Larryz Posted August 31, 2016 Share Posted August 31, 2016 Pulled the trigger last night on a Fender 112 Hot Rod Deluxe after having a major GAS attack. An old friend wanted to sell it for $400 bucks. It has a beige cab with a brown grill cloth and it looks brand new as it's hardly been used. Plugged her in last night and she really sounds sweet with my Epi-ES 175 Premium running USA Gibson 57 Humbuckers. Can't wait to try my Strats, Taylors, etc., through it, but that's gonna take some time. Only got to play it last night for about a 1/2 hour. Anyway I'm a very happy camper... I have been looking at a Laney Ironheart 30 and was ready to pull the trigger on the labor day sale at MF and GC. They run $700 and on sale I could have got it for $600+/-. They weigh 45lbs and after reading all the reviews and watching the demo vids, I decided to call my buddy that I had offered $400 for his HRD to see if he still had it. He did, but an old music buddy of mine came by 2 days ago and may make him an offer of $425. I told him my cash offer was still good at $400 as of today and he took it. The Laney and the HRD both weigh 45lbs. I won't be using all the OD features on the Laney and would save $200, so the HRD won out... I was just over at my Son-n-laws for his Birthday party a couple of days ago as I have been drooling over the old Twin Reverb sitting in his living room for quite some time. It brings back many memories of my gigging days and I still reminisce about having my old one back! Anyway I picked the Twin up (or tried to pick it up) off the floor and told him I was not going to trade him out of it as it's just too heavy. When comparing the Laney and the HRD to the Twin, I was thinking 45lbs ain't so bad LOL! When I got the HRD home, I picked it up and then picked up my Hot Rod DeVille @ 55lbs. The DeVille will have to go LOL! I like the 410's but will be just as happy with the HRD 112! As we get older, weight definitely becomes a factor IMHO. Anyway, as Fats said "yes indeed, I'm in love again... Take care, Larryz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bartholomew Posted August 31, 2016 Share Posted August 31, 2016 Have a 68 sf Twin in my living room that I can't really lift at this point due to age and compression back fractures. Was thinking about one of those - that's a great price, is approx 50% higher here due to exchange rates & transport from the USA included in the dealer retail. Everyone selling used gear in my area raised prices to current exchange rate levels. Been round the block but am not over the hill... http://www.bandmix.ca/jamrocker/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dannyalcatraz Posted August 31, 2016 Share Posted August 31, 2016 Hand trucks/dollys exist for a reason... Still, no need putting yourself in the hospital if you don't have to. Sturgeon's 2nd Law, a.k.a. Sturgeon's Revelation: âNinety percent of everything is crapâ My FLMS- Murphy's Music in Irving, Tx http://murphysmusictx.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desertbluesman Posted August 31, 2016 Share Posted August 31, 2016 Congrads, the HRDeluxe is a great amp, enjoy..... dbm If it sounds good, it is good !! http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=143231&content=music Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caevan O’Shite Posted August 31, 2016 Share Posted August 31, 2016 Yes, congratulations, enjoy! Ask yourself- What Would Ren and Stimpy Do? ~ Caevan James-Michael Miller-O'Shite ~ _ ___ _ Leprechaun, Esquire _ ___ _ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larryz Posted September 1, 2016 Author Share Posted September 1, 2016 Thanks guys... @Bartholomew, I too have a bad back and weight becomes a factor when selecting an amp! Update: A correction on the 45lb weight of the Laney and the HRDeluxe is needed. When I looked in the manual that my buddy supplied for the weight of the HRDeluxe it says 49.5lbs. When I was reading the specs on line they said it was 45lbs. When I pulled out my bathroom scale this morning and weighed it, I came up with 46.8lbs. I remember looking up the weight on the HRDeVille @ 55lbs. It came in on my scale this morning @ 59.4lbs. Anyway, at least I figured out that my HRDeluxe is 12.6lbs lighter than the HRDeVille that I had been lugging around. I'm not even going to try and weigh that Twin LOL! Take care, Larryz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Fraser Posted September 1, 2016 Share Posted September 1, 2016 Hand trucks/dollys exist for a reason... Still, no need putting yourself in the hospital if you don't have to. I was amazed at how much my 2 x 12" Marshall JCM900 weighed the first time I took it to a rehearsal. Everybody noticed what a struggle it was to get that thing out of the car & into the studio, & they all suggested I get a practice amp. So that heavy bugger did a rehearsal & 2 gigs & has sat in my studio, unmoved, for the last 10 years or so. Too heavy for real world use, at least by me. My gig gear also includes two 50 lb racks & a substantial pedal board, so weight is an issue. Scott Fraser Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bartholomew Posted September 1, 2016 Share Posted September 1, 2016 Problem is a hand-truck doesn't do well on stairs for those of us who have back problems plus have to pull that cumbersome extra weight up the stairs. Would have to lift the Twin or whatever out of the car and put it on the hand-truck. Can't even get it into the car from my house... I bought an Ibanez TSA15 head & cab to split the weight, changed the 70/80 Celestion junker for an Eminence 128GB (Greenback clone, no early break-up). Wanted to put in an old JBL I have but it made the