When you went to the back pickup on the 67...oh man. I've wanted to try a Celestion Neo Creamback in one of the Tonemasters since they were released. In my experience the Neos need more break in time than other speakers and they really sweeten up. Another reason to try a broken in Neo in it. I'm waiting to see if they come out with a Princeton Tonemaster. If it's going to be solid state, I'd also like it to be small. :) Great. I've been waiting for you to make this one. Thanks Zac!

@telecasterbear

4 жыл бұрын

Indeed. A Tonemaster princeton would be great.

@KoreyHicksGuitar

4 жыл бұрын

five watt world break in makes a big difference. I get to use it at 22watts all the time, and it has really tamed down that neo. All it needs is love and 200+ hours 🤣

@davidmurphy4844

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, the Princeton possibility occurred to me when this amp and the Twin Reverb were released. Hope that they do one especially with a DI speaker emulation output. Great video.

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you , Keith. If the amp were mine, I would do the speaker mod, and play Booker T and the MG's through it for days to break it in.

@johnnymovz

4 жыл бұрын

Korey I only have 60-70 hours on mine and it’s usually at 0.5 watts do you think mine will tame down too with time? Or do I need to juice it up more often for that to happen?

To me the Tone Master has more dynamic range and clarity, but the 67 has a more lush sounding bottom end and sounds smoother. The important thing though is that the Tone Master doesn't sound artificial - it sounds like a real Deluxe Reverb, just with a different speaker. Considering the other benefits you get (attenuator, direct out and really light weight) then it's an incredibly great amp, definitely worth the price imo.

Zac, I was one of the guys asking for this review, so thank you very much. Great review. Gave me some things to consider that I hadn't gotten from other reviews. Thanks!!!

Hi, I am gigging with a Tonemaster Twin. I could not be happier. My Silverface pro reverb stays safe at home.

Wow, dang. They both sound great! I'm amazed that the Tone Master holds up so well!

Great video, I think Fender was listening to your suggestions on the bright cap and reverb. The latest Firmware update does just that.

Sounds close enough for my ears. Thanks Zac.

Love the channel man. You really are a doctor of tone and music history. Thank you.

@AskZac

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoy it!

Hi Zac!! Great to see you and your channel -

I bought a Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb amp after my mid 60's vintage Fender Pro Reverb died. It lost its Vibrato . It was a loan from an old friend. I do not miss it at all as the Tone Master is, in reality, a much better amp than the tube version ever was. There is no discernible difference in sound, or feel, but the Tone Master has features that are simply no available on the tube version and it will never need new, properly biased tubes to keep that sound and feel consistent. The attenuator and the ability to record it without a mic are extremely useful in the studio for practice and tracking. I would never consider trading the Tone Master for a vintage tube version.

I've had one of these for about a month and very pleased with it. It makes so much sense for what i do. Playing quiet at home using the attenuator or playing out with the fellas. Useable tone at .2 watts and sound better at .5 watt and above. Also a plus using it going direct into my Recording interface and muting the speaker. I don't really use so much the reverb on the amp or the tremolo as I have pedals. Use my Strymon Deco and my Greer Lightspeed with it. Not an expert on any of this but as of now it works for me! I think Fender did a fine job with this. Great review Zac by the way!

There is a clear difference, perhaps due to the speakers difference. I love both voices. Your Deluxe Reverb has a clarity I did not expect. Great video!

It definitely sounds good on this end 🥂Amazing clarity

I have several tube amps collected along the way, incuding a Twin. Love 'em but always miss-trusted tube amps starting in '56. Lots of trips to town to replace tubes, fix this and that. I know first hand about carrying two amps to every gig.... sheesh! I played the tone master at a shop and fell in love with the tone and versatility. Why couldn't we have this for the last 60+ years! Thanks Zac!

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

Very cool!

Fresh out of the box, The Tone Master sounds pretty great.

Once again, very informative video Sir. Thank you for your comments and thoughts :)

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

I’m happy you finally got Fender to help you out with a ToneMaster! I’ve been waiting for your take on this since I asked you about it way back when. I looooove mine.

