Blues Jr. disontinued?

Jack · May 2nd, 2008, 11:44 PM

I noticed on MF the BJ has been discontinued (black model) and the blond is listed, but with limited supply. I just ordered a BJ Tweed NOS a couple of days ago, but they are on back order and when I looked they have been reduced to $499. They were $529 when I ordered mine so I'll be calling tomorrow to get an adjustment.

Anyhow, was curious if anyone knows what's going on with this amp and if there's something coming to replace it?

Tdot · May 3rd, 2008, 12:52 AM

A lot of people boohoo the BJr, but it is a very popular amp. Who knows what MF up to, but Fender isn't likely to give up sales on this model. However, I wouldn't be surprised to see them start showing up with Made in China labels in the future.

Dennis68 · May 3rd, 2008, 09:15 AM

I wouldn't judge what any manufacturer is doing based on MF's sale listings. MF routinely mixes in language that isn't necessarily reflective of what the manufacturer is doing with a line.

Hoodster · May 3rd, 2008, 09:27 AM

Their new catalog also only lists the tweed.

Fender would be insane to discontinue such a popular amp.............unless, of course, they have a new and improved version for Summer NAMM...............

TG · May 3rd, 2008, 09:53 AM

My BJ is about 5 years old and is well built and tough as nails. I've gigged it literally hundreds of times. Wonderful little amp.

But the recent ones I've seen in shops have been rubbish. Cheap feeling with wobbly controls.
If FMIC comes up with a 'new' simple...ie, no silly gimmicks...tube amp of that size and power and actually constructs it properly I'll check it out.
But after what I've seen the last few years in shops they're going to have do do a damn good job to earn my respect and confidence again. We're in another CBS-type period again, IMO. 'Economics' be damned...if a product is sub-standard I won't buy it. Having a 'Fender' logo on it isn't going to make any difference.

(Personally, I'm waiting to check out the new Orange Tiny Terror combo that's coming out this month. Too bad, Fender.)

Billm · May 3rd, 2008, 10:56 AM

There's nothing different about the construction of the current Blues Junior. The pots are identical. None of the other components have been cheapened. The problem is the knobs. Fender evidently got a bunch that are just slightly smaller on the inside, so they don't go all the way down on the shaft--they tighten up.

One the Blues Junior and Pro Junior, the chickenhead knob has a skirt on the bottom that has to engage with the hole in the front panel. It prevents the knob from shaking side to side and gives a little resistance for better control feel.

I get a lot of newer Blues Juniors in for mods and when I encounter ones with the tight-on-the-shaft knobs, I just trim 1/4 inch off the pot shaft with a Dremel and a cutoff wheel so the knob goes all the way down. Instant cure for shaky controls.

Tdot · May 3rd, 2008, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billm

The problem is the knobs.

Wow, I've read about this issue but couldn't quite picture what it was. Neither of my BJr's were troubled, but that's a slick fix.

Combsie · May 3rd, 2008, 11:15 AM

Could they be making way for the new 65 Reissue Princeton Reverb?

Billm · May 3rd, 2008, 11:29 AM

Highly unlikely. It's likely going to cost twice as much. And the BJr is one of Fender's best-selling amps.

eugenedunn · May 3rd, 2008, 11:31 AM

Sounds like the plan.... seeing as they have recently released lower priced models (Vibro and SuperChamp XDs) to flesh-out that end of the price spectrum. Then the more expensive tweed BJ, then the new 65 PRRI?

Yep, sounds like a good price spread.....

mikespe · May 3rd, 2008, 11:52 AM

I just called American Musical Supply and they still have them in stock and have not heard of them being discontinued. Then the woman asks..."so will you be purchasing this amp today?" I was so tempted but I am so broke!

bowlfreshener · May 3rd, 2008, 12:18 PM

A lot of times with MF when they change the stock or item number of a product, there sometimes is a delay before the website gets updated, so items sometimes pop up as discontinued for a brief period. Either that or there is a price change coming up, and so they are out of all the Blues Jrs they could sell at the old price, and once again, just haven't updated the website...

