When you talk with musicians, there are inevitable names that come up, and one of those is a Fender.
This brand has been around for decades, and with that comes an extensive catalog which, when looking for the right piece of equipment, could be daunting.
One of the most essential pieces of a kit is an amp, and in this guide, we are going to take an in-depth look at some of the best Fender amps.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Fender Amps
- OUR TOP PICK: Fender '65 Twin Reverb
- Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Fender Champion 20
Table of Contents
Can You Really Find a Quality Fender Amp That’s Affordable?
Many people equate price with value, but that is not always the case, especially when looking at such a well-regarded company like Fender. Many models still offer the high-quality sound of Fender with plenty of effects that come in well under the $200 mark. Some of these are the Fender Rumble 25, the Mustang LT25, The Super Champ 112, and the Champion 20, just to name a few.
What Should I Look for When Buying a Fender Amp?
When trying to choose the right Fender amp, you need to look at all the same things you would with any amp. These features are great clues in the puzzle that will have you finding just the right amp for all your musical needs.
Tone
A well-built amp can take even the most basic guitar and give it some oomph, whereas a bad amp can disintegrate the sound of a great guitar. So, choosing the one that is constructed with the right tubes will ensure you get the most from the tonal quality feature. In order to select the right tone, you also need to consider the type of amp.
There are a few options to choose from:
These are all viable choices for specific genres of music or playing styles, so choosing the right one will play a big part in your overall sound and tonal capabilities.
Power
There are a lot of considerations when thinking about power. The first is wattage; this is the amount of power output. You want to look for a wattage that will suit your needs. Then there is the configuration.
There are two basic types, you have combos and separates. With the combos, you get the head and the cabinet. Having an idea of how you want your sound to be crafted, you should consider this as well. The last thing to look at is speaker size. If you’re going to play bassy music, then you want to go for a big speaker.
Features
One of the most important considerations is the features built into the amp. You can look at several channels and actual effects like reverb. The more options that are built into the piece, the more versatility of sound you will have available to you.
Comparison of the Best Fender Amps
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Review of the Best Fender Amps
Now that you have a good idea of what you need to look for, we can take a look at our comprehensive list of the best Fender amps.
Best Overall:
Fender ’65 Twin Reverb
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers have a lot to say about our first amp. The tone is no big surprise to those that have played a Fender amp before, but they still can’t get enough. The price is nice too when you look at what you get, and though some of those that say that for the price, you should get an amp cover, overall they still feel it is worth recommending.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We can list all the great features and functions that come with this amazing model from Fender, or we can talk about the thing that makes the most significant impact for us. The 85-watt design offers so much tone quality and power that there are very few guitarists that wouldn’t love to add this amp to their kit.
Who Will Use This Most
The tone and sound you get from this amp will enhance any guitarists sound, but those that are living the gigging life will definitely benefit the most. It is lightweight and compact, which makes it easy to transport, and with the amount of power and volume you get, you will be able to fill the room with your fine crafted sounds.
Bottom Line
There are so many great options when you take a look at the Fender catalog, but by far, in our opinion, the Fender ’65 Twin Reverb is the best of them all. This brings with it the iconic and superior cleans that have come to be expected from this musical giant. Then when you add in the quality of effects built-in, you would be hard-pressed to deny us this choice.
Runner-up:
Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
When you look at the online reviews, you will notice some very common comments from guitarists who have invested their money in this amp. They absolutely love the volume and the warmth of the reverb. Though there are several complaints about consistent hissing, this is not a universal issue, and so most of the owners of this amp would still suggest this amp to their friends.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Once again, the thing about a Fender amp is the attention to detail that enhances your overall tone. With this model, that is done by a well thought out 22-watt design. This allows for a clean compressor sound and an outstanding overdrive. This feature is one of the reasons this amp is our runner-up for best overall.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are a musician on the road that likes to rock out or get all into your feelings with soulful blues, then this amp is perfect for you. The heightened overdrive will give you the crunch you need for rock, and the natural tonal quality of the clean channel will allow your soul to be easily laid bare through your blues scale.
Bottom Line
This unit is a fantastic amp that offers the musician a wide array of benefits. Crafted with a rich, clean sound, this unit has so much versatility of tone; it is easily one of the best models on the market from Fender. Then when you consider its compatibility with pedals, you are armed with an amp that can do anything.