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

It took a while to make happen

@johnnymovz

4 жыл бұрын

Ask Zac it sure did, but well worth the wait. Next time you compare amps maybe you could make some changes; 1) maybe talk a bit about how you dialed the amps in before you start playing and 2) if you could, mic both amps individually? And please don’t get me wrong, but I prefer your storytelling videos over today’s video. There are plenty of tubers comparing gear out there, but very few telling stories like you do.

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

@@johnnymovz This is great and appreciated feedback. Thank you

Excellent demo! I’ve had a Tonemaster Deluxe a little over a year. Love it! At only 23 pounds, very important to me. More than makes up for any sound difference. Wish it had an extension speaker jack.

I purchased a new Deluxe Reverb as a backup for my original ‘65 that I bought in High School when it was a year old and cost $100 used. (Other guitar players at the time used to make fun of my “little” Deluxe because they had Fender Twins or Bandmasters.) When I saw the ToneMaster series Deluxe Reverb I was always curious if I would have been better off with the solid state amp vs. another tube amp. I think you finally answered the question for me.

Great job in the comparisons. The Tone Master to me sounded brighter but with pedals sounded very close. I’m listening through my stock 7plus IPhone of course...Great show as always!

Really good informative video, thanks for posting!

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Really enjoyed your review.

Thanks for your thoughts, great as always!!

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Thanks for the honest opinions rather than the usual sales pitch we have gotten on many of the Tonemaster reviews. I’m still interested in trying one out. Appreciate your honesty!

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

Glad to help

I hope you'll test the Tone Master Deluxe Blonde with its updated Firmware, reverb fix, and different speaker! Thanks for doing a nice comparison video.

@paulthomasmiller1842

3 жыл бұрын

I updated my deluxe reverb tone master. No bright cap. Extremely pedal friendly.

@dougcarlson1319

3 жыл бұрын

@@paulthomasmiller1842 How is the overall tone and playability now with the firmware changes? Better? Worse? I'm still wondering about that blonde speaker too. Thanks for updating me! 😊👍

@paulthomasmiller1842

3 жыл бұрын

@@dougcarlson1319 I don't have the blonde. There are five firmware options. I selected the no bright cap, reverb mod option. Massive improvement when using effects pedals. I have a deluxe reverb amp and the tone master amp and overall the tube tone to my ears is better, but the tone master more than holds its own and is an outstanding amp.

This is a rad video. We had the tonemaster the same time we had a proper deluxe reverb in at the shop I work at (both brand new). We AB'd them on a slow afternoon, and everyone in the shop came to the same conclusion, side by side, the real deluxe sounded better. It just had a bit more going on. For me personally, I could only really tell the difference when I was the one playing, the tube amp was just a bit more responsive and was a little less harsh and a little more sparkle on the high end, and it just a bit more going on when it broke up. But if I were gonna buy one of them? I'd probably spring for the Tonemaster. The difference was audible, but it was still a great sounding amp, and all those bonus features, plus the weight difference? I'd really rather have the tonemaster in my life. I have enough big heavy tube amps.

As usual, useful data for us werker bees. As a guy with “cool x-rays and great stories” the weight is a huge factor. I had the opportunity to compare the Tonemaster and the re-issue side by side at GC here in Knoxville. My thoughts are the Tonemaster suits my needs way more than the re-issue. Regarding verb and Trem, I’ve had a Flint on the board for years. Thanks again for taking the time to do this.

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Got my tone master deluxe reverb in December, and I’ve played probably 60 gigs in on it so far. Very happy with it as a long time Deluxe Reverb user! I was initially worried about reliability, I use it for gigs four or five times a week, for personal practice at home and for teaching 4-6 hours a day. It sounds the same as it always did, except the speaker is now well worn in. Some of the venues we play have poor power or low/high-voltage... no noise issues and it is really quiet and works extremely well. Now, if only they would issue a USB update to get rid of the “brite cap” on the vibrato channel! I actually got it out of necessity and frustration when my Mesa boogie went down opening for Willie Nelson at Billy Bob’s Texas in late November!

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

Love a report from an experienced user. Thank you, Korey!

