Amp
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe George Benson Signature Model Review & Demo
2025
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe George Benson Signature Model Review & Demo
Thanks for watching our Fender GB George Benson Hot Rod Deluxe review. Every guitar player needs a great amp. Fender, with the help of George Benson, reworked their original Hot Rod amp that everyone knows and loves, and made it even better.
This amp is a great choice for professional, gigging, guitar players. With its features, custom upgrades, and great sound, the Fender GB George Benson Hot Rod Deluxe is a tastefully revised modern classic that is worthy to share a stage with any player.
This Fender amp has some notable features that separate it from other Hot Rod amps including:
- 2-channel, 40-watt combo amplifier with Jensen C12K speaker for rich tone
- Created with the help of George Benson
- Dual 12AX7 preamp tubes plus one 12AT7 for big clean tones
- Speaker output makes it easy to add an extension speaker cabinet
- 2-button footswitch included
The stylish new look of the GB Hot Rod Deluxe is worthy of pointing out. A snakeskin like black-grey vinyl, silver strand grille cloth, and signature badge make this amp a pleasant sight indeed. It is something you would want to put on display in your living room.
All of that is built around a solid pine cabinet for enhanced sound and a lighter load. What also makes this amp special is the 100-watt Jensen C12K speaker as well as a lower gain 12AT7 tube.
This tube allows the amp to sound more mellow and smooth compared to its original counterpart. This amp is designed to sound great with jazz playing. But it also sounds solid with general all around rock styles as well (just maybe not thrash metal).
While not dramatically different from the original Hot Rod, the GB Deluxe features three channels (Normal, Drive, and More Drive), nine controls (Master Volume, Presence, Middle, Bass, Treble, Reverb, Drive Select Switch, Drive Volume, Bright Switch), two quarter-inch inputs and an effects loop, and ships with a two-button footswitch and a padded cover.
This amp is made by jazz players for jazz players. George Benson and Fender really wanted something stylish and ideal sounding for that style of music. And they accomplished that beautifully with the Fender GB Geroge Benson Hot Rod Deluxe.
With its features, custom upgrades, and great sound, it is a worthy investment for any jazz musician who is looking for a wonderfully refined sound.
Are you looking for an authentic, vintage tone? Look no further than TONEX. IK Multimedia’s groundbreaking software and app ecosystem give you access to thousands of amp and pedal rigs to find the perfect sound for any situation.
And IK Multimedia AI-powered machine modeling delivers indistinguishable results from the real thing. So whether you’re practicing at home, jamming with friends, or performing live, TONEX has the perfect tone for you. Plus, the IK Multimedia system is easy to use so that you can turn your real amps, cabs, pedals, and complete rigs into your Tone Models in minutes.
AmpliTube TONEX Ecosystem
IK Multimedia has just released AmpliTube TONEX, a revolutionary new product that uses AI Machine Modeling technology to create Tone Models of guitar and bass gear. With TONEX, you can capture the sound of any amp, cabinet, combo, or pedal and turn it into a Tone Model, all with ease and sonic accuracy that’s virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. This is a massive breakthrough in rig modeling, and IK Multimedia is the first company to bring this technology to market.
If you’re a musician, there’s a good chance you’ve struggled with getting the perfect sound out of your rig. And if you’re a studio engineer, there’s a good chance you’ve worked with getting your clients’ rigs to sound exactly how they want them to. But what if there was a way to get the perfect sound every time, without all the hassle?
Enter TONEX Mac/PC, the revolutionary new rig modeling software that uses AI Machine Modeling technology to let users capture the sound of any amp, cabinet, combo, or pedal and turn it into a Tone Model. With TONEX, you can get the exact sound you’re looking for with ease and sonic accuracy that’s virtually indistinguishable from the real. So if you’re looking for the perfect tone, look no further than TONEX Mac/PC.
AI Machine Modeling
TONEX is a new AI Machine Modeling™ technology that enables guitarists to model the sound of any amp, cabinet, or combo with accuracy virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. IK’s robust deep learning network lets you model your rig’s tone in minutes using accurate guitar signals, not just test tones, for a level of authenticity like you’ve never imagined.
Create Your Tone Models
Ever wanted to clone your favorite rig? Now you can, with IK Multimedia’s new AI Machine Modeling software. Just record the sound of your rig using an IK Multimedia particular guitar/bass capture track, and feed it into IK Multimedia software with the original DI track.
In minutes, IK Multimedia AI software will generate an exact algorithm of the modeled rig. The result is a hyper-realistic, dynamic clone of your rig, called a “Tone Model.” Tone Models include every nuance of the amp and pedal in vivid detail. With advanced technology, you can even model an amp and cabinet together, then virtually separate the two to try other cabinets. Plus, the algorithm can capture an entire rig, including harmonically complex fuzz, overdrive, or other distortion pedals in front of an amp. So why wait? Clone your favorite rig today with IK Multimedia AI Machine Modeling software.
