Fender Tone Master Super Reverb: Review, Tone Tips & More 

Let us know what you think! And please follow me on Spotify! ~ open.spotify.com/artist/6RLQFre2Qp5T454mFR5Ol4

I'm a huge fan of tube amps but was drawn to the Super because of the combination of 4 speakers and light weight. Demoed one in a shop just over a week ago and was blown away. It behaves just like a tube amp, the way it reacts to the dynamics of your playing. Great feel and impressive tone. So impressive I bought it. Since I got it home i've been trying it with different guitars and pedals and i'm getting some fantastic results. Using a BOO Klon clone for my OD tone. This pedal sounded rubbish with my other amps but it's a great match with the Super. I can't believe it doesn't have tubes. Sounds so good with 4 speakers moving air. Shame they didn't add an FX loop, but I can live with that.

This is a great move on Fender's part. The Super Reverb is one of the most iconic amps of all time but has fallen out of favor with gigging musicians due to it's weight. This sounds great and should sell very well.

Using this amp for Blues harp, takes pedals beautifully and pushes through my somewhat loud band. Looking at 70 years, the weight allows perfect mobility.

I bought this a week ago, I guy that swore I would only buy tube amps, this is a game changer. Sounds great, variable power is so beneficial, but for real, it sounds great.

I just bought this amplifier and I absolutely love it. It's clean, I mean real clean. Don't make mistakes with this amplifier, because everyone can hear every note. I've been playing for 58 years. I think this would also make a great steel guitar amplifier. I also have a b&g bender installed on my Telecaster Elite, so I can bend notes in chords to achieve steel bends. The tones are unique. Fender has done a great job.

My Tonamster Super Reverb is right here on my side. I'm more than impressed. Didn't play a gig yet with it but I have no doubt this will sound absolutely amazing on stage! Wasn't intended to be an amp for jazz but also my archtop sounds super sweet through it. Fender has done everything right with it!!! Regards!

This is a great video! I've been thinking about weather or not I want to get this amp for gigs as I need loads of CLEAN headroom. This video was extremely informative, thank you for putting it together!

I have had the Tone Master Super Reverb and I love it. I also have Fender tube amps which I also love but the Tone Master Super Reverb is the one I play most often. Very convincing tube emulation.

I’ve owned a TMDR since they first came out. Also own several tube amps to include a 68 custom vibrolux and a 57 custom champ. I think one of the things that gets lost in the debate is that a better way to describe the slight difference in tone between the TMs and their tube counterparts is that the nuances and subtleties of tube amps are exaggerated when you play them in the vacuum of a room alone as opposed to saying they get “lost in the mix”. At this point in time with the state of the art of digital modeling where it is, the TMs are a great option for working musicians. It’s only a matter of time before Russia and China catch up to the west with worker safety standards and shut down tube manufacturing. Hopefully by then digital amp modeling will have been perfected and we won’t have anything to argue about. 😏

Cheers Jack, very interesting. The amp sounded really good.

I think the tone masters sound great! I own all of the Fender Amps that I bought over the years. I never carry my Super or Twin anymore because they are just too much to lug around. I’ve been using my Princeton and Boss Katanas lately because they are easy to carry and deliver tone. I don’t use pedals much because I play mostly 60s instrumentals with occasionally fuzz or pop and jazz. My next purchase will probably be the TM Deluxe Reverb. I doubt the average listener will notice any differences.

Hey man great review!!! Amazing work! Love how you messed with the low watt modes and gave us different variations and tones.

