & checking bank account balances. I'm afraid to watch anymore of your videos, there's no telling what I'll be trying to buy next. Lol great tone, great playing, very well done. this video will be priceless to so many that are in the market for tube amp even if it's just to realize this ain't the tone they're looking for. You said it best when you said it's very hard to describe sound & tone with words! So true
Thanks a lot and I hope it has helped you
Great demo and great playing - finally someone who is not acting and gives a straightforward honest review - thank you 😊 Owned a few BJR's and speaker is only diff between two (unless some slight year spec diff like caps, etc)... it is amazing to hear difference a speaker makes. Also, I own a modded BJR with Cannibus Rex and Hammond Choke, Transformer and high spec caps which is an amazing amp - best sounding BJR I have heard.
I really liked both amps, If I was going buy one it would be the Black face, just pref, but the tones hit me, just awesome tones. You are an amazing guitarist!
and have inspired me to seek out more blues techniques, styles. thank you so much for making this very "connective" video. All the best to you.
You’re welcome. Thanks for your support
I personally decided to buy the Tweed. It works really well as my main amp paired with a Tele with Seymour Duncan Hot for Tele pickups. I play through NYXL 10-46. Fantastic amp for lugging around with a pedal board. I will say that I have grown to like using this amp when I can turn it up. If you can't turn it up, then the bass feels really ugly and makes the guitar sound kinda stupid. When the volume is up, the cabinet is able to supply some of the missing bass that comes with lower volumes. I really like running the amp without the Fat Boost because I use an always one Keeley C4 that does enough compression. If you run this amp straight, I'd use the fat boost to give you a sense of that compression that really sweetens up guitar tone.
If you are able to lug around a larger amp, certainly look into the Blues Deluxe that is only $100-200 more brand new and has more wattage and a bigger cabinet. Tone is subjective, so get what you want and make it work for you!!!
Ashton Edwards thanks a lot for your input.
Great to hear how you use the Blues Junior.
It’s clear, I want both...
Ah ah! That’s the way to go!
Ron Lusher, clear as mud then! I know how you feel 😉
Eh Eh!
Hey Budda!
Thank you very much for your effort and this excellent video!
Great tone and playing!
I like to show this vid to people who like to "bad-mouth" the Blues Junior - because I think you did a great job of showing what this little amp can do - with no effects, bells and whistles.
I also like your attitude very much!
Very positive and straight-forward at the same time - much appreciated!
best regards - 68.
68goldtop thank you so much
Dude the tweed sounds so bonamasa. Loved it way more than the blues jr.But they are both great, amazing fender products. The tweed just so sexy
I have the blackface iii. I switched out the speaker for a ET65. Huge difference. Really improved this amp a lot for me.
I’ve also changed the speaker to an et65. I like it a lot better
Very helpful, I been wanting to get a new amp and been unsure on what blues amp to buy. Tweed blues junior is definitely the one
Thanks for sharing
I've been looking at buying a blues junior for a while and all the reviews and everything I've read and watched I never knew there was a difference in sound between the black and the Tweed thank you very much I subscribed to your channel very informative
Thanks a lot and welcome to the family. Keep on watching the show
Increible, alfin alguien prueba esos amplificadores a alto volumen🎉🎉
THANK YOU for this excellent in depth review (and your english is spot on ! ) Obrigado
🙏🙏🙏🙏
Just got my tweed today I’m in love!!!!!!!!! Thank you for helping me make an informed decision buda you’re awesome brother
Great. You’re more than welcome!!!
By far the best review i saw about them both. Thanks. I am going for the tweed. I rarely see videos above ten minutes. You speak well and interesting. And the info about the reverb was priceless. Great review.
Thank you so much
just got the tweed a couple days ago. Cant get enough of it!
I’m real close to buying the Tweed, do you still like it?
I don’t have one but it’s a great amp
Thank you for making amp review with passion and love for the sound! Both amps are great and to have them both is the best option!
Gracias Budda,
Por fin puedo sacarle el sonido que siempre he querido a mi querido Tweed.
De tu hermano del Blues de Canarias.
Un abrazo Budda
Que bueno!un saludo mui gran
remember its all about the speaker pretty much. I love yo budda
Best video on the subject, you rock dude thanks !!!
