10 Best Fender Amp Of All Time 2024 – Top Musical Equipment
Finding the best Fender amp is not as difficult a task as you might think. The company still does an excellent job at manufacturing high-quality products. When musical equipment comes into the picture, Fender is a bona fide household name.
The brand has developed an unbeatable reputation. And that too within the categories of hard rock, jazz, blues, classic rock, and pop. Thanks to their collection of top-quality guitar amps. Fender has always provided a stellar collection of devices. And it continues to do so with these 10 best Fender amps.
Best Fender Amp: Reviews
The important factors I took into account are reliability, durability, value for money, and sound quality. So you can rest assured knowing that the 10 picks listed below score the highest marks in all key aspects.
Fender Amp Name | Our rating | Size | Style |
---|---|---|---|
Fender Rumble 200 v3 Bass Combo AmplifierFender Rumble 200 v3 Bass Combo Amplifier | #1 (Editor choice) | 200 | Combo |
Fender Champion 20 – 20-Watt Electric Guitar Amplifier Fender Champion 20 – 20-Watt Electric Guitar Amplifier |
#2 |
Amp | 20 Watt |
Fender ’65 Twin Reverb 85-Watt 2×12-Inch Guitar Combo AmpFender ’65 Twin Reverb 85-Watt 2×12-Inch Guitar Combo Amp |
#3 |
Twin Reverb | 65 |
Fender Champion 100 – 100-Watt Electric Guitar AmplifierFender Champion 100 – 100-Watt Electric Guitar Amplifier |
#4 |
Amp | 100 Watt |
Fender 68 Custom Deluxe Reverb AmplifierFender 68 Custom Deluxe Reverb Amplifier |
#5 |
Deluxe Reverb | 68 |
Fender Frontman 10G Electric Guitar AmplifierFender Frontman 10G Electric Guitar Amplifier |
#6 |
– | Amp |
Fender Mustang I V2 20-Watt 1×8-Inch Combo Electric Guitar AmplifierFender Mustang I V2 20-Watt 1×8-Inch Combo Electric Guitar Amplifier |
#7 |
20 Watt | Amp |
Fender Mini Deluxe Electric Guitar AmpFender Mini Deluxe Electric Guitar Amp |
#8 |
Mini Deluxe | 1 Watt |
Fender Acoustasonic 15 – 15 Watt Acoustic Guitar AmplifierFender Acoustasonic 15 – 15 Watt Acoustic Guitar Amplifier |
#9 |
15 Watt | Acoustic Guitar Amplifier |
Fender Super Champ X2 15-Watt 1×10-Inch Guitar Combo AmpFender Super Champ X2 15-Watt 1×10-Inch Guitar Combo Amp |
#10 |
15 Watt | 15 Watt |
Top 10 Fender Amp Recommendations:
1. Fender Rumble 200 v3 Bass Combo Amplifier – The Best Fender Amp for Bass Musicians
If you’re a bass player, you won’t find anything better than the Fender Rumble 200 v3 Bass Combo Amplifier. It produces the beefy sound you crave, one that is driven by at least 200W of real power. Such a quality is perfect for any type of a gig. In fact, the chances of neighbors blowing their lid are likely.
This happens once inspiration takes control, right? The Ready to Rumble amp provides a standard audio control set. And don’t even, for one second, doubt the ability of these controls. They do an excellent job at delivering the best sonic versatility.
Needless to say, if you prefer warm and purring tones to keep your groove in check, you have it. At the same time, if you want to work with treble-packed, mid-driven frenzy, you got that too! Now I would like to discuss the noteworthy features of the Fender Rumble 200 v3 Bass Combo Amplifier. The unit is equipped with an output jack for headphones. This means silent practice is quite possible.
The AUX input is also a remarkable addition for the Mp3 player. Lastly, and most importantly, the product has a 5-year warranty. So when I say that Fender is a brand that lives up to your expectations, I mean every word of it.
