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Average Price: $199

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Description

Step into the spotlight with the Fender Deluxe 85, a solid-state combo amplifier that promises to elevate your guitar sound from the garage to the grand stage. This 85-watt powerhouse brings versatility and punch, letting you explore an array of tones from clean to overdriven bliss. With its straightforward operation and robust build, it's designed to be your faithful companion whether you're crafting new tunes at home or showcasing your skills at a gig. The built-in gain, reverb, and effects loop open up endless possibilities for sound sculpting, while the headphone out allows for silent practice sessions. It's not just an amp; it's your next step towards sonic greatness.

Key Features:

  • 85 watts of solid-state power for commanding performances
  • 1x12 combo design for optimal balance between portability and sound quality
  • Two switchable channels to seamlessly shift between clean and overdriven sounds
  • Built-in gain and reverb for immersive sound shaping
  • Effects loop for integrating your favorite pedals into your setup
  • Headphone out for silent practice

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Deluxe 85 2-Channel 85-Watt 1x12" Solid State Guitar Combo
Finish Black
Year 1988 - 1992
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Electronics Solid State
Model Family Fender Deluxe Solid State
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 85
Power Tube Type None
Reverb Spring Reverb
Series Fender Standard Solid State
Speaker Configuration 1x12"

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Fender 'Red Knob' Deluxe 85 suitable for?

The Fender 'Red Knob' Deluxe 85 is versatile and can handle a variety of genres, from clean jazz tones to crunchy rock sounds, thanks to its solid-state design and spring reverb.

Does the Fender 'Red Knob' Deluxe 85 have built-in effects?

Yes, the Fender 'Red Knob' Deluxe 85 comes with built-in effects, including a spring reverb, which enhances its tonal versatility.

How many channels does the Fender 'Red Knob' Deluxe 85 have?

The Fender 'Red Knob' Deluxe 85 features two channels, allowing for both clean and overdriven tones, which can be easily switched during performances.

Is the Fender 'Red Knob' Deluxe 85 loud enough for live performances?

With 85 watts of output power, the Fender 'Red Knob' Deluxe 85 is capable of delivering ample volume for live performances, especially in small to medium-sized venues.

Does the Fender 'Red Knob' Deluxe 85 work well with guitar pedals?

Yes, the Fender 'Red Knob' Deluxe 85 is known to take pedals well, making it a great choice for guitarists who use a variety of effects in their setup.

Landon Bailey

Landon Bailey

Fender Deluxe 85 - Red Knob retro amp demo/review

Video thumbnail for Fender Deluxe 85 - Red Knob retro amp demo/review by Landon Bailey

Fender Deluxe 85 - Red Knob retro amp demo/review

Landon Bailey

Landon Bailey

Video thumbnail for Which 12" Combo Amp is the Loudest? by Landon Bailey

Which 12" Combo Amp is the Loudest?

Landon Bailey

Landon Bailey

Video thumbnail for the Fender Deluxe 85 and FX Pedals by Landon Bailey

the Fender Deluxe 85 and FX Pedals

Landon Bailey

Landon Bailey

Video thumbnail for Fender Deluxe 85 - Red Knobs (Guitar Warm-Up) by Andrea Maccianti

Fender Deluxe 85 - Red Knobs (Guitar Warm-Up)

Andrea Maccianti

Andrea Maccianti

Video thumbnail for Fender Deluxe 85 Amp + Joyo American Sound + Joyo Vintage Overdrive - Demo by Jonathan Lucero

Fender Deluxe 85 Amp + Joyo American Sound + Joyo Vintage Overdrive - Demo

Jonathan Lucero

Jonathan Lucero

Reviews

PROS

  • Powerful sound and great tone

  • Durable, solid-state construction

  • Clean tones are commendably good

  • Reverb adds depth and wetness

  • Excellent for achieving lo-fi 50's-60's vibes

  • Acts as a great pedal platform

  • Forces improvement in guitar playing due to its articulate nature

  • Suitable for practice and small gigs

  • Loved by notable musicians like Johnny Greenwood

CONS

  • Reverb not as lush as other Fender models

  • Overdrive channel limited in versatility

  • Not truly reflective of its 85 watt rating in loudness

Critic Reviews

Deluxe 85 Review: Like I said it's good for blues, funk and rock. | Fender | Guitar Amplifiers | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Fender Deluxe 85 shines with its powerful clean tones and reverb, making it ideal for blues, rock, and funk enthusiasts. While its distortion may fall short for metalheads, a decent pedal can easily rectify that. This amp boasts durability and reliability, surviving countless gigs and rough handling. Its extensive input options and loud output are commendable, though it shows its age with some missing jacks. Overall, a solid choice for those seeking classic Fender sound on a budget, but perhaps not for those craving heavy distortion without additional gear.

positive

Deluxe 85 Review: If I'd lose it, I would buy a new one (If... | Fender | Guitar Amplifiers | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Fender Deluxe 85 garners praise for its warm, rich clean tones and outstanding analog reverb, making it a standout choice for blues and rock enthusiasts. Its 85-watt solid-state power and 12" speaker deliver impressive volume that might upset the neighbors but delights players. However, the distortion falls short for heavy metal aficionados, necessitating a stompbox for that extra edge. While versatile and feature-rich, it falters slightly in durability, with common issues like faulty input jacks. Despite this, the reviewer expresses a strong attachment, willing to repurchase if needed, underscoring its value and overall positive impression.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 11 Ratings

5 star
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1 star
paul_m_burke

that's not mine in the picture

Good enough for Johnny Greenwood...very LOUD

Artist usage

Add artist
See how iTAL tEK uses Fender 'Red Knob' Deluxe 85 (1988-1992)

iTAL tEK

Music Producer

...
Verified via Headphone Commute

I also re-amped sounds coming out of the computer to give some grit and sense of space. I’ve got a nice little Fender amp which is nice to run stuff through to give some character.

See how Neil Fraser uses Fender 'Red Knob' Deluxe 85 (1988-1992)

Neil Fraser

Guitarist

Tindersticks

...
Verified via Photo

In this blurry pic you can spot the amp. It is clearly a red knob Fender amp with two sets of (red) knobs and some space in between

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender 'Red Knob' Deluxe 85 (1988-1992), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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