FENDER

Tone Master Super Reverb

- ART THOMPSON

ANYONE FAMILIAR WITH a Fender Super Reverb will testify to this legendary amp's big-ass tone, presence and clean headroom. The original formula of a pair of 6L6 power tubes and four 10-inch speakers gave the two-channel reverb/tremolo combo a sound that was irresistible to legions of blues and rock players from the mid '60s and on. The Super Reverb was discontinued in 1982 and re-introduced in 2001, where it remains in Fender's extensive amplifier line.

The latest version of this classic combo is the Tone Master Super Reverb, which uses digital technology to re-create the circuitry and 45-watt output section that drives four Jensen P-10R alnico-magnet 10-inch speakers wired in two-ohm configuration as per the original spec. Fender's designers maintained the Super's high headroom by using a 200-watt digital power amp, which underscores the difference between tube- and solid-state watts when it comes to pushing out sound.

The TM's power is variable in five stages from 45 watts down to.5 watt, and the amp has a balanced line out with a three-position switch that selects two different cabinet IRS (or off). Other than a USB port for firmware upgrades and the absence of both a speaker jack (the speaker wires go straight into the the chassis) and a reverb tank in the bottom of the cabinet, the amp is true to form interms of the things you turn or toggle. A jeweled pilot light on the front panel glows orange when the mute/standby switch is on, and red when you flick on the power switch. It also has chromed tilt-back legs. The biggest physical difference is the TM's weight, which is about 30 pounds less than a tube-powered Super Reverb.