TONEX App
Coming soon to an App Store near you, the TONEX App lets iOS users use Tone Models on their mobile devices and experience the power of AI Machine Modeling, minus the modeling capability. TONEX App works both as a standalone app and as an AU plug-in for recording inside all the major mobile DAWs and includes the same Player section as TONEX Mac/PC software to play and practice.
Owners of TONEX Mac/PC will be able to use the free TONEX App and sync their Tone Model library seamlessly between desktop and mobile devices in the studio, at home or on the go. So whether you’re a musician who likes to record on the go or a producer who wants to take their work with them when they travel, the TONEX App will be a welcome addition to your arsenal.
Model library seamlessly between desktop and mobile devices in the studio, at home or on the go. So whether you’re a musician who likes to record on the go, or a producer who likes to take their work with them when they travel, the TONEX App will be a welcome addition to your arsenal.
Conclusion
TONEX has always been committed to providing the best tone modeling system available. And now, for the first time, we’re making it available to everyone – regardless of budget. With our new TONEX ecosystem of products, you can start with just the accessible version of the software or app.
Or, if you need more power and flexibility, you can upgrade to one of our affordable download plans. Either way, you’ll get the most advanced tone modeling system available. So why wait? Get started today and experience the difference TONEX can make.
With over 1000 rigs instantly available to play, TONEX gives you access to the rarest and most sought-after amps ever made. Plus, you can model your guitar and bass rigs in minutes. And with ToneNET integration, you can share your Tone Models with other TONEX users worldwide. So what are you waiting for? Get TONEX today and start taking your guitar playing to new heights!
IK Multimedia today announced the release of AmpliTube MESA/Boogie® 2, the much-anticipated follow-up to IK’s first MESA/Boogie offering. The new collection brings 4 new officially certified amps and 5 cabs to AmpliTube 5. Now users can complete their collection of full-throttle gear from the inventors of high-gain tone.
IK has been investing a lot in research and development to make sure that its latest creations meet the same standards as those from decades ago.
MESA/Boogie 2 models are crafted using IK’s newest modeling technologies including DIM™, VIR™, and more so they sound just like classic stages do while looking almost exactly how you would imagine them too! These incredible sounding amps have all passed rigorous tests by MESA Engineering before being approved for sale at great prices with free shipping worldwide
More than mere amplification
How would you like to plug into an amp that’s so responsive it feels like the music is being played right next door? One where every detail of sound comes through with crystal clarity and stunning intensity. Well, if this sounds good then IK has something special in store for YOU! They worked hand-in-hand again collaborating on creating these new models which offer ultra-realistic performance thanks to their meticulous recreation from circuit boards all the way upfront.
Gear available in AmpliTube MESA/Boogie 2
The new MESA/Boogie 2 line-up is full of surprises for tone aficionados. The company has put out three groundbreaking amps, one vintage model, and two cabs that are highly desired by collectors!
MESA/Boogie® California Tweed™
The MESA California Tweed Series was 50 years in the making and designed to reinvent the “vintage” tone. This new single-channel, old-school amp aims at all sounds Americana with IK’s model equipped with all of its features including Incremental multi watt power amps that provide 5 different watts per channel as well 2 operating classes for versatility so you’re not limited when playing across genres or just needs heavier gauge strings due to their dual-class technology!
MESA/Boogie® Triple Crown TC-100™ head
With its broad power options, the TC-100 delivers a punchy tone with incredible depth. Three channels offer a choice of pristine Clean, aggressive Crunch, and massive Gain. Channels 1-3 all have their own voicing switch so you can get just the sound that’s right for your needs!
MESA/Boogie® Mark Five™
Amps, pedals, and effects are all in one place.
The MARK V is really a collection of amplifiers – so you’re able to get that sweet tone from your guitar with just some pushing on this button or pulling off another one!
From the original MARK I that introduced the world to high-gain with its cascading preamp, to the Mark II – the world’s first high-gain, dual-mode channel switching amplifier and its later siblings that introduced Simul-Class power.
From the MARK III that ushered in the era of 3-channel footswitching performance, to the MARK IV that gave all this power individual control, the MARK V is the embodiment of the last 40 years of MESA guitar amp history.
MESA/Boogie® Mark 2C+™
The amp that’s been used by many recording artists and one of MESA’s most prized models, the Mark IIC+ was last in a series. The new amp has been designed with a more sensitive lead channel. The dual cascading drive stage provides an unprecedented level of detail and clarity, ultimately delivering the perfect tone for any guitarist at any skill level!
