Good tone, but could be better
Unusable volume pot
EQ stack that can only suit one channel at a time
Reliability problems due to some component over-frugality and poor design by Fender
High noise floor
To solve all of the reliability issues I took it to an amp repair shop with a good reputation. I was hoping to have them perform the upgrades that Lyle (Psionic) makes so clear. They kept it for nearly a year, insisted there was nothing wrong with it, refused to entertain the notion of modifying it and returned it to me for an hour bench fee. Boo.
Well, I next considered installing the Fromel mod kit myself. Upon researching it I found out they’re in my area and can install the mods themselves for a couple hundred bucks extra. Thank goodness I realized that. I definitely would have botched that job. Amp work is way over my skill level.
The gentleman there are very nice and it was a pleasure to meet them and get my amp worked on by such knowledgeable pros.
I opted to upgrade the output transformer while it was on the bench.
After several days with it I couldn’t be happier.
The clean channel has a less woofy tone, like a Deluxe Reverb but louder (if desired). The volume knob is usable throughout the sweep.
The Drive channel mods are mind blowing. First of all, the EQ stack can be set so that both channels sound great. The gain can take it from light breakup to classic rock glory. The More Drive switch gives it just a bit more juice, vs the unusable boost it provides in stock form.
The best part…it’s dead quiet. You can dime it on either channel and it barely has any background noise.
I highly recommend Fromel mods, especially if you’re near Seattle and can have Fromel do the installation.
Pic of the parts that came out (minus the transformer).
