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Fender 90 - User Manual

Fender 90
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Reference and Owner’s Manual
for the Deluxe 90
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Summary

A Message from the Chairman

YOUR DELUXE 90 AMPLIFIER Features

90 Watts of Power

Amplifier delivers 90 watts of power at 4 Ohms for a full-bodied tone.

Two Independent Channels

Features two distinct channels, each with independent tone controls for versatile sound shaping.

More Drive Feature

Provides harmonically rich distortion for enhanced lead guitar sounds.

Footswitch Jack

Allows remote on-off switching of channels and drive selection via footswitch.

Spring Reverb

Includes spring reverb for adding classic ambiance to the sound.

DELUXE 90 FRONT CONTROL PANEL Overview

Input Jacks and Normal Channel Controls

Details Input 1/2, Volume, Treble, Mid, and Bass for the normal channel.

Drive Channel Indicators and Controls

Covers Drive Channel Indicator, Drive gain, Channel Select, and Drive Volume.

DELUXE 90 FRONT CONTROL PANEL Continued

More Drive Button and Drive EQ

Explains the More Drive button and the Treble, Mid, Bass controls for the drive channel.

Reverb and Footswitch Connection

Details the Reverb control and the jack for the remote footswitch.

Audio Output;Input Jacks

Describes Pre Out (preamp send) and Pwr In (effects return/power amp input) jacks.

Power Indicator Jewel

Red jewel light that illuminates when the amplifier is receiving power.

DELUXE 90 REAR PANEL

Power Switch

Turns the amplifier's AC power ON and OFF.

Line Cord Connection

IEC grounding type supply cord for connection to a grounded AC receptacle.

TROUBLESHOOTING

COVERING CARE

DELUXE 90 SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

The Fender Deluxe 90 Amplifier is a powerful and versatile musical instrument designed for guitarists seeking a wide range of tones, from sparkling clean to harmonically rich distortion. Engineered by the same team responsible for classic Fender amps like the Tone-Master, Princeton Chorus, and Hot Rod Series, the Deluxe 90 offers robust performance and dependable sound quality for various musical styles.

Function Description

At its core, the Deluxe 90 is a 90-watt solid-state guitar amplifier featuring two independent channels, each with its own tone controls, allowing for precise sound shaping. The amplifier is designed to be a finely tuned musical instrument, emphasizing careful attention to detail in its construction and sound delivery.

The Normal (Clean) Channel provides pristine, clear tones, ideal for rhythm guitar, jazz, or any style requiring an uncolored sound. This channel includes dedicated controls for Volume, Treble, Mid, and Bass, enabling comprehensive adjustment of the clean tone's frequency response.

The Drive (Distortion) Channel is where the Deluxe 90 truly shines for guitarists seeking more aggressive sounds. This channel offers everything from a subtle crunch to heavy overdrive. It features its own set of controls, including Drive, Volume, Treble, Mid, and Bass, allowing for independent shaping of the distorted tone. A key feature of the drive channel is the "More Drive" function, which, when activated, significantly increases the preamp gain, producing a harmonically rich distortion ideal for enhanced leads and heavier rock styles.

The amplifier also incorporates a Spring Reverb unit, adding depth and ambiance to both the normal and drive channels. This classic effect helps create a fuller, more spacious sound, enhancing the overall musical experience.

For remote control and live performance flexibility, the Deluxe 90 includes a Footswitch Jack. The included 2-button footswitch allows for convenient on-off switching between the normal and drive channels, as well as toggling the "More Drive" feature within the drive channel. This remote control capability ensures seamless transitions during performances, freeing the guitarist to focus on playing.

The rear panel of the amplifier offers additional connectivity options. A PRE OUT jack provides an unbalanced output signal from the preamp, which can be used in various setups. This includes driving effects units in an effects loop, connecting to additional amplifiers in a multi-amp configuration, or sending a signal to a mixing console for recording or live sound reinforcement. Conversely, a PWR IN jack serves as an unbalanced return for effects units or as a direct power amp input, offering flexibility for integrating external signal processors or using the Deluxe 90 as a standalone power amplifier.

Usage Features

Operating the Deluxe 90 is straightforward, designed for ease of use while offering extensive tonal control.

