Fender is a legendary brand that has r Topshaped the sound of countless musical genres. The iconic status of Fender in the music industry is undeniable, and their amplifiers have played a crucial role in delivering that perfect tone we all strive for. In this guide, we’ll talk about the best Fender amps available for any needs and budgets to help you find the perfect addition to your gear.
We’ll cover everything from tube amps to solid-state and modeling amps. This way, you’ll get a good sense of what’s available and how each type might suit different musicians preferences. Whether you’re a beginner on the hunt for your first amp or a seasoned musician looking to expand your collection, this guide is for you.
Choosing the right Fender amp might seem hard, but we’re here to help you out. Let’s explore the world of Fender amps together and find the perfect one to take your music to the next level.
Best Fender Amps
Here’s our list of the top Fender amps. Let’s check out our favorites!
Fender Blues Junior IV Guitar Amplifier
Get this amp for the perfect balance of warmth, versatility, and stage-ready performance.
Pros
- Full, warm tone
- Smooth spring reverb
- Compact and portable
Cons
- Slight hum with single-coil pickups
- Might be too small for larger venues
- Build quality concerns
We recently tried out the Fender Blues Junior IV Guitar Amplifier, and found it to be an excellent choice for musicians needing a reliable and warm-sounding small amp.
One thing we loved was the modified preamp circuitry, which gave our guitar a richer tone. Plus, the updated spring reverb added a nice depth to our sound without getting muddy. It’s a great amp for playing at smaller gigs and in the studio.
Now, there were a few small issues we encountered. If you’re using a guitar with single-coil pickups, you might notice a bit of hum. But for those with humbuckers or playing at lower volumes, it shouldn’t be a problem. Also, keep in mind that for larger venues, you might need something with a bit more power.
Overall, the Fender Blues Junior IV is a fantastic amp for the price, with a warm tone and convenient portability. Just be aware of its limitations when playing larger shows or with hum-prone guitars.
Fender Champion 40 Guitar Amplifier
You’ll love this versatile and affordable Fender amp for your practice and stage needs.
Pros
- Versatile amp voicings and effects
- Straightforward controls
- Auxiliary input and headphone output
Cons
- Limited to 40 watts
- Open back cabinet may be less protective
- Some tones may be harder to achieve
First off, we have to mention the variety of tones and effects. From clean to crunchy, British to modern, this amp has got you covered. Throw in some reverb, delay, or chorus to spice things up!
Next, let’s talk about the controls. The “Voice” and “FX Select” knobs make it a breeze to find your desired sound. Plus, jam along with your favorite tracks by plugging in your MP3 player. Need privacy? Use the headphone output, which also mutes the speaker.
One drawback is the 40 watts of power. While sufficient for practice or small gigs, this may prove limiting in larger settings. Additionally, the open back cabinet offers less protection for stored accessories. Lastly, achieving certain tones may take some tweaking, but it’s generally user-friendly. All in all, the Fender Champion 40 is a solid choice for beginners and pros alike.
Fender Mustang GTX100 Guitar Amp
Get this versatile Fender amp for a powerful, customizable guitar experience.
Pros
- 100 watts of power
- Wide selection of amp models and effects
- Features Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities
Cons
- Slightly heavy at 28.5 pounds
- Limited effects without app usage
- Footswitch not fully functional without the app
The Fender Mustang GTX100 Guitar Amp offers incredible performance with its 100 watts of power, a selection of accurate and versatile amp models, dozens of effects, and 200 onboard presets. It’s perfect for musicians and producers who want control over their guitar tones across various music genres.
Not only does it come with prebuilt tones, but the Mustang also features a modular signal path for even more customization. Plus, with Bluetooth connectivity, you can access the Fender TONE 3.0 app for deep editing and preset browsing. The app also allows you to play along with your favorite tracks using Bluetooth audio streaming.
What makes this amp stand out, though, is the WiFi capability – a Fender exclusive. With WiFi, your amp receives product updates, ensuring it keeps getting better and better. The 12-inch Celestion speaker delivers a strong, powerful response, while the stereo XLR line outputs and effects loop make it compatible with PA systems and recording gear.
