Fender Pro Junior III Mods...

[guildman63]

I like this amp, but as I play mostly jazz I would like it to be punchier and have much higher clean headroom, along with a tighter bass response and better overall articulation. Any thoughts from anyone? Thanks!

David

 

[Walter Broes]

There are several things you can do. Cheapest is putting a lower gain preamp tube in the first preamp position, something like a 5751, or even a 12AY7 for even less preamp gain. You can change the speaker to a very efficient (=loud) one, that'll get you louder cleans too. I'd recommend something like a Jensen Neo - which has the added bonus of weighing next to nothing for such a loud speaker. Also, you can put a bigger output transformer in the amp, take a look at Allen Amps' website, they have one specifically for that purpose.

 

[guildman63]

In addition, I found a site that makes solid cabinets to house the Pro Junior chassis and a 12 inch speaker, and it is tweed. I think I will get the cab and speaker, and replace the tube myself and see how it is at that point. If I need more I will get the larger output transformer. Perhaps even JJ power tubes as well. Thanks!

 

[drc]

I like this amp, but as I play mostly jazz I would like it to be punchier and have much higher clean headroom, along with a tighter bass response and better overall articulation. Any thoughts from anyone? Thanks!



David

so exactly do like about it? LOL

 

[mr.d.bluster]

Regarding speakers, you might try various ones in external cabs. If you find one you like, you could then replace yours, or maybe just buy the cab if has more than one or if it's got a closed back, or...? Seems like Guitar Center or a similar big store might let you do this. Maybe early on a Monday morning...

 

[guildman63]

The tone is good, but it mostly just breaks up too easily. As far as my other complaints, they are relatively minor, but what 15 watt Fender amp comes stock with perfect tone, particularly for jazz?

This may be a dumb question, but will a 15 watt amp sufficiently drive a speaker rated at 100 watts?

 

[Walter Broes]

Yes, no problem. But if you want the most clean volume before breakup out of your amp, you want to be looking at the speaker's effiency (expressed in dB), not the wattage. A high wattage speaker is not always loud - a high efficiency speaker is. And high efficiency speakers are the way to turn small combo amps into stage amps that can hang with a drummer.