The amp can be quite versatile after a few mods starting with the speaker. As for the Master Volume, Fender used a linear potentiometer instead of an audio taper one which gave the illusion that the amp was real powerful (ala 1-4 volume). Replacing this pot will help with the over sensitive Master Volume. A B250K is the stock pot which can be replaced with a A250K pot or A500K pot. Antique Electronics should still offer the A250K pot for the HRD/Deville amps.
I'm not a Deville or Fender basher, but except for the speaker, those sound like mods that are not expensive- I wonder why Fender does not spec those parts. Fender amps have a pretty good warranty- five years, and transferable to the next owner- but monkeying with them like that voids the warranty. IMO, you should not have to do that.
...I'm pretty sure there was a Deluxe RI in the booth, and when I went back and played both, the Deluxe had that gorgeous clean sound . . . not just good, but excellent (which is to be expected). I know you can't compare the Deluxe and the Hot Rod...
Yeah, I'd agree with that. I've had both- the DR is a silverface, if that matters, and the two amps are quite different in sooooo many ways- I won't go into them, here. Still have the DR, whereas the HR was traded for a Gretsch Catalina Maple drum kit (I
really think I got the better end of that stick.) But, the HR was a good amp, and if not for that sweet swap, I kinda wish we still had it.
We've (my son/his studio, and I) had my share of Twins, too- Silverface 100 watt, silverface 135 watt/ultralinear, red-knob "evil twin," and '65 BF reissue- and yeah, they are
heavy mofo's- esp. the one with EV speakers in it. I am kinda surprised they still make 'em, the days of the guitarist having to fill the whole place with his amp are pretty much over, IMO.