[coyoteblue]

I bought a tweed Blues Junior a few months ago, and have tried to love it but keep on coming back to the fact that it's not that good an amp. I have a SFDR to compare it with and it's nowhere near that in sound quality. I hadn't played it for a few weeks and today turned it on and it sounded like a blanket was covering it, muffled and lacking in dynamics of any kind. At louder volume ti's ok, but at home, ugh. I put in a Cannabis Rex when I bought it and a better preamp tube. It was shrill before that. I love the Fender sound...Is there an alternative at even twice the price? Is it worth it to buy a PR?

 

[Kerry Brown]

I bought a tweed Blues Junior a few months ago, and have tried to love it but keep on coming back to the fact that it's not that good an amp. I have a SFDR to compare it with and it's nowhere near that in sound quality. I hadn't played it for a few weeks and today turned it on and it sounded like a blanket was covering it, muffled and lacking in dynamics of any kind. At louder volume ti's ok, but at home, ugh. I put in a Cannabis Rex when I bought it and a better preamp tube. It was shrill before that. I love the Fender sound...Is there an alternative at even twice the price? Is it worth it to buy a PR?

I bought a Pro Junior that had a Cannabis Rex in it. I couldn’t stand it. I had the same problem. It was like a blanket was over it. I put in a Jensen and loved it. I would try a different speaker.

 

[coyoteblue]

I bought a Pro Junior that had a Cannabis Rex in it. I couldn’t stand it. I had the same problem. It was like a blanket was over it. I put in a Jensen and loved it. I would try a different speaker.

Thanks. The BJ came with a Jensen and it was shrill. Lots of people like the Cannabis Rex. I'll see what else is out there.

 

[Dorian2]

Is that Jensen a P12R? If so it's Alnico, low Watt (15W), and will not take dirt well at all. I switched mine with a 90's G12T75 and it made a big difference for my style. RE: Alternative, I can't say much about that other than I took mine into a local Amp guy and he did some Mods that completely and effectively changed the BJ into a pretty nice amp that sounds entirely different than the original. If you haven't yet, check out BillM's BJ mods online. Mine are C4 mods but similar to BillM's.... a few different specs and brands involved.

 

[tdotrob]

Is that Jensen a P12R? If so it's Alnico, low Watt (15W), and will not take dirt well at all. I switched mine with a 90's G12T75 and it made a big difference for my style. RE: Alternative, I can't say much about that other than I took mine into a local Amp guy and he did some Mods that completely and effectively changed the BJ into a pretty nice amp that sounds entirely different than the original. If you haven't yet, check out BillM's BJ mods online. Mine are C4 mods but similar to BillM's.... a few different specs and brands involved.

I got C4 to mod mine too and completely different amp after. Also mine came with a v30 which sounded like crap pre mod, amazing post mod and I tried like 10
Different speakers as well.

 

[Paul Running]

I have a SFDR to compare it with and it's nowhere near that in sound quality.

Maybe you prefer the sound of 6V6s to EL84s.

 

[Paul Running]

Is it worth it to buy a PR

You could modify your SFDR to sound similar to a PR...study the schematics and data sheets for both models and determine the changes that have the greatest change towards a PR...implement each mod, one at a time, then test the tone, allowing plenty of warm-up time for the power tubes. It may appear time consuming but it is the most accurate method...your ears are your prime discriminator.

 

[coyoteblue]

I love my DR...I was thinking of trading the BJ for a PR. I'll look into getting the BillM mods done.

 

[teleboli]

Do you currently have a DRRI ?

 

[cboutilier]

If you want THE Fender tone, below 20W, buy a Princeton. Anything besides a Princeton, or a clone of it, will fall shy of your goal. The Blues Jr is a fine amp, for a different goal.

 

[coyoteblue]

Do you currently have a DRRI ?

A 67 DR...one of the first silverfaces.

 

[cboutilier]

A 67 DR...one of the first silverfaces.

That is a holy grail amp for me.

 

[DavidP]

If you want THE Fender tone, below 20W, buy a Princeton. Anything besides a Princeton, or a clone of it, will fall shy of your goal. The Blues Jr is a fine amp, for a different goal.

...and the PR bias vary tremolo is to die for!

 

[coyoteblue]

That is a holy grail amp for me.

Yes it's a great amp. I was very lucky to get it after buying and selling two later silvers. This one stays.

 

[coyoteblue]

...and the PR bias vary tremolo is to die for!

Are you thinking of the 65ri? That's what appeals to me.

 

[Jalexander]

What are you not getting out of your DR that you’re trying to find elsewhere? I picked up a PRRI (65) as a smaller alternative to my late 60s 40-watt Fenders. I just find it feels weak compared to what I’m used to. I’ve modded it so it’s working as good as it can. Sounds way better through a 1x12 cab and I play it clean, so basically I’m better off with a DR or my big Bandmaster Reverb through a 1x12 cab.

Now, I did pick up a 15 watt Dr Z and it gave me something totally different that complements my Fenders really well.

But if you really want a PRRI, I’ll be moving mine along, but I don’t see how it would really help someone who already has a DR.

 

[Always12AM]

‘64 Princeton handwired.

 

[Chito]

Try the Supro Delta King 12. Great alternative to the Blues Junior.

 

[cboutilier]

...and the PR bias vary tremolo is to die for!

This is very true. I intend to add a good bias and/or harmonic trem pedal to my board, as I really miss my bias vary when I play my Super or Twin.

 

[DavidP]

Are you thinking of the 65ri? That's what appeals to me.

My PR is a '73 silverface restored/rebuiilt to blackface spec; never played a reissue.