weird_oh84
Joined: May 24, 2023
Posts: 172
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Posted on Dec 09 2023 08:55 AM
Does the Fender Blues Junior IV surf? I have a lead on one for sale for a great price and wondering if it would be worth it.
Allegedly from what I read it can get you some nice clean tones at loud volume but maybe with a little natural dirt (which is ok with me)
Also, would it be a giggable amp?
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RobbieReverb
Joined: Feb 28, 2006
Posts: 2349
San Jose, Ca.
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Posted on Dec 09 2023 01:15 PM
I'm not a "Fender-clean "purist, but I didn't particularly like the tonal characteristics of the early Blues Jr's. Mine was midrangey and muddy sounding. I wouldn't say that it didn't surf, but it was not a great tone, to my ears. I replaced mine with a Reverend Goblin (no longer made), which has exponetially better tone. I understand that Fender has made some enhancements to the newer Blue Jr. models, so maybe my experience doesn't apply to the one that you're considering.
Gigable? I'm no authority. I haven't actively gigged in eons. I never used mine for anything more than drummerless jams. Miking it up, and running through a P.A. would definitely work. Without reinforcement, especially with a full band, with a loud drummer, it would most likely get lost in the mix.
I'd recommend considering a Quilter Aviator Cub US. 50w, Tweed, Bownface, and Blackface Fender settings. The "sweet spot" attainable at any volume. Lightweight and portable. Great tone. A new one is less costly than a new Blue s Jr.
https://www.quilterlabs.com/collections/guitar-amplifiers/products/aviator-cub-us
— Bob
Last edited: Dec 09, 2023 13:15:55
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weird_oh84
Joined: May 24, 2023
Posts: 172
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Posted on Dec 09 2023 03:29 PM
RobbieReverb wrote:
I'm not a "Fender-clean "purist, but I didn't particularly like the tonal characteristics of the early Blues Jr's. Mine was midrangey and muddy sounding. I wouldn't say that it didn't surf, but it was not a great tone, to my ears. I replaced mine with a Reverend Goblin (no longer made), which has exponetially better tone. I understand that Fender has made some enhancements to the newer Blue Jr. models, so maybe my experience doesn't apply to the one that you're considering.
Gigable? I'm no authority. I haven't actively gigged in eons. I never used mine for anything more than drummerless jams. Miking it up, and running through a P.A. would definitely work. Without reinforcement, especially with a full band, with a loud drummer, it would most likely get lost in the mix.
I'd recommend considering a Quilter Aviator Cub US. 50w, Tweed, Bownface, and Blackface Fender settings. The "sweet spot" attainable at any volume. Lightweight and portable. Great tone. A new one is less costly than a new Blue s Jr.
https://www.quilterlabs.com/collections/guitar-amplifiers/products/aviator-cub-us
Thanks Robbie for the Aviator Cub link….. I’ll definitely check it out!
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synchro
Joined: Feb 02, 2008
Posts: 4446
Not One-Sawn, but Two-Sawn . . . AZ.
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Posted on Dec 09 2023 08:27 PM
I had a Blues Jr. II, which was modded. It was a great little amp, but much too midrangey for my tastes. I played a handful of gigs on mine, and it was ok, but nothing to write home about. It is more of a Blues amp, and that is its greatest strength.
— The artist formerly known as: Synchro
When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar.
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Samurai
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2238
Kiev, Ukraine
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Posted on Dec 10 2023 03:36 AM
I had one for several years and it surely may surf. Maybe not so classic and too midrangy but I liked it. I used Sonic Blue Twanger pedal to make it more blackface. I also giged a lot with it, you can use it in a small venue if your drummer is not too loud.
https://soundcloud.com/waikiki-makaki/psychobeach
— Waikiki Makaki surf-rock band from Ukraine
https://linktr.ee/waikikimakaki
Lost Diver
https://lostdiver.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/vitaly-yakushin
Last edited: Dec 10, 2023 03:39:33
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Samurai
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2238
Kiev, Ukraine
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Posted on Dec 10 2023 03:44 AM
RobbieReverb wrote:
I'm not a "Fender-clean "purist, but I didn't particularly like the tonal characteristics of the early Blues Jr's. Mine was midrangey and muddy sounding. I wouldn't say that it didn't surf, but it was not a great tone, to my ears. I replaced mine with a Reverend Goblin (no longer made), which has exponetially better tone. I understand that Fender has made some enhancements to the newer Blue Jr. models, so maybe my experience doesn't apply to the one that you're considering.
Gigable? I'm no authority. I haven't actively gigged in eons. I never used mine for anything more than drummerless jams. Miking it up, and running through a P.A. would definitely work. Without reinforcement, especially with a full band, with a loud drummer, it would most likely get lost in the mix.
I'd recommend considering a Quilter Aviator Cub US. 50w, Tweed, Bownface, and Blackface Fender settings. The "sweet spot" attainable at any volume. Lightweight and portable. Great tone. A new one is less costly than a new Blue s Jr.
https://www.quilterlabs.com/collections/guitar-amplifiers/products/aviator-cub-us
Yes, now I would surely use Quilter for gigs. Pocket size and great tone, surely better in my opinion than this Blues Junior.
— Waikiki Makaki surf-rock band from Ukraine
https://linktr.ee/waikikimakaki
Lost Diver
https://lostdiver.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/vitaly-yakushin
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Samurai
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2238
Kiev, Ukraine
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Posted on Dec 10 2023 03:44 AM
RobbieReverb wrote:
I'm not a "Fender-clean "purist, but I didn't particularly like the tonal characteristics of the early Blues Jr's. Mine was midrangey and muddy sounding. I wouldn't say that it didn't surf, but it was not a great tone, to my ears. I replaced mine with a Reverend Goblin (no longer made), which has exponetially better tone. I understand that Fender has made some enhancements to the newer Blue Jr. models, so maybe my experience doesn't apply to the one that you're considering.
Gigable? I'm no authority. I haven't actively gigged in eons. I never used mine for anything more than drummerless jams. Miking it up, and running through a P.A. would definitely work. Without reinforcement, especially with a full band, with a loud drummer, it would most likely get lost in the mix.
I'd recommend considering a Quilter Aviator Cub US. 50w, Tweed, Bownface, and Blackface Fender settings. The "sweet spot" attainable at any volume. Lightweight and portable. Great tone. A new one is less costly than a new Blue s Jr.
https://www.quilterlabs.com/collections/guitar-amplifiers/products/aviator-cub-us
Yes, now I would surely use Quilter for gigs. Pocket size and great tone, surely better in my opinion than this Blues Junior.
— Waikiki Makaki surf-rock band from Ukraine
https://linktr.ee/waikikimakaki
Lost Diver
https://lostdiver.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/vitaly-yakushin
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