Doug Ferguson · May 3rd, 2008, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billm

There's nothing different about the construction of the current Blues Junior. The pots are identical. None of the other components have been cheapened. The problem is the knobs. Fender evidently got a bunch that are just slightly smaller on the inside, so they don't go all the way down on the shaft--they tighten up.

One the Blues Junior and Pro Junior, the chickenhead knob has a skirt on the bottom that has to engage with the hole in the front panel. It prevents the knob from shaking side to side and gives a little resistance for better control feel.

I get a lot of newer Blues Juniors in for mods and when I encounter ones with the tight-on-the-shaft knobs, I just trim 1/4 inch off the pot shaft with a Dremel and a cutoff wheel so the knob goes all the way down. Instant cure for shaky controls.

Nothing wrong with the one the BJ I picked up last week. If there were, I wouldn't have bothered with it. The knobs are fine, as well. The reverb knob was loose, but it hadn't been set properly, or maybe someone took it off and didn't reseat it correctly. Got it popped in nice and tight now. Great little amp for money! I can't see them being discontinued, but I've seen other odd things in my time.

91xlntS-3 · May 3rd, 2008, 08:43 PM

I think the BJ's are fine little amps, and gig mine on the weekends. 15 watts is more than enough for me for onstage, and I mic thru the PA anyway.
Would be ashame to lose this little number from Fender.

studio1087 · May 3rd, 2008, 09:16 PM

It's up on Fender's website just like it has been....

http://www.fender.com/products/searc...tno=0213205000

MF.com and Guitar Center really push the Blonde Tolex BJ's and Hot Rod Deluxes. I prefer black. It was a hassle getting a black Hot Rod when I bought mine at GC. They wanted to sell me the Blonde model. I think that the Blonde model is just a GC thing. GC and MF must buy pallets and pallets of the Blonde models.

The black BJ is a bread and butter product for Fender. I can't believe that they would stop making them.

Elderly still has the black BJ as one of the featured picture items when you first link to their Fender page. The BJ is staying.

Click & Scroll down..........

http://elderly.com/brand/FENDER.html

http://elderly.com/fmic/items/BLUEJR.htm

John

Michaell · May 3rd, 2008, 10:03 PM

I'd be surprised

they offer too may spins on the original ( tweed, releiced, etc )

nice amp

FirstBassman · May 4th, 2008, 10:16 AM

Bill, it is great to see you start being active over at this forum too.

freddie · May 4th, 2008, 11:33 PM

Hi All,

I own a new Blues Jr and I think it's a great amp. I believe if it was another company instead of Fender, that amp would've went out of production ages ago, it's too much competition for it's more expensive big brother the Deluxe.

freddie

Mark Davis · May 5th, 2008, 12:35 AM

Rule #1

When MF or GC says something is discontinued it might be discontinued by them but not by Fender itself.

reverbbb · May 5th, 2008, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TG

(Personally, I'm waiting to check out the new Orange Tiny Terror combo that's coming out this month. Too bad, Fender.)

I was thinking the same thing. I am very interested in the TTC. But I don't knock the BJ. I liked the tweed version that I owned. But the TT that I had was more of the sound that I wanted. I sold the TT because I liked the ultra-small combo aspect of the BJ better. However, I sold the BJ and got a 1974X - Now THAT's an amp!

stantheman · May 6th, 2008, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TG

My BJ is about 5 years old and is well built and tough as nails. I've gigged it literally hundreds of times. Wonderful little amp.

But the recent ones I've seen in shops have been rubbish. Cheap feeling with wobbly controls.
If FMIC comes up with a 'new' simple...ie, no silly gimmicks...tube amp of that size and power and actually constructs it properly I'll check it out.
But after what I've seen the last few years in shops they're going to have do do a damn good job to earn my respect and confidence again. We're in another CBS-type period again, IMO. 'Economics' be damned...if a product is sub-standard I won't buy it. Having a 'Fender' logo on it isn't going to make any difference.

(Personally, I'm waiting to check out the new Orange Tiny Terror combo that's coming out this month. Too bad, Fender.)

I think that Weber has totally "outFender'd" Fender.
Just have someone "build" You the kit in the power range you need.
And You'll have an Amp that's a keeper for cheaper.

