Fender Shootout: Custom Deluxe '68 vs Tonemaster Deluxe vs Tonemaster Twin

0:00 - Intro & Explanation
3:25 - Custom Deluxe '68 clean tones
4:23 - Tonemaster Deluxe clean tones
5:14 - Tonemaster Twin clean tones
6:21 - Custom Deluxe '68 clean riffing
6:58 - Tonemaster Deluxe clean tones
7:47 - Tonemaster Twin clean tones
8:38 - Custom Deluxe '68 clean vibrato
9:17 - Tonemaster Deluxe clean vibrato
9:40 - Custom Deluxe '68 max gain
10:27 - Tonemaster Deluxe max gain
11:00 - Tonemaster Twin max gain

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[nothingbutyoumultimediaser]

FIrst, thanks for this wonderful post. For me I replaced a late 60's vintage Fender Pro Reverb tube amp, which died due to age, with a Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb amp in black. The Tone Master fits the available space under my mixer desk without of the heat of the tube amp if left on. The Tone Master has the really useful feature of its ability to produce the same tube over drive tone without the extreme volume of the tube amp because the wattage output can be reduced without changing the tone. The amp's speaker can be muted and then it can be played through a sound system into headphones. It can also be recorded without a mic and again with the same tone but very much reduced in volume, or played through headphones and without needing to isolate the mic for sound. It also does not have the maintenance cost involved with a tube amp of keeping fresh and properly biased tubes to keep the tone both functional and sounding good. The Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb is accurate to the tone that the Beetles preferred in concert. They played a tube version of this Fender amp in their last live performance at the roof top concert in London. I would never want to have that tube amp under my mixer desk again.

[deanboca]

I have blackface TM Deluxe and have been playing it out weekly for almost 5 years. I love it for the same reason most have stated. I am also certain that its resale value will not be as great as a tube amp, unless you add the cost of tubes, caps, and all the other expenses like chiropractor adjustments needed with tube amps. And at 76 year old, I believe the DRTM will outlast me.

[keithdoot]

Thanks for doing this. I've been on the fence between a Tonemaster Deluxe Reverb, and a Reissue Tube Deluxe Reverb. The biggest difference I noticed was the reverb channel. The Reissue Tube reverb seemed to have a little more "smoothness" or "depth" (trying to find the right term.) For my style of electric guitar, (mostly jamming with friends, I play acoustic instruments or upright bass in a church band) I think the Tonemaster Deluxe Reverb will suit me fine. It's slightly less expensive to buy, no tubes to worry about failing, and it's much lighter. The Tube reissue, will probably hold it's value a little better over the time. Thanks again!

[antoonhermans]

I have my tm dr for over 4 years now and i am totally happy with it, i have played expensive handbuild tube amps for over 30 years but i sold them all and kept the tm dr, i did put a different speaker in it ( jupiter 12 LC ) and have done the firmware upgrade, for home, band rehearsels and gigs ( with my blues /classicrock coverband ) this for me is the ideal amp, its lightweight and just sounds great and is practical with the direct out ect ., i do not miss the tube amps at all .

[wakana]

In fact, the blonde version of the ToneMaster Deluxe sounds way better than the black version and it’s a very nice amp…

[JoelCamins]

I don't know if I could easily decide between these options, even with a side-by-side comparison. They have distinct differences, but I like them all. Still, it's interesting to hear them together like this.

[stevep]

Fender have done a good job with the Tonemasters, but there is something lacking in the mid highs with the TMs compared to the tube versions, maybe you could call it glassiness or transparency, having had the chance to A/B with various friend's amps in the room. You don't quite hear it over You Tube, but it was enough to annoy me to the point of selling off my TMs. I would happily use the TMs, but will always take the tube versions if I was given the choice. Hopefully Fender will refine the software further

[jacksprat]

Quote: "but they're a bit different in the room.". That's the most critical part of any amp.. that feeling and experience of close, immediacy and intimacy between you, your guitar and your amp sound. And can't be simply brushed aside cos you like a lighter amp and have avoided the gym all your life.

[Santaheckler]

I have the blonde Twin and have to say it’s a bit better than the DR…you can always run it on the 22w setting and basically get the DR attributes.
The only slight downside is the size of the cabinet, but that’s worth it to me, playing live or with other musicians. It goes as loud or as quiet as I need it. 😎👍

[scottdematteo]

Great video and fianlly, someone real who's man cave is as messy and cluttered as mine is. :). After owning two 65 DRRI's and a 68 like your's for many years, I finally just sold my 68 and kept the DRRI's. I have own a Tonemaster Twin and have gigged it a pile of times with great success. I cannot decide which I like more when it comes to sound/tone. Rock on and keep the great content coming.

[Guitarooster]

I like the sound of the 68 the best…which sucks because I have the 65 Deluxe TM. The light weight and convenience of power scaling etc… makes it worth keeping for me.

[kingedwards]

I wonder how the blonde tone master deluxe would compare?

[Worklikeyoushouldbe]

Is it me or did the Twin Tone Master sound real thin compared to both Delux Reverbs?

[jimdevries]

I think the twin and the 68 have better mid-range I think the 68 may even have better mid-range

[qreecpy]

Resale prices of tube fenders are better than the tonemaster solid state ones.