I just got a tonemaster super reverb and are starting to play with it. So far I really like the 4 10s and the clean tone. Will K now more in a few weeks. It is lighter than my 50w 1 12 tube amp ;)

Absolutely awesome review- and playing Jack. I will say this too- I own both a real '67 Super Reverb and just brought home the Tone Master version. I think (and I a/b'd them side by side as you did) it sounds so insanely close to my real (tube version - turns out they're both real ;-) ) Super Reverb that it's not an argument. But the Tone Master has a real advantage over my '67. I can play it- anywhere. I can play it at home with people sleeping in the next room and not just enjoy- but relish- the tones. I can play it at small club gigs- and I can play it in an arena (I wish) mic'd up- and the beautiful thing is the Tone Master is at the "sweet spot" in all those places. I typically play with the volume between 6-7. There is almost no place I can play my '67 (interesting coincidence of numbers there I just noticed ;-) at that volume. None of my gigs- small jams and venues- would ever tolerate that volume. NONE! More so now than ever. I have club owners with DB meters and contracts that don't allow the band above 95DB (really). So the Tone Master wins- because it get's played. There is no better way to really know and work an amp then to just play it constantly to know it's sweet spots and it's strengths- as well as it's weaknesses. Does the Tone Master have weaknesses? I'm sure it does- but I haven't found them yet- just great- beautiful Super Reverb- Angels-Singing-In-A-Heavenly-Chorus tones- all day- in any venue. Even at home. Finally- I get to PLAY a Super Reverb again instead of just owning one. M2C

Very glad you showed this cranked with just the amp and not a pedal. Most aren't doing that.

I've had the TM Super for about a week and a half, and having never played the tube version, I'm very happy with my purchase. I also have the TM Twin, which is great as well. Now i've played through, and owned a tube twin, deluxe, and princeton before. So I'm somewhat familiar with tube intricacies. But the fact that they're so light weight, have power scaling, and line outs. It's an extremely viable solution to those that want a similar sound, but don't want to deal with traditional tube amps.

Been waiting for this review!!! Thanks Jack! I've been a 410 guy since I started in the 80s.

VERY GOOD review! You hit all the points I would while judging the amp.

Great demo! You and I have similar styles, and you’re a terrific player. I love how you approach making a video. I bought the Tone Master Twin recently and am generally really happy with. I’ve been thinking about this one, too, for the 10-inch speakers. Thoroughly enjoyed all of this video.

Oh, geez... 4 10's in an open-back cab, no tube replacements, and my absolute favourite blackface Fender of all time plus power scaling, etc. I have absolutely no need for this thing, but do I want it? Absolutely!

It has been said---"Lightweight and 4x10". I perform gigs with vocals and acoustic electric guitars plugged into Fishman towers. I use my TM Super at home with my Gibson SG to jam with the music of Johnny Winter, Alvin Lee, and other guitar monsters to hone my skills and to learn things by ear. I plan on selling my Fender Princeton today (beautiful 1x12 in burgundy) because I haven't touched it since I bought the TM Super back in August. The built in attenuater (sp?) is one of the best ideas Fender has ever had. Oh but I love this amp! And dude, as always, your presentations are incredibly helpful. Thank you, kind sir!

.... nice demo .. good info and details covered in it. thanks I happen to Own the Tone Master Twin Reverb, have had it just over a year i bought it just before it was actually released .. and what i can say after gigging with it live and as well recording with it almost through the entire pandemic either live or live streaming .. is that it was a great buy.. hands down. i actually Own a 68' Super reverb that is irreplaceable in my studio .. but with that said .. i have been getting great results with it. for live streaming i exclusively use the XLR live out of the back with the Sure 57 setting.. and pretty much run it on the 22Watt setting .. nothing but compliments when playing live or livestreaming .. i must say though that my secret weapon in a Moog Boost pedal at the end of my pedal chain and have it set to the Compress/attenuate setting.. which just keeps my sound perfectly in check no matter what other pedal i step on.. i am so ready to get the 4x10 Super Reverb version. as well.

awesome video Jack, Just bought one over the weekend and it got here today, and im in love man , immaculate amp. great video brother.

Great tones, great playing, very thoughtful review, per usual, Jack!

