In 2019, Fender released the first of its new Tone Master amp series: the Tone Master Deluxe Reverb and Tone Master Twin Reverb. We put our audience to the test. Our gear demo-god Andy Martin played an original, all-tube version of the famed Deluxe Reverb against its digital emulator in a blind sound test. The responses?
- "There were moments where I thought amp #2 was worse, so I assumed it was the digital. Wow."
- "Amp 1, can't believe that was the Tone Master! The reverb seemed to integrate with the sound better. Amazing."
- "God help me, I preferred amp 1 the whole time and knew in my heart it had to be the tubes. I guess it's time to surrender to the machine."
- "I preferred amp 1 the whole way through, I really am shocked and delighted that it was the tone master."
- "Ahhhhhh..... I had #1 as the primo tubes, love the sound and the responsiveness to your articulations. Well, guess it's time to lighten the load on gigs... omg lol still can't believe it."
With the release of Fender's latest Tone Master Super Reverb, we wanted to put it up to the same test. So Andy's back, this time with an original '60s Super Reverb in tow, along with Fender's new J Mascis Signature Telecaster too.
The new Tone Master Super Reverb replicates much of the original, maintaining the beefy sound of the original in a chassis that is far lighter in weight, despite packing four 10" Jensen speakers. This is all thanks to the advanced DSP behind the tube-like sound.
But don't let us tell you. Watch the video above and let us know how you think the Tone Master Super Reverb compares to an original.
Can't decide? Order the Tone Master Super Reverb and a vintage mid-'60s Super Reverb and find out for yourself.