So I'm torn between what my fellow Geeks and others on different boards say about the Fender Blues Junior amps. Here's how it is for me:

I dont know whether to buy a regular Blues Junior and pay for a new speaker and replace it myself (~$500 if the amp is used) or save up and buy a Blues Junior NOS with the upgraded speaker already in it (~$550 used).

What do you guys think? I love the sound of the NOS with the Jensen in it...very classic blues and garage rock, which is what I play sometimes play. If I get the original I'm thinking of putting a Greenback in it...but I don't know too much about speakers and how they react to circuits and all that jazz. Any help?

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'62 AVRI Jazzmaster
Boss SD-1--> EHX Big Muff--> Boss TR-2--> EHX Electric Mistress--> Boss FRV-1--> Boss RV-5
Fender Blues Junior (Jensen C12Q)

It's six of one, half dozen of the other, man. It really just comes down to whether you want tweed or black. I think you can do better than $500 for a used BJ and a speaker swap.

Around here the going rate for a used Blues Jr is 300-350, and you can get a WGS Green Beret, which is a kickass Greenback for about $80 after shipping.

So, all things considered, if you aren't just obsessed with the tweed cosmetics, you could have a what you want for ~400ish.

However, if you really like the Jensen tone, I would recommend the WGS G12C/S, because it's got the Jensen tone without the ice pick highs.



Edit: I'm not sure what part of Mizzou you are in, but here's a NOS Blues Junior for $450 in Kansas City: Yahtzee!

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I'm just two people short of a threesome.

Just searched used gear at (we don't know about) Guitar Center, and a used Blues Jr popped up for $299 in St. Louis. I think fate is knocking on your door.

Boom! There ya go 299 + tax + $80 speaker upgrade, and you're good to go for $400. Or pick up a NOS for $450.

We just saved you 100 bones either way. I'll accept paypal for my half, and I think Comesapart accepts personal checks and all major credit cards

[high five]

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I'm just two people short of a threesome.

Many thanks jonny-b-brown, I'll definately check into those alternatives! I just said Celestion because I know very little of the aftermarket speaker market and just assumed that the only players were Celestion, Eminence, Jensen and so on...boy am I dumb

It just so happens that I was planning on going up to GC to play a few amps next week...right when I'm about to leave on a vacation and will have no money to spare, just my luck

EDIT: I usually play blues and distorted alternative music...would I be better to go for a Jensen type, or Celestion? I'm not too big on the classic mid-range rock distortion that I associate with Greenback-filled Marshall stacks. I want to get the most classic Fender tone from my new (used) amp. Suggestions?

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'62 AVRI Jazzmaster
Boss SD-1--> EHX Big Muff--> Boss TR-2--> EHX Electric Mistress--> Boss FRV-1--> Boss RV-5
Fender Blues Junior (Jensen C12Q)

So I think I've narrowed it down to either an Eminence Red, White and Blues or the Swamp Thang.

I love the tone of the Swamo Thang, but using my Jazzaster and Big Muff together I'm worried that all I'll be hearing in mashed potato mush instead of articulate notes. Maybe the RW&B will compensate with it's lower bass responce and high mids and smoother treble and I'll have a nice even speaker. I've read that they are perfect for vintage Fender tones, which is appealing to me. Any suggestions?

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'62 AVRI Jazzmaster
Boss SD-1--> EHX Big Muff--> Boss TR-2--> EHX Electric Mistress--> Boss FRV-1--> Boss RV-5
Fender Blues Junior (Jensen C12Q)