Fender Blues Junior IV Limited Edition - Very Good Condition

Fifteen watts of all-valve power, a compact 1x12 cabinet and Fender’s classic spring reverb make the Blues Junior IV one of those amps that manages to cover a lot of ground without becoming complicated. This Limited Edition example uses the PR 295 Blues Junior IV platform, with the revised preamp and smoother reverb circuit introduced for the fourth generation, giving it plenty of Fender-style clarity at lower settings and warm, harmonically rich overdrive when pushed.

Condition

This amplifier is in very good condition. It shows light cosmetic wear consistent with normal careful use, but presents well overall and has clearly been looked after (see photos).

Most importantly, it is in very good working condition and ready to go straight into regular use.

Key features

15-watt all-valve amplifier
1 x 12" speaker configuration
3 x 12AX7 preamp valves
2 x EL84 power valves
Modified Blues Junior IV preamp circuit
Genuine spring reverb
FAT mid-boost circuit
Master volume for controlling preamp drive independently
Compact, portable 1x12 format
Type PR 295

Sound and performance

The Blues Junior IV was reworked from the earlier generation with a modified preamp designed to provide greater fullness and definition. At cleaner settings, it delivers the clear attack and upper-frequency sparkle associated with Fender amplifiers, while increasing the Volume control introduces progressively more preamp drive and compression.

Having separate Volume and Master controls is particularly useful. Volume determines how hard the preamp is being driven, while Master sets the final output level, so it is possible to dial in some valve overdrive without necessarily running the amplifier flat out.

The FAT switch adds extra midrange gain and body, helping single-coil guitars sound thicker or giving lead parts a little more push. It can also be remotely switched using a compatible one-button footswitch.

The fourth-generation spring reverb circuit was also revised for a smoother response. It can be used subtly to add space around clean sounds or turned higher for the more obvious splash and ambience associated with traditional Fender reverb.

Construction and specifications

Model: Fender Blues Junior IV Limited Edition
Type: PR 295
Series: Hot Rod
Amplifier type: All-valve guitar combo
Power output: 15 watts RMS
Speaker configuration: 1 x 12", 8 ohms
Channels: 1
Preamp valves: 3 x 12AX7 / 7025 / ECC83
Power valves: 2 x EL84 / 6BQ5
Controls: Reverb, Master, Middle, Bass, Treble, FAT switch, Volume
Equalisation: Bass, Middle and Treble
Effects: Spring reverb
Boost: FAT mid-boost
Input: 1 x 1/4"
Footswitch connection: 1-button FAT switch control
Speaker impedance: 8 ohms
Dimensions: Approximately 18" wide x 16" high x 9 13/16" deep
Weight: Approximately 14.1kg

Playability and functionality

The Blues Junior’s relatively small cabinet and approximately 14kg weight make it considerably easier to transport than many traditional valve combos, but the 15-watt EL84 power section still provides enough output for rehearsals, recording and a wide range of smaller live situations.

It also works particularly well as a pedal platform. Cleaner settings provide a relatively straightforward base for external overdrive, modulation and delay effects. At the same time, the amp’s own Volume control can be pushed harder when more natural valve character is wanted.

The Limited Edition designation is worth distinguishing from the PR 295 type number. PR 295 identifies the underlying Blues Junior chassis and circuit, while Fender has produced several Limited Edition Blues Junior IV variants with different coverings, grille cloths and, in some cases, speaker specifications. Because the exact Limited Edition finish or speaker version hasn’t been specified here, I’ve deliberately kept those details out rather than attributing the wrong variant to this particular amp.

A great choice if you want a compact valve combo with classic Fender clean character, genuinely usable onboard reverb and enough natural drive to work equally well as a standalone amp or at the centre of a pedal-based setup.

This item is also available to view and try out at our store in Stroud, Gloucestershire. Opening times, address & contact details can be found via our Reverb shop bio. If you have any questions regarding this item or would like more photos, please feel free to get in contact.