Best Fender Amp (2022 Reviews Updated)
Last Updated on [todaysdate format="F, jS Y"]
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We’ve read countless of reviews, talked to a dozens of Fender aficionados, and listened to hours of noodling around on Fender amps. We can say without a doubt that the Fender ‘65 Twin Reverb is the best Fender combo amp you can get. Of course all of the Fender amps on our list can bring any guitar to life, but if you are looking for a true classic to deliver clean tones and massive power, this is my our top pick.
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The list of artists who've used a Fender guitar amp live or on record is massive. If you are in the market for a Fender amp rest assure that you will be in good company. It seems as though everyone has used them at some point, including Elvis, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Radiohead and White Stripes, to name but a few. Fender guitar amps have been a constant in rock music, featuring legendary clean tones, lush spring reverbs and, in the case of the newest solid-state models, some of the best modeling and built-in digital effects available today.
The build quality of Fender guitar amp is incredible. There is a reason why these amps have become go-to the choice for many world-famous musicians – they are built to last. Any of the amps we are reviewing today will easily hold up after years of gigs, and any abuse they may suffer from rattling around in the back of your van on those long tours!
So, ready to join the club? You know you want to, and you'll obviously be in good company. But how do you choose the right Fender amp for you? With the vast number of models on the market, it could get a bit complicated. But don't fret we've got you covered. Check out our list of some of the best amps Fender has to offer in 2019, and find the one that's right for you.
Editor's Pick - Top Pick
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Best Fender Amps for the Money
Model | Size | Weight | Power |
---|---|---|---|
Fender ‘65 Twin Reverb | 28.2 x 22.5 x 12.2 inches | 72 pounds | 85W |
Fender Champion 100 | 30 x 14 x 22 inches | 50 pounds | 100W |
Fender Champion 20 | 16 x 12 x 16 inches | 11.9 pounds | 20W |
Fender Rumble Bass Combo 200 | 17.9 x 27.6 x 22.8 inches | 34.5 pounds | 200W |
Best Fender Amp Reviews 2019
The style of Fender guitar amp you need and the features you want it to have, depend on it's intended purpose. The ideal guitar amplifier for playing larger venues is certainly a different beast from one that you would use for practicing at home in a small or confined space.
Top 3 Things To Consider When Purchasing An Amplifier
- Power. Where will you primarily use this amp? At home? For Gigs? The amount of watts should be chosen based on where you plan on shredding. If playing huge venues or outdoors, you would need a more powerful one than you were buying one for indoor practice.
- Speakers. A common set-up for guitar amps is a 12” woofer coupled with a smaller tweeter, typically 1”. Some Fender amps come with an additional mid-range horn as well, which can potentially improve frequency response and definition.
- Inputs and outputs. It might seem obvious, but make sure the amplifier you are looking at has the correct type of inputs, and enough of them, to accommodate all the gear you want to plug in!
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1. Editor’s Pick: Fender ‘65 Twin Reverb
The Fender '65 twin reverb is simply the best Fender tube amp available at the moment. It is supremely adaptable, looks great, and is exquisitely built. But what really stands out, is the sound. The sound is really incredible.
This is because this Fender is a full tube amplifier. The gorgeous tones of tube amplification are impossible to recreate on solid state amplifiers, and once you have heard the way it sounds it will be a challenge to play guitar through any other amplifier, Fender or otherwise.
These amps are fitted with more than enough tubes for you to effectively rock out like the best of them. There are four 6L6 Groove output tubes, four 12AX7 preamp tubes, and a set of two 12AT7 preamp tubes. This may all sound a bit technical, but you don’t have to be a scientist to appreciate the effects of all these tubes when you hear them. They produce an incredibly rich, organic, clean tones that is impossible to beat.
The '65 Fender twin reverb will last for years, and keep on delivering amazing sounds no matter how many gigs you play with them. Of course, in addition to the incredible sound, these amps comes with a range of great extra features:
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Of course, in addition to the incredible sound, this amp comes with a range of great extra features:
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- This Fender Twin Reverb reissue is based on Fender's classic 1965 Blackface circuitry, and it delivers the legendary sound you've heard on countless hit records.
This 85-watt, 2-channel all-tube guitar combo is loud enough to play large venues, and sounds great even when pushed to its limits.
The reverb and vibrato effects on these Fender amps are incredible, they have become a staple of classic rock and blues tunes! The people we talked to for this review reported that their first time using the '65 Twin Reverb was incredibly exciting, because suddenly their guitars sounded like their heroes’ instruments.
There is a reason this amplifier has become a legend – it lasts for ever, and looks great even after it has taken a beating.
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- In truth, none. If you are looking for a Fender amplifier that delivers great sound, enough power for even the largest gigs, and will last for many years, this is the one to get.
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2. Fender Champion 100
A great amplifier for an amazing price.
The Fender Champion 100 features dual 12” speakers have been specially designed by Fender to offer crisp sound reproduction, using either of the two included footswitchable channels.