Do you know who invented those electric bass guitar amps? Well, it was none other than Fender. With that in mind, the Fender Rumble 200 v3 Bass Combo Amplifier is the most advanced version of bass engineering. This lightweight unit is packed with more power and sound than you can even begin to imagine.
However, there is one major problem with the Fender Rumble 200 v3 Bass Combo Amplifier. On the inside, the amp contains a few loose pieces. They tend to cause vibrations when using specific frequencies. And this applies to harmonics as well.
- Produces clean, crisp sound.
- The tonal response is exceptional.
- Not loud enough if you want to feel the thump.
- It produces harmonics and vibrations at certain frequencies.
2. Fender Champion 20 – 20-Watt Electric Guitar Amplifier – The Best Affordable Fender Amp
This budget-friendly pick makes for an excellent practice amp. Do you need the best Fender amp for practice sessions? If yes, then you might as well select from the popular Champion Series. Like the Fender Champion 20 – 20-Watt Electric Guitar Amplifier. It offers a decent punch, thanks to the 20W power output. The power capacity exceeds your set of requirements during those practice sessions.
On top of that, the sound controls feature integrated guitar effects. So there’s a lot to expect from such a standard version as well. The effects include tremolo, delay, flanger, chorus, reverb, and more. And what does this tell you? Doesn’t it mean that the Fender Champion 20 Amplifier is an ideal choice for beginners!
The high-level sound quality of these effects is what you might appreciate the most. It allows you to understand the forces of guitar effects with the help of an individual knob. Apart from the effects, you have the overall sound and power quality to look forward to. For that reason, this best Fender amp is considered to be quite popular as a practice amp.
The Fender Champion 20 – 20-Watt Electric Guitar Amplifier has a compact design. The unit also offers optimal versatility and ease of use. Plus, with straightforward controls and cool effects, you might not want to switch to anything else ever again.
Unfortunately, here comes the blow. The Fender Champion 20-Watt Electric Guitar Amplifier has a troublesome power chord. For one, the chord finds it difficult to stay plugged into the amp. And when not held in a particular spot, it tends to produce scratchy sound.
- The variety of effects sounds fantastic.
- Portability is the strongest factor.
- The amp’s power chord causes problems.
3. Fender ’65 Twin Reverb 85-Watt 2×12-Inch Guitar Combo Amp – The Best High-End Fender Amp
For kicking things off, nothing beats the power of the Fender ’65 Twin Reverb 85-Watt Guitar Combo Amp. The mighty option is packed with phenomenal tube technology. You get a power output of 85W in the tube. This means you’ve got optimal ionic strength for firing up any club.
So now it’s safe for me to state that the Fender ’65 Twin Reverb is perfect for large gigs. And I’m sure you would agree too, wouldn’t you? I mean the unit consists of 2 speakers, both 12 inches. These deliver excellent note separation and top clarity. As for the tubes, you have plenty at your disposal.
These include four output tubes and four preamp tubes. You even get extra preamp tubes, the 12AT7 ones. This way, the package consists of both 12AX7 and 12AT7 preamp versions. (Amplifier tubes explained) When you fire them up, the tubes have the ability to produce rich, organic sound.
So if hard blues and classic rock are your talents, you ought to pair up with this best Fender amp. What’s more, is that you also get access to more features. Like the dual channels, footswitch, and onboard vibrato and reverb.
The Fender ’65 Twin Reverb 85-Watt 2×12-Inch Guitar Combo Amp is a force to be reckoned with. Be it country, jazz, rock, or any other genre, the amp is what an electric guitar should sound like.
To my surprise, I noticed a serious flaw when testing this monster. Unfortunately, mechanical rattling is also a part of the musical experience. You can hear all that noise when playing the amp moderately loud.
- The tremolo and reverb effects are excellent.
- Despite being heavy-duty, it is lightweight.
- There’s just too much buzzing and rattling.
4. Fender Champion 100 – 100-Watt Electric Guitar Amplifier – The Best Fender Amp for Practice Sessions and Professional Gigs
The Fender Champion 100 falls within the budget-friendly category of guitar amps. It delivers 100W of solid power. The groove reaches you through double 12-inch designed speakers. These speakers are also Fender-made, so that’s another huge benefit in itself.
