From Guitar World · · 2m
Guitar World Gear Roundup
Joe Bonamassa's digital Twin amp wins over skeptical guitarist in Fender's new release.
In brief
Joe Bonamassa's digital Twin amp wins over skeptical guitarist in Fender's new release. Joe Bonamassa switched to Fender's digital Tone Master '59 Twin-Amp after initially hating it, calling it the first digital amp he'd sit next to. Originally reported by Guitar World.
Fender Tone Master '59 Twin-Amp JB Edition
Fender released a digital version of Joe Bonamassa's favorite tube amp, the Tone Master '59 Twin-Amp, as an artist signature series model.
“I wanted to hate it”
Joe Bonamassa's Digital Experience
Bonamassa initially doubted the digital amp but switched to it after testing it in his live rig for nights straight.
“I wanted to hate it”
Sound Performance
The amp sounded tighter, punchier, and better than his tube amps, with Bonamassa saying sound inspires him to play.
“Sound makes you play. Sound inspires you to play.”
Technical Specs
The amp runs at 85-watts full power, drives 12-inch Celestion JB Neodymium speakers, and has vintage/tight switches and effects loops.
“85-watts full power”
Fender John 5 Telecaster Collection
Fender released three John 5 signature Telecasters: a Custom Shop Phantom, Ghost, and a Phantom with a kill-switch and Floyd Rose vibrato.
“Indonesian version”
Behringer Zentara Overdrive
Behringer's Zentara overdrive pedal, priced under $75, is a Klon clone with soft-clipping germanium diodes and a gold or silver enclosure.
“75 bucks”
Dunable Riley Pinkerton Minotaur
Dunable released a limited edition Minotaur Summoner guitar for Riley Pinkerton, with two cutaways and a Direwolf humbucker.
“Four units”
HeadRush NAM Firmware Update
HeadRush updated its firmware to allow two NAM captures simultaneously, improving tone brightness and depth.
“two NAM captures”
Keeley Compressor Plus Germanium
Keeley released a 25th-anniversary compressor pedal with germanium power-up and a stripped-down design for more warmth.
“25 years”
Gibson Custom Shop 1957 L5 Reissue
Gibson made a 1957 L-5 CES reissue with a dovetail neck joint, 3D scans, and AAA figured maple for the back and sides.
“dovetail neck joint”
Ernie Ball Albert Lee Collection
Ernie Ball released a limited edition Albert Lee guitar with a unique shape and DiMarzio humbucker paired with Seymour Duncan single-coils.
“75 units”
D'Addario XS Nickel Bronze Strings
D'Addario introduced premium acoustic guitar strings with hi-fi clarity and longer-lasting freshness.
“hi-fi clarity”
Boss 10th Anniversary Katana
Boss released a 10th-anniversary Katana digital amp with blue figured maple cabinets for aesthetic appeal.
“10th Anniversary”
DiMarzio x Phillip Knight Northern Lights
DiMarzio partnered with Phillip Knight to make more Northern Lights humbuckers for wider availability.
“Northern Lights humbuckers”
The essence
Joe Bonamassa switched to Fender's digital Tone Master '59 Twin-Amp after initially hating it, calling it the first digital amp he'd sit next to.