Channel one delivers classic Fender clean tone based on amps like the Twin Reverb, and channel two has selectable amp voicing, including Blackface, British, Metal, Jazz, Rock and Tweed, for a wide array of tonal variety. Each channel offers selectable FX, including delay, chorus, reverb and more.
Simple to use and versatile enough for any style of guitar playing, the 100W, dual-channel Champion 100 is a great choice for practicing or as affordable stage gear. This speaker is also a popular go to choice for keyboards as well as voice.
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In addition, is has these great features:
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- The on-board effects that come with this speaker is amazing. One of the advantages of solid state amps like these over tube amps is the range of effects, and this speaker certainly delivers on this! You can choose from digital reverb, chorus, delay, and vibratone.
And all these effects sound great. Even with their solid state amps, Fender still manages to achieve a gorgeous, classically Fender sound. So if you are playing classic rock, jazz, or blues, you can be sure that you will get the sound you need!
The adaptability of this speaker is also a great strength. The controls are extensive, but still manage to be easy to use. With just a few adjustments, it can easily set up for whatever situation you are in, whether it be practicing in your room or playing a huge venue.
Because this guitar amp is solid state, it’s also very hardy. One problem with tube amps is that you will always be worried about smashing a vacuum tube, and having to buy an expensive replacement. The circuity used has no such disadvantage – you can really toss this it around, and it will keep on trucking.
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- None, for the price. The value represented is really outstanding , and as far as solid state goes it is a favorite among the many Fender amps on the market today.
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3. Fender Champion 20
Perfect for practicing.
The Fender Champion 20 is basically a smaller, version of the Champion 100. Though only 20W, this speaker still delivers those classic Fender tones. It is definitely loud enough to practice with solo, or with a full band. Even with a drum kit in the room, the amp is loud enough for your guitar to be heard, while maintaining the crisp and clean sound you've come to expect with Fender amps.
The Champion 20 is much more portable than the 100 model, and many of the professional musicians we spoke to have this amp in addition to a larger unit for gigs. It's less than ideal to lug around a 100W amp to and from band practice every week is just a drag! Whilst you might not be able to play stadium shows with this compact amp, it is certainly easier to carry than its more powerful brothers!
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In addition, this amp comes with some great features:
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- The simplicity of the controls on this small speaker are sometimes advantageous, because it allows you to focus on what is important – playing your guitar, rather than messing around with the settings!
The effects, if you choose to use them, are great. Effects include reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, tremolo, and more. We are amazed that Fender have managed to pack this all into such a small package, and to have replicated that classic Fender sound with each one!
If you are just starting out with electric guitar, then this is the amp to get. 20W is more than enoufor a novice and the fact that it includes some classic effects means that beginners can get used to playing around with creating a signature sound on their guitar before graduating to a more powerful option.
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- Very few. If you are looking for a great practice amp, or just one that you can easily take to band practice, this is the one to go for!
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4. Fender Rumble Bass Combo 200
Last but certainly not least, a Fender amp for bass players!
This is a monster of an amp, offering 200W of power. It drives all 200 watts through a single fat-sounding 15" speaker. It also comes with both gain and blend controls, so you can bring the perfect amount of overdrive into your sound.
When turned way up, the sounds this amp can produce will shake window frames a block away. But rest assure that the sound quality of this amp is amazing at any volume.
This speaker easily adapts to whatever style of bass player you are, whether you are slapping out funk on your bass guitar or want a driving rock rhythm.
If you're after bad ass low-end thump, the Fender Rumble 200 combo is perfect for you. Also see best bass amp combos.
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In addition, this Fender amp comes with a number of extra features:
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- The durability of this amp is amazing. Bass players are not known as the most careful of people, and it is nice to know that even if you really throw your amp around, it will go on and on.
The headphone jack, which plugs directly into this amp, is really good for silent practice. With the deep bass offered by this amp, this feature will stop the neighbors complaining!
The input, where you can plug your phone or mp3 player directly into the amp, is a nice feature. You can use the amp as a standalone amplifier for parties, or even play along with your favorite artists. This is great for beginners, and is one of the reasons this amp comes highly recommended for them.
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- Like many bass amps, this one is large, and may be difficult for some to move around. Sometimes that's the price you play for playing bass.
Your drummer may be annoyed, because this amp will definitely make you the loudest musician on the stage when cranked up to capacity.
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Final Thoughts
So which to choose?
Well, the choice of which of the best Fender amps to buy is yours. Some people prefer an amp that is small enough to carry around with them everywhere, while others prioritize great sound quality. Whatever genre of music you play, rock, pop, blues, or jazz, Fender has you covered.
All of the amps we have reviewed today are a good choice, and we are confident that you will get many years of great service out of any one of them. But there has to be a winner, and ours is the Fender ‘65 Twin Reverb. This classic amp delivers incredible tube sound, has amazing effects, and will last for ever. If you are looking for a true classic, which delivers gorgeous tube sounds and massive power, this is the one to get.
A few more reviews we think you'll dig, check 'em out:
- Mini Amp Reviews
- Best Bass Amp Combos
- Best Marshall Combo Amps