Battle of the Fenders

[Ibred]

Hello,
I am looking to get my first tube amp, and I have narrowed it down to three.
Here is my set up:
Guitars: Strat (SSS), SG, Les Paul Junior
Amp: Fender GTX100, I plan to take payday loans online in Michigan for it.
Pedals: Delay, Reverb, misc. OD pedals
I always play at home and on my own. The amp will never be gigged nor played with a drummer. I play 60s and 70s rock and blues 99% of the time (Hendrix, Clapton, Grateful Dead, Neil Young, etc.). I play clean and dirty almost equally, and am not wildly into pedals.
I live in a freestanding house, with the guitar room, which is the only room upstairs, and a very understanding wife. So I can go loud, but within reason. I don’t need bedroom level, but I do need house level. Also, I do not have any interest in building my own amp.
I am interested in the Fender 57 Custom Champ (haven’t played one in person sadly, but I like the sounds I have heard online). Low watt for home use and a great tone.
I am also interested in the Fender 65 Princeton Reverb Bordeaux Reserve (1x12). Played it in person and really liked it. Not my favorite tone of the three (that would be the Deluxe I played), but very close and maybe the most home friendly?
Finally, the Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb with an attenuator bought separately. The least home friendly, but I would buy a power attenuator with it to hopefully make it home friendly. Played it in guitar center and loved the sound of it...it’s just loud. And I am sure in a house, rather than a cavernous Guitar Center, the loudness might be more pronounced.
I am open to other Fender amps, and other versions of these amps. But I am looking to try out a tube amp. Even if I don’t like it, I can return it.
I am honestly stuck on which way to go, as I can make a case for all three options. I tried to give as much information as possible to help guide any advice.
Any input would be greatly appreciated! Have a great day!

 

[toneville]

Hello,
I am looking to get my first tube amp, and I have narrowed it down to three.
Here is my set up:
Guitars: Strat (SSS), SG, Les Paul Junior

I always play at home and on my own. The amp will never be gigged nor played with a drummer. I play 60s and 70s rock and blues 99% of the time (Hendrix, Clapton, Grateful Dead, Neil Young, etc.). I play clean and dirty almost equally, and am not wildly into pedals.
I live in a freestanding house, with the guitar room, which is the only room upstairs, and a very understanding wife. So I can go loud, but within reason. I don’t need bedroom level, but I do need house level. Also, I do not have any interest in building my own amp.

I am open to other Fender amps, and other versions of these amps. But I am looking to try out a tube amp. Even if I don’t like it, I can return it.


To keep things simple and cheap (there is a wife involved), I would recommend the reissue Deluxe Reverb and an Electro Harmonix Soul Food pedal. The soul food can "enbiggen" the sound at a lower volume and add a little grind without needing an attenuator and it's a $90 thrill. The Deluxe has enough balls to handle a jam if it should occur as well. The Soul Food is a clone of the Klon Centaur pedal that has a huge price and following amoung cork-sniffing pedal freaks and is a great go-to when you wish you could get a chance to turn your tube amp up but circumstances don't permit you to crank it to the sweet spot. Do some surfing for reviews and see if this will suit you.

 

[JASIII]

Can't go wrong with the Deluxe. It's pretty much the standard. By the description of your situation I doubt you'd even need an attenuator. I have a Deluxe and a bandmate owns a Princeton reissue (which is a good amp also) but the Deluxe just sounds bigger and fuller. All 3 amps you listed are fine choices but personally I'd just go for the Deluxe. All you bases will be covered in any situation.

 

[bern1]

It, no drummer: Fender Champ, any version.

You still have all your hearing? You’ll be good.

 

[bern1]

I meant Ib!

 

[Hot_Snake]

Late 50’s Gibson GA5 Skylark. Really fun for home playing.
replace the speaker with a Jupiter if you want higher volume and less speaker breakup.
If you have a higher budget an old Fender tweed deluxe (5D3 or 5E3). Originals Jensen are less efficient than modern speakers, it will help to be able to get power amp distortion at a lower volume.