I have the Tone Master Deluxe Reverb and I think it's great. It does what I want it to do, is cheaper, lighter, can dial in the tone I want at all volumes from quiet to loud (or silently through headphones using DI out), all things the tube amp can't do. The SR will be one that is of great benefit to the TM range. It is hard to find a venue that let's you have stage volume where a SR is cranked up, and with the normal speaker configuration, even attenuation is difficult due to the low ohms rating. This will make the super reverb more accessible and more usable in normal gigging situations, where you can get the tone you want at a stage volume that is acceptable and then send your DI to front of house. It's a win-win.

I have the DR Tonemaster... and it is a great amp.... and I'm tempted to sell and pick up the SR version... because I've always been such a big fan of Super Reverbs.

I would still prefer a 65 reissue but I sure as heck wouldn't mind having one of these too.

Great review, thank you!

Very good review! I've been going back and forth over which model Tonemaster to get. My local shops don't have a variety to demo unfortunately.

I own the Deluxe Reverb and I absolutely love it, pretty much for the same reasons you liked this one.

Dudester your videos have really helped us - in my house- shake off this covid era lockdown blues. (Ha). We are looking forward to your next post , Mr. Jack Fosset. Michael T Wyman and 99 in L.A.

A thumbs-up and a subscription, for the Star Wars reference, alone, but I loved the review as I do have a soft spot for the Fender Super Reverb.

The Super Reverb was my first "real" amp (first was Sears XL5 solid state) Bought it around 1976 for $110. It was a beast! Used it with a plug-into -the amp LPB 1 power booster.for an overdriven tone. Sold a few decades ago, so this may be my chance to get it back!

Great amp ! Great series ! Great demo Jack , thanks. I have the Deluxe Reverb and I love it. Very similar to the real one and light weight for the gigs that's the most important reason I bought it

I have the tone master deluxe, and I love it. It took me a awhile to accept and appreciate it. Like you described so well, I also wanted to look for the digital sound, but honestly, it sounds good. Really good. One gripe with the tone masters in general, is their immediate and quick attack, that’s where I find the tube counterparts wins, it feels better under the fingers so to speak. To me at least. I changed the neo speaker in mine to a GA-SC64, and that was a very good decision, it suits the amp tremendously.

I own the Deluxe Reverb tone master, and I really enjoy it. I have owned a tube Twin and Deluxe Reverb, and I don't feel I am missing out on much. I really like the concept keeping the old aesthetic and familiar layout, but updating it with modern technology. It's way more practical, and I don't feel like I'm missing out much in terms of tone. It's basically 90-95 percent there. I'm interested in the Super Reverb to match with the Deluxe. Thanks for the thorough review!

Great review Jack, thanks from NZ. I have a Peavy Classic 50 412 which I love but the weight and volume are both too much. This may be a great alternative. Cheers, Tim 🙏🏼

Great playing Jack.

To me the "unpredictablility" of a tube amp, for better or for worse, is what these modelers will never be able to capture. I just feel like tube amps have this incredible response that makes them extremely engaging to the player. I absolutely admit that I'm biased though.

This is an amazing amp, I bought one out of curiosity and did not have a fender that was of this volume, so I will use this for lead and larger sound still love my mod reissue deluxe reverb. But I have a weird fender x2 champ that I just always lean on with a shure 99 as my mic in. All this being said this is a massive balanced sounding amp that seems simple, there is just a mild warmth it is missing that sound that is like break up without adding any effects. The XLR direct really is a great addition to any modern player. Check it out!

Love the sound... I just bought it... Love it

very nice amp you reviewed it exceptionally well thanks.

I owned a tonemaster DR. They do sound good but what was missing for me was the feel you get from a valve amp. I just couldn't find it with the TM. Also unless your playing loud their is a lot of wasted head room. What I have come to discover after owning many amplifiers is the low wattage valve combos will give you the best home sound.