@stephenleake81

4 жыл бұрын

I was at that Willie Nelson show. I saw that Mesa head and I thought you were playing through it. If I had known it was a Tonemaster Deluxe, I would have gotten one months ago!

@KoreyHicksGuitar

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah, Mesa died. Didn’t have the Deluxe TM yet. Ended up going through the steel amp 🙄

@landonkirk2825

4 жыл бұрын

An update to get rid of the “brite cap” would be nice! The vibrato channel doesn’t take my overdrive pedals very well it gets fizzy

@landonkirk2825

3 жыл бұрын

@Luke updated it and love it! It’s an amazing, practical amp. It sounds so good plugged direct as well!

Personally, as an owner of this amp. I feel it works best using the "attenuator" in the back as a master volume and using the volume on the front panel as you would a preamp secondary volume. I think the sweet spot of the amp is keeping the volume from 4-6 as the bright cap is no longer present on the Vibrato channel. My pedals sound best this way. Also, you can use a patch cable from Normal input 2 to Vibrato input 1 and get the normal channel with reverb and tremolo. The catch is you have to turn the Normal volume to 0 and just use the eq from the Vibrato side otherwise you get phasing issues. I feel the reverb does deserve an update because it's unusable beyond 5. Cool comparison!

Love your demos ...

I love the Idea of creating a modeling amp and being a very specific amp like the Deluxe Reverb. Orange did a great job with the CR120 although analog (not digital) sounds great, especially in a live setting. Can't wait for ideas from the classics such as the Marshall 1959 SL or Fender Bassman.

I have a new 1964 Handwired, '65 reissue I love them. And I dig the Tonemaster! Plus it's so lightweight!!

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

Very nice!

Hi Zac. I came across your channel a few weeks back, and I really appreciate what you do. You bring a wealth of experience that is often sorely lacking from KZread gurus. I am a 61-year old amateur that has been playing acoustic for about 25 years and only took up electric guitar a few years back due to issues with arthritis affecting my hands. Electric guitar opened up a new world of more comfortable playing for me, allowing me to continue to play for myself. I do it solely for my own enjoyment as a kind of musical meditation. I'm explaining this so that I make it clear that I have NO professional chops, so caveat emptor... I heard a few comparisons of the Tone Master and was impressed by them. Had a chance to play one, and was really impressed by the user experience. At the time, I thought that this was a really good use for digital modelling, in service to a single "model", with all the attention being given to just making the amp be an amp and not a collection of apps designed to make it into a jack of all trades doing nothing particularly well. Then a few weeks ago I bought the new Fender Mustang GTX100, thinking that, as a relative newbie to electric guitar, I might enjoy fooling around with the various amp models, and the huge list of effects (I do not own any pedals - so I though it could be educational, and I could figure out the basic functions to get some sounds I liked - and then invest in a few good pedals along with a valve amp.) It was ok, but not what I really wanted because there were just too many models and patches under the hood, and it was overwhelming. It also felt wasteful, because I knew that I was really only after a FEW good tones plus added effects - and this thing probably could generated hundreds of thousands of permutations. I kept thinking that if Fender took the Tone Master technology, but added a small complement of really good and carefully tweaked effects then the concept of a very well behaved amplifier could be tied to just a little more flexibility based on digital modeling, and that Fender would have a real winner for guys like me. So...I played a friends BOSS Katana, and I was pleased that here was something similar to what I wanted from Fender. It works perfectly well as "just" an amp - meaning you can do everything you really need right out of the box without having to plug a computer into the thing to dive down the rabbit hole of built-in models. Sure, you CAN do that with the new Mustang, but there is always that curiosity about what all that computer horsepower in there might achieve. And, and this is important, the physical interface of the Mustang is built around its modeling nature, whereas the BOSS Katana just feels more traditional in terms of the way the knobs and switches allow you to control it. It felt like an amp to me. Plus it sounded REALLY good. So, I returned the Fender and bought the BOSS Katana Artist MkII. The Artist is a big upgrade (to my ears) over and above the regular Katana due to a much warmer, smoother sounding speaker, a beefier cabinet, and added controls on the amp that reduce the need to hook up to and tweak the native channels in BOSS Tone Studio, the software application that allows you to tweak the sound of the channels (models), alter and switch out effects and signal path, and then assign these changes to the physical controls. This thing checked a lot of the boxes that I had originally thought would be cool for Fender to do to an enhanced Tone Master. It makes use of digital modeling concepts, but applies them not to models that seek to mimic other amps, but rather to it's own voicing, allowing those tones to be modified by the user. I HAVE gotten into the Tone Studio software and learned to use it. It isn't as pretty as the app that mates to the Fender Mustang, but it is easy to use and exposes all of the same kinds of control over the built in effects. Anyway, the point of this long-winded comment is to say that for me, as an amateur, this Katana Artist amp is the closest I have come to seeing cost-effective digital modeling technology applied in the service of something that really does feel like a "real" amp. It is not a Kemper - but it costs a 1/3 as much and comes as a combo with a great 12" WAZA speaker and a quality cabinet, so that isn't the proper comparison. Paired with the Roland GA-FC footswitch, I can control 2 banks of 4 channels that may be saved to the amp so that once that is done all the control over the amp is manual and analog-feeling, but gives you 16 possible combinations of effects, which is cool. I know that transistor amps are not your concern, and that at the level you operate professionally not anything you have to focus on. But for folks like me who really appreciate the value proposition of having the amp and effects in an "in one box" solution, I hope that you'll consider looking at this technology critically and doing a comparison or review of the Katana Artist MKII. These amps have gotten a huge amount of attention since their release 4 or 5 years back, and they sure seem to have changed the game for a lot of advanced amateurs and gigging professionals on a budget. I think your taking one for a spin on your channel would generate a lot of interest, and that your professional viewpoint would offer genuine support for people that are on the fence about buying one to help them with their decision. I made the call myself, but I would have watched such a review from you with real interest. Thanks for all you do. I'm a big fan.