cab too heavy. Achieved my purpose but doesn't have even close to the balls of a Blues Jr even with the Tube-Screamer circuit and had to put out $200 after the warranty expired to repair an unstable power supply section etc - did 3 gigs with it plus mostly recording. Lasted 3 years before repair so I consider it Asian junk. On the other hand it sounds pretty good now for what I do, switched to JJ power tubes. Been round the block but am not over the hill... http://www.bandmix.ca/jamrocker/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JuJu Kwan Posted September 2, 2016 Share Posted September 2, 2016 I love the Hot Rod Deluxe, I almost bought one myself in May. It sounds like you got a really good deal and I'm sure you will love it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larryz Posted September 2, 2016 Author Share Posted September 2, 2016 @ JuJu, Thanks! I have had a Hot Rod DeVille 410 which is basically the same amp as the Deluxe for many years. It sounds great but I really don't need 60watts anymore and 40 will do just fine. I also really like the sound of the Hot Rod Deluxe 112 and the 12lbs less weight. @ Danny, I have a small collapsible hand truck which also works as a dolly made for us guitar players to move amps, etc. Those rollers come in very handy (my Twin had them built in). I use the hand truck while on the flats. But, like Bartholomew says, I take the amp off when I have to tackle the stairs. @ Bartholomew, I had considered the piggy back concept as I had a piggy back Silvertone back in the day. That Egnater Tweaker 15 was looking interesting with 6L6's. The Head weighs 16lbs and the cab 30lbs. So at 46lbs it would be the same as moving the Deluxe combo in and out (If you only make one trip with the amp)... Take care, Larryz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larryz Posted September 3, 2016 Author Share Posted September 3, 2016 Update: I never had a manual for my DeVille and learned a little something by actually reading the 2 pages in English on the Deluxe last night. Input #1 is for any guitar and Input 2 is for active guitars. #2 if used alone, cuts the gain by about 6dbs. If used simultaneously with another guitar plugged in, both work the same. So I tried it out with my Taylor T5 last night and it did work much better in #2. One of these days when the Wife is out shopping, I'm going to crank that baby up. Take care, Larryz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bartholomew Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 Maybe a good thing you didn't get the Egnator as I've seen complaints of them needing service work early after warranty. Similar to my TSA15 some of them don't seem to last. Never used input #2 on either channel of the twin, noticed it's lower volume, always thought it was for a vocal mike or maybe an accordian player. Have to try an elect/acoustic in there - thanx for the heads-up. I have a Les Paul Studio with super-hot pickups and coil-splitting - might be a great channel for that also. The amp has been sitting in my living room for almost 50 years and I forgot all about that other input. Isn't it amazing how we can see something almost every day and not know it's there ? Been round the block but am not over the hill... http://www.bandmix.ca/jamrocker/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caevan O’Shite Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 Maybe a good thing you didn't get the Egnator as I've seen complaints of them needing service work early after warranty. Similar to my TSA15 some of them don't seem to last. Never used input #2 on either channel of the twin, noticed it's lower volume, always thought it was for a vocal mike or maybe an accordian player. Have to try an elect/acoustic in there - thanx for the heads-up. I have a Les Paul Studio with super-hot pickups and coil-splitting - might be a great channel for that also. The amp has been sitting in my living room for almost 50 years and I forgot all about that other input. Isn't it amazing how we can see something almost every day and not know it's there ? I think that most of such problems with Egnater amps were with the original production runs; Bruce Egnater canceled with the manufacturer and hired another one, while also upgrading and redesigning some of the amps, such as the sweet, super cool, multi-featured Egnater Rebel 30 MKII head and 112x cab. Ask yourself- What Would Ren and Stimpy Do? ~ Caevan James-Michael Miller-O'Shite ~ _ ___ _ Leprechaun, Esquire _ ___ _ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CEB Posted September 3, 2016 Share Posted September 3, 2016 An actual Egnater is fine amplifier but that Asian licensing deal that Bruce did with for GC is a fiasco. They cranked out a high quantity of crap to meet GC's volume requirements and Bruce don't have the resources to support that shit. "It doesn't have to be difficult to be cool" - Mitch Towne "A great musician can bring tears to your eyes!!! So can a auto Mechanic." - Stokes Hunt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larryz Posted September 4, 2016 Author Share Posted September 4, 2016 Never used input #2 on either channel of the twin, noticed it's lower volume, always thought it was for a vocal mike or maybe an accordian player. Have to try an elect/acoustic in there - thanx for the heads-up. I have a Les Paul Studio with super-hot pickups and coil-splitting - might be a great channel for that also. The amp has been sitting in my living room for almost 50 years and I forgot all about that other input. Isn't it amazing how we can see something almost every day and not know it's there ? Yeah, It's funny when you discover something that's been right