Gallery
Description
Features
Specs
Reviews
Q&A

Videos (6)

View All
Hot Rod Deluxe III 40W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp Black

Hot Rod Deluxe III 40W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp Black

View Video

View Video

Willybooger's Fender Hot Rod Deluxe Demo

Willybooger's Fender Hot Rod Deluxe Demo

Hot Rod Deluxe III review

Hot Rod Deluxe III review

Description
The ever-popular 40W Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III, equipped with a 12" Celestion speaker, may be the world standard for gigging guitarists. With bottom-end headroom characteristic of 6L6 tubes and a versatile all-12AX7 tube preamp, the Hot Rod Deluxe III amp offers luscious Fender spring reverb, an effects loop and more.

If you want to add a little output, fullness, and stage coverage, you can even add a matching 1x12 extension enclosure to your Hot Rod Deluxe III.

The Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III amp also packs these upgrades over previous models: easy-view black control panel with front-reading text, new badge, streamlined footswitch, graduated volume and treble pot tapers, tighter overdrive and a Celestion G12P-80 speaker.
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III 40W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp Black
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III 40W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp Black
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III 40W 1x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp Black
Features
  • All tube preamp and 40W power section
  • 3 band EQ
  • Presence control
  • 1-12" special design Celestion speaker
  • 3 channels from clean to more drive
  • Built-in spring reverb
  • Extension speaker jack
  • Input for included 2-button 3-function footswitch
  • Amp cover included
warning

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Specs
  • Amplifier Type: Tube
  • Output Power: 40W
  • Speaker: 1-12" Celestion G12P-80, 8 ohm Speaker
  • Output Impedance: 4 or 8 ohms
  • Preamp Tubes: 3 x 12AX7
  • Power Tubes: 2 x 6L6
  • Rectifier: Solid State Rectifier
  • Inputs: Two
  • Channels: Three Selectable Channels (Normal, Drive and More Drive)
  • Controls: Presence, Reverb, Master Volume, Middle, Bass, Treble, Drive Select Switch, Drive Volume, Bright Switch
  • Effects: Spring Reverb
  • Effects Loop: Effects Loop (Preamp Out, Power Amp In)
  • Speaker Jack: Extension Speaker Jack
  • Amp Covering/Grille Cloth: Black Textured Vinyl Covering with Blackface Style Black/Silver Grille Cloth
  • Height: 18.75" (47.6 cm)
  • Width: 23.5" (59.7 cm)
  • Depth: 10.5" (26.7 cm)
  • Weight: 45 lbs (20.41 kg)
  • Footswitch: 2-Button, 3-Function Footswitch Included
  • Cover: Amplifier Cover Included
  • Unique Features: Independent Gain and Master Controls in Drive Channel, Bright Switch, Effects Loop, Reverb, External Speaker
  • Jack, 2-Button 3-Function Footswitch for Channel Select, Drive Select and "More Drive" Select, Chrome Panel,
  • Vintage Pointer Knobs, Internal Variable Bias Control
Reviews

4.38

42 Reviews

90%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

5

A Good Thing Made Better

Still has that great Fender clean and reverb but now the Overdrive is usable. Nice basic tube amp with a 5 year warranty and Fender tone...

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

Good, but the last one is better!

I had the option to select between this amp (Hot Rod Deluxe III) and the previous model (Hot Rod Deluxe II). Honestly the differences are bigger than you think. It isn't only the black cover and the Celestion Speaker. Most notable differences: *The 2nd model gives you a much better overdrive! ..and more gain. In this model (III) you have to increase the overdrive volume up to 5 or 6 to get the same volume of clean channel, it being on 2 or 3. *The celestion speaker of this new model you get a better clean sound and better bass equalization than the last model. This helps you to don't get a bass saturation. My recomendation: If you want this amp to play clean sounds and/or use overdrive pedals, Buy it!!! But if you are looking for the amp overdrive, try to buy the last model!

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Performances8
  2. Home Studio6
  3. Outdoor Events / Games5
  4. Amateur Recording5
  5. Professional Recording5
Cons
  1. Heavy1
  2. Weak1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced7
  2. Professional Musician3
Pros
  1. Excellent Sound9
  2. Good Power Output9
  3. Easy To Use8
  4. Warm / Comfy7
  5. Portable6

Reviewed by 42 customers

  • Questions!! I have been taking lessons from a master guitar

    4

    submitted8 years ago

    byTom

    fromTucson

    I have been taking lessons from a master guitar player with over 50 years as a studio musician and was a Fender rep twice in his life and a Gibson rep once. So, having played the Hot Rod amp in the store, I found it very nice sounding and compared it to the smaller tube amp they sell too. The store rep recommended if I play jazz and like that sound to buy a Blues Deluxe, same amp, different structure in the gain. How is it that so many bad reviews came out on this Hot Rod I found to be pretty nice??? Is it possible they are not all manufactured up to spec?

  • Hotrod Deluxe III

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted8 years ago

    byMike

    fromNew York

    Gigged with this last week. Very powerul and clean. Prior to this was using a Bassbreaker 15. This amp is superior in my opinion.

  • Buy it you will love it.

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted8 years ago

    byDale

    fromundisclosed

    I can't believe how sweet the clean channel is and how loud the amp is so far on stage at a local night club and Elks Lodge I've never gotten it above two on gain. I love this amp, and would recommend it to any musician. Weight is a problem for me and this only weighs 40 lbs. Nice!

  • Great amp not for beginners

    5

    submitted8 years ago

    byGuitar guru

    fromPoconos

    This amp is great if you know nothing about music or sound this amp is not for you buy a modeling amp this amp is like a guitar pedal you have to tweek the nobs to get the sound your looking for this amps clean channel is awesome if not the best I've ever heard most people buy it for the clean channel and uses pedals to get the sound they want so enough with the bad reviews learn how to use music equipment and you might be blown away with the sound people that says the clean channel sucks don't know how to use it turn the master volume off the drive or gain off and listen to the beautiful music come out of this wonderful amp go out and listen to some bar bands using the hot rod deluxe 111 and you would be blown away by the sound I hate it when inexperienced musicians give reviews be real or don't give us your nonsense

  • Great amp, Fender all the way

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted9 years ago

    bySteven

    fromundisclosed

    Used this at a gig last weekend. Great tone and plenty of headroom. I ran my Boss GT10 and Roland synth through this and the extension cab. Great Fender tube tone, clean and dirty, and on an outside gig, it had plenty of power with master volume on 5 and the volume on 2. The extension cab adds a lot of bottom end tone as it is closed.

  • Absolutely

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted9 years ago

    byMike

    fromHouston

    Accept no substitute.When your performance matters.Fender.

Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted7 years ago

    asked byKarl

    fromBullhead city Az

    I am a retired proffesional guitarist, looking to buy both a guitar and amp, used. I really dont get out and play anymore and got rid of my guitars and amps. I have constant requests from family and friends who want to hear me play and grandkids that want lessons. I am on a limited income and would like to stay pretty afordable. I would like to buy a Fender Telecaster but I have never played Mecican made Fenders. What can you tell me about the comparison of Mexican built Teles vs American made as far as playability and tone? I think a used 40 w Hot Rod will suffice for an amp. I will be playing in small areas, nothing bigger then small dives, not to mention that I can no longer carry around a twin reverb, just to heavy

    Open Reply - Gear Specialist
    We have a number of used options for you. One of our agents would be happy to help you. We are at 866-498-7882.