Just had a go on one of these new digitally modelled Blackface lookalikes.
It weighs as little as an empty cabinet, awaiting a loudspeaker and steel chassis.
The sound is Fenderish but lacks something. Turning up the Treble pot turns things harsh rather than “sparkly”. The dynamics seemed restricted. With the amp volume at ten, rolling down the guitar volume control does not clean up the sound in the expected fashion.
The modulation is nice but the reverb is way over the top. Anything above 3 and you are into Dick Dale territory.
Overall, the Tone Master DR produces my idea of a good solid state Fender sound. This makes the MSRP seem a bit steep - especially since it only buys one amp model. Probably wiser to go Helix or Kemper.
You say, atom bomb. I say, tin of corned beef.
Comments
I'll stick with my super champ x 2, that sounds great!
When a 12AX7 goes FUTZ CRACKLEBANG, you pull out the valve, put another one in and all is well (usually, anyway - at least with preamp valves). You can even do that at a gig if you have to. But when a switch-mode power supply or a Class D power amp goes FUTZ CRACKLEBANG - which they very much can do - then it's immediately game over. In fact, once they're out of warranty and the manufacturer has run out of spare modules they can sometimes be not repairable at all, or not without completely rebuilding it to take a different replacement unit which may or may not be economical or even physically practical.
I have to say I'm ambivalent about the two sides of the coin - it's true that modern solid-state technology is actually more reliable overall, in terms of the actual failure rate... but it's quite often less reliable in the long run once repairability is taken into account. I don't personally own a valve amp any more (other than an ancient one which is strictly for sentimental reasons and occasional home use, and I may not keep that forever) or any plans to buy another, but I'm not totally convinced by the long-term outlook for new gear.
Old analogue solid-state though, a lot of that is really close to completely bombproof and can still be repaired fairly easily. Luckily, I'm also a fan of the sound, although I know a lot of people aren't.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
In the real world, if pressed, I could probably happily gig with a MESA V-Twin and a few other pedals into the TMDR.
Anyway, the ancient Hofner turned out to be a gem, sounds great, excellent spring Reverb and tremolo, even looks a bit like the old DR. It must be nearly 60 years old and still going strong. Still miss that fab DR, but
Thinking about a Spark now . . !
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
I think a Jensen Tornado would be a great upgrade for one too - it's a fantastic speaker for any Fender-type amp, and weighs about as much as the box it arrives in...
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
The G12H Creamback does sound great in a Deluxe Reverb though - not a million miles away from the Jensen C12K but with more clarity and solid low end. Ended up plumping for G12H over the speakers above simply because I was able to try running the DRRI through a cab with a G12H Anniversary in it.