The Fender Mustang GTX100 does have a couple of minor downsides. It’s a bit on the heavier side at 28.5 pounds, and while the effects are solid, they are a little limited without using the Fender TONE app. The seven-button footswitch will require the app for full functionality. Despite these minor drawbacks, we still think this amp offers a top-notch guitar experience.
Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb
You should consider this amp for its authentic sound and lightweight design.
Pros
- Spot-on tube amp modeling
- Lightweight and portable
- Great reverb and tremolo effects
Cons
- Slightly pricey
- Not the real tube amp
- Subtle tonal differences
The Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb is a fantastic choice, delivering a near-perfect replication of the classic tube amp sound we all love. Its lightweight and portable design make it an excellent option for gigging guitarists.
One feature we appreciate is its remarkable digital processing, which models the circuitry and 22-Watt power output of a real Deluxe tube amp. You’ll also be impressed with its high-performance 100-Watt power amp, providing the headroom and dynamic range you’d expect from the vintage version.
Of course, there are a few drawbacks. Although the sound is almost indistinguishable from a real tube amp, there are subtle tonal differences that some purists may notice. Additionally, the price tag may be steep for some budgets.
All in all, the Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb is a convenient and versatile option that stays true to its tube amp inspiration. Perfect for those wanting the classic Fender sound without the weight or maintenance of a tube amp.
Fender Mustang LT40S Guitar Amplifier
A solid buy for home practices or jamming, this compact and user-friendly amp delivers fantastic performance.
Pros
- Great for home practice/jamming
- 40 watts stereo power
- Wide range of presets
Cons
- Limited effects on the surface
- Desktop format may not suit all
- Imported from China
We recently tested out the Fender Mustang LT40S guitar amplifier, and it has quickly become a favorite among our amps. Perfect for practicing and jamming at home, it boasts 40 watts of stereo power in a compact desktop format.
On top of that, the LT40S offers 20 amp and 25 effects models, giving you a ton of options for creating your unique sound. The 30 presets cater to various musical genres, so whether you’re into rock, jazz, or metal, there’s something for you.
While the effects might seem limited at first, you’ll find that taking the time to configure them brings out the amplifier’s versatility. Plus, with the free Fender TONE LT Desktop app, managing your presets via Mac or PC has never been simpler.
Overall, the Fender Mustang LT40S caters to an array of musical styles, making it a fantastic amp for any guitarist. Though there are some downsides, overall it delivers excellent value at an affordable price.
Fender Champion 100
Grab this versatile amp for powerful sound and easy-to-use features—a must-have for any guitarist.
Pros
- Powerful 100-Watt output
- Multiple classic and modern amp voicings
- MP3 player and headphone input options
Cons
- Limited warranty
- Made in China, not USA
- Not a tube amp
We love the Fender Champion 100, and you will too! With 100 watts of power, you can easily overpower your drummer and make a statement on stage. It has two 12-inch Fender specially designed speakers to deliver that powerful, iconic sound.
You’ll find endless ways to shape your tone with this amp. Switch between clean and mean with the footswitch—even during performances! Dive into various classic and modern amp voicings, as well as spatial effects like digital reverb, chorus, delay, and vibratone.
Want to jam along with your favorite songs? Plug your MP3 player into the auxiliary input. Need quiet practice sessions? Plug in your headphones using the 1/8-inch headphone output jack. It even mutes the speaker output for extra privacy.
Overall, the Fender Champion 100 offers stellar performance, versatility, and user-friendly features. It’s an excellent amp for guitarists of all skill levels and styles. Sure, it’s not a tube amp, but it still offers that Fender quality and tone you’re craving. Give this powerhouse a try, and you won’t be disappointed!
Fender Tone Master Princeton Reverb
Traveling guitarists will love this lightweight amp with its powerful, authentic tones.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Impressive digital modeling
- Rich reverb and tremolo
Cons
- Some distortion with high volume
- No effects loop
- Limited headroom
We’ve been playing guitar for ages, and the Fender Tone Master Princeton Reverb has left us impressed. The solid-state combo amp’s cutting-edge technology replicates the legendary Princeton Reverb’s tone and responsiveness without weighing a ton. At 27.6 pounds, it’s perfect for musicians on the move.
One thing we truly appreciate about this amp is its ability to recreate the Princeton Reverb’s genuine sound faithfully. The digital modeling delivers a classic tube-like tone, while the 10″ Jensen C10R ceramic speaker adds a pleasant chime at low volumes. Crank up the volume, and you’ll experience a musical grit that many guitarists seek in a combo amp.