The fact that the player features two adjustable channels makes everything even better. You can adjust these with the help of the invaluable footswitch. Now let’s talk about the integrated effects. These come in the form of vibratone, delay, chorus, and digital reverb.
That’s a solid choice of effects for something with an affordable price tag, don’t you think? In the same vein, the effects offer the distinctive high-quality Fender vibe. This means the Fender Champion 100 is perfect for hard rock, blues, and classic rock. In fact, even when it comes to playing heavy metal, you might not find anything better than this.
Not to mention, the controls of this best Fender amp provides exceptional versatility. I mean you get the opportunity to adjust the audio properly based on your kind of jam. This proves that the Fender Champion 100 is created for both gigs and practice sessions.
As for the downside, there’s a single drawback to all this. The guitar amp works fine as long as you stick to clean notes. Only when you subject it to distortion or overdrive, the sound turns into a fizzy, buzzy mess.
- The volume and power capacities are pretty high.
- The effects offer various sound combinations.
- Distortion and overdrive compromise sound quality.
- Extra noises like cracks and hisses also affect sound quality.
5. Fender 68 Custom Deluxe Reverb Amplifier – The Best Lightweight Fender Amp
The year 1968 was considered to be transitional for amps manufactured by Fender. And the Fender 68 Custom Deluxe Reverb Amplifier is proof of that. The tone of this particular model remains pure, but it’s the look that got a major makeover.
The turquoise and silver front panel pairs up well with the classy aluminum grille. This Deluxe Reverb was and continues to stand as the best performing/recording amp. Moving on, the design of the amp is quite impressive.
The thing is moderately powered, lightweight, and compact. The tube tone that it produces is pretty big with unique Fender vibrato and reverb effects. Both the channels of the Fender 68 boast tremolo and reverb. And the custom version features a unique Bassman tone load.
This is useful for modern players. Especially those who like to achieve the most tonal flexibility when using pedals. So if what you want is to produce classic sound, you now know where to look and what to buy.
Did you know that the Fender 68 Custom Deluxe Reverb Amplifier is equipped with two unrivaled characteristics? The first one is a quick gain onset while the minimal negative feedback is the second. These two features provide better touch sensitivity, which is a huge plus point.
On the other hand, it’s the amp’s build quality that fails to surprise you in a good way. Compared to the equipment Fender used to manufacture, this one seems like a disappointment.
- The unit’s power chord is removable.
- The portable size is great for gigs.
- The quality is not top-notch.
6. Fender Frontman 10G Electric Guitar Amplifier – The Best Fender Amp for Beginners
Those of you who want a straightforward amp, here’s something you might find interesting. The Fender Frontman 10G Electric Guitar Amplifier delivers explosive tone. And that too with automatic controls! Let me highlight the part about intuitive controls.
The guitar amp provides you with gain and volume controls. The former handles how hard the amp is being driven with the instrument. At the same time, the latter takes care of volume. Now comes the bass and treble controls. They help in shaping the low and high frequencies of the guitar tone. For heavy overdriven distortion, the Fender Frontman gives you a front panel switch.
This particular clean/overdrive component adds tons of convenience to your musical experience. Plus, the unit has a closed-back structure. Such a design offers a heavier response as far as bass goes. Other noteworthy additions include a headphone jack for quiet practicing.
And another useful AUX jack so you can listen to your beloved tunes. The skirted knobs, silver grille, and Fender logo all combine to deliver classic aesthetics. And the software is just as impressive as the hardware. I found this to be true during testing.
The Fender Frontman 10G Electric Guitar Amplifier can translate tones into ultra-saturated, full-strength distortion. So it’s perfect for producing clean tones, metal, and blues.
You will be quite taken aback by the poor adjustments for bass and treble. The lack of settings in this area tends to give rise to flows during the performance. And that doesn’t sound like such a pleasant sound experience.
- The controls of the unit are responsive enough.
- Sound quality is pretty loud.
