Rather than do a ‘best of’ style post, every year I do a rundown of what amps I’m using for pedal platforms, and why – along with other amps I’m using at home with both electric and acoustic guitar.
Previous years: [2019] [2020] [2021] [2022] [2023] [2024]
tl;dr
I’m going into 2026 with a choice of pedal platforms: my pedal platform presets for the Axe-FX 3, the Synergy Imperial MK2 module, and the Blackstar Debut 100RH. I’m not really sure which one’s likely to feature the most. It’s a nice problem to have.
Fender’s Tone Master Pro floor modelling unit almost joined the roster. Alas, it only had partial models of the amps I was looking to buy it for, so I decided that it’s not yet for me. I’m keeping an eye on future updates, to see if Fender fix it.
The notorious Marshall Origin 20HR long-term review got a step closer. I spent much of the summer improving my skills at capturing real amp tones via my hybrid rig. If only I wasn’t constantly distracted by my beloved Tweed Deluxe!
Speaking of which (and to finish off), this year I got to play a Lazy J amp in person for the very first time – but not the one regular readers might have expected. If the fates are kind, I’m planning on buying the Lazy J 10LC in 2026.
Ending The Year With Good Uncertainty
For the last few years, the Fractal Audio Axe-FX 3 has been my pedal platform “amp”. After a summer where I mostly played through valve amps, I’m undecided about what I’ll be using in 2026.
What’s causing this indecision?
While it’s a wonderful tool with over 300 state-of-the-art amp models to choose from, by and large the Axe-FX 3 doesn’t model the amps that home tone players are more likely to own and use. I’m worried that my audio demos are capturing sounds that most of my target audience can’t get close to with their own equipment.
With that in mind, I’ve picked up a Blackstar Debut 100RH amp head. It’s a solid-state spiritual successor to my old Blackstar Studio 10 6L6. I plan to use this on many of my pedal demos in 2026.
That said, my Axe-FX 3 isn’t going anywhere!
The Axe-FX 3 Is Better Than Ever
At the time of drafting this, the Axe-FX 3 just hit Firmware 31.01; and at some point in the last 12 months, the Axe-FX 3 has gone past the point where I’m convinced by its amp modelling. I don’t think about the sound any more; I just dial in the tone that I want and play.
Some of this is definitely thanks to Fractal Audio’s relentless improvements in amp modelling. Fractal Audio’s stated mission is to deliver the most accurate amp models possible (within the limits of the Axe-FX 3’s hardware and processing power). They regular move the needle, and over the last three years that I’ve owned my Axe-FX 3, these improvements have all really added up.
It feels like we’re once again reaching a point with the Axe-FX 3 where it makes sense for me to stick with the same firmware for months at a time. (I did this a couple of years ago, and found the stability very helpful.) I’ll be making a decision on that before Easter.
I think the rest of it is that I’m using different tools in the Axe-FX 3 when I need to tweak the sound. I used the EQ the heck out of things. These days, I find that I’m only reaching for an EQ when the real-world rig would have included an EQ pedal (such as in my Tweed Champ tones).
When I’m not using the Axe-FX 3 as an amp, I’m using it as an IR loader and effects unit with my physical amps. This is what I originally bought it for, and I’m delighted with the results I’m getting this year.
The Marshall Origin 20H Long-Term Review Got A Little Closer
The reason I spent the summer playing through valve amps? It was prep for finally writing the long-term review of the Marshall Origin 20H (originally slated for 2019!)
Regular readers may recall that one of the self-professed hold-ups for this review is me figuring out how to capture the sounds of both this amp, and of any amps I want to use as a comparison. That’s very important to me.
- I want to demonstrate whether or not the Marshall Origin 20H can work as a pedal platform amp. In the past, I’ve put out blog posts claiming both that it can, and that it can’t (and been vocal about it on forums). I want to address it once and for all.
- I also want to demonstrate whether or not the Marshall Origin 20H is a budget plexi amp. Most folks on forums feel that it is a budget plexi amp; I’m convinced that it isn’t.
I’m not there yet; I need to make more time for this (and stop getting distracted by my Tweed Deluxe rig). For the first time, though, I’m starting to find the confidence that I need in the captured tones to complete this.
My Synergy Rig Saw More Use
Synergy have put out a couple of interesting releases this year.
- The Tone King Imperial MK2 Synergy preamp is a fun tweed-tone sound, and (so far) a fantastic pedal platform too. I’m loving mine very much.
- The Marshall JMP Synergy preamp looks like a killer solution for anyone looking for those classic Marshall plexi amp tones. I haven’t bought one yet, but I will get one at some point.
I also had a lot of fun with my Synergy BMan preamp and Synergy IICP preamp modules. I used the BMan to help me dial in a reference Tweed Bassman tone. And I always enjoy subverting the IICP to get tweed-like tones out of one of the greatest metal amps ever made.
I missed out on a Synergy DS preamp module in the Black Friday sales. I had one in my shopping basket … and then I had to spend the money on replacing a dead power conditioner unit instead.
The Next Bucket-List Amp
Early Autumn, while travelling for work, I popped into Coda Music for an hour to finally try the holy grail of modern Tweed Deluxe amps. They didn’t have a Lazy J 20 out on the shop floor for demo … and that happy accident introduced me to my next bucket-list amp.
Next year, I hope to buy the Lazy J 10 LC.
I’d never heard of it before I saw one in the shop. As I understand it, it’s a lower-wattage version of the legendary Lazy J 20. It’s a little more friendly to use at home volumes, and it seems to be a little more snarly and aggressive too. From what I’ve read online, it might just be the best amp that Lazy J makes.
I’m Not Interested In Partial Amp Models On Fender’s Tone Master Pro
Back in October, Fender ran a promotion on the Fender Tone Master Pro floor modelling unit – so I went and tried one out in person, fully expecting to buy one.
Alas, the only two tweed-era amps it models – the Tweed Deluxe and Tweed Bassman – were only partially modelled.
- The TMP doesn’t model either amp unjumpered – only jumpered
- The TMP doesn’t model Input 2 on either amp – only Input 1.
I’m sorry, Fender, but I don’t get it. You’ve got a working, complete model of the Tweed Bassman amp. Why isn’t it available on the Tone Master Pro?!? And why don’t you have a complete Tweed Deluxe model on there either?
It’s your flagship modelling unit. It seems reasonable to expect it to have complete amp models on it. But … it doesn’t.
And that definitely cost you a sale.
Any Plans For 2026?
Most importantly, I need to get my Fender 57 Custom Deluxe amp serviced. Even though the amp is only a few years old and has only seen light use, it’s playing up a bit. Unfortunately, the only amp tech in the area isn’t taking on any more work atm, so I’m kinda stuck waiting for when he can fit me in.
Fender has finally added an (admittedly, incomplete) Tweed Deluxe amp model to their Tone Master Pro floor modelling unit. I’m hoping this means that we’ll see Fender release some sort of Tweed Deluxe Tone Master amp. If they do, I’ll definitely get one.
My other bucket-list amp for 2026 is the Lazy J 10 LC. I plan to get one through Coda Music. There is an argument that I should get the Lazy J 20, as that’s the model that’s widely considered to be the holy grail of modern Tweed Deluxe amps. But I think the Lazy J 10 LC is the better choice for me.