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In the world of guitar amplifiers, the appeal of tube-driven sound remains unmatched. The rich, warm tones produced by tube amps have captivated guitarists for decades. In this in-depth comparison, I’ll guide you through two enticing options: the Fender Blues Junior IV and the Harley Benton Tube15 Celestion. Both of these amplifiers promise an immersive tube amp experience, but they cater to different needs and preferences.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let’s start with a quick overview of the key features and pros of each amplifier.
SUMMARY TABLE – KEY TAKEAWAYS
Feature and Pros/Cons Comparison
| Amplifier | Fender Blues Junior IV | Harley Benton Tube15 Celestion |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 15 watts | 15W (switchable to 1W) |
| Speaker | 1x 12″ Celestion A-Type Speaker | 1x 12″ Celestion 8-ohm |
| Tubes | 3x 12AX7 and 2x EL84 tubes | 3x ECC83/12AX7 and 2x EL84 tubes |
| Controls | Reverb, Master, Middle, Bass, Treble, FAT Switch, Volume | Gain, Volume, Tone, Bass, Middle, Treble, Reverb |
| Vintage Design | Yes | Stylish ivory color |
| Pros | – Authentic Fender Sound – Classic Aesthetics – Versatile Controls – Improved Reverb – Suitable for Various Guitars | – Attractive Design – Powerful Sound – Affordable Tube Amp – Connectivity Options – Ideal for Practice and Small Venues – Quality Construction |
| Cons | – Limited Clean Headroom – Master Volume Quirk – Limited Distortion for Heavy Genres – Build Quality Concerns | – Mono Channel – Limited Compatibility with Modeling Pedals – Fixed Power Cord – Chrome-Plated Front Panel – No Headphone Output |
| Price Link | Click here and check price, sound samples and feature list for Fender Blues Junior | Click here and check price, sound samples and feature list for Harley Benton Tube15 Celestion |
COMPARISON OF FENDER BLUES JUNIOR AND HARLEY BENTON TUBE15: FEATURES AND PROS/CONS
Now, let’s take a closer look at each amplifier, starting with the Fender Blues Junior IV.
Fender Blues Junior IV Review
Features:
- Power: 15 watts
- Speaker: 1x 12″ Celestion A-Type Speaker
- Tubes: 3x 12AX7 and 2x EL84 tubes
- Controls: Reverb, Master, Middle, Bass, Treble, FAT Switch, Volume
- Vintage Design: Yes
- Authentic Fender Sound: Known for delivering the coveted Fender tone.
- Classic Aesthetics: Vintage design paying homage to the iconic Fender amps of the ’60s.
- Versatile Controls: Intuitive control panel for precise tone shaping, including a FAT switch for tonal versatility.
- Improved Reverb: Significantly improved reverb compared to its predecessors, adding depth and character.
- Suitable for Various Guitars: Compatible with a range of guitars, delivering pristine cleans and a touch of crunch.
My Pros and Cons about the Model
Fender Blues Junior Pros
- Authentic Fender Sound: In my opinion, the Blues Junior IV excels at delivering lush, clean sounds that are a delight for discerning guitarists. It captures that coveted Fender tone with finesse.
- Classic Aesthetics: The amp’s vintage design pays homage to the iconic Fender amps of the ’60s, with retro-style knobs and a weathered “Kühlergrill.” It’s not just about sound; it’s a visual delight.
- Versatile Controls: The intuitive control panel allows for precise tone shaping. The inclusion of the FAT switch adds an extra layer of tonal versatility.
- Improved Reverb: Compared to its predecessors, the reverb on the Blues Junior IV has seen significant improvement. It adds depth and character to your sound.
- Suitable for Various Guitars: I primarily used an Eric Johnson and an Eric Clapton Strat with this amp, and they complemented each other beautifully. Whether you’re after pristine cleans or a touch of crunch, this amp delivers.
Fender Blues Junior Cons:
- Limited Clean Headroom: While the amp’s clean tones are exceptional, it starts to break up relatively early. If you’re seeking crystal-clear cleans at high volumes, you might find the headroom somewhat limiting.
- Master Volume Quirk: In my experience, the Master volume control can be a bit tricky. There’s a significant jump in volume between settings, especially between 1 and 2, making precise adjustments challenging.
- Limited Distortion for Heavy Genres: The Blues Junior IV is known for its classic blues and rock tones, but it might not be the ideal choice for players looking for extreme distortion suitable for heavy metal genres.