The IIC+ also features a pull Deep Bass booster and other enigmatic features that earned the legendary head its “+” rating for sounding so fantastic.
A full-range speaker with excellent bass response, this sleek black box will produce crystal clear vocals in any setting – from classical music to dubstep!
Along with these 4 remarkable amps, users will get 5 officially certified cabs featuring California Tweed and RoadKing models with a range of configurations and a choice of Jensen or Celestion speakers. Also included are two extra speakers from IK’s work on the California Tweed, which they can swap into any cab.
Pricing and Availability
AmpliTube MESA/Boogie 2 is available now.
Virtual Instrument Library
Two Notes Audio Engineering and Laney Amplification Join Forces to Release the “Laney Collection” DynIR Virtual Cabinets
2025
Two Notes Audio Engineering and Laney Amplification have joined forces to release the “Laney Collection” DynIR Virtual Cabinets. The two companies are focused on providing musicians with high-quality, yet affordable gear that doesn’t sacrifice quality for cost. This new product will provide a variety of different virtual cabinets designed to work specifically with the Two Notes Audio Engineering software suite or in conjunction with any other recording software you might use.
15 exquisite virtual cabinets (including ones used by Tony Iommi and Killswitch Engage) empower the guitar community with legendary tone in Two notes’ proprietary DynIR format for Torpedo devices, plus they’re available through their Wall Of Sound Software.
Two notes Audio Engineering has announced a partnership with Laney to craft 15 exclusive virtual cabinets. These sound machines will be available for purchase soon and they’re perfect if you want the classic British tone but don’t have any amps!
The Laney Collection is a virtual cabinet collection that perfectly replicates the incredible tone and response of some of today’s most sought-after guitar gear.
The British amplifier industry has been one of the most well-known and reputable in music since its inception. Since 1967 Laney has cemented their place as providers to this worthy cause, crafting amps with the incredible response that can withstand any challenge thrown at them – even if it means death or taxes! They are known for their rich history in British amplifier manufacturing with the company starting out back when it was just three men working to provide amplifiers during World War II’s Blitz era – they’ve been fighting ever since!
The Laney name is one that has come to represent power, quality and crushing clarity of gain. This company was designed for musicians by other ones who know what it’s like in the kit or behinds-the-scenes so they could deliver an amazing product with unparalleled performance capabilities at every turn!
Laney Amplifiers is a family business with an artist roster that includes Tony Iommi, Lari Basilio and many others. Their tone has been as prolific in quality for excellence since their beginning.
The Laney Collection
Exquisitely captured at HopePole studio, Manchester UK the all-new Laney DynIR virtual cabinets are a must-have for any tone chaser. Offering uncompromising captures of some of the industry’s most revered guitar and bass cabinets with pristine clarity these high-quality products will make your life much easier when it comes down to editing or mixing!
Cabinets included in this release:
10 Guitar Cabinets:
- Laney Cub112: Open back H/H® speakers 1 x 12” Woofer H1265
- Laney Cub212: Open back H/H® speakers 2 x 12” Woofer H1265
- Laney GS212IE: Closed back H/H® speakers 2 x 12” Woofer H1280
- Laney GS412IA: Closed back H/H® speakers 4 x 12” Woofer H1280
- Laney L20T-212: Open back Celestion® G12H70th Anniversary + Celestion® Vintage 30
- Laney LT212: (Killswitch Engage owned cab and used extensively in the studio and on tour) Closed back Celestion® G12H 70th Anniversary speakers
- Laney LA212: Closed back Celestion® G12M-25 Greenback speakers
- Laney LA412: Closed back Celestion® G12H 75 speakers
- Laney TI412S: Closed back Celestion® G12H 75 M (90’s Tony Iommi owned cab and used
- extensively in the studio and on tour)
- Laney Original LA412: (Late 69/70’s cab as used by Tony Iommi to record the early Black Sabbath
- releases) – Closed back 4 x Green label Goodmans®
5 Bass Cabinets (all from the DigBeth range):
- Laney DBV212: H/H® Speakers Black Series
- Laney DBV212: Miked on Tweeter
- Laney DBV410: H/H® Speakers Black Series
- Laney DBV410: Miked on Tweeter
- Laney DBV 810: H/H® Speakers Black Series
All 15 cabinets have been meticulously captured with a selection of industry-standard microphones including the Shure SM57®, Sennheiser® MD421, Royer® R121, AKG® C414, Neuman® KM184, Aston® Origin, AKG® D112, Shure® SM7b, Beyerdynamic® M160, Shure® SM7b, AKG® D112 and Shure® Beta 52A. The entire DynIR collection was captured through BBC® AM7/13 preamps via an Audient® ASP880.
Pricing and Availability
The Laney Collection is available now.
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