Re: Blues Jr or Pro Jr

[Russ Bradley <wbradley@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Shane,
I've used a Blues Jr. for about 4 years.  This past January I got a Pro 
Jr.  What a difference a 10" speaker makes.  It's an interesting 
comparison because the two amps are the same circuit (with the addition 
of reverb on the Blues Jr.).
I'm playing in a band competing with a Mesa Boogie .50 Caliber, so I 
have a constant battle of playing loud enough to be heard while keeping 
the feedback down.
With the Pro Jr., I get more volume off the bat with the 10" speaker, 
because it's more resistant to feedback.  I was max at 4 to 5 on the 
tubed down Blues Jr., 7 to 8 on the Pro Jr. before tubing down.  I also 
find that the 10" speaker cuts through better playing with loud guitar, 
bass and keyboards.  The sound is more defined and has more punch.  A 
12" speaker is mushier.  The whole experience turned me into a bigot for 
10" speakers.
Get a Pro Jr.  If you can, find a used original one with the alnico 
speaker.  If you get one with a ceramic magnet, plan on replacing it 
with an alnico speaker.  There's a big difference.
Don't worry about reverb.  Get yourself a DanEcho and get it modified by 
Ron Holmes for $75.  He does some impedance matching which restores the 
bottom end to crystal mics and he really cleans it up.
I really, really prefer the sound I have with the Pro Jr. and the 
DanEcho way over a Blues Jr. with reverb.
That rig will give you incredible tone (and volume) at a very reasonable 
price.
Hope this helps,
Russ

Shane Greene wrote:

>I am looking to get a new amp and am considering the Fender Blues Jr or the
>Pro Jr. I was wondering what those who have experience with the two think.
>Is simple better (pro Jr), or is the more versatile Blues Jr better with its
>reverb, tone and volume controls? Also how does the 10" speaker sound
>compared to the 12"? I can't find a blues Jr in my town to test, but I am
>going to test a Pro Jr today if I get the time.
>Thanks for your input,
>Shane
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