there with us all along LOL! I had noticed a difference in volume back in the day between #1 and #2 but didn't know why it was there? I'm not sure how many different Fender amps have this concept built in but the newer Hot Rod Deluxe sure does. Before getting back to you Bartholomew, I plugged in a Taylor 416 acoustic just now and it definitely worked better in #2 just like my Taylor T5 did. In #1 it almost sounds like I have an overdrive gain noise pedal plugged in. When I switch to #2 the gain noise dies down and it sounds much cleaner with all settings on the amp and guitar left the same. I also tried this on my older DeVille and there was a difference but not as noticeable except that I did get more feedback in #1. However, the #2 input on that amp had been replaced and who ever did it might have defeated the function a little... On using the single coil while tapping, I would think the full on #1 would work best, unless you are using active pickups...I will be able to try that in the near future as I have 3 Strats with both single and double coil active pups! ps. I think that Egnater QC problem may have been based on a bad run of amps from what Caevan and CEB are telling us... Take care, Larryz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desertbluesman Posted September 4, 2016 Share Posted September 4, 2016 I think that most of such problems with Egnater amps were with the original production runs; Bruce Egnater canceled with the manufacturer and hired another one, while also upgrading and redesigning some of the amps, such as the sweet, super cool, multi-featured Egnater Rebel 30 MKII head and 112x cab. I have an Egnater Tweaker 15 watt head, it is my daily practice amp, been using it for several years now. It works every time I turn it on. And it sounds great. dbm If it sounds good, it is good !! http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=143231&content=music Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldwin Funster Posted September 4, 2016 Share Posted September 4, 2016 I frequently use the low input on my 65 fender deluxe. Then i can crank it on 10 without it getting too overdistorted. For some circumstances its the best sound. Perfect for blues. The artist formerly known as Jr Deluxe That was my guitar name. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p90jr Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 The Deluxe and The Deville have become THE standard and ubiquitous backline amps, replacing Twins (and more versatile, IMO). They're a great platform for almost whatever you put into them. Someone was telling me about how the guitarist in a band he does FOH mixing for switched to one live (despite having a collection of vintage combos) because he wanted consistency and to be used to them since that was what was offered on the majority of international gigs they do and easily gotten when requested on the rest, anywhere... My Tweed Blues Deville 4 x 10" is retired and resting in its road case out back in the Fortress of Soulitude after many years of hard work. I think it has a slight problem with the input jacks being a little loose on the PCB or something that's screwing up the volume-level and muting things... I'll have it fixed when my tech buddies are in better moods (they hate dealing with PCBs). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CEB Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 I don't know who here has actually had the Hot Rods apart. The Hot Rods are underpowered. These can be really cool amps if you do a few things to them. The PCB on the Deville is very telling. It is like the Deville was designed to have 2X the power supply filter capacitors but Fender decided those were extra parts and they could leave them out. It is an easy upgrade. The spot on the PCB is there and marked for the capacitors. ** A lot of them come in the shop and Mark often goes through them and beefs up the power supply and replace components with better part and when he is done these are killer amps and the owners still don't have a lot of money tied up in it and you can chugg as much deep bottom end as you want and the power supply will keep right up. The stock filter caps suck. The first things he replaces the filter caps and the 5 w ceramic box resistors. ** PS the power transformer is adaquate for feeding the beefed up power supply. Some ding a lings will beef up the power supply caps without a transformer capable of feeding the amp. PPS - these look like the stock IC brand filter caps. Look at the empty spots on the PCB. Also look at the 2 block resistors below the 3rd larger cap from the left. Those are the 2 resistors that are troublesome. If they go too hot they can scortch the PCB. Those 2 guys can be bad news. [video:youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sD_s5fCmalA "It doesn't have to be difficult to be cool" - Mitch Towne "A great musician can bring tears to your eyes!!! So can a auto Mechanic." - Stokes Hunt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caevan O’Shite Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 I don't know who here has actually had the Hot Rods apart. The Hot Rods are underpowered. These can be really cool amps if you do a few things to them. The PCB on the Deville is very telling. It is like the Deville was designed to have 2X the power supply filter capacitors but Fender decided those were extra parts and they could leave them out. It is an easy upgrade. The spot on the PCB is there and marked for the capacitors. ** A lot of them come in the shop and Mark often goes through them and beefs up the power supply and replace components with better part and when he is done these are killer amps