If you were to ask a non musician to name a musical instrument brand they could recall, Fender would arguably be the first name off their lips. For over 60 years, the Californian based manufacturer has dominated the landscape for both guitarists and bassists alike.

As I have sculpted my guitar tone I’ve used amplifiers made by Fender, Marshall, Mesa Boogie, Divided by 13, Diezel, and  Bogner to name a handful. I’ve used all manner of configurations ranging from small combo’s to massive full stacks.

Prior to using the Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue (BDRI), reviewed here today, I had been using a combination of two amps made by another Californian amp manufacturer, Divided by 13, with their FTR-37  and RSA-23 models. As my needs required buying a line array P.A system, I needed to free up cash flow, and thus the reason for selling these amps. The void created by these sales, needed to be addressed with an amplifier that could closely capture the delicious tones from my D13′s, yet do so, at a much reduced cost of the D13′s $7,000 investment. This is important to provide this background information in my review, as this better qualifies how and why I came to choose the Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue.

While the Fender has a street price 1/10th of my D13 setup, and boasting the famous 6L6 tube design also featured in my FTR-37 configuration, I still needed to address the fact that I loved the overdriven tones I coaxed out of my RSA-23 (with pedals in front) which is designed around KT88 tubes. The spongy, bubbly sound of 6L6′s is wonderful for clean tones, however beyond all but the most basic clipping tones the sound becomes too confused and undefined for real work with overdrive and ‘dirt’ pedals. Again, the Fender BDRI addressed my needs by way of their more focused ‘drive’ channel on the amp, which captures a more urgent growl than the warm rounded overtones of the 1st channel.

On its own the Fender BDRI produces a great workingman’s guitar sound, however coupling the 1×12″ enclosure Fender offers as a compliment to the BDRI creates a more complex, layered sound, that sings with a greater authority. In particular my typical ‘Nashville’ sound (broken thru driven dirt sounds) started to drive through while still retaining that Fender amp spank.

My main guitar is a custom shop Suhr Classic series ‘strat style’ guitar designed reminiscent of the Fender ’62 reissue Strat vein. With my drive pedals running front end I am able to achieve excellent results ranging from Eric Clapton smooth cleans , Eric Johnson singing sustains, Brent Mason spank with just the change of a pedal.

The amp features a shared 3 band eq (B, M, T) and it is very versatile, I have mine set as follows (B=8.2, M=6.8, T=7.2) I run my Suhr with the tone dials set around 7.5 to smooth out some of the bright bite inherent of the amps design. The amp also features a presence knob which I have set around 7.6 to allow the amp to remain focused-though historically, I am not a fan of amps that utilize a presence feature. The master volume knob is running right around 6.2 while I back off the clean and drive channels to just around 1.

To detail the weak spots of the amp, I would limit this to two aspects. The amplifier is extremely sensitive to volume increase with a massive jump from 1-2 on the either the volume or drive dials. My second issue relates to the built-in Accutronics Spring reverb. Beyond the 2 setting the amp washes out. Thankfully the amp does offer an effects loop which is where I patch in my reverb externally via way of the Fractal Audio Axe-Fx. The quality of effects in the Axe-Fx are easily on par with Eventide and Lexicon. I personally favor varieties of hall reverbs rather than ‘Spring’ reverbs. I simply bypass the amp and cab aspects of the Axe-Fx on a carbon copy of my 20 direct to desk studio patches, and interface it with the Fender BDRI for some truly incredible results.

Doing a simple cost benefit ratio with my former Divided by 13 rig heavily sides with the Fender. While the D13′s tone is more appealing, as would be expected, the simple fact is that investing 1/10th of the funds into this amp creates a sound that is within 15% of the territory of my previous D13′s. If Fender were to address the amps overall volume sensitivity, and made the reverb more useable, the amp would be an incredible amplifier in the $700 price range. As it stands, I would give the Fender an 8.5/10 in my opinion.

