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Forums :: Ask Amp Tech Expert Skip Simmons

New Fender Amp

2 replies [Last post]
Wed, 04/10/2013 - 15:28
Homer
Homer's picture
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Level 5
Joined: 11/22/2012

Hi Skip,

Base on your experience with Fender amps, would you have any opinion on the Fender Pawnshop Special Excelsior 13 W Tube Amp? It has a 6v6 output tube and 12AX7 pre-amp tubes. I like the look of it and the price. Just wondering if it would be a good investment.

Here's a link:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/fender-pawn-shop-speci...

Homer.

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Sat, 04/13/2013 - 14:25
#1
Expert Skip Simmons
Expert Skip Simmons's picture
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Joined: 01/18/2010
Fender Pawnshop Ecelsior

Hello Homer- Thanks for writing. Well, once again I have to say "danged if I know" and call upon our BH.com readers to comment on an inexpensive new amp.

What I CAN tell you is there's no free lunch...... At that price point, a tube amp will necessarily use printed circuitboard construction that is prone to breakage when subjected to hard-working (or just clumsy) bluesmen. For perspective, consider that they are selling a complete 13-watt amp for less than you'd spend on just a few of the parts needed to build a quality amp of similar specs!

If treated gently, many new and inexpensive tube amps offer good value, but I'd wait for some reviews that aren't authored by the sales department before buying.

Skip Simmons

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Fri, 05/10/2013 - 16:55
#2
Dave Hall
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Level 3
Joined: 05/08/2010
I haven't seen any reviews

I haven't seen any reviews which have absolutely panned it, in fact I've seen several from folk who own them and said they were quite useable, although none were really glowing recommendations. The Excelsior was marketed to harp players (partially) but I don't hear the clamour of approval from the forums. I hear words like 'ok', 'pretty decent' etc.
It's in a slightly different market I think; approaching 'mid size', and I'm not sure off the top what the competition is. It is cheap, and I think at that price it may be the most suitable new unit currently available. I'm coming up blank trying to think of an equivalent size amp currently on the market which is as good for harp in stock form.

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