- The durability factor is weak.
- Bass and treble adjustments are only average.
7. Fender Mustang I V2 20-Watt 1×8-Inch Combo Electric Guitar Amplifier – The Best Modern Fender Amp
Now we all know that Fender is a leading manufacturer of musical instruments since 1946. In fact, the amps crafted by the company are still an important part of the modern music industry. And why not when we have series like the Mustang Collection!
To be more specific, it’s the Fender Mustang I V2 20-Watt Combo Electric Guitar Amplifier that I’m talking about. It serves as the benchmark for modern guitar muscle and versatility. All the Mustang amps of Fender offer an incredible tone that is driven by authentic power. And like them, this model too is packed with special elements. Such as integrated effects, the company’s special FUSE software, and USB connectivity.
These are invaluable components that expand your musical imagination and creativity. (Guitar amps and effects) You can connect the amp to the computer, which allows you to re-voice sound. Apart from the FUSE technology, you also get two other softwares.
These make it possible for modern players to create, compose, and connect. Plus, the Fender Mustang I V2 Combo Electric Guitar Amplifier is compact and portable. So it’s not just the 20W power output and 8-inch speaker that fails to disappoint you.
One knob and 17 different guitar amp models, isn’t that something! But what does that tell you? It means the Fender Mustang is an amplifier you can put to use for all genres of music.
The controls present on the Fender Mustang I V2 Amplifier are a bit complicated. So as a beginner, this might seem like a serious issue to deal with.
- The software allows further alteration of effects.
- The various settings offer endless sound production.
- Amp controls are difficult to operate.
8. Fender Mini Deluxe Electric Guitar Amp – The Best Mini Fender Amp
If you don’t believe me when I say that this is the best mini Fender amp, just look at the picture. And if you’re still not convinced, let me tell you all about the practical features. The Fender Mini Deluxe Electric Guitar Ampis packed in a petite, portable case.
That’s the first and the best advantage, isn’t it? But wait, there’s a lot more. The unit offers several tones for you to work with. These range from clean to crunch with volume, tone, and gain controls. Then comes the 9V adapter and headphone jacks. These make the experience more user-friendly.
The best part about the Fender Mini Deluxe Amp is that it requires no electricity to fire up. And that means you don’t have to deal with troublesome power chords. As for the sound quality, it’s pretty incredible. The versatility and range live up to your expectations, unlike other mini amps. In all, this little beast is great for both low volume and jam sessions.
If you want to buy an amp that’s convenient to lug around, I can think of nothing better than this one. And despite the small size, the amp is surprisingly loud.
Now let’s talk about the negative aspect of the Fender Mini Deluxe Electric Guitar Amp. The only concern in this area is that the amp’s distortion is only average. So you might not be able to use it for heavy-duty metal or rock.
- The volume and sound are impressive given the compact size.
- It is lightweight and comes with a carry handle.
- Durability is not the strongest factor.
- Distortion is not so great.
9. Fender Acoustasonic 15 – 15 Watt Acoustic Guitar Amplifier – The Best Fender Amp for Acoustic Guitar
Acoustic performers swear by the Fender Acoustasonic15 Watt Acoustic Guitar Amplifier. And you’ll know why pretty soon. So it’s time to highlight the most remarkable features of the Fender model at hand. It’s not only the sound of this best Fender amp that you might appreciate.
The size of the lightweight unit is another significant characteristic. The portable amp delivers great tone. What’s more is that it’s suitable for an acoustic microphone and guitar. You can rely on the flexibility and simplicity of the Acoustasoni for small gigs. It is the only Fender version equipped with the “Whizzer” cone.
This is useful for effective responses of high frequency. The speaker cone connects to the main speaker’s voice coil. If that wasn’t enough, Fender also decided to add integrated chorus effect. Such a characteristic comes in the form of the instrument channel.
Furthermore, the front panel includes a standard jack and microphone XLR input. The whole thing is lightweight and transportable. This way, you can practice and perform wherever you like.