Gonna pick up one of these bad boys tomorrow just in time for a big outdoor festival gig this weekend and can't wait. No more 1x12 farting out air at louder volumes and outdoor stages lol. Coming from a 40w 1x12 tube Blues Deluxe Reissue (which is definitely a solid amp), I've been really wanting to be able to push more air (my 1x12 amp sits beside a 2x15 bass cab onstage and gets eaten up at times lol plus it just looks so tiny sitting next to a bass cab like that), and the 4x10 cab on a Super seems to be a magical combo. The TM line is seemingly perfect for me. I've wanted to get a Super for years and have had my eye on the 65 RI tube model for a long time. I figured, if I ever get a super, it will be that tube version. However, since this model came out, I have yet to hear many negatives from the dozens and dozens and dozens of reviews I have read and watched (I've even heard great reviews from guys who are generally tube-only purist kinda guys and gigging vets) on this amp and have finally bought in on the idea of Tone Master amps. I still do want to get a tube Super at some point, but now I'm thinking that I will keep my eye on possibly getting a vintage Super down the road, and just use this TM as my gigging workhorse. It just seems to be perfect for that. Not to mention I can rarely turn my Blues Deluxe up past 2 or 3 on most gigs (that amp really likes to be at least halfway up in volume before it starts getting in the tone zone), so the attenuation along with the 4x10 cab on the TM Super solves basically every single issue I've had during my gigs and is totally ideal for what I do and the venues I play. Anywhere from small bars, to bigger dance halls, to outdoors, all of which can easily be dialed in for the best tone at the appropriate volume level using the attenuator (obviously if it were up to me I'd dial an amp up good and loud, but a lot of folks don't care too much for that for some reason lol). Plus it's half the weight. Can't wait to pick it up and put it through its paces.

Thank you for this review!

This amp is the original sound I have the 65' Super Reverb 4x10 and it rocks!

Very nice. I am really starting to appreciate solid state amps.

I have both, I purchased the tonemaster because I am getting old and don't want carry the 65 reissue around ,it is just heavy to me.. It is really hard to compare the both because so many factors are involved, it is true that every tube amp sounds a little different, tubes ,biasing Internal components are sourced from different places ect ...and also sound changes as tubes get older too. So it is a unfair comparison . In the tonemaster is one cloned sound or modeled sound of a general super reverb that fender has chosen And it sounds great it has the flavor of a tube super reverb that's consistent. And half the weight and a few cool features that are useful. And sounds good too. Is it going to replace the tube super ? Well for most players yes , but for tube amp tweekers no. Most tube amps are modded such as brand of tubes power and pre amp tubes,pulling certain preamp tubes and biasing hot or cool all the things that diehard tube amp guys do. I love the tonemaster it us perfect for me in many ways, I do think it a little over priced. The only thing and time will tell because these tonemaster amp are new to the market is are they reliable and serviceable? I haven't looked inside of one yet . But if a module goes out can it be repaired or replace or just have to buy the whole board...I don't know, but I have seen the inside of other digital amps where there was one board with everything on it and a ribbon conecting to the control knobs. Those were basically throwaway and you had to buy the whole board which was almost the cost of the complete amp. We will see down the road.... Anyways this was a good review buy a knowledgeable and great player ,and I am satisfied with my purchase but I can't part with my 65 reissue super it will stay at home..

Fender what's not to like !...great review and great tones cool

Nice showing of this amp. Nice variety of tones, different guitars and a pedal, would like to hear a couple more dirt pedals through it.

It's really a cool idea and amp. The thing is, for not a ton more money you can get a vintage model that will go up in value rather than decrease.

I think Fender did a nice job with their analog solid state with real reverb tanks. My fender Princeton chorus also has a some classic bucket brigade chorus. I don’t know why they don’t make those amps again

Awesome tones man!!!

66 lbs. Is manageable before 9pm BUT after you get the money which always takes too long to receive @ 1:30am, 66 lbs. is like Hannibal crossing The Alps with elephants to attack Rome... Not nice. The Tone on the this one is superb even to a Forum Cork Sniffer who swears by Boutique Gear. If only I had the space and an SUV again, I'd already have it.

Best Strat sounds I ever heard live were coming out of an old Super Reverb with a Boss BD2.

