WhitePunkOnDope Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 So....been a long time user of amp modelling software for over a decade. LP's, SG, Telecaster straight into Guitar Rig, or Bias FX 2. Very easy to get great tone..one click and bingo. Lately had some spare money (yes I know) and thought it's time to go all grown up so bought small 15 watt valve amp.. Fender Blues Jr IV Tweed.. play classic rock and blues so after seeing YouTube reviews for Blues Jr figured it would be good starting platform and apparently takes pedals well... Got Keeley Aria compressor+overdrive, EHX Hot Wax, and Oceans 11 reverb pedals.. Clean sounds are fantastic, but now the problem. I am really struggling to get an overdriven tone I like..I've tried volume pre amp high, master for volume to get natural tube break up...just sounds very 'nasal'.. Tried Master vol maxed and pre amp volume for level with pedals giving the dirt...still sounds fizzy or nasal..that's 3 different overdrive/distortion pedals.. even retubed the amp with Tung Sol valves... So what am doing wrong? Any suggestions from other Blues Jr owners out there? I'm beginning to think perhaps I made the wrong amp choice, but watching other youtubers with Blues Jr they seem to get the great tone I'm after.. Any advice/tips appreciated.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 (edited) Hey WPOD, The Blues Jr can be a bit boxy sounding with the stock speaker. The guys who seem to have the most love for them, have upgraded that. They're a # of posts on the net about this, like for example: https://guitarspeakerguide.com/10-best-fender-blues-jr-speakers/ and.. https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=speaker+upgrade+blues+junior As far as amp choice, it is possible you just don't like what these amps deliever. I've had a few of them over the years, (HAD is probably the key word) They are good amps, but IMHO, they are a bit over priced and over hyped for what they offer. (hey, that's just me!) You may actually be more on the path of something like a Marshall DSL, JVM, Studio Series (or other)... combo? So many amps,, so little time. Edited November 12, 2020 by kidblast Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. C.O. Jones Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 The speaker is new, so it might need some time to break in and sound how it's supposed to. The other thing that might come handy is trying maybe another set of preamp tubes. Some time ago I bought a Fender Vaporizer wich shares some similarities with the jr. at least soundwise, although it is a 2x10 combo. I changed the stock speaker's to two Jensen C10Q. After some trying and a lot of back and forth, I ended with an JJ 12au7/ECC82 in V1 an a JJ 5751 in V2. This had a huge effect in the amps behavior. Depending on what you want to use it for it could work. I brought the overall loudness down, and I have to turn it up 3/4 of the volume to start to get crunch. Maybe a bit less with humbuckers . It will crunch but not distort, wich makes it a way better pedal platform. Much smoother overall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvi Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 when fender leaves 6l6 or 6v6 they dont work for me, try a marshall is my 2cents ( 1 cent American).... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mihcmac Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 (edited) You might try backing off the Gain or Drive on your pedals, modulate their Tone a bit more towards the Bass side and on your Amp take the Treble way down and increase the Mids. This works the best with multiple OD's, each set to not increase the volume too much individually but in stages together they will sound incredible. Oh yea, while adjusting the tone, position yourself a few feet directly in front of the speaker in the "hot zone" to better hear what it actually sounds like. Edited November 12, 2020 by mihcmac Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveFord Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 What kind of plastic is your pick guard made out of? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. Pepper Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 Does your mom and dad live in Hollywood? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparquelito Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 You may think that I'm joking, or even kidding around. But have you had your hearing checked by a qualified and competent audiologist? I'm serious. It's worth checking into. 😐 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retired Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 Welcome to the forum WhitePunk OnDope. Wait? On Dope? That could be the problem??? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhitePunkOnDope Posted November 13, 2020 Author Share Posted November 13, 2020 1 hour ago, Sgt. Pepper said: Does your mom and dad live in Hollywood? Lol...yes...'can't clean up, though I know I should' 😃 2 hours ago, SteveFord said: What kind of plastic is your pick guard made out of? Pick guard on or off? 