? Let's review this popular little amp. Fender introduced this amp?as a throwback to the old "Tweed" style amps that made Fender a legend. Specs: 15 watts -10 inch speaker and only two control knobs- Volume and Tone. To all?the purists out?there this is great news. These are small amps about the size of the tweed champ amps so they are very light and portable. Well the amp sports two EL 84 output tubes which is a new tube type for Fender and two 12AX7a's for the pre amp tubes. Groove tubes equipped right out the box.

? How's she sound? Immediately I was taken by surprise that the Pro Jr. really does have the "Tweed" tone. Crunchier, rawer, smoother?with?more mid range thickness than the "Blackface" sounding? Fender's of the past. Crunch is achieved by simply turning the amp up. The clean is very good, just thicker than the traditional Fender clean tone which is kind of a?mid scooped clean tone that many players prefer. The crunch at high volume settings is fantastic for classic rock tones and blues tones with gain being affected by the kind of pickups your are using. Both Single coils and Humbuckers sound at home thru this amp

?I was surprised by the volume as these 15 watts are loud. Plenty of volume for a gigging amp or practice amp. Just mike it up through the P.A. for live stuff and it sounds really fat. Probally not the best "bedroom" amp for low volume levels if you like that turned up crunch sound. Add a overdrive pedal to it for the bedroom tones, ?turn it down a bit and play all night long.

?Overall I was impressed with the quality of the tone. Very "pure" and "sparkly" with that great warm tube sound. Plenty of power, I like to run the amp clean and overdrive it with a good overdrive for great tones and flexibility.The amp was quiet with no issues at all. The tone control had a lot of flexibility so that was no problem.These amps can be picked up for around $250- $300 and that's a steal compared to the old tweeds.

? This is a amp all serious players should pick up for recording or performing.... I believe they are that good. Not for the death rockers but perfect for the Blues or Classic rock guys.

? Mod tips: Change out the Groove tubes El84's for JJ brand El84's they are much better sounding, and for the true "Tweed" tone change out the speaker to a re-issue Jensen alnico for a sweeter tone with a smoother thicker low end.

Guitar Guru