Nice Review Jack! I Love the sound of the TM Series and the light weight. I have the TM Deluxe and Twin and love them both! During my 56yrs as a working musician I enjoy the weight of this series and the sounds are mostly like using the same amps retuned in most cases. Have a Great Day Jack and Cheers from Salem, Ohio!

Waiting for a Princeton reverb tone master...

awesome review waiting to order mine i have 3 les paul copies 1 of which is really good also have 4 American strats and a player plus just recently purchased problem is i can't play smoke on the water getting ready to retire and learn can't wait

hyped for this no cap

Great review Jack! Super Reverb has always been mine favorite Fender amp, however due to its size/weight it was not practical to take to gigs. The Tone Master SR seems to check all the boxes for me, light (the weight is deal breaker for me on the reissue), has attenuator (let face it who can crank a real SR these days at a gig?), sounds great from what i hear on youtube. With two 6 month old twins being able to play quiet at home is also big plus for me. I will be gong to my local music store to demo one of these.

Great! Make an A/B video with your tube super reverb!

In the last few years a couple of guitarists have knocked me out with there tone. One in Austin and One guy in St Pete Florida. Both were playing Super's . And I just discovered Philip Sayse. I believe he is fond of vintage Super's. I've had that sound in my head since I heard all those guys. This Tone Master really interests me. Should I buy it new or wait for one used is the question.

Excellent! Well thought out. I have dithered over the Reissue or should I get the Tone Master, I’m still not sure. I don’t have to lug on round as it will be used in the home therefore that is not a problem, the TM IS £1000.00 cheaper that would be a welcome saving, however, it’s not a tube amp (snob). Man this is driving me nuts, would I hanker after the Reissue if I bought the TM, I don’t know. 🙄

currently own a 71 SR with the original CTS Alnicos, yup it’s heavy & kinda loud but it’s a dream come true, I figure I’m only gonna be young enough to lug one around for so long & glad the tonemaster will be there when I call it quits with this one!

You’ve just gained a subscriber. Nice work.

Dude, your demos are great, but this one with minimal strat neck samples is almost a crime with a SR :). Onward to find a strat neck demo of this amp at each power setting playing SRV like blues tones Tin Pan Alley, Lenny, wind blows etc. Big fat open Es, blues crunch, jazz clean/crunch and bends esp frets near nut.

I think it sounds great. Prob different in the room. But through what I'm listening from. it sounds like a solid state fender still. I want to like these things. But I just couldn't see passing up a tube 1 for this yet. Even though they are heavier. Its worth it in the end to me.

Great gigging option with cool features, but you can tell the difference and I wish people would stop saying you cant. Maybe its because I play primarily acoustic guitar and live for that clean, natural, beautiful organic sound. I compared my fav amp, the Twin Reverb and I would be pretty damn sad if I replaced my Twin Reverb with a tone master.

We need a Princeton tonemaster

Got one love it

just here for the lick at @12:24

Prices have substantially gone up since you recorded this just a couple of years ago. A tube Super Reverb reissue is over $2200 and the Tone Master version closer to $1350. Serious bucks for these amps.

I have been a hard core Fender Tube amp guy since the mid 80's... I've owned Bassmans, Blues Deluxes, Blues Devilles, Twins, Blue Juniors (which I still have a SE) etc... I still play lots, and do record at home, and I ordered one of these amps today! I can't wait... I have watched several review videos, on all the Tone Master series amps, but when the Super became available, I just had to have it! I play small to medium size stages, and I find that my 40 watt tube amps can be too much some times, and the Blues Junior not enough... so I am looking forward to trying this amp in a live setting! Great video by the way!

Very good demo jack ……..very good ..

I'd like know more about the Strat. Especailly the pickups. It's a great color, by the way.