Thanks a lot
Really enjoyed the unbiased yet thorough comparison of the Tweed blues junior & Blackface; very helpful, thankyou
Great English too!
Thanks a lot. I ended up buying a tweed too about 4 months ago
Awesome, great playing, very informative, see the Blues Junior in a whole new light. Thanks!
Thank you so much!!!
Having just bought a blackface after quite a long time trying out both that and the tweed version, like others, I concur that this video gives a spot on representation of how I found the amps to perform. I wish I had seen this before heading to the guitar shop!
I just couldn't live with how trebly and bright the tweed was, but was very impressed by the reverb and the look of that version of the amp.
The blackface had a much warmer, more versatile sound however the reverb and aesthetics really let it down.
In the end, sound won out over looks and I already own a reverb/delay pedal anyway.
Great video.
mitchsvideos thanks a lot
Good comment. Thanks...
🙏
I love my Lacquered Tweed Blues Junior. Sounds excellent will all my guitars.. single-coils as well as, humbuckers. Has great mid-range and pick-attack. Gotta know how to set it.. depending upon the guitar used.
There is LOTS of clean headroom in the Tweed.. IF one knows how to set it. Fat-boost off.. master volume up. Clean enough. Otherwise, buy a solid state amp.
It’s a great amp!
Just to set the record straight, both amps have the same electronics. Speaker (& cab covering) are the only differences. The Tweed has a Jensen C12N speaker, while the black amp has one of several less expensive speakers, depending on year.
The only difference in circuitry would be the early "Green Board" amps that were made in Corona CA. They had a much "darker" sound (which I wasn't happy with). The "BillM mods" and such were designed to brighten up the USA models, which the "Cream Board" Made in Mexico models addressed (along with a better reverb response).
Please watch my other video where I compare both amps using the same speaker. There’s a huge difference
@@BuddaGuedes I would guess you were comparing different years. They DID make small changes year to year, but for a given year, the circuitry is the same, and the only difference is the speaker.
BTW, the C12N sounds drastically better than whatever they put in the black version for my purposes (I have 2 BJ's)
Here's a quote "Answer: The differences between the Fender Blues Junior Lacquered Tweed and the Blues Junior IV are not purely cosmetic. The most important one is the speaker. You will find a Jensen C12-N with Ceramic Magnet on the Lacquered Tweed, and a Celestion A-Type on the IV."
This is a really good review-unlike most. Great playing.
The difference you hear must be the speaker. I have the tweed myself. I installed a Jensen C12K (I remember how I hated the Jensen C12Q so I figured the heavier the better, and I like the 12K, but no, I put the C12N back in again.)I did cut the bright cap by the way.
When they first came out in the early nineties I bought a Pro Junior and Blues Junior. Been a fan of the Pro ever since and did not like the Blues at all.
But I gave the Blues another try a few months ago, and now I like it a lot. Strange.
I don't like channel switching and master volume. Don't like power soaks. Thought the best compromise was a PPI master volume (volume seems to become a bigger problem by the year, doesn't it )
So I always believed that if you really had to use a MV, you cranked the MV and not too much of that pre-amp.
With the Blues Junior I find that I turn the pre-amp all the way up, and even if I keep the MV down, it still sounds full and cleans up when you turn the volume down on the guitar !
I realize that this is not so much a comment on the difference between the black and the tweed BJ, but I am curious to hear what other people think about this MV thing that goes so much against what I always thought . Oh yeah. I like the tweed much better. I also think the tweed looks much better haha I don't really care what the reverb sounds like and I don't understand why people find it so important in any amp.I think that it is just as good (or bad) as , for example, on the deluxe reverb, as in : becomes too much fast. but as always, IMHO One last thing. I do believe that the build quality of the Pro Junior 3 has improved since version 2 and same thing goes for the BJ I suppose ?
Bas de Jong thanks for sharing! Keep watching the show
Thanks for the video mate, it is the best I've watched on these amps, cheers !
Thanks a lot. I’m glad to know that
Great video, really informative. I have the Blues Junior Tweed, and this video really helped me understand my amp better. Obrigado Budda.
🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
Best channel of his type in RUclips. Also; the best demo of both amps. Definitively, I'm going Blues Junior Tweed.
Keep on going, man!
Excellent comparison. Your playing is excellent too.
I'm glad I found this for the playing!
Love the Tweed!!! The Black Face is rather dull to me compared to the Tweed!! Nice comparison!! Good job!
Trouble (treble?) is, they both sound awesome. I love the warmth of the black, but the tweed has that amazing old school attack. I could find great tones with both.
I totally agree
I went with Tweed. I found your video very helpful. I now know how to tweak it to get the tones I want. Thank you!
Great to know that. 🙏
Best amp demo I've seen thus far ! Thank you Budda
Definitely dig the tweed more. Both great though.
Great demo Budda. Excellent playing
Thanks a lot
Very cool review ! Proud owner of the first tweed edition.
Great amp
I just got my Tweed Blues Jr. A few days ago. I prefer bassier sounds, so I like my amps to have a fat, thumpy low end. Yes, the tweed is very bright, but adjusting the EQ will do wonders and I can give it a fat bottom. It's also getting along with my pedals. Always wanted a tweed amp, so definitely happy with this bad boy!
It’s really a great one. I ended up buying one too
excellent review great playing blues
Thank you so much
Hey Budda, first... your English is skillful and appreciated. Big, big fan of the many Portuguese futebol players on my favorite team, Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves). The warmth of the black face, I'm sure, will complement my Epiphone 335. Your video was incredibly helpful. Obrigado meu amigo.
Thanks a lot for your support and let me know when you get the amp
HEY, my tweed had the same rattle. Easy fix. Check the screws that hold the back internals into the amp. Mine were loose. I tightened them up and the rattle went away.
Great tip
Definitely, the Best BJr comparison on youtube! Awesome! and Thanks you so much, Budda Guedes
Great video. It made me rethink my amp settings on my BJ tweed. I changed out the stock speaker long ago, it made the amp brighter and louder. This is a good video even if I don't care about the Tolex version because I already have the tweed.. Thank you!
Thanks for that intelligent and fare demo. You completly nailed it with your analysis. I love them both and that's always my problem... I just love the different personalities of any good amp and guitar.(and pedals too!). I am damned...
Eh eh! That’s also my problem. I always want that other amp that’s also great!!
Fantastic video. I love your playing and your English is great. Your blues playing is what I aspire to. Many thanks.
Thanks a lot for your kind words
Tweed all the way for me. I'm old so my ears like those highs and the rocker in my likes the early crunch too.
It’s a great amp
I have a tweed and i love it so much.
It’s a great amp
I like the way you explain how you feel each amp sounds in detail and at the beginning of the video. Hardly any other you tubers do this. Good video - thumbs up from me
James Addison thanks a lot for your kind words. Keep on watching the show.
I put different tubes in my tweed blues. also changed the speaker to a weber alnico. the speaker change makes a HUGE. difference in clarity and taming the harsh highs
Thank you! The best review of these amps I have seen. It's like you made this video just for me! Sweet!!!
David Thomas great!
Great video! I prefer the Tweed!! Has a more classic sound and you can get the lush reverb! Great amps!
Thanks a lot!!
I like the way you end your blues likes with staccato bass notes.
Thanks a lot
Man I just found your channel and it's great! Quality videos, and your playing is nice to listen to as well! I am sure your channel will grow quickly.
Thank you so much for your support. Spread the word and keep on wathing. every monday there's a new episode.
Thanks so much. You really helped with my pick of the Blues Jr.Awesome vid my man. Hello from Indiana USA.
Thanks which have you choose?
Thanks for your support
Great video! I purchased the Tweed Blues Junior but was leaning towards a black face. It turns out I made the right choice. You;re a great player as well!!
Marc Tremblay thank you very much
Best comparative vid on the jrs. I've ever seen......great job!
Thanks for the video, I had settled on the Tweed and your video helped confirm that. Your english was very easy to understand also. Keep up the good work my friend.
Thanks Doctor Guitar!!! You are great my brother. Terrific video and nice playing. Rock on...Glen
Tank you so much for the support.
De facto o melhor BLUES junior review da net! Congrats
DaBluesman...