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

I am intrigued by your challenge. I'll have to see if I can find one to check out.

@edwardcating

4 жыл бұрын

@@AskZac I really appreciate the reply. I hope that you can find one because I'd truly love to know what a professional thinks of this amp. Thank you for all the great content you are providing, and stay safe!

Great demo Zac

very good review! i also have a tube deluxe and the tonemaster deluxe and will propably stick with the tonemaster for the mentioned reasons. thank you for this great video Zac!

Nice comparison and good analysis. Having said that, a better volume match between the two amps would have helped. From my old days selling hif-fi gear, I know that when comparing two of anything, we tend to prefer the one that is louder. In any case, thanks for taking the time to put this comparison together.

Thanks, Zac. Your familiarity with having a 65 & 67 is the perfect test case for Fender as they continue to tweak the Tone Masters towards the sought after sweet spot of their vintage Blackface era.

Thanks for this great video Zac

Great review! That bright cap issue is my main concern. When I first got my deluxe I was so disappointed with the sound while using drive pedals until I learned about that mod. I might try one some day for the convenience of the weight and the direct out

Thanks for the review, Zac. I have a 1968 Deluxe that I bought in 1972 when I was in the Air Force. I had it refurbished in 2009 when I started playing regularly again. I also have a 65 Reissue Deluxe and a Dr Z Z-Lux that I used to gig with. But I’m now in a country band where everyone is mic’d through the PA. The Tonemaster was just what I needed; it sounds great and is half the weight of the others. On stage, I hit the mute switch and I don’t blow anyone away. It’s a great piece of gear.

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

Very cool

My concern is the serviceability of the tone master amps. The sound is pretty great and it would be an awesome live amp for multiple reasons, but when the warranty is up and something goes wrong, to what extent can it be fixed. A huge benefit of the vintage amps is that you can repair pretty much everything, so you could hypothetically have a single amp for your whole life that will appreciate in value over time. That's assuming that tubes don't go completely extinct in the near future.

@TurboMountTV

Жыл бұрын

A huge benefit of solid state / digital amps is if nothing goes wrong in first few months nothing probably ever will. I've had to repair EVERY tube amp I've owned. I've NEVER had to repair a digital.