Tele Fan · May 6th, 2008, 05:30 PM

Hey Billm, are you the Billm who mods BJrs? If you are, thanks cat. I picked up a BJr w/ all your mods at my local store and it was love at first strum. The unmodded version couldn't hold a candle.

Billm · May 6th, 2008, 05:32 PM

Yes, that's me! I'm glad you're enjoying it.

FirstBassman · May 6th, 2008, 05:55 PM

The one and only.

May 2nd, 2008, 11:44 PM	#1 (permalink)
Jack TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 14	Blues Jr. disontinued? I noticed on MF the BJ has been discontinued (black model) and the blond is listed, but with limited supply. I just ordered a BJ Tweed NOS a couple of days ago, but they are on back order and when I looked they have been reduced to $499. They were $529 when I ordered mine so I'll be calling tomorrow to get an adjustment. Anyhow, was curious if anyone knows what's going on with this amp and if there's something coming to replace it? __________________ Gibson ES-339, Fender American Vintage 70's reissue strat, American Standard Tele, American Deluxe Tele FMT HH, Peavey ValveKing 112, Epi Vjr half stack, Boss ME-50.

May 3rd, 2008, 12:52 AM	#2 (permalink)
Tdot Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Back of the Wasatch, UT Posts: 3,313 58 Photos	A lot of people boohoo the BJr, but it is a very popular amp. Who knows what MF up to, but Fender isn't likely to give up sales on this model. However, I wouldn't be surprised to see them start showing up with Made in China labels in the future. __________________ And now for some feedback: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

May 3rd, 2008, 09:15 AM	#3 (permalink)
Dennis68 Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Hudson Valley Posts: 757	I wouldn't judge what any manufacturer is doing based on MF's sale listings. MF routinely mixes in language that isn't necessarily reflective of what the manufacturer is doing with a line. __________________ -Dennis

May 3rd, 2008, 11:15 AM	#8 (permalink)
Combsie TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Santa Clarita Posts: 58	Princeton Reverb? Could they be making way for the new 65 Reissue Princeton Reverb?

May 3rd, 2008, 11:31 AM	#10 (permalink)
eugenedunn Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Sacramento, CA Age: 54 Posts: 598 33 Photos	Sounds like the plan.... seeing as they have recently released lower priced models (Vibro and SuperChamp XDs) to flesh-out that end of the price spectrum. Then the more expensive tweed BJ, then the new 65 PRRI? Yep, sounds like a good price spread..... __________________ Ono Boy says "good n' swampy....."

May 3rd, 2008, 09:27 AM	#4 (permalink)
Hoodster Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Oregon Posts: 261	Their new catalog also only lists the tweed. Fender would be insane to discontinue such a popular amp.............unless, of course, they have a new and improved version for Summer NAMM...............

May 3rd, 2008, 09:53 AM	#5 (permalink)
TG Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Beside a bog in the west of Ireland Age: 46 Posts: 4,341 7 Photos	My BJ is about 5 years old and is well built and tough as nails. I've gigged it literally hundreds of times. Wonderful little amp. But the recent ones I've seen in shops have been rubbish. Cheap feeling with wobbly controls. If FMIC comes up with a 'new' simple...ie, no silly gimmicks...tube amp of that size and power and actually constructs it properly I'll check it out. But after what I've seen the last few years in shops they're going to have do do a damn good job to earn my respect and confidence again. We're in another CBS-type period again, IMO. 'Economics' be damned...if a product is sub-standard I won't buy it. Having a 'Fender' logo on it isn't going to make any difference. (Personally, I'm waiting to check out the new Orange Tiny Terror combo that's coming out this month. Too bad, Fender.)

May 3rd, 2008, 10:56 AM	#6 (permalink)
Billm Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Jersey Age: 61 Posts: 245	There's nothing different about the construction of the current Blues Junior. The pots are identical. None of the other components have been cheapened. The problem is the knobs. Fender evidently got a bunch that are just slightly smaller on the inside, so they don't go all the way down on the shaft--they tighten up. One the Blues Junior and Pro Junior, the chickenhead knob has a skirt on the bottom that has to engage with the hole in the front panel. It prevents the knob from shaking side to side and gives a little resistance for better control feel. I get a lot of newer Blues Juniors in for mods and when I encounter ones with the tight-on-the-shaft knobs, I just trim 1/4 inch off the pot shaft with a Dremel and a cutoff wheel so the knob goes all the way down. Instant cure for shaky controls.

