[The definitive small tube guitar] A thorough explanation of why the Fender Blues Junior IV is chosen and what makes it so great! [Differences from previous models and reviews included]

A representative small tube amp that can be used for a wide range of purposes, from practicing at home to the studio and even small-scale live performances.

Fender Blues Junior

Since its introduction in the mid-1990s, production has continued with many improvements and model changes over the years, making it a long-selling model loved by guitarists around the world.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the features and sound of the current model, the Blues Junior IV, the evolution of previous models from the first model, and the reasons for its appeal and popularity. We have put together a detailed summary of what it is about the Blues Junior that attracts so many guitarists!

What is Fender Blues Junior? | History and Overview

The Blues Junior is a 1996W output vacuum tube guitar amplifier released by Fender around 15.

It was released as a member of the "Hot Rod Series" that inherits the atmosphere of Fender tweed amps from the 50s and 60s while incorporating modern functions. The compact combo cabinet is equipped with a 12-inch speaker and vacuum tube circuit, and its full specifications, including master volume, 3-band EQ, and spring reverb, produce a powerful and highly refined sound that is "hard to believe it is 15W."

It is said that when you actually listen to it, you can feel the sound pressure and lustrous tone that is comparable to a 40W class amplifier."A small combo with high specs all in one"From the start, it caught the attention of guitarists.

When it was first introduced, it was available in classic looks, such as a lacquered tweed-covered model or a black Tolex-covered model. The early models were produced at the Corona factory in the United States, but in the 2000s, production was moved to Mexico. Since then, production has continued with minor improvements, and in 2010, a major model change was announced: the Blues Junior III.

Since then, various limited edition color variations (tweed, red, surf green, etc.) and special models with different speakers (such as a lacquer tweed version with Jensen speakers) have been released, and the latest model has evolved into the current model, the Blues Junior IV. Even now, about 30 years after its release, it has become a long-lasting classic amplifier, which shows its popularity and strong support.

Current model | Blues Junior IV features and sound explanation

Product Specifications

Rated output	15W RMS (Class AB push-pull)
Vacuum tube	12AX7 x 3 (pre) / EL84 x 2 (power)
Lecturer	12" Celestion A-Type 8 Ohms
Control	Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Master, Reverb, FAT switch
Input/output terminal	¼" Hi-Z input, foot switch terminal (FAT on/off), 8 Ω speaker jack
Reverb	Improved spring (3 springs)
Cabinet	Lightweight pine, open back
External dimensions	Approximately 406 x 457 x 233 mm
weight	Approximately 14 kg
Accessories	1 button foot switch, dust cover

Compact yet powerful 15 W

The sound pressure that comes out of the small body is louder than the numbers suggest. At home, you can practice late at night by just turning down the master volume, and in the studio, you can get a crunch that cuts through to the band just by turning up the volume to 3-4. This model betrays the preconceived notion that "small = weak" in a good way.

Improved preamp and EL84 harmonics

The preamp circuit has been improved for the IV generation. The midrange now swells more smoothly, making it easier to vary the strength of your picking and clean sound. Combined with the slightly compressed, sweet overtones characteristic of the EL84 power tubes, this adds a bluesy stickiness to the crisp Fender clean sound.

New Celestion A-Type for increased brilliance

From the previous generation III's Eminence Lightning Bolt, in IVCelestion A-TypeWhile maintaining the bell-shaped highs characteristic of Fender, the mid-high range has become more lustrous, and the graininess when driven has improved dramatically. Separation is not lost even when playing chords, and you can experience a tone that "sings" when playing solos with the mids coming forward.

Spring reverb & FAT switch

The 3-spring reverb tank has been redesigned to reduce turbidity and improve natural decay. The sound image does not become blurred even when applied deeply. The FAT switch is a pseudo 2-channel function that boosts the midrange with one button. The convenience of being able to switch to solo without needing a booster is useful in live performances.

Simple 6-knob operation and lightweight pine cabinet

The simple layout of only Volume/Master + 3-band EQ + Reverb is the biggest advantage of "not getting lost in sound creation". The lightweight pine cabinet is quick to start up and easy to carry. It is made to fit players who want to combine home and live performances.

Sound demo

Fender Blues Junior | Differences and evolution of previous models

The Blues Junior series can be broadly divided into four generations. Each generation has seen changes and improvements, and while the basic concept remains the same, minor sound trends and functions have been updated. Below is a summary of the main changes and differences from the first generation to the current IV.

First generation Blues Junior (released in the late 1990s)

This is the first commemorative model. The basic specifications of 15W, 1x12" speaker, 3-band EQ + master + reverb + Fat switch were completed at this point. Initially, the case was available in a variety of colors such as tweed and black, and the speakers were made by Fender's special Eminence. Despite being a vacuum tube amp, it was designed to provide natural overdrive even at low volumes, making it easy to use at home, yet capable of producing sufficient sound pressure when fully turned up, making it popular. The initial batch was made in the USA, but in the 2000s, production was moved to Mexico to improve production efficiency. The internal circuit board was also changed from the initial green board to a cream-colored board, and minor changes were also made to the details of the components (for convenience, this period is sometimes referred to as the "Blues Junior II").

Blues Junior III (released in 2010)

This is a major renewal model that has appeared about 15 years after the first model was released. The biggest change is the speaker, and the standard model is now equipped with Eminence's "Lightning Bolt" speaker. This improves the volume and sound quality of the mid-low range, and adjusts the sound to be more balanced. The control panel design has also been revised, changing the previous mirror chrome panel to a matte black panel with less reflection and improved visibility (knobs are all ivory chicken head). Other improvements include improved quality of input jacks and pots, noise reduction measures, and brushed up case structure to improve reliability. It is also worth noting that many limited edition (FSR) models were released during the Blues Junior III period. A wide variety of variations were developed, including models with different Tolex (exterior) colors and panel colors, and models equipped with different speakers made by Jensen and Celestion. For example, there are the “Lacquered Tweed” with lacquer tweed and Jensen speakers, and the Surf Green color version with Vintage 30. The wide variety of options is one of the reasons why the Blues Junior has been so popular for so many years.

Blues Junior IV (around 2018 to present)

The current fourth generation model is the Blues Junior IV. While the basic configuration follows the III, as mentioned above, the preamp circuit and reverb have been improved, and the speaker has been changed to a Celestion A-Type speaker, resulting in a warmer and smoother sound. The silver grill cloth has a slightly aged look, creating a classical atmosphere. There are also limited edition models in the Blues Junior IV generation, and the most representative one is the Blues Junior Lacquered Tweed (IV). This variation has a retro look with tweed upholstery and a Jensen C4-N speaker, giving it a more vintage-like sound. The standard and tweed versions of the IV have slightly different tones, so you can choose according to your preference. Overall, the IV has matured in terms of sound and functionality to the point that it is said to be the "most complete Blues Junior in history," and it is the latest version that retains the strengths inherited from the first generation while firmly reinforcing its weaknesses.

Fender Blues Junior | Reviews and Reputation

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Negative reputation

Who is the Fender Blues Jr. recommended for? | Usage scenarios for different purposes