A really good video, thanks. When I bought my DR Tone Master I didn't do so as a direct replacement for the real thing. It has a number of advantages such as the incredible light weight, the attenuation and, let's not forget, the price which, in the UK, is 30% cheaper than the valve version. I do agree with you about the reverb, I keep it down around 3 and it's fine but above that it starts to get 'swampy'. One other advantage, as you rightly say, is that Fender can tweak these things which would be much more complicated and expensive with a valve amp. After years of gigging with a Twin I love the amp and the weight is a joy!

Both amps are cool as heckin' butterbombs!!!!!!!

I haven’t gotten through a single episode without falling asleep, not because it’s boring but Zac’s voice is so relaxing and calming.

@jimmythefish

4 жыл бұрын

I know, it’s like guitar ASMR. With all the crap going on right now he’s the perfect way to relax and get great info.

@fgmmusic

4 жыл бұрын

Kinda the Mr. Rogers of trad guitardom. I'm certainly a fan! And I appreciate his clean touch on the guitar.

Good video Zac. Sounds like the perfect amp for gigs that don’t have great sounding rooms and/or have terrible or no load in areas, which nowadays is almost all of them! To my ears, it sounds like a Neo Creamback might make the Tonemaster sound closer to your Deluxe and keep the weight down. I was mostly hearing the switch from Celestion to Jensen.

I have the tone master and I love it a lottttttttt

@mrcards169

2 жыл бұрын

Did you do the upgrade ?

@thetessema1

2 жыл бұрын

@@mrcards169 I didn’t yet but will do soon.

Once again great work Zac💯

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

Appreciate that

Great comparison video Zac. Clearly, this one will be useful to many considering a Deluxe Reverb purchase wether it’s a TM, Custom, one of the RI models, or a vintage unit. See you next time!

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

You bet!

I just bought one and your review is spot on , i play clean with delay and very little reverb. I do like the amp.

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

Rock on!

I have a 5e3 clone with an attenuator that checks most of these boxes (light, volume, tone). I have to get reverb, and tremelo from pedals, but have much more flexibility. Tube amps breath dynamically better than the modeling. I like how they take pedals better. I like how they interact with guitar volume better. I don’t gig anymore, so transportability doesn’t factor. Could totally see where an amp like this would shine if you we’re playing out. -- Would be great if Fender offered software updates in their software to customize. Bright cap defeat, sag, British speaker adjust(?), gain/break up, Harmonic or Tube bias style Tremelo. Set and forget, still leaving a grab and go, light weight amp.

This was a cool "sort of" shootout. As a diehard Deluxe Head myself, I don't see much not to like about the Tone Master. Seems like a great option for a lot of people looking for a smaller amp. With my '66 and my DRRI, I'm not a candidate for one but I'd probably recommend one to someone.

Love your chanel Zac. Just subscibed. ToneMaster is a great amp for giging and saving old back from pain. But love my One Watt+ Milkman though.

I can definitely see that there is a place for the Tonemaster as I play a ton of outdoor gigs and it would be nice not to worry about my vintage amps. I have been gigging either 2 Princetons (64 & 66) or 2 Deluxes (64 & 65) all of which have Tone Tubby replacement speakers and I ALWAYS use a Brown Box on them. I know there is gonna come a day where I need to scale back and I have been interested in the Tonemaster since it's release. Thanks for your comparison , simple and straight forward that's what I like to hear !!

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

Nice rigs!

Have you heard the new 68 Custom Vibro Champ? I am utterly in love with it, just have to let a few months pass before I buy it, just to make sure the wife doesn't have any problems LOL They upgraded the speaker to a 10, which is I think part of why it sounds so magical. I do a one-man recording studio KZread channel and don't gig anymore, so it will be perfect for me at 5 watts. Anyway, you should give it a listen, it's oddly magical sounding.

@AskZac

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/X2ul1JmMZKSnido.html

Very nice comparison, Zac... This technology will find its way, but I'm with you, still worth packin the tube gear. Thank you!

Since this comparison was so good I wish while you have the Tone Master you could compare it to the Boss Artist... Thanks Again!