The Tone Master (and reviewer) I've been begging to come out. Fender really seems like they are nailing these. Have to think the Bassman is next right? That would give them THE 4 big Fender amps that everyone more or less falls into as their favorite. Princeton isn't a big amp so that's why I'm not sure it makes sense for them to come out with a Princeton, but give us a Bassman and I think they could stop right there, at least for a while. A tweed Bassman would fly off the shelves.

Hi Jack - your playing is off the scale and your videos are so helpful. I bought a used tone master super reverb and while it sounds great the amp is very noisy when I turn up the volume. Have your experienced this?

Is there something more "heavenly" about the Super's 4-10's than, say, the TM Blonde Deluxe with its deleted bright cap and single 12"?

Fender super reverb is very classic sound .

I use my tone master deluxe reverb mainly in clean tones and that's perfect so I don't have the experience for heavy overdrive ;)

Great review! Whats your choice for SRV from the tone master series? I have a tube princeton reverb but need more headroom and clarity.

Can you do one on the Princeton Tone Master?

Bought a Super back in April, had no idea this was coming. I'd have bought this instead. Maybe someday

Sounds nice through my cheapest headphones as well as the real speakers. I've rarely played a Super so I can't really tell. I have had to lump ''Real' Fenders a few thousand times so 65lb is a blessing. BTW how does it feel? I might consider changing.

Great review 😎👍 TMDR for me = 😎👍❤ 😎👍❤🖖 Love brother

I wonder when Fender will put out a Tone Master version of the Bassman. I had a TM Twin and sold it. It was nice but if I'm going to play digital I bought a Fractal FM 3 instead and haven't regretted it. These Tone Masters are nice but if it breaks who is going to fix it? Nice playing and tones in this video.

A 36 lb. Super reverb?????? HELL YEAH!!!

I need to replace a couple of speakers in my Tonemaster Super Reverb.I know the total ohm rating is 2 ohms. Do you know the ohm rating for each individual speaker? It's impossible to read the writing on the speaker.

Hopefully they do a TM Princeton

Very nice! 🙌 . . .

Hi, Has anyone on here used a fuzz through TMSR? I seen a video show a TM Princeton using a fuzz and it didn't sound too good compared to the Princeton Reissue. If anyone could shed some light on this would be great as Im looking into buying one and will be running SRV inspired pedals. TIA

Great playing & great tone…though I reckon you’d sound good through any amp. Thanks for sharing.

Turning the reverb up where others turn it down? Consider me subscribed!

Great demo, as always. Loved the tones! If I’m looking for the Super Reverb tone at bedroom volumes would you say this is a better option than getting a Princeton? I have a Hot Rod deluxe but it just doesn’t give that SRV/Hendrix/Philip Sayce tone.

Love this review. I’m amp shopping - my biggest issue is getting the “edge of breakup” tone to sound good. I loved my Blues Junior IV, but I thought the amp overdrive was horrible

This thing is gonna be in the e-waste bin when an old hand wired tube Super Reverb is still going strong. Send all repairs to FMIC , Scottsdale ,Az. They made it . They can service it .

Clean it sounds alright. But to me, this amp on 10 sounds rather unpleasant, thin and fizzy. 16:43 (might be the 1 watt setting?) On the other hand, I love the tone from the miniscule Custom Vibro Champ Reverb by the same reviewer. Maybe I still just prefer tubedriven amps… In the TMSR:s defense, I hear you Jack, the Super Reverb is not really meant to be played at maximum volume.

2022 Hi. I'm waiting for my Ultra HSS Strat to arrive at Sweetwater. I'm trying to decide between the Tone Master Twin with Celestion G12 Neo Creamback speakers or this Super Reverb so I can add the amp to my order. Your thoughts please. Great video

Another Chinese digi-amp from Fender. I have owned several tube blackface Fenders (including a Super) and have tried several of the new Tone Master amps. The tone on the TMs always falls short of the real deal - and the prices are a bit high for what they are. Weight hasn't really been a big issue throughout the history of Fender amps... Still, one can always get either a roadie or a hand truck. Or like me, you get a Princeton with a 12" speaker.