- Build Quality Concerns: While the amp’s overall build quality is good, some users have reported issues with durability, particularly related to the circuit board. It’s worth keeping an eye on this aspect.
CLICK HERE AND CHECK THE AMP ON AMAZON
Harley Benton Tube15 Celestion Review
Listen to sound samples clicking on this link (30 Days money back guarantee + 3 years Thomann warranty)
Features:
- Power: 15 watts (switchable to 1 watt)
- Speaker: 1x 12″ Celestion 8-ohm
- Tubes: 3x ECC83/12AX7 and 2x EL84 tubes
- Controls: Gain, Volume, Tone, Bass, Middle, Treble, Reverb
- Vintage Design: Stylish ivory color
- Attractive Design: Catching attention with its unique and stylish ivory color.
- Powerful Sound: Packs a punch with 15 watts of tube power, with the option to switch to 1 watt for lower volumes.
- Affordable Tube Amp: Offers an affordable alternative to well-known brand tube amps.
- Connectivity Options: Allows connection to larger setups via cables, suitable for stage performances.
- Ideal for Practice and Small Venues: Handles practice sessions and small venues with ease, delivering sufficient volume.
- Quality Construction: Built with impressive materials and build quality, with readily available replacement tubes.
My Pros and Cons about the Model
Harley Benton Tube15 Celestion Pros:
- Attractive Design: The Harley Benton Tube15 Celestion immediately caught my eye with its stylish ivory color. It’s a refreshing and unique look that sets it apart from the crowd.
- Powerful Sound: With 15 watts of tube power, this amp packs a punch. The volume can be overwhelming in a home setting, but the 1-watt switch on the front panel comes to the rescue, making it usable at lower volumes. The tonal adjustments are intuitive, allowing for warm and full sounds.
- Affordable Tube Amp: One of the standout features of this amp is its affordability. In a market where tube amps from well-known brands can be quite expensive, the Harley Benton Tube15 Celestion offers an excellent alternative for budget-conscious musicians.
- Connectivity Options: The amp’s ability to connect to larger setups via cables is a significant advantage. This makes it suitable for stage performances, and the 8-16 ohm speaker output ensures versatility.
- Ideal for Practice and Small Venues: In my opinion, this amp is a great choice for practice sessions and small venues. It handles the presence of a drummer and a bassist with ease, delivering sufficient volume for everyone involved.
- Quality Construction: The materials and build quality of the Harley Benton Tube15 Celestion are impressive. Knowing that replacement tubes are readily available adds to the peace of mind.
Harley Benton Tube15 Celestion Cons
- Mono Channel: The amp’s single-channel setup may disappoint those looking for more versatility. Having two channels would have made it perfect for use without pedals.
- Limited Compatibility with Modeling Pedals: While it handles individual pedals well, it may not be the best choice for complex modeling pedalboards. The amp’s classic, full-bodied sound may not complement some modeling effects.
- Fixed Power Cord: The fixed power cord can be a drawback for those who prefer more flexibility. However, it’s a minor issue, especially if the amp remains stationary in your setup.
- Chrome-Plated Front Panel: The chrome-plated front panel may look visually appealing but can make it challenging to read the control labels, especially from a distance.
- No Headphone Output: There’s no headphone output on this amp, making it less suitable for quiet, headphone-based practice sessions.
CLICK HERE AND CHECK THE AMP ON THOMANN
Fender Blues Junior IV Versus Harley Benton Tube15 Celestion: Conclusion of this Review Article
Both the Fender Blues Junior IV and the Harley Benton Tube15 Celestion offer compelling options, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses.
The Blues Junior IV captures the iconic Fender sound with authenticity, combining it with classic aesthetics, but it may not suit players seeking extreme distortion or those requiring crystal-clear cleans at high volumes.
On the other hand, the Harley Benton Tube15 Celestion boasts an attractive design, powerful sound, and remarkable affordability.
It’s an excellent choice for those entering the world of tube amplifiers without breaking the bank: its connectivity options and versatility make it suitable for practice sessions and small venues, although it has limitations when it comes to complex effects setups.
Ultimately, the choice between these two amplifiers comes down to your specific needs and preferences.
If you’re a blues enthusiast or a fan of vintage Fender aesthetics, the Blues Junior IV could be your ideal companion.
Instead, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly tube amp with a stylish design and a versatile tonal range, the Harley Benton Tube15 Celestion deserves your consideration. Both amplifiers have their quirks, but they excel in their respective domains, offering an immersive tube amp experience for guitarists of all levels.