Zac, your right, it is a good sounding amp and with less weight and the ability to plug in to any power outlet without worrying about changes in power is a plus. But the sound coming out of an amp with glowing tubes just cannot be replicated!

Now THIS was the video I’ve been waiting for on these amps! The tone master definitely holds its own against the real deal. I’m sure they may feel different in a room and have the obvious speaker/bright cap factors but it seems like a worthwhile tool for mic’d up or DI live use.

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Tristen!

I think you nailed it Zac!

Thanks, Zac! I was hoping you'd talk about one of those Tone Masters. I'd be tempted if they made a Princeton Reverb version and I was married to a more forgiving person!!!

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

VERY tempting

Good review, I had been wondering how it compared. I would imagine they will refine the sounds over time, so perhaps the reverb and tremolo will be tweaked in future.

You tube digitally compressing both is not the same as hearing a live tone of each. I agree with all your points having owned a few tube Deluxes. I always used vintage Jensen / Magnivox, alnico's for a very smooth tone. For $899+ tax, it is pretty high price to me for the Tone Master. You are paying a lot extra for the package and name, a marketing ploy, than actual amp quality.

Jumper cable from normal input 2 to vibrato channel 1. Then just plug guitar into normal channel input 1. This will give you the verb and vibrato, but bypasses bright cap. The speaker does sound smoother when broken in. Of course EVERY old amp sounds different even when not modded. This Tone Master still takes pedals well. Thanks for doing this for us. Also the attenuator on the back comes in handy if you have neighbors!😎👍

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

I tried jumpering, and the channels had some strange interaction.

@richardlynch5632

4 жыл бұрын

Yep...have to keep volume on normal channel down or will get phasing. Just use volume on vibrato channel. 😎👍

@chrisboule970

4 жыл бұрын

This worked really well for me. Got rid of the top end sizzle. But Fender definitely needs to update the firmware to improve the reverb. Anything more than 1.5 is almost unusable.

Great comparison review Zac, thanks for that! I own a '65 Deluxe Reverb as well and the lowly ReIssues : '65 and '68. They both sound great and they have good reverb springs and trem circuits in them. I, like you, did not really like the reverb and trem in the ToneMaster. What i really like about the '68 reissue is that the reverb and trem work in both channels. No cap issues in either channel as well. Amp sounds great. The ToneMaster is 'handy' because it sounds good and it's light but keep a reverb pedal and outboard trem to use with it. I don't think anyone will notice any negative aspects of the amp in a band environment on stage, but your back, groin and arms will be glad you brought it...

Informative comparison Zac. Yes, both sound good. Both have their uses. The TM clean is useable and will need further development for using gain pedals . Hearing the '67 definitely made me feel happier instantly. Ears elicit endorphins and the sweet spot changes how we play . If they get the reverb right it's a great back up and if it's with you perhaps has wet/dry possibilities. Keep up the great work from Australia. 👍

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Will do!

Hey Zak-really nice head to head comparison of the amps. I heard your Deluxe Reverb last night on the "Best Amp" vid and was completely knocked out. I've watched 3 or 4 other reviews of the Tonemaster and there do seem to be many pros to the amp. But your snipped bright cap, compression and smooth warmth of your tube Deluxe just really is more pleasing to my ear. The Tonemaster does sound good, no doubt, but that airy brightness is not my cup of tea. I'm not sure what you had the attenuator on, might've missed that detail. I suppose you could run a graphic EQ into it. Cool video-thanks!

That sweet old amp you got there is the one for me. Im too old to change. And i dig music that was played thru tube amps. But thats just me

Hmmm. I was hoping that the ToneMaster would be closer to its original namesake. Direct comparison does reveal its digital, sonic sterility. Great vid. Thanx a million, brother. :)

Nice Vid, thanks Zac.

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

You bet

These amps sound great ! It's a matter of what you like , or what you need . I have heard the saying " once the drums kick in " no one will know the difference .