May 3rd, 2008, 11:29 AM	#9 (permalink)
Billm Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Jersey Age: 61 Posts: 245	Highly unlikely. It's likely going to cost twice as much. And the BJr is one of Fender's best-selling amps.

May 3rd, 2008, 11:52 AM	#11 (permalink)
mikespe Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Western New York Age: 41 Posts: 969	I just called American Musical Supply and they still have them in stock and have not heard of them being discontinued. Then the woman asks..."so will you be purchasing this amp today?" I was so tempted but I am so broke!

May 3rd, 2008, 12:18 PM	#12 (permalink)
bowlfreshener Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2007 Location: Virginia, USA Age: 32 Posts: 1,319 6 Photos	A lot of times with MF when they change the stock or item number of a product, there sometimes is a delay before the website gets updated, so items sometimes pop up as discontinued for a brief period. Either that or there is a price change coming up, and so they are out of all the Blues Jrs they could sell at the old price, and once again, just haven't updated the website... __________________ RAMA LAMA FA FA FA

May 3rd, 2008, 08:43 PM	#14 (permalink)
91xlntS-3 Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 585	I think the BJ's are fine little amps, and gig mine on the weekends. 15 watts is more than enough for me for onstage, and I mic thru the PA anyway. Would be ashame to lose this little number from Fender.

May 3rd, 2008, 09:16 PM	#15 (permalink)
studio1087 Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2003 Location: Near Milwaukee Age: 44 Posts: 3,243 33 Photos	It's up on Fender's website just like it has been.... http://www.fender.com/products/searc...tno=0213205000 MF.com and Guitar Center really push the Blonde Tolex BJ's and Hot Rod Deluxes. I prefer black. It was a hassle getting a black Hot Rod when I bought mine at GC. They wanted to sell me the Blonde model. I think that the Blonde model is just a GC thing. GC and MF must buy pallets and pallets of the Blonde models. The black BJ is a bread and butter product for Fender. I can't believe that they would stop making them. Elderly still has the black BJ as one of the featured picture items when you first link to their Fender page. The BJ is staying. Click & Scroll down.......... http://elderly.com/brand/FENDER.html http://elderly.com/fmic/items/BLUEJR.htm John __________________ JLG Carry On

May 3rd, 2008, 10:03 PM	#16 (permalink)
Michaell Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: on the bus Posts: 592	I'd be surprised they offer too may spins on the original ( tweed, releiced, etc ) nice amp __________________ WWLD

May 4th, 2008, 10:16 AM	#17 (permalink)
FirstBassman Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 863	Bill, it is great to see you start being active over at this forum too.

May 4th, 2008, 11:33 PM	#18 (permalink)
freddie Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Portsmouth, U.K. Age: 44 Posts: 155	Hi All, I own a new Blues Jr and I think it's a great amp. I believe if it was another company instead of Fender, that amp would've went out of production ages ago, it's too much competition for it's more expensive big brother the Deluxe. freddie

May 5th, 2008, 12:35 AM	#19 (permalink)
Mark Davis Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bakersfield Ca. Age: 57 Posts: 11,745	Rule #1 When MF or GC says something is discontinued it might be discontinued by them but not by Fender itself. __________________ I'm so blind my seeing eye dog needs glasses.

May 6th, 2008, 05:30 PM	#22 (permalink)
Tele Fan Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Louisville, Ky Age: 29 Posts: 810	Hey Billm, are you the Billm who mods BJrs? If you are, thanks cat. I picked up a BJr w/ all your mods at my local store and it was love at first strum. The unmodded version couldn't hold a candle. __________________ Life is better when you just make it up as you go along.

May 6th, 2008, 05:32 PM	#23 (permalink)
Billm Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Jersey Age: 61 Posts: 245	Yes, that's me! I'm glad you're enjoying it.

May 6th, 2008, 05:55 PM	#24 (permalink)
FirstBassman Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 863	The one and only.