Fender Tone Master Pro, a quick review

[Monahan]

Joe Satriani was seen playing through one recently with Sammy Hagar (Eddie Trunk video interview).

Couldn't find the full clip on YT, but here's a taste. Look closely and you will see the FTMP...

 

[Veritas]

Thank you for the review!

 

[RickP]

Having followed up on this by looking at the FR12 speaker has thrown a wrench into checking further. Early problems with hiss, especially in the 12" version, caused people to begin tearing into them and identifying problem components. My understanding is that later versions had modded circuits that addressed the issue (no statement from Fender on this, just using internet research on it), and then suddenly they were out of stock everywhere... including Fender.com! So, my total guess, connecting-the-dots assumption is that they've found the problem, are fixing it quietly before re-releasing.

All good for me either way, I've got 2 CLRs and an NX12SMA here. But whenever the new speakers are out there, I do plan on grabbing one for a test. When that happens, I'll either update here or maybe do a "FR12 Review" thread of its own.

 

[RickP]

Update on the TMP. My guitar bud is using it, and digging what it’s doing for him. He’s a Tele player, and tweaked everything for the tone he likes. He’s got a good ear for guitar tone, and is coming up with some nice fits for the songs we’re doing. The big deal on this is he has never gotten along with any modeler option, and this is the only one he’s ever gotten on with… that interface is the bridge that he could get across to test the waters without feeling like he was drowning. I dig that.

For what we’re doing, it’s a win. I’ve no idea how Fender will support it, but can already say they won’t be Fractal-Audio-Systems-like in adding updates or functions. That’s a high bar to meet, so I’m hoping they’ll at least be better than other companies that put out updates like Boston used to put out albums. Lol

 

[dmatthews]

Update on the TMP. My guitar bud is using it, and digging what it’s doing for him. He’s a Tele player, and tweaked everything for the tone he likes. He’s got a good ear for guitar tone, and is coming up with some nice fits for the songs we’re doing. The big deal on this is he has never gotten along with any modeler option, and this is the only one he’s ever gotten on with… that interface is the bridge that he could get across to test the waters without feeling like he was drowning. I dig that.

For what we’re doing, it’s a win. I’ve no idea how Fender will support it, but can already say they won’t be Fractal-Audio-Systems-like in adding updates or functions. That’s a high bar to meet, so I’m hoping they’ll at least be better than other companies that put out updates like Boston used to put out albums. Lol

That's great to hear, and a useful real world endorsement. What is he playing through, PA, or?

 

[RickP]

That's great to hear, and a useful real world endorsement. What is he playing through, PA, or?

We tried it through my FRFRs (RCF and CLR), which sounded good, but we’ve gone pretty much to IEMs now, so it’s all direct to the board and coming back in aux mixes through Sennheiser G4 wireless stuff. He’s new to the world of modelers and managed to delete (without having saved) a preset we’ve been working on for a few weeks. I have to admit I’ve done it more than once myself before learning the “save as you go” habit. He’ll learn! The good thing is that he was able to reconstruct another one in a fraction of the time, all by himself. That was a great sign.

He’s seeing the value of it, and with more familiarity from the interface it’s working for him. Now that they’ve added an update with more linking features and their version of auto-engage, it’s getting more useable all the time. That there was a large update in the first year was encouraging as well. Not Fractal-level encouraging, but a good omen that it won’t be the once-and-done product I feared.

 

[RickP]

Extra note for those interested. I picked up one of the FR12 cabinets a few weeks ago, and I’m impressed with it. Half the cost (or less!) of any FRFR monitor I own, definitely gives the vibe of having a real amp there as it is exactly the same size/look as a Hot Rod Deluxe… even sharing the same cover! Tilt-back legs, plenty of volume for my needs, and it sounds pretty darned good! I’m used to coaxial drivers so I’ll need to see how wide a “sweet spot” this speaker/horn setup generates. Initial listening using my FM9T rig was positive. I’m taking it to a rehearsal later today.

I can’t attest to how well it will hold up in the long run as it’s near new, but it has made a good start.

 

[Axis39]

Thanks for the relatively early review! You did help me with my eventual purchase of a TMP last week.

I’ve been using a ToneX Pedal with my long time pedalboard for a year. It was the first digital unit I’d tried that had the feel. But, the TMP’s UI had my interest piqued. Last week, things aligned and it arrived, safe and sound.

It’s been a crazy week and I had a couple of hours with it before heading to practice with a trio. Creating presets, moving stuff around, getting to the adjustments I need quickly are all there…. Anything I needed during rehearsal was quick to get to. I am 100% comfortable gigging it today, myself.

At home, I’ve been using it with my FR-12 (got it a little bit ago from Sweetwater, no hiss at all) or my JBL Eon 610. Ran it through the PA at rehearsal. This thing performs beautifully in every situation.

Love this thing!

 

[dmatthews]

Great to hear it's working out so well for you guys. Such a versatile platform.

 

[Broseph]

I’ve taken the dive in. Figured I tend to like fender amps so why not give it a go. I got the FR10 with it thru a special on the fender site for a bundled deal.