There is one particular component that stands out from the rest. It’s the amp’s chorus effect. The integrated effect is an excellent choice for acoustic guitars. In fact, during testing the Fender Acoustasonic, the effect succeeded at producing clean results.
The major disappointment presents itself as poor quality bass. And the 6-inch speaker takes the blame for this. The response range of the thing decreases with more action.
- Solid tone controls over high and mid-range.
- The amp’s chorus knob adds an excellent touch.
- It produces muddy bass.
10. Fender Super Champ X2 15-Watt 1×10-Inch Guitar Combo Amp – The Best Combo Amp
When a Fender amp offers 15W of dual-channel, rich tube sound, you don’t need any more convincing, right? Even so, let’s break down the features of the Fender Super Champ X2 15-Watt 1×10-Inch Guitar Combo Amp. The unit delivers versatile voicing with a broad range of excellent digital effects.
It is simple yet flexible and tone-full. Also, note that it features fantastic computer connectivity. And this makes the user experience even better. So you can achieve customized voicing as well as effects. The Fender Super Champ X2 15-Watt Guitar Combo Amp has the ability to create unlimited tones. And this sounds like a brilliant idea for recording and rehearsal sessions.
You get double-channel switching, Fender speaker, line output, USB output, and more. The more part includes an amp to an invaluable voicing knob, which offers 16 different selections. Such as metal, Hot Rod, British, Blackface, tweed, etc.
Then there are 15 effects that offer level control. Even the TAP tempo setting is a huge benefit as it allows you to make precise time adjustments. So you can rest assured knowing that the Fender Super Champ X2 takes care of every little detail for you.
The workmanship and quality are the strongest factors in the case of this amp. The overall design reflects the true nature of the Fender brand. Every part of the unit seems solid and well-constructed.
With a heavy heart, I feel obliged to share with you that the Fender Super Champ X2 doesn’t contain enough muscle. It means the amp is only good for home or basement practice sessions.
- The options for effects and voices are excellent.
- It offers enough volume to annoy neighbors
- Not suitable for professional band settings.
The Best Fender Amp: Buyer’s Guide
Not all guitar amps offer the same kind of features and configurations. With that in mind, the buying process can get confusing. But if you’re an expert in the field, then you understand exactly what you require.
This means you know what to look for in the best Fender amp, right? But that’s not the case if you’re an intermediate player.
So at such times, you need proper guidance to take a step in the right direction. As beginners, we’re all content with using that little amp that we get with our first guitar. But over time, our ears learn how to tell the difference between good and bad tones. That’s how it works, right?
Every guitarist strives to achieve that perfect tone. And one of the most efficient ways of hitting that goal is selecting the best Fender amp. Because your success depends on what type of amplifier you use! So let’s find out everything we need to know about guitar amps.
Once you’re through with the guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of what you require.
Factors That You Need To Take Into Consideration
1. The Kind of Music You Play
The majority of guitar amps come with two channels. One overdrive and one clean. The color and saturation of overdrive channel are different in amps. And what particular guitar amp suits your skills the most depends on the kind of sound you create.
For example, are you into soft rock, blues, or country? If so, then the best Fender amp that produces softer overdrive and clean sound is an ideal choice. But more extreme sounds like metal demand the use of high-gain quality overdrive.
Now you ought to know that most amps fall between these two levels. Even so, once you get a clear idea of the sound you desire, it can help in narrowing down the options. Nothing is more important than your requirements when choosing a guitar amp.
So if what you demand is heavy music, then you should opt for high-gain channels. Otherwise, an amp with a more subtle overdrive is an excellent option.
2. The Power Factor
The guitar amp’s power output is written in the form of watts. When solid-state and tube amps share a similar power, you can expect the latter to be louder than the former. In simple words, a 50W tube guitar amp is a lot louder than its 50W solid-state counterpart.
The amount of power you need depends on only one factor. And that is the kind of application you would be subjecting the amp to. In most cases, it’s based on whether you’ll be using the best Fender amp with the drummer. Drums are acoustically loud, aren’t they?