Front Panel Controls:

  • INPUTS (1 & 2): Input 1 is the primary input for most guitars, while Input 2 offers lower impedance and sensitivity, suitable for guitars with active pickups.
  • Normal Channel Controls:
    • VOLUME (C): Adjusts the overall loudness of the clean channel.
    • TREBLE (D), MID (E), BASS (F): These three controls allow for detailed equalization of the clean tone, boosting or cutting high, middle, and low frequencies, respectively.
  • Drive Channel Controls:
    • DRIVE (H): Controls the amount of preamp gain, determining the level of distortion.
    • VOLUME (J): Adjusts the overall loudness of the drive channel.
    • TREBLE (L), MID (M), BASS (N): Similar to the clean channel, these controls provide equalization for the distorted tone.
    • CH SELECT (I): A push-button switch that toggles between the normal and drive channels.
    • MORE DRIVE (K): A push-button switch that, when pressed, increases the gain within the drive channel for a more intense distortion.
  • TWO COLOR DRIVE CHANNEL INDICATOR (G): An LED that illuminates when the drive channel is active. It glows yellow for "Drive" and red for "More Drive," providing a clear visual indication of the current drive mode.
  • REVERB (O): A master control that adjusts the amount of spring reverb applied to both channels.
  • FOOTSWITCH (P): The input for the remote footswitch, which overrides the front panel channel and "More Drive" select buttons. While any good quality patch cord can be used, a speaker-grade cord is preferable to a coax guitar cord for optimal performance with the footswitch.
  • POWER JEWEL (S): A red jewel light that illuminates when the amplifier is receiving power, serving as a visual power indicator.

Rear Panel Controls:

  • POWER SWITCH (A): A simple on/off switch for the amplifier's AC power.
  • LINE CORD (B): The IEC grounding type supply cord ensures safe operation and must be connected to a grounded AC receptacle. It is crucial not to alter the AC cord or plug.

Getting Started:

To begin using your Deluxe 90, simply plug your guitar into the appropriate input, ensure the power cord is securely connected to a grounded outlet, and turn on the power switch. Start with the volume controls at a low setting and gradually increase them to your desired level. Experiment with the tone controls on both channels and the reverb to discover the wide array of sounds available. Utilize the footswitch for quick channel and drive mode changes during practice or performance.

Maintenance Features

The Fender Deluxe 90 is built for durability and long-lasting performance, but proper care and occasional troubleshooting can help maintain its condition and functionality.

Covering Care:

The amplifier is covered in genuine Tolex, a durable material known for its longevity and good looks. To clean the Tolex covering, use a sponge dampened with a light soapy water solution. It is essential to avoid spilling liquids on the operating surfaces, grill, volume and tone controls, switches, and speakers. Always UNPLUG THE POWER CORD BEFORE CLEANING and ensure the unit is COMPLETELY DRY BEFORE PLUGGING IT IN again to prevent damage or electrical hazards.

Troubleshooting:

If the Deluxe 90 does not function as expected, a systematic troubleshooting approach can often resolve common issues:

  1. Power Connection: Verify that the power cord is properly plugged into both the amplifier and a functioning electrical outlet.
  2. Power at Outlet: Confirm that the electrical outlet itself has power.
  3. Control Settings: Check that the amplifier's control knobs (especially volume) are turned up above "1."
  4. Instrument Volume: Ensure the volume control on your guitar is turned up.
  5. External Equipment: If using external effects or signal processing devices, check their power connections and ensure their control knobs are set appropriately (above "1").
  6. Cables: Inspect all cables (instrument, footswitch, external effects) for cuts, fraying, or damage. Try using a different, known-good cable to rule out cable issues.
  7. Instrument Connection: Confirm that your instrument is properly plugged into the amplifier's input.
  8. Effects Loop/Pedals: If using effects pedals or an effects loop, try bypassing them or removing them from the signal chain to see if they are causing the problem.

If, after performing these checks, the amplifier still does not perform correctly, it is recommended to consult your nearest authorized Fender Service Center for professional assistance. The Deluxe 90 contains no user-serviceable parts inside, and all servicing should be referred to qualified personnel only to prevent damage, fire, or shock hazards. The unit must always be earth grounded for safety.

Fender 90 Specifications

General IconGeneral
TypeSolid State
Output Power90W
EQ3-Band EQ
EffectsReverb
Channels2 (Normal and Bright)

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