Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III, (Used)

The Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III is a 40-watt all-tube combo amplifier that delivers robust clean and dynamic overdriven tones. It is powered by a trio of 12AX7 preamp tubes and a pair of 6L6 Grove Tube power tubes, with a solid-state rectifier ensuring consistent power. The cabinet, constructed from 7-ply birch/maple plywood and covered in black textured vinyl with a silver grille cloth, houses a 12-inch Celestion G12P-80 speaker for tight, responsive lows and detailed top-end.

This model offers three selectable channels—Normal, Drive, and More Drive—enabling seamless transitions from clean to driven tones. The Normal channel features a volume knob and a bright switch for added sparkle, while the Drive channel includes separate gain and master volume controls plus a three-band EQ (Treble, Middle, Bass), Presence, and Reverb adjustments. An effects loop, external speaker jack, and a streamlined footswitch facilitate enhanced flexibility in live and studio environments.

Upgrades in the MkIII version include a more legible black front panel with front-facing text and a redesigned badge. The volume and treble pots now feature smoother, graduated tapers for finer control, and the overdrive circuit has been tightened for better low-end definition. These refinements, paired with the Celestion driver, make the Hot Rod Deluxe III a rugged and stage-ready amplifier that offers classic Fender clean tones alongside improved breakup for rock and blues applications.