Review

Even if you could find a ’65 Blackface Deluxe, you'd be dreading the damage it might be caused every time your Transit goes over a pothole. Best to investigate Fender’s ‘Vintage Modified’ model, which fuses all-tube innards with a fistful of digital effects. Fender sees it as the “perfect grab-and-go rig for club dates and weekend jams.” Guess they haven’t tried lifting it…

Mindful of Keith Richards’ advice that Fender amps complement Fender guitars, we strapped on a Tele and was blown sideways by the class of the clean channel. If you’ve ever questioned the fuss that surrounds valves, five minutes immersed in this rich, shimmering, responsive tone will make you a card-carrying convert, especially if you add a twist of the glorious reverb.

Apart from chorus (still too '80s-sounding, we’re afraid) the effects are top-quality and go some way to justify the round-ups highest price tag. But while the overdrive channel is magic for moderate rock, it doesn’t quite match the warmth and whisky breath of the Marshall.

Next: Fender Deluxe VM verdict