@Raydoesitintime

3 жыл бұрын

Once the drums kick in that’s when it will really matter. The mid range of the OG will cut through way better in loud situations

I really like my tone master. Does it beat my fender tube amps head to head? Not quite. But it comes close enough when you consider ease of transport and the option to go direct into front of house. Fender did a real good job overall. I think it is in line with their tradition of providing practical solutions for musicians. The Deluxe looks great too

Thanks Zac . I just love old Fender Tube Amps and Reverb. I also like the newer hand wired reissues like the 64 Princeton.I can understand the advantage to the professional player using a Tone Master for gigs and travel. I think it is an excellent modeling amp but i am saving up for a 65/66/67 Deluxe Reverb !!!

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

They are my favorites!

Your assessment is spot on and summarizes my own assessment. I’ve got a ‘74 DR and a ‘67 DR. I bought a DR Tonemaster because I wanted to know definitively. The TM is good, but there are little nuances missing. And your comment about the reverb are especially accurate. I was honestly a little shocked at how bad the reverb is, given how good digital reverb can be (think TC Hall of Fame). If I were a working musician and wanted an easy to carry tool that would get the job done, I can see the appeal of the TM. To me, though, it doesn’t quite measure up. I agree with your statement “I like the Tonemaster, it’s a good amp, but I do like my old ‘67 better.”

...it's more the lack of feel with the Tone Master...but throw a compression pedal in front and gig with it ..love my 60s Pro Reverb ...but i refuse to drag it around etc ....great video...thx Zac...👍

Yes I agree '67 warm and full. But the new amp is amazing in it's weight, I put neo speakers in two of my cabs. Great job . By the way nice of Fender to loan you the amp. Stay safe.

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Mike!

Neck pickup = TONEMASTER Rock pickup = OLD DELUXE Must run stereo rig. Heckin' Hell Ya.

I have an original 68 drip edge with the bright cap clipped and a Cannabis Rex speaker. The Tonemaster sounded kind of brittle to me, but I felt that way a bit about my Deluxe when it had a Jensen. I do hope they make changes to allow for a warmer tone and make it easier to swap out speaker. The speaker is such a huge part of the equation.Also, I kind of like the hiss. It tells me some magic is happening 😂

I'm sure everyone appreciates your comparison each amp has it's merit, I use a Fender 65 deluxe reverb and to me will always be my first amp to use but I also used other amps including a Roland Blues Cube Artist that I find really good for a backup or just practicing or when I'm feeling tired and don't want the weight to carry around

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

Well said!

Great review: By the way, I loved your interview with Will McFarlane. I love his playing and tone. Love his personality. I met him years ago at an evangelism conference. He lead worship and preached. He was great. Enjoying your content. 👍

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

i was really surprised at how deep the Tone Master sounded. i prefer your old one, but that new Fender sounds fine.

Thanks! I’d like one for church (direct out is a plus), change then Jensen out with a Creamback...

Played the Tonemaster in a store recently. Soon as that tax return comes in I'll have one at home. It totally works for the kind of gigs I play, I can play it at a decent volume at home and I don't have a '67 to A/B it with. We'll see about its worth in the studio down the line.

Thanks for the review Zac, Very surprising that you didn’t care for the reverb. I haven’t heard that from any other reviews. I,m 68 so the days of lugging tube amps is over for me. If they made a Princeton in the tone master that would be ideal but again thats only 12 watts. This might be the best solution for me as gigging is over and this would be a nice house amp.

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

I think I would buy a TM Princeton

@Smiffy55ukx

3 жыл бұрын

Larry, having just bought a DR Tonemaster the great advantage (apart from the lower weight and lower cost!) they have is that the power can be attenuated to several levels. At 22w it's very loud, I find for playing at home or with friends that at 1watt it gives really good tone and volume with just a touch of break up when pushed.

Zac, Like any two amps, even of the same kind and particularly with different speakers, they sound slightly different. Perhaps with some tweaking, they could be made to sound closer. I'm impressed with how good the Tonemaster sounds. I still love my '66 DR, but if I found myself at a gig and a Tonemaster was in the backline, I'd feel fine about it. Cheers, mate.

They both sound fantastic; I think I prefer the Tonemaster, though.