😛 Its made from the hair of a Tibetan yak..female Appreciate the responses (the sensible ones anyway)… speaker in mine is already Jensen C12N..and yes it's very treble heavy.. also have tried the stock GT and Tung Sol.. the Tung Sol seemed to be warmer IMO. Will try more mid in the EQ as I was under the impression more mids would be part of the nasal sound so dialed it right back.. Re Marshall...you could be right, my main go to for modelers is the Lead 800 based on JCM800...I don't like heavy overdrive though, just crunchy.... I'm getting closer to something I can use with slight crunch from the White sands side of the Keeley along with the Hot Tubes of the EHX... the quest will continue.. "Have to score when I get that rich white punk itch"..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mihcmac Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 OMG a second Gen guitar punk.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveFord Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 Maybe pick up a Marshall Origin if you want the sound on the cheap. Don't think you'll get the Marshall sound out of a Fedner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 9 hours ago, WhitePunkOnDope said: Lol...yes...'can't clean up, though I know I should' 😃 Pick guard on or off? 😛 Its made from the hair of a Tibetan yak..female Appreciate the responses (the sensible ones anyway)… speaker in mine is already Jensen C12N..and yes it's very treble heavy.. also have tried the stock GT and Tung Sol.. the Tung Sol seemed to be warmer IMO. Will try more mid in the EQ as I was under the impression more mids would be part of the nasal sound so dialed it right back.. Re Marshall...you could be right, my main go to for modelers is the Lead 800 based on JCM800...I don't like heavy overdrive though, just crunchy.... I'm getting closer to something I can use with slight crunch from the White sands side of the Keeley along with the Hot Tubes of the EHX... the quest will continue.. "Have to score when I get that rich white punk itch"..... JCMs are probably not going to give the cleans that you would get from a newer mutli-channel, so what you're hearing with the modelers is probably true to what those amps were voiced like, the newer JVM or even something like the older JTM series will give you. Still, I'd give the DSLs a shot, they are made in china, so the cost is representative of the country of origin, but if that don't bother you, you may be surprised. and what Sparky said is straight up. you're not going to get the same kind of voicing from a marhsall that you will from a fender. They are totally different animals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merciful-evans Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 On 11/12/2020 at 4:25 AM, WhitePunkOnDope said: So....been a long time user of amp modelling software for over a decade. LP's, SG, Telecaster straight into Guitar Rig, or Bias FX 2. Very easy to get great tone..one click and bingo. Furthermore, it aint broken 😶 Except now you are negotiating replacement speakers, replacement tubes, alternative amps and a bunch of pedals. Gotta love that disposable income. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhitePunkOnDope Posted November 14, 2020 Author Share Posted November 14, 2020 @merciful-evans Portsmouth England! I used to live there for 30 years before I moved to Oz... HMS Victory, and the Gosport ferry!...man, reminds me of my youth, when I didn't have disposable income and dreamed of a Gibson LP while twanging my Squire strat in a garage band... You are right, the modelers ain't broke, but there is something I love about being free from a computer... @SteveFord Will check out the 20 Watt Marshall Origin in person...looks cool and has option to switch to .5 and 5 watts for bedroom playing... can run the Fender for my cleans and Marshall for my dirt..lol Just need to find a way to distract the wife to get one through the door...heh. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
01GT eibach Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. Pepper Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 (edited) 22 minutes ago, 01GT eibach said: I go crazy cause my folks are so fukin rich. I need to score when I get that rich white punk itch. The 1st two Tubes albums were brilliant. No band was like them. Edited November 14, 2020 by Sgt. Pepper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhitePunkOnDope Posted November 16, 2020 Author Share Posted November 16, 2020 On 11/15/2020 at 7:29 AM, Sgt. Pepper said: I go crazy cause my folks are so fukin rich. I need to score when I get that rich white punk itch. The 1st two Tubes albums were brilliant. No band was like them. Totally agree Mr. Pepper. Love "What Do You Want From Live' album too...also some cool tracks on "Now'... great cover of Beefhearts "My Head Is My Only House Unless It Rains'.. and the superbly odd ' Cathy's Clone' with Cpt. Beefheart guesting on sax... I go to a fair few record fairs and you can get most of their albums on vinyl for around $10 or less here in Oz...bargain.. @01GT eibach great button/badge!...looks like it's pinned to your denim jacket ready to go.....;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhitePunkOnDope Posted November 20, 2020 Author Share Posted November 20, 2020 So for anyone interested I checked out a few amps.. Fender Tone Master was cool, but for some reason because of no tubes (spot the theme Pepper?) , it felt like I might as well stick with modelers. Also tried the Marshall Origin 50c...they didn't have 20 watt, and although it was too loud for what I want, I liked it. I know a lot of people don't and bag them cos they are pcb, made in Vietnam etc, but with a Fender AP Tele it sounded killer...no pedals.. just crunchy cool. Also tried with Les Paul and again, great crunchy sound for classic rock... Again I had some spare cash...