Not a lot of activity going on here, but I'll give it a shot.
Some 3 years ago I bought a Fender Bassbreaker 15 combo, since I was looking for some kind of practice amp with nice cleans and not too expensive. (I have an Engl 570 pre-amp and VHT 2/50/2, mainly for metal stuff).
Anyway, although the bassbreakers do get a lot of good feedback, I'm not really impressed. Apparently their kind of British voiced, while I was looking for real Fender (American?) cleans.
So I'm looking for something else. I really like those Fender cleans, but I've never delved much into their amps. So I don't really know a lot about all these different types, and their history ... (blackface, tweed, whatever). I've long been wanting a Blues Junior, though (Chris Rea plays them, so I guess nothing too bad, with a different speaker ...).
Anyway, I recently was looking into the Hot Rod line (apparently the Blues Jr. also falls into this category), firstly into the HR Deville, but recently more into the Deluxe. Seem to come reasonably priced secondhand.
I really want nice cleans, but still being versatile. 50's-80's pop/rock, but also good for jazz and country, since I'm broadening my horizon recently.
I don't really want it to be a pedal platform, at first instance, although I think of buying some pedals (I use a G-Major in my rack).
But then I read that there are many issues with these amps because of low quality components used, and are quite loud. So I probably would upgrade some components (caps, speaker, ...) if I'd go for one of these.
Would you generally recommend a HR Deluxe for my demands? Other model, brand?
But then again, maybe I can upgrade the Bassbreaker? What speaker would you recommend? I read the WGS et65 is frequently recommended. What about e.g. Eminence Cannabis Rex, Swamp Thang or Texas Heat (maybe less suited for jazz?).
Other upgrades possible? Changing the first 12AX7 with a 12AT7?
Any input welcome!