Fender ’57 Custom Deluxe 1×12″ 12-watt Tube Combo Amp

95
GEARANK
95 out of 100. Incorporating 150+ ratings and reviews.
$2599.99
Fender
Fender '57 Custom Deluxe 1x12" 12-watt Tube Combo Amp

Cons

  • Limited tone options
  • The lows can be a bit muddy

Pros

  • Gorgeous cleans even at high volume
  • Nails the Fender Tweed tone
  • Tuch sensitivity is comparable to vintage Fender tweed amps
  • Easy to use and get great tones out of

Countless digital multi-effects units include an amp model based on the ’57 Custom Deluxe, but there’s no true replacement for the real thing. This USA-made, 1×12″ combo amp is a modern recreation that retains the original’s iconic tweed tone and aesthetic.

What sets the ’57 Custom Deluxe apart is its touch-sensitive response and tonal versatility. While most amps offer a clean sound that’s just that—clean—the Custom Deluxe transitions from clear, pristine tones to gritty, smoky overdrive as you turn up the volume. It’s ideal for blues, country, bluegrass, and classic rock. The only real competition comes from boutique amps, many of which are variations on this exact design.

The amp’s cabinet is finished in classic blonde tweed, adding to its vintage vibe. It’s like a time capsule for players who wish they could travel back to the golden era of guitar amps.

Despite its 12-watt rating, the ’57 Custom Deluxe packs enough punch for studio recording and small gigs. It’s an expressive amp that captures the nuances of your playing, from delicate fingerpicking to aggressive blues riffs. You also get essential controls, with volume and tone knobs, plus a Mic volume knob that works as a pseudo-tone control, allowing you to reduce saturation for more clarity.

While it excels at delivering classic Fender cleans and smooth breakup, the ’57 Custom Deluxe lacks the high-gain tones preferred by modern players. And its vintage-style appearance may not appeal to everyone.

But for players like me, who appreciate timeless tone and classic Fender charm, this amp is a top-notch choice, blending vintage sound with modern performance capabilities.

Specifications

  • Power Rating: 12-Watts
  • Preamp Tube(s): 1 x 12AY7, 1 x 12AX7
  • Poweramp Tube(s): 2 x 6V6 Power tubes, 1 x 5Y3 Rectifier
  • Speaker: 1×12″ 8 ohm Eminence Special design Alnico speaker
  • Cabinet: Open
  • Controls: 2 x Volume, 1 x Tone
  • Input(s): 2 x 1/4″ (instrument), 2 x 1/4″ (mic)
  • Output(s): 2 x 1/4″ (including internal speaker)
  • Weight: 26 lbs.

On October 18 2021 we announced the results of our annual analysis of guitar amp brands – Fender ranked #9.

Hands On Reports

Website Source *Rating Value
Music Radar Nick Guppy 90/100
Audiofanzine iamqman 80/100
Audiofanzine Berzin 80/100
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Gearank Recommendation

The ’57 Custom Deluxe appeared on our recommended list for Low Watt Combo Tube Amps from July 2021 until February 2022.

Although this was previously on our recommended list there are now more highly rated options available which you can see in our guides to The Best Small / Low Watt Tube Amps and The Best Tube Amps for Guitar.

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