(lol, my firm gave me a COVID bonus!? yeah I know, insane but you aren't going to say no eh?) so I pulled the trigger on the 20C (yes it's a 10" speaker!) but I think the mid power (3 watt) will work fine for some bedroom schwang.....(low power on the 50 was 5 watts and still too loud for late night bedroom noodle)...it was on sale so was basically the cost of a couple of good pedals.... Will pick up an ABY box so I can run it together with the Blues Jr (got to keep it for the cleans)...which is sounding better with more mid and treble dialled in strangely..and bass backed off...and with that I'm done... Just need Catlinbread Echorec, Ditto Looper, Gig Rig 2, pedal board..... oh dear....must stop!....will try and post some pics soon....stay safe everyone.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveFord Posted November 21, 2020 Share Posted November 21, 2020 Give the 20C some time to break in and they sound pretty good. The price is right, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Natural Posted November 22, 2020 Share Posted November 22, 2020 I've got a tweed Blues Jr. (earlier model than a IV) with a Jensen (don't know which model). With the vol. turned way up and the master vol. turned down, I get the OD tone that I like (with no pedals). I really do like the Blues Jr. Your results may vary. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhitePunkOnDope Posted November 24, 2020 Author Share Posted November 24, 2020 So the Origin 20 came and out of the box I was able to dial in a tone similar to the one I've come accustomed to with my Guitar Rig models...glad I went with the 20 and not the 50...even at mid power (3w) it's loud.. down to low (apparently .5 watt) but more than enough for the bedroom. (Yes you lose a bit of bottom when you turn the power down but not bad enough to worry about). Hoping that it will get even nicer as I break the speaker in.... On the Blues Jr front I spent some more time with it and it seems a bit better, maybe the speaker is breaking in, maybe my ears are becoming more used to it? It still doesn't sound 'great' with any overdrive IMO...but the cleans are lovely... I have a 5751 pre amp valve for V1 coming as apparently that mellows the pre amp stage (70% gain vs 100% for 12Ax7) and passes less fizz to the power amps.. all in all getting there... So here's a few pics.....chucked in the Lester shot (2009 Traditional with 57 classics) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanHenry Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 3 hours ago, WhitePunkOnDope said: So the Origin 20 came and out of the box I was able to dial in a tone similar to the one I've come accustomed to with my Guitar Rig models...glad I went with the 20 and not the 50...even at mid power (3w) it's loud.. down to low (apparently .5 watt) but more than enough for the bedroom. (Yes you lose a bit of bottom when you turn the power down but not bad enough to worry about). Hoping that it will get even nicer as I break the speaker in.... On the Blues Jr front I spent some more time with it and it seems a bit better, maybe the speaker is breaking in, maybe my ears are becoming more used to it? It still doesn't sound 'great' with any overdrive IMO...but the cleans are lovely... I have a 5751 pre amp valve for V1 coming as apparently that mellows the pre amp stage (70% gain vs 100% for 12Ax7) and passes less fizz to the power amps.. all in all getting there... So here's a few pics.....chucked in the Lester shot (2009 Traditional with 57 classics) Very nice🙂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paddybrown Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 I play a Blues Junior, and I find the best way to get a good distorted sound from it is not to bother with pedals and just crank it. Volume, bass, mid and treble all the way up, then turn the master volume down to suit where you're playing - about 4 is enough for most small bar gigs. Then use the guitar's volume control to decide how much distortion you want. It does make it a bit too loud to play at home without annoying the neighbours though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karloff Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 On 11/12/2020 at 9:25 AM, jvi said: when fender leaves 6l6 or 6v6 they dont work for me, try a marshall is my 2cents ( 1 cent American).... yep, I prefer the 6L6 tones Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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