Best for the Money:
Fender Champion 20
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Those musicians that have added this amp to their kit are very vocal, and what they say can definitely help you in the decision making process. They love the rounded warmth of the tones and the effects quality that has been crafted into the amp itself. Though there is a problem with a loss of volume when using headphones, this doesn’t seem to detract from this amp.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The price! There are a lot of features and functions we can rave about, but if you couldn’t afford to add it to your gear, they wouldn’t matter. So, looking at this budget-friendly price tag, you can see why we feel it is the best bargain on the market today.
Who Will Use This Most
This is an excellent amp for small venues, and that is perfect for the gigging artist that is just starting. It comes with an easy to use system and boasts tonal quality that needs very little help (but it does play with pedals).
Bottom Line
This amp is definitely one of the best models from Fender! But especially in the realm of quality amps for an affordable price. The design allows for easy storage of extra cords, and this means that you will have better cable management, and it works well with pedals, which elevates its versatility of sound, and that’s why we chose this amp.
Best Fender Tube Amp:
Fender Pro Junior IV Special Edition
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Reviewers of this amp talk about the amazing tonal quality and the enhanced volume circuitry that gives this amp a powerful amp. Though there are a lot of things that recent buyers love, there are a lot of people that feel the speakers are slightly subpar in regards to what is expected from Fender.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Going down the specs and sound capabilities of this amp leaves you with a laundry list of amazing benefits, but for us, the one that stood out to us was the inclusion of an enhanced circuitry for volume. It has allowed this amp to gift the player with a smooth transition from the crunchy dirty channel to the clean one with an almost seamless movement.
Who Will Use This Most
Though the qualities of this amp will be advantageous to any guitarist, the beginner looking for a superior amp for practice will get a lot from this unit. The ease of use and quality of tone will allow the beginner to understand the way tones are supposed to sound and build a playing style.
Bottom Line
Tube amps offer a unique and wide tonal range, and this unit from Fender is by far one of the best on the market. The amp gives a booming sound that is clear and has an ultimate sound definition.
Best Fender Amp for Blues:
Fender Blues Junior IV
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Though the weight is often mentioned in reviews, especially in regards to gigging, the amp still has so much going for it that many guitarists would recommend it in a heartbeat. Especially since it is so affordable in comparison to other models. For a budget-friendly price, you get an amp that has great tone and volume, and that is what a majority of recent buyers report.
Why it Stands Out to Us
When it comes right down to it, finding an amp that offers this much quality for a price even a struggling musician can afford, is quite the find. It gives you a great breakup sound and so many other tonal qualities; this is by far one of the best steals on the market, especially for that blues sound.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are on the road and you need to watch your budget, then this is the amp for you. Not only does it come with a wallet-friendly price, but it brings with it high-quality features and functions. The sound of the amp lends itself very well to blues and classic rock, so if that’s your genre, make sure to take a look at this amp.
Bottom Line
The reputation of this illustrious company alone is enough to give the amp a look. Then when you dive further in and find the right response and overdriven bass stage, you will see very quickly why so many blues musicians rave about this model and why we had to put it on our best-of list.
Best Fender Amp for Pedals:
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV 40
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
When it comes to an effective pedal chain amp, the recent buyers think you can’t get much better than this amp. Though there have been some questions raised about the durability of the input jack, the pedal compatibility, and the amazing tone seems to let these musicians rest easy.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Any number of things could stand out to us, but when we really thought about it, the overdrive and note definition were the ones that made the most difference. This feature means that you will be able to strike the right note and have just the right amount of power.
Who Will Use This Most
The way this amp handles pedals is impressive, and that is why we feel that the studio guitarist who uses a wide array of effects pedals will get the most from this amp. These artists have to work between multiple styles will have to have access to different pedals, and for that reason, this is the perfect amp for them.
Bottom Line
Almost every guitarist will tell you the versatility of any piece of their kit is vital, and with this amp, you get the versatility of sound crafting as well as use. Though it is the perfect fit for pedal chains, that sounds just as nice and clean, and that’s why it finds itself on our list.