Simple and easy for me to figure out. This is my first go at modeled rigs. I have been very pleased with all the options at my disposal. It’s very intuitive. And absolutely perfect for bedroom volume.

I think fender did a good job. Like others I don’t buy something anticipating updates. For what it currently is I think it’s awesome. Far more versatile than a regular amp, which when it comes down to funds/space, I’d rather have more amp/cab options than pigeonholed with one.

Very neat and tidy package. I like the fender speaker too. Very responsive knobs. Helps me tone the shape faster than going thru settings on the board.

 

[SonicBlue]

I'm the guy OP describes as not wanting pages, menus, etc. which is partly why my Kemper has sat untouched for 3 years even though I loved how it sounded for amps like the 59 bassman and Matchless SC30/DC30. With a modeler, I can play those at evening home basement volumes and still get the cranked tone I want... that would be impossible with the real amp at my volume limitations.

I just bought the Fender Tone Master Pro + Fender FR-10 cabinet from Sweetwater, thanks for the review!

 

[RickP]

I'm the guy OP describes as not wanting pages, menus, etc. which is partly why my Kemper has sat untouched for 3 years even though I loved how it sounded for amps like the 59 bassman and Matchless SC30/DC30. With a modeler, I can play those at evening home basement volumes and still get the cranked tone I want... that would be impossible with the real amp at my volume limitations.

I just bought the Fender Tone Master Pro + Fender FR-10 cabinet from Sweetwater, thanks for the review!

Please let us know your experience once you get a couple of hours on your setup!

 

[cyclops]

Love the TMP! Bought mine w/the FR-12, and couldn’t be happier. Fender has been doing great updates; the company seems to be listening and adding in user ideas. Scenes are a great example, that didn’t seem like it was on their roadmap, but they added them on the second ‘major’ update. Same with the virtual capo. Looking forward to the next feature update around mid-year. Now, if they’d just add a model of the PRS Custom 50…

 

[SonicBlue]

Please let us know your experience once you get a couple of hours on your setup!

Impression after 2-3 hours:
It's worth keeping for the built-in Fender amps, alone. They all sound incredible which makes sense, being a Fender product.
It's fun to have presets to immediately select tones that you might not use all the time and can't justify the hardware, but a quick button press and you can get right to a full setup with some specialized tones.

Downsides/Missing features;
They don't include JBL E120's as swappable speakers into amps and cabs, which surprised me. Maybe IRs can help with this, I haven't experimented with those yet.

The Envelope filter was a definite no-go for me. I know they're hard to get right even in a pedal and even then, you need all settings and guitar output and even pick attack just right to hit Jerry Garcia tones.

Questions
Is there a way to buy specific preset/profile/IRs/models (I don't know what to call it) of specific full setup rigs?
(I haven't connected the mobile app to it, maybe this will give access to more presets and speaker models.)

My goal with the modeler is to have presets immediately selectable for these people and amps: I'm still figuring out if this device will cover them all, adequately.

Jerry Garcia
John Frusciante
Dan Auerbach
Tony Iommi (There are some higher gain leaning Sabbath presets)
Billy Gibbons (There's a ZZ preset)
David Gilmour (There's a Fuzz/Floyd preset)
Jimi Hendrix (There's a Hendrix preset)
Peter Green (There's a JTM45 profile preset)

Specific amps I'd like to have as presets are all there except the Diezel and Matchless.
Fender 59 Bassman
Fender Deluxe Reverb
Fender Twin Reverb
Fender Super Reverb
Roland JC-120
Marshall Plexi
Peavey 5150
Diezel VH4
Matchless SC/DC20

 

[BrianC]

I have watched numerous videos on the various units out there. They all kind of say the same thing - they are all pretty good, it is a matter of finding the one that works for you.

I run a Helix. The tones are very good and always update with FREE new software. The Editor is also very easy to use. It does a lot so it takes time to learn.

I like that it comes with a pedal built in as I like wah now and then.

 

[Monahan]

I have watched numerous videos on the various units out there. They all kind of say the same thing - they are all pretty good, it is a matter of finding the one that works for you.

I run a Helix. The tones are very good and always update with FREE new software. The Editor is also very easy to use. It does a lot so it takes time to learn.

I like that it comes with a pedal built in as I like wah now and then.

More to your point about finding what works for you:

As much as I enjoy my Helix (a little over a year now), it's overkill for me. That's where the Fender Tone Master Pro would suit me better-- not having the expression pedal is a bonus in my book.

I tend to find a setting I like, then leave it alone. Only times I use the foot switches is to add/subtract gain, which itself is rare as I control much of that with the guitars volume control.

Another thing I've discovered is the "scribble strips" are too small to read while on stage. *Note; this is a personal thing, as I wear glasses with bifocals... and could probably benefit from a new prescription LOL!

If I had it to do over I'd go with the TMP for its smaller size & larger screen... or the Stomp XL.

On the upside, all these units sound great and are fun to spend time with