Product
evaluation….
Fender Hot Rod Deville 2-12
Circuit modification By: Jim Price
From John Reinarts (amp owner)
5/22/03
I recently had a Hot Rod Deville 2 X 12 modified by James Price. I normally
have several amps around, and after having the Hot Rod Deville for over
two years; I found I seldom played it. While the clean sound with reverb
is pretty good, the overdrive sounds from this amp are very limited. I
would describe the overdrive as weak and fizzled, even when trying to
get a good classic rock sound.
After reading several testimonial letters from Jim’s customers,
I decided to try the Modification. Jim is a wonderful person to work with,
and very promptly answered all my questions and discussed possible options.
I then pulled the chassis and sent it in to Jim. This is not really difficult
to do if you are a little handy. Jim then completed the modifications,
and kept me well informed of the progress. The entire operation takes
about two weeks.
While I was expecting some improvement in the sound of the amp, I was
in no way prepared for the fantastic way it now sounds. It’s really
like getting a whole new amp with a great attitude and plenty of balls!!!!.
While a good clean sound is still available, it really shines on the gain
and more gain setting. The amp now has the versatility of a three channel
Mesa, while at the same time maintaining its own distinct voicing character
(I will call it Jim’s trademark sound). The sustain and harmonics
are well defined, and the sound is full and rich. It has enough drive
for just about any kind of music a person could play. It sounds to me
like a little Marshall, a Little Mesa, and a Lot like an Old Laney AOR
the way the sustain holds, swells, an cycles. If you are a plug and play
guy, this amp is definitely one you should have.
Needless to say I am an extremely happy customer. While this modification
is not cheap or easy to do, I believe it is well worth the money if you
have one of these sitting around and not being used like I did. It will
soon become one of your favorite amps.
John Reinarts
Ogden UT