In that context, you need a guitar amp with higher power output. This means tube amps that offer nothing more than 40W are pretty much useless. As for the solid-state amps, it differs from brand to brand. But in the case of Fender, 80-100W sounds like a great deal.
Here’s another aspect to take into account. When playing in a basement or bedroom, you can opt for something with low-wattage power output. But if you wish to annoy those neighbors, high wattage seems like an excellent choice. As far as home playing goes, the decision is personal. As opposed to professional band-playing. But for jamming with your drummer, it’s better to invest in an amp that’s packed with enough firepower.
3. Portability
The portability factor involves different configurations. So let’s find out the two most common ones.
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Cabinet/Head Stack
With this option, the speakers and amp come in independent chassis. Typically, the amp is placed on the cabinet’s top containing 2 or 4 speakers (12-inch). The cabinet that has 2 speakers is known as 2×12 and the cabinet with 4 speakers is 4×12.
When an amp and two cabinets are placed together, it’s referred to as a “stack.” And one cabinet is half a stack. Carrying a stack is a lot harder than working with a half-stack. In fact, half-stacks provide more than excellent portability. Their resonance, projection, and sound quality are also noteworthy advantages.
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Combo Amps
When the speaker and amp are included in one cabinet, it’s called a combo amplifier. Such a design is easier to carry. Even without the 4×12 configuration, combo amps are pretty loud. Common configurations in this department include a single speaker or two speakers. So it’s either 1×12 or 2×12.
You might also come across smaller versions such as 1×8 or 1×10. Now, these are created for practice sessions only. But if you want serious amplifiers, you need to opt for 2×12 or 1×12 combo amps. The higher configuration delivers greater sound projection.
Also, note that with more speakers you don’t necessarily achieve a more powerful amp. The thing is since the air moving mass is greater, the whole rig puts out a higher volume. And for this reason, even if the guitar amp is not all that powerful, you can achieve the greatest volume. That too with a fuller sound!
4. Features
This is the part that encourages you to take the features of the best Fender amp into consideration. The standard ones include two channels, right? One overdrive and one clean.
Another important feature comes in the form of an integrated reverb effect. At the same time, some units also offer digital effects. While a few emulate different sort of amps entirely! In that case, you should know that professional guitarists prefer amp modeling. Or those who wish to emulate the music of their beloved players.
So it all depends on your preferences whether you need those whistles and bells. If you’re old school like me, then you’d agree when I say that an amp should have the ability to produce a single great tone. That’s it. For any effects, the best thing that you can do is get an effects processor or pedals.
The majority of guitar amps on the market are equipped with all types of gadgets. These are located on the back panel of the amp. And these are features like effects loops, speaker jacks, footswitch plug-in, power cut and ground switches, and more.
So don’t forget to check the backside of the amp. Before I move on to the conclusion, I would like to offer an incredibly useful piece of advice. Combo amps allow you to connect external cabinets.
So when you make use of that option, the amp’s power output increases due to the additional speaker load. And there’s no other better way than this to extend your combo amp’s capabilities.
The Final Note
My Choice: Fender Champion 20 – 20-Watt Electric Guitar AmplifierFender Champion 20 – 20-Watt Electric Guitar Amplifier
Fender isn’t a company that is used to manufacture competitive equipment. They still do that. And will continue to do so. As long as there are products like the Fender Champion 20 – 20-Watt Electric Guitar Amplifier.
The treble and bass of this thing are pretty impressive. You even get lush effects like digital reverbs, delay, vibratone, and chorus. Plus, an AUX and headphone jack makes the amp more user-friendly.
And here’s the best part. With the turn of a single knob, you can choose mean or clean tones. There are as many as 17 different amp models that make the unit suitable for all types of genres.
Related Buyer’s guides and SBestReviews Lists:
Sources:
1. 10 classic guitar amps & the songs that made them famous.
2. Guide to choosing the best guitar amp for the money.
3. How to buy an amp: a guide for the first-time buyer.
4. Top 10 tips for buying an amp.
Here are some other interesting models that you might like: