Fender introduces The Edge Deluxe, a 12W dual-channel 1×12 combo all-tube amplifier co-designed by U2’s guitarist.
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This amp pars with the recently released The Edge Strat, both of which are designed to complement the popular guitarist turned Fender board member’s signature sound.
The Edge is well known for using Fender amps to craft his distinct sonic sculptures, and as such having a signature amp under his name does not come as a surprise at all. It also helps that he and Bono are now part of Fender’s board, but that aside, The Edge’s influence and legacy is undeniable, well worth of getting his own signature gear.
As the name implies, the new “The Edge Deluxe” amp is based on the classic ’57 tweed Deluxe that he has used on many of U2s albums and on the many stages worldwide that they toured on. Fender had the amp tweaked to match his preferences, designed to provide clean and crunch tones that work well with The Edge’s complex multi-amp and effects setup. The result is a ’50s era Deluxe amp with modern modifications.
The Edge himself shared the story behind this new studio amp:
This 12-watt amp comes with a modified circuit that provides tighter low end response and punchy projection, and each one is expected to be of hand-wired quality. The company describes the sound as being more versatile, we quote: “Extremely dynamic, this updated circuit reacts instantly to the guitar’s output volume and your picking dynamics to unlock a wide variety of amazing clean and overdriven tones that work well with almost any style of music.”
This custom tweaked amplifier section features familiar tube configuration with two 12AX7 preamp tubes and two 6V6 on the poweramp section. The rectifier section is also tube driven with a single 5Y3. All of these are controlled by a straightforward set of knobs and switches that include a master volume and tone knob. Interestingly, there’s also a mic input provided.
Another critical change that’s introduced in this signature model is the use of a 12” Celestion Blue speaker, which was chosen by Fender and The Edge. The official description said that it was chosen for its “smooth attack, warm lows, mellow upper midrange and bell-like high end, creates richly-defined tone with highly musical compression when pushed.”
Check out this quick video demo of The Edge Deluxe amp:
Knowing The Edge’s fondness for pedals, the amp is designed to be intentionally pedal-friendly, with a clean and clear tone that works well as the foundation for any particular pedal or complex rigs. This makes the amp go beyond the signature tones, to make it more personal.
The new Fender The Edge Deluxe Amp is now retailing for just under $2,400. You can head over to Fender for further details.
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