Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III Farty Clean Channel

[MJ Slaughter]

I just bought this amp used, build date of 7/2012, and so far I like it for a small light weight grab and go for small gigs and rehearsals. One of the reasons I went with this amp is I have read about the great pristine clean channel. Mine sounds nice but when playing any notes on my low E, 6th string, I get a farty sound even with the volume on 2-3. Worse with humbuckers but also slightly noticeable with vintage style single coils. I tried swapping other 12AX7 tubes in V1 with no noticeable difference. I've tried 4 different guitars with the same results though less so with lower output pickups.

Is this sound on low notes normal for this amp? Other than trying a 12AT7 is there anything I might try before either returning the amp or taking it to a tech? It's not the speaker, Eminence Wizard, because I plugged my EVM12L cabinet and other than sounding great it didn't make any difference.

 

[Lullabies]

I had that problem with an old Deville 2x12 ... I actually liked that sound. Although it sucked not have a nice clean base.

Not sure what the issue is if it is not the speaker. That is what I was gonna suggest. Could be power tubes... Sorry I'm not much help but at least this post is worth the bump!

 

[MrSpud]

I just bought this amp used, build date of 7/2012, and so far I like it for a small light weight grab and go for small gigs and rehearsals. One of the reasons I went with this amp is I have read about the great pristine clean channel. Mine sounds nice but when playing any notes on my low E, 6th string, I get a farty sound even with the volume on 2-3. Worse with humbuckers but also slightly noticeable with vintage style single coils. I tried swapping other 12AX7 tubes in V1 with no noticeable difference. I've tried 4 different guitars with the same results though less so with lower output pickups.

Is this sound on low notes normal for this amp? Other than trying a 12AT7 is there anything I might try before either returning the amp or taking it to a tech? It's not the speaker, Eminence Wizard, because I plugged my EVM12L cabinet and other than sounding great it didn't make any difference.

Something is not right with that amp. I have an old HRD (version I ?) in which I put a Cannabis Rex speaker. I've played may gigs with the amp and the low end was always clear and warm. Most of my guitars have humbuckers, and a couple are fairly high output, as well. Never had the problem you're describing.

Before I swapped the speaker it was somewhat shrill at high volumes, but even then, the low end was always solid.

 

[OotMagroot]

My HRD ('96!) does the same thing (stock speaker). I have to turn the bass and mids WAY down to overcome this. Sounds fine with those 2 controls turned down - just odd that I have always had to do that.