So, here’s the deal. I’ve been playing the Fender Blues Junior IV for a while now, and I can’t get enough of it.
It’s part of Fender’s Hot Rod series, and while it may look simple, it’s just awesome. If you’re into classic tones, but want something that doesn’t take up half your living room or destroy your ears, this amp is for you.
Let’s break down why this little 15-watt tube amp has become my favorite and why it might just become yours, too.
5 Things I Love About Fender Blues Junior IV
1. The Perfect 15 Watts
Now, I know 15 watts might not sound like a lot, but trust me, this thing is loud. Like, surprisingly loud.
But here’s the beauty of it: it’s loud enough to play with a band, but still manageable for home use. You don’t have to crank it all the way to get those sweet tube tones, and it responds beautifully at lower volumes.
Whether you’re practicing in your room or playing a small gig, the Blues Junior IV hits that sweet spot.
It’s powered by 3x 12AX7 preamp tubes and 2x EL84 power tubes, which gives it that warm, rich sound that only a tube amp can deliver. You get that classic Fender clean, but with a bit more grit when you push it.
Pro Tip: If you’re like me and live in a small apartment, don’t worry—you can still use this amp without waking up the whole neighborhood. It’s loud, but it’s not „getting an eviction notice” loud. 🙂
Listen to the demo below.
2. The Celestion A-Type Speaker
Let’s talk about the speaker because this is a huge part of what makes this amp stand out. The Blues Junior IV is equipped with a 1x 12″ Celestion A-Type speaker, and it seriously makes a difference.
The tone is smooth and balanced, with enough punch to cut through a mix but still warm enough for those clean, jazzy chords or bluesy leads.
What I love most is how well it handles the mids. It’s got this nice, round sound that never feels harsh or overly bright, which is exactly what you want for a versatile amp.
Whether you’re playing clean or dirty, this speaker gives you clarity and depth that’s hard to beat at this price point.
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3. Reverb That Feels Like a Warm Blanket
There’s something about Fender reverb that just makes everything sound better. The reverb on the Blues Junior IV is no exception.
You suck at playing? Add some reverb. It fixes everything 🙂
It’s warm, it’s lush, and it just adds that extra bit of space to your tone without overpowering it.
You can dial in just a little bit for a subtle touch, or crank it up if you want to go full surf-rock mode. It’s super responsive and blends really well with whatever you’re playing.
And unlike some amps where the reverb can get a little too much and muddy, the Blues Junior keeps it clean and tasteful. Honestly, I end up using way more reverb on this amp just because it sounds so good.
4. Simple Controls, Tons of Tone
One of my favorite things about this amp is how simple the controls are. You’ve got your basic knobs—volume, treble, middle, bass, master volume, and of course, the famous FAT switch.
That’s it. No complicated menus or settings to mess with. Just good, straightforward controls that let you dial in your sound without needing a manual to figure it out.
Now, let’s talk about that FAT switch. It’s basically a built-in boost. When you hit it, you get a little extra gain and thickness to your tone, which is perfect for solos or if you just want a bit more meat in your sound.
It’s like flipping a switch and going from „laid-back blues” to „I mean business.” 🙂
And those chicken head-style knobs? Yeah, they add to the whole vintage vibe and make adjusting your sound feel even cooler.
5. It Looks As Good As It Sounds
Alright, this might not matter to everyone, but I’ve gotta say it—the Blues Junior IV looks awesome.
Fender went with this black textured vinyl and a slightly aged silver grille, giving it that classic look with a bit of a modern edge. It’s got that timeless Fender vibe that makes you feel like you’re part of some guitar history every time you plug in.
It’s also super portable, weighing in at about 14.3 kg (that’s 31.5 lbs for the non-metric folks). So, you can easily lug it around from gig to gig without breaking your back. It’s tough, reliable, and honestly looks good on stage. What’s not to love?
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- 15 watts of pure tube tone, perfect for home use or small gigs.
- Celestion A-Type speaker delivers clear, balanced tones.
- FAT switch adds versatility for lead or rhythm playing.
- Classic Fender reverb that’s warm and lush.
- Simple controls that are easy to use and tweak.
Cons:
- If you’re a metal player, this amp might not give you the high-gain insanity you’re after (but hey, that’s what pedals are for, right?).
- No FX loop, which would’ve been a nice addition for those running more complex setups.
Specs
- Hot rod series
- 1 Channel
- Power: 15W
- Speakers: 1x 12″ Celestion A-Type
- Tubes: 3x 12AX7 and 2x EL84
- 1 Jack input
- Controls: Reverb, Master, Middle, Bass, Treble, FAT Switch, Volume
- Chicken Head Style Buttons
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 40.8 x 45.72 x 23.31 cm
- Weight: 14.3 kg
- Design: Black textured vinyl and slightly aged silver-coloured front grille fabric
My Experience With Fender
Over the years, I’ve played a bunch of different amps, but Fender always holds a special place in my heart.
From the Blues Junior to the Hot Rod Deluxe, there’s something about their amps that just gets guitar tone. They’re reliable, easy to work with, and they have that signature clean tone that most players crave. The Blues Junior IV fits right into that legacy.
I’ve reviewed a ton of gear on my YouTube channels—Best Guitars Now and Strefa Gitar—and Fender amps always seem to stand out.
I’ve even featured some backing tracks on those channels, so if you want to hear how the Blues Junior IV holds up in a mix or how it works with different styles, feel free to check out those videos.
Trust me, once you hear it in action, you’ll understand why this amp has become one of my all-time favorites. 😎
FAQ
1. Can the Blues Junior IV handle pedals well?
Absolutely. The Blues Junior IV loves pedals. Whether you’re stacking overdrives or using modulation effects, it handles everything beautifully. The Celestion A-Type speaker gives plenty of clarity and depth, even when you pile on the pedals.
2. Is it loud enough for gigging?
Yes, 15 watts may not sound like much, but this amp can get seriously loud. It’s perfect for small to mid-sized venues, and if you need more volume, you can always mic it up.
3. How does the FAT switch work?
The FAT switch adds a bit more gain and thickness to your tone. It’s great for solos or if you want a chunkier sound for rhythm playing. Think of it as a built-in boost.
4. Does the amp come with a footswitch?
No, unfortunately, the Blues Junior IV doesn’t come with a footswitch. However, you can buy one separately if you want to control the FAT switch while you play.
5. Is the reverb analog or digital?
The reverb on the Blues Junior IV is a spring reverb, which is part of why it sounds so rich and lush. It’s got that classic Fender reverb vibe we all love.
6. Can this amp do high-gain metal?
While the Blues Junior IV can handle some crunch, it’s not really built for high-gain metal tones. You’ll need a good distortion pedal to push it into metal territory, but for blues, rock, and even some heavier rock tones, it does great.
7. What makes this version different from earlier Blues Juniors?
The Blues Junior IV has a Celestion A-Type speaker, which gives it a bit more warmth and clarity compared to earlier versions. The overall design has also been improved to make it more reliable and road-worthy.
Final Thoughts
The Fender Blues Junior IV is one of those amps that just makes you want to keep playing. It’s simple, it’s powerful, and it’s got that classic Fender tone that’s hard to beat.
Whether you’re playing blues, rock, jazz, or anything in between, this amp delivers. It’s versatile enough to handle a range of styles, but straightforward enough that you don’t need a ton of gear to make it sound great.
If you’re looking for a small tube amp that’s got character, sounds fantastic, and won’t leave you eating ramen for the rest of the month, the Blues Junior IV should be at the top of your list.