Thanks, very helpful and a great comparison. Just what I was looking for. Nice playing too!
Great video brother thanks for your time and expertise!!🙏🏻
Thanks a lot for your support!
tweed all the way....way more character and lively tone...saving for one...thanks for your helpful videos .
You’re more than welcome
Thank you. that was awesome!
You’re welcome!! Thank you for your support
I don't mean to be rude...But there is some wrong info in this video. Here is the deal.....
There is the older USA amps with the "green" circuit board and the newer Mexican made amps with the "cream" board. They are all made in Mexico now.. And there is NO difference AT ALL in the "MIM" amps! Simply different tolex/tweed coverings...AND speakers! That's it. Speakers make a huge difference in tone.
And the only difference between the older USA amps & the MIM versions is that the USA amps are darker sounding and the MIM are brighter sounding, and also how the reverb is wired. The verb is wired up better on the MIM amps (USA made amps had some hum in the verb) They are ALL killer amps though! I have an old USA "Woody" version, and I love it! They are also easy to mod too. Look up BillM Audio...He has some really good info on the amps!
static fuzz thanks for you input. It happens that my black blues jr is made in Mexico. Watch episode 44 where I compare both amps using both each other speakers and the built in speaker. Thanks again for your great contribution.
my usa made black version has the cream board. i installed a celestial V30. Did a couple of cap changes via BillM.Changes a resistor for a slightly lower tube bias. Use a 12Au7 in the Inverter position. It now is much better than stock. Playing with tubes will drastically change the character of most amps.
Great job, Buddah! Who would know these two are so different? How about a comparison of Pro Jr's? Thanks, man!!
Nice little amps, and really good video once again!. Keep up the good work mr. ;)
Nuno Andrade thanks a lot!
I have been considering both these amps, this video is very helpful. Thank you.
Great vid, Budda. I think it is one of the best reviews in the tube for this kind of amp!
Thanks!
Great comparison video Budda! I got the tweed version with the Jensen C12N speaker. Really liked the tones but found the speaker had too much high end and too fizzy with the gain (volume) cranked. I swapped the stock speaker out for a Celestion Vintage 30 and was very happy with the new sound... more mids focused and tighter bass, especially with the gain cranked. In general it just tamed the high end more. Great amp, really like it. Thanks again for your review!
Great review :D Thanx a lot man! Amazing playing, keep up the good work :)
Great playing and tone by the way.
Both real good amps, speaker difference yes, but the dials will cure most things on the guitar and amp . Nice work dude 👌👌
Very different amps
incredibly well done, sir!
Hats off Doc. Great job on playing, using English and above all sharing your thoughts on my own amp - Blues junior tweed. Like you, I do find the treble overshadows its sound and will be looking to address that issue - either Bill M. mods or a speaker swop to the Cannabis Rex as advised by Bill and many many others.
You are doing God's work and its very much appreciated. Cheers from sunny Thailand
Rocksteady thanks a lot. Although I like the tenderly sounds of the tweed it’s a little too much of an effect. The black sounds a lot more like a normal amp.
Thanks for your support
Watch the other episodes I have on the blues junior.
@@BuddaGuedes I agree. To be honest, I have been disappointed with the sound out of my tweed and this comparison really confirms this.
@@BuddaGuedes I will do. Noticed that you did one on the speaker comparison alone. Of course, with all the variations of BJs out there now, it's a matter of matching expectations to the specs., I guess.
Wonderful video extremely informative looking forward to more, just subscribed.
Dani Hamm thank you so much!
Great review man! I like the tweed because you can adjust your mids, bass, treble no big deal. But you can't adjust for the, I don't know the word, transparency. The black blues jr. sounds muffled to me. I can only play around 4 volume before it gets too loud for me. And it is plenty clean down there.
🙏🙏🙏
Thanks. Fender Blues Junior Tweed combined with my Gretsch G5420T Electromatic sounds really smoking' and true! The tweed just gives more in spades.
Hey Budda, ever tried a AT7 (ecc71) as first stage tube (next to the input jack). It adds more use to the amp and gives more ease on dialing in a good gain level. It makes the amp sounding more like the old blackfaces(clean and powerful)..
I’ve never tried that. Will do it someday. Thanks