However, it’s not all sunshine and roses. When you push this amp to its limits, you might notice some distortion creeping in. And while the balanced output, onboard speaker emulation, and mute switch cater to gigging guitarists running a silent stage setup, it could have been better with an effects loop and more headroom. But, weighing all the pros and cons together, we believe the Fender Tone Master Princeton Reverb is still an excellent choice for on-the-go musicians seeking a reliable, classic sound.
Fender 65 Twin Reverb Amp
You’ll love this amp for its legendary clean sound and beautiful design.
Pros
- Incredibly clear, loud tone
- High-quality Jensen speakers
- Classic tube-driven Fender reverb
Cons
- Quite heavy to move around
- May not suit fuzz enthusiasts
- A bit pricey for some budgets
We’re amazed by this Fender 65 Twin Reverb Amp’s pure and powerful sound. It’s no surprise it has been used in every imaginable venue over the years.
The two 12-inch Jensen C-12K speakers provide outstanding clarity and note separation. It’s just perfect for various music styles like rock, jazz, and country.
However, bear in mind that this amp is on the heavy side, making it less convenient for gigs. The sound may also not be the best for those looking for fuzz, but don’t worry, you can easily add fuzz pedals for that perfect tone. Lastly, the price might be a bit steep, but the quality and iconic status make it totally worth it.
Features to Consider When Choosing a Fender Amp
When choosing a Fender amp, it’s important to consider a few key features like wattage, speaker size and setup, whether it’s tube or solid-state, and how easy it is to carry around. These details really influence which amp will work best for you, so let’s get into it!
Wattage
Wattage affects a Fender amp’s volume and headroom (clean power) before distorting. The playing environment you’ll be in determines the ideal wattage. For practice spaces or home use, we recommend lower wattage amps (around 15-20 watts). Meanwhile, you’ll likely need higher wattage amps (50 watts and above) for gigs with a band. Remember, wattage can also impact an amp’s weight and size.
Speaker Size and Configuration
The speaker size influences a Fender amp’s tonal characteristics. Smaller speakers (around 10″) usually provide brighter tones, while larger speakers (12″) offer fuller and warmer sounds. Speaker configuration matters as well; a single 12″ speaker is a common setup and strikes a balance between power and portability. Two 12″ speakers, though, give a bigger sound but are heavier and bulkier. Speaker material, such as paper or Celestion, can also affect tone.
Tubes vs. Solid State
Let’s discuss the pros and cons of tube and solid-state amps to help you decide.
- Tubes: If you’re a fan of rich, warm, and responsive sound, tube amps are your go-to. They’re known for their natural overdrive and breakup characteristics. However, they’ll need occasional maintenance and usually come at a higher cost. For budget-friendly options, be sure to check out our guide on the best tube amps under $1000.
- Solid-State: For a portable, affordable, and consistent sound, solid-state amps are the way to go. They’re more durable and require less maintenance. To achieve that classic tube breakup sound, you might need some additional pedals.
Portability
Size and weight are important factors in determining a Fender amp’s portability. If you practice at home or travel frequently, smaller, lightweight amps are ideal for you. Look for features like detachable speakers or headphone jacks that enhance portability for practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Fender amps are best for beginners?
For beginners, we recommend the Fender Mustang LT25 and the Frontman 10G. Both are affordable and user-friendly. They offer great features for learning and experimenting with different tones. Trust us, you’ll be satisfied with these options!
What’s the difference between tube and solid-state Fender amps?
Tube amps use vacuum tubes for power and output. They deliver a warm, organic sound craved by many guitarists. Meanwhile, solid-state amps use transistors for power. They are reliable, lighter, and cost less. It’s all about personal preference, really.
What are the popular Fender amp models among professional guitarists?
For professional guitarists, the Fender Twin Reverb and Deluxe Reverb amps are highly sought-after. The Blues Junior and Hot Rod Deluxe also receive high praise. These models offer rich tones, making them a favorite among pros.
For more on enhancing your guitar setup, explore our related guides on the best acoustic guitar amps, top mics for guitar amps, the ideal amp for your Telecaster, and our comprehensive review of Vox amps.