Gearank

Gearank High Notes

• 2017.12: Equal Highest Rated Combo Tube Guitar Amp Up To 15 Watts
  Tied With:
  Vox AC15C1
  Vox AC4HW1
  Vox AC15C1X
  Fender '57 Custom Champ
  

Gearank Recommendation

The Blues Junior III Lacquered Tweed appeared on our recommended list for Low Watt Tube Amps from December 2017 until July 2019 when it was removed due to being out-ranked by other amps.

Overview

The Fender Blues Junior is arguably one of the most positively received low-wattage, mid-range tube amps produced in recent years. The amp packs an amount of quality that is almost jaw-dropping for the price it commonly retails at, making it one of the best “bang for your buck” amps currently around.

The Fender Blues Junior III Lacquered Tweed isn’t just stylistically different from the standard Blues Junior, it also packs a vintage voiced Jensen speaker. This speaker isn’t an upgrade (it’s also not worse, it’s best defined as a “side-grade”) over the modern voiced Eminence speaker found in the standard Blues Junior, but it definitely gives a great approximation of a vintage tone.

The amp also comes with a “FAT boost” switch, which boosts mid-range frequencies when engaged. This helps to give the amp a bit more versatility, as the mid-range boost is great for adding additional gain and smoothness for solos and lead lines.

Lastly, the Fender Blues Junior III Lacquered Tweed also comes with genuine Fender spring reverb. Spring reverb is defined by its wet and shimmering tone. For an idea of how this reverb sounds, think of vintage surf music (though Fender reverb has been widely used by musicians across tons of genres).

Specifications

• Power Rating: 15-Watts
• Preamp Tube(s): 3x 12AX7
• Poweramp Tube(s): 2 x EL84
• Speaker: 12” Jensen C-12N
• Cabinet: Open
• Controls: Reverb, Master Volume, Middle, Bass, Treble, Fat Switch, Volume
• Input(s): Normal
• Output(s): Speaker Extension Out
• Weight: 31 lbs

Demo