NAMM 2014: Fender '57 Deluxe Head AND '68 Custom Deluxe Reverb Video Demo

The classic Fender sounds - but for a new generation of guitarists   23-Jan-14

We caught up with Fender Amplification Product Manager Rick Heins, who gave us a demonstration of the much anticipated new Fender '57 Deluxe Head, as well as the '68 Deluxe Reverb.

What strikes you when you hear the '57 Deluxe head in action is how much it sounds like the original Fender '57 Tweed combo, it's the sound you've heard on countless hit records and albums, but Fender have rebult it as a standalone amp head.

This gives you the opportunity to play around with your choice of cab and speaker, which means you can take the already-gutsy sound of the '57 and run it through a 2x12 or a 4x12 cab.

Alternatively, you always have the option of running it through a 1x12 and getting the tone of the original combo.

The Fender '68 Deluxe Reverb is a modern take on the late 1960s Silverface amps, but reverb and tremolo runs on both channels.

The custom channel incorporates a Fender Bassman tone stack - great for running pedals into - giving you an extra touch of flexibility, but still offering a classic Fender sound.

All in all, both of these amps are impressive, they have the unmistakable tones of their respective eras, but Fender have brought it forward a step and that's great to see (and hear).

The pricepoints are spot-on too, particularly with the '68 Deluxe Reverb.

Fender '57 Deluxe Head - $2599 MSRP.

Fender '68 Deluxe Reverb - $1299 MSRP.

Is there anything you'd like us to film a video demo for at NAMM 2014? Let us know on Twitter - @SonicAmped.

Written by Richard Beech - @RichTheJourno
Filmed by Rob Hicks, video presented by Richard Beech.
Product demonstration by Rick Heins of Fender Amplification.