and the owners still don't have a lot of money tied up in it and you can chugg as much deep bottom end as you want and the power supply will keep right up. The stock filter caps suck. The first things he replaces the filter caps and the 5 w ceramic box resistors. ** PS the power transformer is adaquate for feeding the beefed up power supply. Some ding a lings will beef up the power supply caps without a transformer capable of feeding the amp. PPS - these look like the stock IC brand filter caps. Look at the empty spots on the PCB. Also look at the 2 block resistors below the 3rd larger cap from the left. Those are the 2 resistors that are troublesome. If they go too hot they can scortch the PCB. Those 2 guys can be bad news. [video:youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sD_s5fCmalA EXCELLENT POST. I noticed those empty PCB spots, as well, when I had a Hot Rod DeVille 2x12 years ago. Ask yourself- What Would Ren and Stimpy Do? ~ Caevan James-Michael Miller-O'Shite ~ _ ___ _ Leprechaun, Esquire _ ___ _ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larryz Posted September 6, 2016 Author Share Posted September 6, 2016 I liked the Bias video...I let my guy do it, but it's nice to know what he's up to in there and I'll tell him I want it set at 71 next time as I like it clean. Back in my tube jockey TV and CB Linear days, I wore those rubber gloves too! +1 on always using a matched set when changing those power tubes. The Deluxe and DeVille only run two 6L6's and it's a lot less expensive than the Twin that runs 4 of them LOL! Take care, Larryz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caevan O’Shite Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 I liked the Bias video...I let my guy do it, but it's nice to know what he's up to in there and I'll tell him I want it set at 71 next time as I like it clean. Back in my tube jockey TV and CB Linear days, I wore those rubber gloves too! +1 on always using a matched set when changing those power tubes. The Deluxe and DeVille only run two 6L6's and it's a lot less expensive than the Twin that runs 4 of them LOL! I'll tell you what, it's not a bad idea to buy matched quartets and thus have two matched pairs, one for later or as an emergency spare. Sometimes, that may even save you a little money compared to buying them as duets every time. And ALWAYS change the driver/phase-inverter tube to a new one EVERY time that you put in a new set of output-tubes; they work and wear-out together as a team. ALWAYS. Ask yourself- What Would Ren and Stimpy Do? ~ Caevan James-Michael Miller-O'Shite ~ _ ___ _ Leprechaun, Esquire _ ___ _ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desertbluesman Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 I BIAS my own HRD and use JJ Tubes from Eurotubes http://www.eurotubes.com/store/pc/home.asp They have BIAS videos for how to on many popular amps. dbm If it sounds good, it is good !! http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=143231&content=music Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larryz Posted September 6, 2016 Author Share Posted September 6, 2016 I liked the Bias video...I let my guy do it, but it's nice to know what he's up to in there and I'll tell him I want it set at 71 next time as I like it clean. Back in my tube jockey TV and CB Linear days, I wore those rubber gloves too! +1 on always using a matched set when changing those power tubes. The Deluxe and DeVille only run two 6L6's and it's a lot less expensive than the Twin that runs 4 of them LOL! I'll tell you what, it's not a bad idea to buy matched quartets and thus have two matched pairs, one for later or as an emergency spare. Sometimes, that may even save you a little money compared to buying them as duets every time. And ALWAYS change the driver/phase-inverter tube to a new one EVERY time that you put in a new set of output-tubes; they work and wear-out together as a team. ALWAYS. Yeah, When my power tubes go, I always change all the tubes as the 3 12AX7's really don't cost that much. I change the inverter and the 2 preamps. I just buy the duets for the two 6L6's but +1, it might save in the long run to buy two complete sets. Mine last so long, I seldom have to change any of them. I save the used good tubes for emergencies and toss all the bad ones. My buddy has a stingy old tube tester and I can zero in on when they are bad and which ones to save...the Fender Groove tubes have worked well for me. I tried the Ruby's and they were not that great and didn't last long. I may try the JJ's next time... Take care, Larryz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larryz Posted September 6, 2016 Author Share Posted September 6, 2016 I BIAS my own HRD and use JJ Tubes from Eurotubes http://www.eurotubes.com/store/pc/home.asp They have BIAS videos for how to on many popular amps. Thanks for the recommendation DBM! I'll give them a try one of these days/years when I have to change tubes... Take care, Larryz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desertbluesman Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 I BIAS my own HRD and use JJ Tubes from Eurotubes http://www.eurotubes.com/store/pc/home.asp They have BIAS videos for how to on many popular amps. Thanks for the recommendation DBM! I'll give them a try one of these days/years when I have to change tubes... I actually change all of the tubes in my HRDeluxe when I change the power tubes. I usually get the ones mid hot. dbm If it sounds good, it is good !! http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=143231&content=music Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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