Just wondered if anyone out there is using a Blues Junior. I’ve been looking at them on the internet & I’m sorely tempted as I’ve always loved the sound of fender amps.
My main concern was how loud… or more specifically how quiet will it go?
I’m currently using a Blackstar HT5r mkII which has an attenuator built in which reduces the output to 0.5W. Volume wise it’s ideal as I have neighbors on both sides, even with the attenuator I still only set the volume at about 10 o clock. I tested it out yesterday and it gives out between 70 & 80 decibels (depending on whether the Fuzz pedal is engaged).
I know the Blues Junior has a master volume which could help with this but without getting out to try one I’ve got no idea whether I’ll be able to get it to similar volumes as the Blackstar.
It is loud. It has a master volume, but when you turn the master up from zero the volume goes up very, very quickly. It’s not really an amp that is designed to play quietly. If you manage to gently set the master volume to a low level you’ll get sound, but it’s not in the “sweet spot” of the amp, and doesn’t sound as good at it does when the master volume is higher. You can do it, but it’s touchy and doesn’t sound satisfying at low volume, in my opinion.
In short, if you want to play quietly the Blues Jr. is not an ideal choice.
Thanks J.W.C that’s really helpful… I was watching videos online where they were saying that they were ideal volumes for bedroom play. I happen to like both my neighbors so I think I’ll stick with the Blackstar for now, I’ve had no complaints from them yet (well not to my face anyway).
Also you’ve just saved me the best part of 500 quid!!
Well, I do play mine at home, but I play it pretty loud at home. Honestly, I think it’s probably louder than most people would consider “bedroom level.”
Holding off is probably the better choice, for now. You really need to try the amp and see if the volumes (and the tones you get at various volumes) will work for your circumstances.
If you are after fender sound but worried about the amp being too loud then I’d recommend checking out Princeton reverb reissue and some pedals.
You’ll get incredible cleans and a good range of sounds with pedals. If interested I can recommend some specific pedals.
Thanks for the advice… I did actually find a suitable Fendery amp that’s been ideal for home use.
I ended up getting a Supro Delta King 10 which is a 5w tube amp but has a master volume on there so I can still get a great sound at neighbour friendly volumes.
The clean sounds through it are awesome & that’s augmented by the pedal board (see picture). I’ve kept that simple, overdrive, fuzz, delay & compression. Really happy with it & would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a home use tube amp.
It can get loud… surprising how loud 5w is really. That’s why I like master volume on there though… plenty of power through the volume then all managed via the master volume for a great tone that doesn’t upset the neighbours :O)
Th solution that work’s really well for me is the Fender GTX 50 modeling amp… it has all the classic fender amplifiers built in it… Tone is definitely there… And you can dial the volume down such that you’re not crushed by the loudness. I’ve owned mine for eight months now and I’m really happy… Best $400 I’ve spent so far that is.!
I kicked around the idea of selling my SuperChampXD to get a GTX50. I still may do it. every single time I plug into the SCXD tho I’m reminded of how great it sounds even at low volume, it works very well at bedroom volume, but does not have all the options and capabilities of the GTX and that is VERY appealing. i may very well make that change someday. but today is not that day