Nice review! Your blessed to have your vintage Deluxe Reverb amps! Just curious how it compares to a DRRI? Many own these models. But my guess is the same issues will apply in portability & reliability.

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

I like them, but prefer my old ones. Done many gigs with the ri, and was happy

Hi Zac, firstly, just wanted to say how much I like your channel - great, thoughtful content! On topic - I wondered what your take was on the old silverface deluxe reverbs. I have a 73 DR, I'd love a blackface but they're rare and expensive here in the UK...just wondering how the silverface amps compare.

@AskZac

3 жыл бұрын

I love SF amps. The main thing is making sure the amp is healthy, with good tubes, and has a good speaker.

I’m glad it’s operating is quiet. The Cybertwin and CyberDeluxe were both really noisy. I had Cyber Deluxe that I just used as a practice amp and it used to pick up interference from my next door neighbours washing machine.

Even though I'm a year late to the party, this is very timely for me now. I kick myself daily for selling my vintage Deluxe Reverb several years ago. (financial necessity) I've become interested in the Tone Master, the weight (or lack of) and the attenuation are VERY attractive. The only reservation I have is the life expectancy of the Tone Master......unlike a vintage DR which can be maintained and repaired indefinitely. Can viewers address this as this video is a year on? Thanks for posting this, Zac.

@AskZac

2 жыл бұрын

I will revisit this later, because that is a valid concern.

Brent Mason was using one at the Guitar Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas tonight. It sounded great.

@AskZac

3 жыл бұрын

Nice!

Thanks for the honest review Zac! I think if it were at a much cheaper price point, I'd consider it a pretty good deal. As it is, I'd go with a used tube amp any day of the week.

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

Right on

There’s a definite difference when A/B’ing these two amps. And I’d certainly give the advantage to the original. However, if one were to remove the little Tone Master logo plate on the front folks would likely be hard pressed to know that it’s not tube driven at your average beer joint gig. In other words it’s close enough for dumps I often play here in Texas.

I upgraded my Tone Master Deluxe with a Celestion Creamback Neo and I updated the firmware to accept the speaker. This is a great sounding amp. Perfect kick around town/studio/house... No problem

@AskZac

3 жыл бұрын

Very nice!

Spill a beer on a PCB amp or solid state keeper axe fx They’re landfill lime my old VCR. I only play local bar gigs to a rowdy crowd:)

Turn ANY Tone Master into A Super Tone Master by putting a Fender MTG Tube Distortion pedal in front. Gives it that warm room-filling sound that a tube amp does. High Volume Low Gain setting to keep it clean. Will make it even more indistinguishable from the tube originals.

Now I want to hear a tone master with a vintage 30! 😁

"My buddy Kirk Fletcher" okay... that's instant cred.

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

I am grateful for Kirk's friendship. Fantastic guy!

I have played through one of those - and I really like the Twin that they made too. Not going to sell my Deluxe Reverb for the Tone Master, but I agree, it's a solid amp, and it sounds good. Now I'm curious how your vintage one stacks up compared to the new hand wired reissues and the PCB reissue! lol

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

Probably not going to do any more comparison videos against my old amps. This really intrigued me because of the modeling tech, and how far it has come since the POD.

Love a Fender Deluxe. I have both. Best of both worlds.

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

Right on!

Hey Zac, thanks again for all of your great content, here and on the Truetone channel. I was curious, I ordered a shirt coming up on a month ago now and have yet to receive it. I haven't received notification of a back order or delay, nor shipping information. I was hoping to hear if you knew of any delays. Thanks!

@AskZac

4 жыл бұрын

Chris, thank you so much for picking up a shirt. I am sorry for the delay. The shirt company I use has been backed-up due to Covid. It will arrive, and you should get a shipping notice soon.

@Chrosa

4 жыл бұрын

@@AskZac I appreciate the fast response! I don't mind waiting I know it's been a weird time in the world I just was wondering if you knew any updates! Thanks again for everything, you are truly appreciated and I am glad to witness your channel grow. You have helped me a lot through this tough time giving me some great content with some artists and gear that I've never heard before. I look forward to every video!