I am in the process of swapping out the stock speakers and replacing them with a Celestion Alnico Blues 15w speaker, and a Celestion 70th anniversary G12H30 30w speaker in the combo and enclosure respectively. With a further $400 investment, the amplifier will more than likely yield results narrowing that gap from it to the D13′s to within single digit percentages. -Fletch

Click here to see more of Fletch’s pedalboards and rigs galleries

By Fletch Whipp

Happy New Year! Recently, Mouse, my wife found a piece of paper folded up inside one of her books. It was a goal setting list I compiled from 2007. As we looked, there were some tick marks, but at least a dozen remained unchecked. Interestingly, every goal had actually been achieved in 2007. While it was a surprise to Mouse, it wasn’t a surprise to me, as I’ve set goals weekly, monthly & yearly goals for at least 15 years now. Oh yes, various life curve balls have been thrown at me, and taken me down unexpected paths during that time, as I’m sure you have experienced too, though the goal posts shift from time to time, keeping our eyes on the goal does not have to shift.

I’m fortunate to work with many serious music career minded students, who seek my guidance in developing their raw talents towards rewarding careers in the Music Industry. Though I’ve helped numerous students successfully navigate their way to studying music at College, one student, Dexter actually successfully landed a placement at the exclusive Berklee College of Music in Boston. Dexter informed me that, of the 3,000 auditions held in various countries, 80 places were available. Dexter’s goal was realized after a long process of successful measured results.

This is a prime motivating picture for me weekly.

1. Well formed Goal Statements

The Goal Statement forms the basis for the entire process so careful attention should be placed on formulating a clear and accurate goal statement. A good way to remember how a goal statement should be defined is the old S.M.A.R.T. acronym used by many experts in goal setting. SMART stands for: Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Realistic & Time and Resource Constrained

The Goal should be specific enough so that we know exactly what we are striving for, measurable so we can tell exactly when the goal has been reached, action-oriented to indicate an activity that will produce results, realistic in that it is practical and can be achieved, and time and resources constrained meaning that it has a definite deadline for completion and realizes limited availability of resources. The goal statement “Increase sales 25% by the end of the fiscal year without increasing advertising spending” is an example that follows these rules.

2. Breaking down Goals into manageable Steps

If you were to watch a Captain go about his duties on a cruise ship you would note he breaks down the overall cruise into manageable steps. He cannot simply point in the direction of The Bahamas and say this looks about right, see you there in 5 days. He takes measurements, and charts the entire course to ensure that should situations arise that require a new course of action, that he has the time, energy and resources available to re-chart the course that still allows success. 

3. Motivation and Commitment

Paul Christenbury writes: Motivation and commitment are what make us strive to achievement. They give us the push, desire, and resolve to complete all of the other steps in the Goal process. This motivation can be obtained by developing a statement that creates a high level of emotion and energy that guarantees achievement. Commitment is what sets us on direct course to reach our goals and creates costly negative consequences for failure.

4. Reminders and Keeping on Track

Reaching our goals requires persistence and regular attention. We need some sort of system to keep us reminded and accountable. MyGoalManager.com uses a combination reminder emails, calendars, and reports to keep users organized and on track. If some accountability system is not used then we are likely to lose sight and fail.

5. Frequent Review and Re-assessment

Goal Setting is definitely an ongoing process that is accomplished over time. When we first sit down and start to define goals it can seem like a difficult and daunting task but over time it begins to get much easier. Patience is required. All goals due in the next year should be reviewed at least once a week and daily if possible. The great thing about frequent review is that this forces us to make big decisions and determine priorities in our life. We should keep watch for goals that aren’t being achieved on time or for goals on which we keep extending the deadline.

Each week I invest a minimum of 80+ hours into RockStarzUSA.com, and my own musical pursuits to be the best I can be. The only priorities I place above my career is my best friend, Mouse,  & my relationship with Jesus. The picture above encapsulates my work philosophy.

The best way I sum up my own work ethic & inspire you with a parting thought is this. This article was written November 15th 2011 at 6:46am & was scheduled for publication months in advance. Though it is fresh for you, by the time you read this I will already be writing articles for April/May 2012…..

By Fletch Whipp

We came across this video of the homeless young man who caused tears to flow and smiles to burst forth on the TV show ‘Korea’s got talent’ and concede, that we too, were not able to watch without shedding a tear ourselves.

Music truly is a universal language, and those gifted with ability can speak volumes without the need of interpreters, marketing or gimmicks to capture our heart, mind & soul. He is a humble young man, possessing a huge talent, and his story has been intensely investigated by the Korean media, and found to be completely truthful.

What are you doing with the talent and abilities you have? Are you excelling at what you love to do? Are there obstacles in your way? Regardless of your trying circumstances, your passion will make a way, and one day you too could stand before kings with your gift, exactly as this young man has done.

His story is just so inspiring that we wanted to give you an opportunity to be inspired too. Enjoy!

By Fletch Whipp

For a humbucker guitar, my go to model is my Ernie Ball MusicMan John Petrucci JP6 signature model. The Ernie Ball company have a long history spanning almost  four decades to date. Sterling Ball, became a product tester for Leo Fender’s stingray bass in 1975, and by 1984 Sterling had purchased the music man rademark designs. Guitarists such as Eddie Van Halen, Steve Morse,  and Steve Lukather were/are endorsees for this superb line of guitars. Petrucci came on board in 2000, after his relationship with Ibanez soured. and introduced at NAMM 2001, the first run of the Petrucci guitars were released.

I had played many Music Man’s over the years, however they were under the radar, as I had been so heavily involved with Carvin guitars at the time. In Fall ’09 I flew out to do some guitar shopping in Hollywood, and West Hollywood, and although I played upwards of 100 instruments, nothing leapt out at me, so I came home empty handed. The following weekend I was in Denver, and called in to a local Guitar Center I’ve frequented, and saw they had a newly initiated ’boutique’ room. In there I came across the Ernie Ball JP6 (John Petrucci) Dream Theater’s guitarist, and with a slight smirk (because of the typical Dream Theater fan), decided to pull it down, and see what it was like. John, after all has been inducted in to the guitar players hall of fame, and been voted world’s greatest guitarist 5 years in a row.

Knowing he is a very disciplined player and very particular with his equipment, I thought i would at least get an idea as to what appealed to this seriously well regarded guitarist. Again, very similar to my experience with my Suhr custom shop Strat, it was electrifying, Melissa was with me, and I kept looking at her, mouth half open. Within 2 weeks I came across a ridiculously good deal, and I haven’t stopped playing it since. Just beautiful. Fast neck, with gun oil tint. The back is a beautiful highly appointed birds eye maple board. The guitar has an even tone, rich hum buckers, both bridge and neck pickup have supreme character, the weight and balance are great, and the fretboard has an appealing 15″ radius, which allows me unhindered access to more challenging finger work parts, sweeping, tapping and other techniques that can be challenging on lesser radius necks. The bridge almost has a retro feel and look to it, harking back slightly to the vintage Fender’s with their cigarette ashtray cover, allowing your hand a very comfortable resting point.

The tuners are locking with a chrome finish. The wheels are about twice the thickness of the typical Sperzel’s and I appreciate the extra grip I have with this feature. The headstock is small which I have come to really appreciate the longer I have it. Though my Suhr custom shop is my number 1 guitar for Praise & Worship, the toggle style pickup selector is my favorite way of accessing pickups. I do change my pickups very regularly for tones so the toggle receives a very frequent workout. The toggle is solid and will withstand many years of switching. My model is the same featured above with a very unusual prismatic paint finish called ‘Mystic Dream’ It changes color in the light from Purple, to bronze, emerald green and even hints of burgundy. This is a guitar that is a joy to play every time I take it out the case!

If you liked the JP6, also check out the lower priced JP100 review we’ve also done right here!