Description
Fender built the Hot Rod Deluxe platform to be a blank canvas for guitarists across genres, and this GB variant refines it specifically for the phrasing and tone George Benson is known for. At 40 watts through a single 12″ speaker, it has enough headroom for small-to-mid-size stages and studio work, with a three-channel layout (Normal, Drive, More Drive) that goes from glassy clean to warm overdrive without losing note definition.
The heart of the tone comes from a 12AT7 tube in the V1 preamp slot instead of the usual 12AX7 — a change specced for smoother, less compressed clean tone that plays especially well with humbucker-equipped guitars. Behind it sit 2x 6L6 power tubes for that full, rounded Fender low end, and a 100-watt Jensen C12K speaker built to track fast single-note runs and chordal work with clarity across the frequency range. The solid-pine cabinet was chosen for its resonance and comparatively light weight versus denser plywood builds.
Benson’s personal specs carry through to the cosmetics: gray-black vinyl covering, silver-strand grille cloth, and a dedicated “GB” logo badge set it apart from the standard Hot Rod Deluxe. Onboard spring reverb, an effects loop (preamp out/power amp in), presence and EQ controls, and a bright switch round out the feature set. A two-button footswitch and deluxe padded cover ship with the amp, and a matching 1×12″ extension cabinet is available separately for added stage volume.
Key specs:
- 40 watts, 120V, solid-state rectifier
- Preamp tubes: 1x 12AT7, 2x 12AX7 | Power tubes: 2x 6L6
- Speaker: 1×12″ Jensen C12K, 100W, 8 Ohm
- Solid-pine cabinet, chrome hardware, dog-bone handle
- Dimensions: 23.5″W x 18.75″H x 10.5″D, 43 lbs
This unit is a gently used store demo — fully functional and ready to play.
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