Essential modifications for a Hot Rod Deluxe

[marty_the_westie]

I want to buy a Hot Rod Deluxe, and I've read numerous threads about people upgrading their tube amps. Thing is, I do not know a thing about tubes and/or speakers, and am completely clueless about what to do. What are the essential modifications that should be done to a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, and what would these mods likely cost? I play blues, heavy blues, classic rock, surf with no heavy metal. I would also probably get a tube screamer because I've heard that Fenders over drive on their amps suck big time. Please educate me. P.S., I've also thought about a Peavey Classic tube amp. Any thoughts?

 

[texasguitarslinger]

Re: Essential modifications for a Hot Rod Deluxe

First, you should go to this site and bookmark it. It is THE bible for HRD owners. It's called The Unofficial Fender Hot Rod Deluxe Owner's Guide

A quick synopsis of the essential mods would be:

1. Change out the linear taper pot on the Master volume to an audio taper pot. This will help you tame the outrageous volume.

2. If you do mod #1 then you have to also bypass R45 (the master volume attenuation circuit) to get nice steady gain in volume.

3. Upgrade the speaker. Depending on what sound you like and your budgetary restriction I would recommend one of the following: Jensen C12N about $60 (great balanced tone in the classic rock sound); Celestion Vintage 30 $110 (little bit brighter and great punch); Weber VST 12F150 $90.

4. Buy some tubes that suit your tone requirements. I recommend contacting Lord Valve. He is extremely knowledgeable and can recommend exactly what you need to get the sound you want.

There are other things you can do to modiify your HRD but these are the essential ones IMO. :smoker:

 

[drew_half_empty]

Re: Essential modifications for a Hot Rod Deluxe

i'd say the speaker is the biggest downfall, but there is no one universal speaker for everyone, go to eminence's website & look at the patriot/redcoat series

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Essential modifications for a Hot Rod Deluxe

+1 to Texasguitarslingers post. Tubes and speaker will make the biggest difference. The volume pot is a nice thing also, that amp seems to from 1/2 to 4 on the volume wiht no inbetween.