NAD: Made my decision: Fender 57 Custom Deluxe

One of the reasons I sold my AST MkII Master was because of the mids. It bothered my ears. It wasn't nearly as noticeable to me with my Strat, but with the Les Paul, I found it to be an issue. I spoke to Michael about it and he sad a cap or resistor mod (can't remember which) would fix it, but that it would totally change the tone of the amp. My amp technician said the same thing. It was unfortunate, because Michael builds an amazing product.

I don't find there to be a whole lot similarity between them, other than they are both very simple designs, and look fantastic. Michael's build quality is likely better, at least in his selection of the various components. With the 5E3, the breakup is totally natural, there is no master volume (though it can be added), unlike the AST Master.

Do you need a 5E3 with an AST Master? Good question. You'd have to do any A/B with them to really hear the sound difference. It's been a couple of years since I sold mine. One of the things that I keep hearing/reading about the Deluxe, is the "mojo" factor. It's the original design, simple and seemingly magical. It's one of the best examples of alchemy in an amp I can think of. The interactiveness in those controls and the inputs is baffling - to a lay person like me. I like the mojo.

 

I honestly don't remember. Been a couple of years. I almost always played it with the Master engaged.

 

I just played around with the controls, using Carlton's technique. I set all controls on the amp to 0, plugged into Instrument input 1. I set the tone control to 6 (halfway), and then started advancing the Instrument volume. I stopped at 4, and left the mic volume at 0. On the Les Paul, the PU selector was in the middle, both tone controls were full, bridge PU set to 7 and neck PU set to 3. That's a very nice sound. Caveat emptor: The wife is sleeping (worked last night), so I didn't dig in. I'll do that when she gets up. Next, I'll try moving the mic volume control and try the bridge technique.

 

You mean volume on high? If that's what you're asking, I haven't cranked it much. I've been looking for the sweet spot.

 

I saw that in the 50's they paired that speaker with the Deluxe, and a number of other amps. How much for the p12q? There's also a 1958 p12n for sale on reverb. It's in excellent shape. I'm tempted.

I wonder why Fender didn't use the current Jensen P12Q? It's used in the Custom 64' Hand Wired PR and sounds fantastic.

 

I've heard about the Weber, and I have read the numerous complaints regarding the current Jensens. I think the P10Q (I believe that's what it is) in my 64 Custom sounds fantastic. I have no reason to even think about changing it.

 

Ya, I could have just checked!! Doh! Too many emails to deal with from students. That's my excuse. Yes, the amps are nice, and so too are my guitars, and from a capability standpoint, I'm not worthy of any of it! However, I do appreciate quality craftsmanship and I've always been a fan of original design.

 

I took a leap of faith and ordered the Jensen P12Q for the Deluxe. Should have it in a couple of days. I did a search and found a lot of comments on this site as well as on The Gear Page. I'd say I read more threads that were in favour of it than not. Of course, there's always a shoot out between those who prefer Weber. To be expected.