Fender Blues Junior IV

I had a tweed Blues Junior in 1996 and was not particularly impressed with it. It just sounded like a small weedy amp. I sold it and bought a Blues DeVille - which I really liked.

This Mark 4 Blues Junior is night and day different. I am sure that the 12" loudspeaker has contributed much towards its 'grown up' sound, but I suspect that Fender have essentially taken a Blues Deluxe circuit and removed a few features (Drive option, Send & Return etc.) to reduce the physical size of the circuit board in order to give this little amp a very impressive authority.

It stands up surprisingly well against my 2002 first generation Bad Cat Cub llR, only lacking a bit of definition in the low mids - which may well be addressed with a better 12" loudspeaker.

Really nice little amp and man enough for small stages, not just hiding in bedrooms like the early version.

This amp is a whole new amp. It has allmost nothign to do with the previous versions exept the name. Previous versions were famous for modding them better. They sounded icepicky in the treble side and bass was mushy with out any clear response. This new version is the opposite. It sounds huge despite the fysical dimensions. Its bright if you want but not icepicky, bass is huge and tight if you want to set it. If you crank it it, sound gets bigger and bigger and does not fall apart. Middle is capable to produce various sweet spots, depending what you want to emphasis. I ve been playing over 40 years and had them all. I have had this version IV for couple of weeks and still i allmost can not believe my ears. Boutique quality sounds and allmost impossible to find a poor sound of it. Building quality is nice. How durable it is, thats the only question mark. But Thomann has 3 years of warranty and because of that i feel safe with my purchase. Highly recommend to all players hobbyist and professionals.

- Responsive and clear sounding.
- Handles pedals well.
- Beautiful edge of breakup tone.
- Plenty loud enough for studio, small acoustic/jazz gigs and living room.

Would absolutely recommend as an affordable, very well-sounding small amp. To my ear it does not sound boxy or small. I am playing an ES335-style guitar with humbuckers.

The spring reverb is good but pretty "springy" to my ear. If spring reverb is your thing it's great. I use a reverb pedal that fits my reverb taste more.

I do not use the Fat switch, but control the fatness/sound of the amp via the volume on my guitar. There are no indication on the foot switch or on the amp whether or not the Fat-switch is on other than the fat switch itself and of course the sound. I'd maybe use it if I could see whether it was on or off on the foot switch.