Re: [Harp-L] Fender Hotrod

["David M. Weeks" <dweeks@xxxxxxxxx>]

On 19 Mar 2005, M. Erickson wrote:

 : I need a new amp but can't come up with the bucks for a bassman re-issue.
 : Anybody use a Hot Rod Deluxe or a Hot Rod Deville for Harp? 

I used one on a gig once (playing guitar through it and no harp), 
and didn't like the sound--too harsh and edgy.  I returned it and 
found a Blues Deville instead, which I'm happier with as both a 
guitar and harp amp (plus it looks cooler).

The guy who does my amp work confirmed my impression: he told 
me the circuitry in the Hot Rods is different from the Blues 
Deville's, particularly in the "drive" channel, I think he said.  (Maybe 
the amp guys here can weigh in with technical details.)  Also, I 
never tried swapping preamp tubes in the Hot Rod, so I dunno 
whether that might mellow it out some.  

Anyway, I have to say the Blues Deville's a lot of amplifier--except 
for outdoor gigs, I seldom use it.  The Blues Junior and the Pro 
Reverb usually work out better for the rooms I play.

-----
Dave Weeks
Pleasant Hill, Calif.