Authentic Blackface Sound

There’s no doubting that Fender is the expert when it comes to understanding the quintessential Blackface tone. After a tonne of painstaking research (and even more digital processing), it’s safe to say that they’ve absolutely nailed it with the Tone Master series.

All the characteristics that have made vintage Blackface amps so beloved are present and accounted for, from the clear, warm and sparkling tone to the inspiring touch-responsiveness. Plug into one, close your eyes and start playing - you’d easily be forgiven for assuming you’re hearing a valve-loaded guitar amp.

Whilst the digital-based amplifiers of yore were not ideal pedal platform amps, that isn’t the case with the Tone Master series. Just like their valve equivalents, these amps respond superbly to pedals. Whether you’re a fuzz fanatic or create dreamy soundscapes, you can count on a Fender Tone Master to make your stompboxes sound beautiful.

Luscious Effects

A key part of the Fender Blackface tone is the built-in effects - the spring reverb and “vibrato” - which have both been recreated with astonishing accuracy in the Tone Master amplifiers. The reverb delivers lush, natural ambience and surfy drip whilst the tremolo boasts the characteristic throb that you’d expect from a bona fide optical circuit.

Easy To Gig

Thanks to modern digital signal processing, the Fender ToneMaster series can deliver a sound that is unmistakably valve in character - with none of the drawbacks. If you’ve ever gigged with a Fender Twin Reverb or a Super Reverb, you’ll certainly be aware of how much of a pain they can be to lug from gig to gig.

Because the Tone Master amplifiers are DSP-based, they’re significantly lighter and more reliable. There’s no need to worry about valves failing right before you go on stage or needing to be replaced down the line.

Other ways Fender has managed to reduce the Tone Master series’ weight is custom Jensen speakers (which are engineered using lighter neodymium magnets) and solid pine cabinet. Pine is a traditional Fender cabinet material and was used in '50s & '60s Fender speaker cabinets for its resonant quality.

Each Tone Master model is roughly half the weight of the original, which means you can enjoy expansive headroom and sonic power without having to visit the chiropractor after every show!

Iconic Fender Style

Fender has retained the sleek and sophisticated Blackface style for the Tone Master series, which enhances the truly old-school playing experience. Aside from the Tone Master badge that adorns the grille cloth, each Tone Master amp’s front panel looks identical to its valve-based sibling. Whilst the Tone Master series is digital at its heart, Fender has cleverly kept the beautifully simple and streamlined interface of the originals. Dialling in your sound is every bit as immediate and intuitive as a vintage Fender.

Tonally Consistent

Another advantage of this Fender guitar amplifier series is how they sound amazing at any volume level. With valve amps, it’s important to get the valves warmed up if you want them to sound their best. That isn’t an issue with the Tone Master series. Whether you’re playing quietly or full-tilt, your Tone Master amp will always be tonally consistent and sound top-notch.

Cranked Tone At Any Volume

If you want to wring out any natural breakup or overdrive from a tube amp, you’ll have to start cranking up the volume. This will, especially with the Twin Reverb and Super Reverb, likely upset your sound engineer/housemates/neighbours/bandmates.

That’s where the ToneMaster’s onboard attenuator comes in. With one switch, you can instantly reduce the amp’s power. With a Tone Master amp, you can experience that glorious cranked up sound at a volume that won’t give you tinnitus.

Silent Performance

Fender has equipped the Tone Master series with a balanced XLR line output, which is an incredibly handy feature for many modern guitarists. Simply hook up an XLR cable and you’re good to go. This output features a dedicated level control that’s independent of the amp’s Volume knob and a ground-level switch.

For live use, the XLR output can be used instead of a DI box if you want to send a direct signal to the front of house desk. Your sound engineer will love you as it’ll give them a lot more control over the mix. You can then use the amp’s speaker to monitor your guitar or mute the signal for a silent stage. The power jewel’s colour indicates whether the amp is in normal, warmup or mute/silent mode.

The XLR output is also an asset when it comes to recording, as you can send a signal straight into your interface. This saves time, as you don’t have to mic up the speaker to achieve a great guitar sound, and allows you to record silently.

On the rear panel, you’ll find a three-way IR cabinet simulation switch. Position one offers a flat response and bypasses the cab sims altogether if you have a preferred impulse response. Modes 1 and 2 emulate the character of a speaker mic’d with either a biting SM57 dynamic mic or a blooming Royer R-121 ribbon mic. These emulations sound spot-on and provide add realism to your tone when using the direct signal.

Digital Power

Since the launch of the Tone Master series, Fender has consistently listened to feedback from players and released firmware updates based on it. Installing the updates via the USB port is a breeze, you don’t need to be a technological wizard to do it! Unlike a traditional firmware update, these act as a virtual modification to the amp.

One of the updates removes the virtual bright cap of the Tone Master Deluxe Reverb’s vibrato channel. This is a common Deluxe Reverb mod that results in a smoother treble response when you engage an overdrive or distortion pedal. As this mod happens via a firmware update, you don’t need a soldering iron to make it happen! If you prefer how the amp behaved before, you can simply revert to the previous version.