Best Small Fender Amp:
Fender Super Champ X2
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Conversing with guitarists that have acquired this amp, you will hear a great deal of adoration for it. They appear to value the perfect tones, and the moderate cost a lot. There are things that they wish the amp had, like a midrange EQ control, yet that little downside doesn’t appear to hinder them from telling everybody that this amp is astonishing.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There is a lot that stands apart with this Fender amp, and that is what made it an obvious choice. Everything from the onboard effect’s versatility, to the power from the two cylinders, to the capacity for digital modeling, this amp essentially has a ton to offer.
Who Will Use This Most
This amp is incredible for any guitarist, yet the ones that appear to take full advantage of it are the studio guitarists. The flexibility of effects and the amp's various voicing capabilities makes this ideal for the guitarist that needs to move between music types.
Bottom Line
This unit is fitted with tons of incredible highlights and capabilities that raise this amp over its competitors. In addition to the fact that it comes backed by the Fender name, the capacity to record through digital means adds a little something extra. This will give the guitarist that picks this amp a helpful push on their way to their ideal sound.
Best Fender Amp for Rock:
Fender ’65 Super Reverb
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The reviews of this amp are filled with a lot of positive compliments in regards to functionality and features. The vintage tremolo and the dual-channel top the list of things recent buyers love about this amp. You will pay a price for it, but if you have the cash, these guitarists think it is worth it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
When you’re rocking out, you want a good mid-range as well as a crunch. This amps quad speakers help elevate the mid-range punch, which will have you ready for the rock show. This is the thing that really stood out to us the most.
Who Will Use This Most
This amps lightweight and compact design is perfect for the traveling musician. The internal tubes are high grade and offer superior tonal capabilities, adding a level of performance that will elevate the gigging guitarist’s skill and allow for a fuller sound.
Bottom Line
This amp is easily one of the best on the market, especially if you are looking for one that is crafted for rocking out for hours. The features and functions of this amp stand out among a sea of fantastic Fender amps.
Best Fender Tweed Amp:
Fender ’50 Bassman LTD
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Perusing the online reviews will give you a good look at why this amp is so well regarded among guitarists who have invested in this amp. These guitarists love the quality tubes used in the build of this amp and the tweed circuit. Though the normal channel does have a slight dulling of sound.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This amp is chock full of great features but the one that gives it the most versatility is the multiple channels and inputs. This allows for the use of multiple effects and options to add in other devices that can be used to customize your sound.
Who Will Use This Most
This amp has enough power for many uses but where it shines is its ability to be used in small to medium venues. This means it is well fitted for performers that are working on building their name recognition by playing as much as possible.
Bottom Line
The tweed circuit lends a vintage sound to the amp, and with the wood cabinet, this amp lends that quality resonance that many of the legends built their name on. That is why this is one of the best models available today.
Best Fender Combo Amp:
Fender ’65 Princeton Reverb
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The headroom is so nice on this amp and it is easy to use as well. Though there is no ability to switch channels, that seems to be the only fault to be found with this amp.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Not every amp comes with the tools that they need, but this amp is fitted with everything you need to have the perfect experience. Not only does it come with a cover so that you can keep your amp in good condition, but a footswitch to control the reverb and vibrato.
Who Will Use This Most
It is a bit heavy and not loud enough to handle a large venue which makes this the perfect amp for the guitarist with a home studio. The amp is also well suited for practice purposes and if you want a cool sound when recording.
Bottom Line
The last entry on our list has everything you need for the perfect combo amp and that is why it is one of the best amps. You get the Fender sound for a reasonable price and all the effects you need to craft the perfect sound.
Benefits of Investing in a Quality Fender Amp
Fender has been a name synonymous with quality and distinctive sound and owning one can bring a lot to the game. Here are three benefits you can take advantage of a quality Fender amp.
Response
The response that you can get from a quality Fender is priceless and will allow you the ability to feel the music. Finding an amp that gives you the capability of hearing every note and feeling your way to the right sound.
Versatility of Tone
Having access to the iconic Fender tone versatility can help build your sound and give you access to experimentation to find the right sound for you. Not only do you get a quality tone for the high-grade tubes used in the construction the effects are top-notch as well.
New Sound
Upgrading to a high-quality Fender amp can lead to a whole new sound profile.
Conclusion
With this knowledge and the comprehensive list of the best Fender amp, you should be able to make your decision easier. Fender brings with it a certain air of reputation, and that alone is an excellent advantage. After all, they have that reputation for a reason!
