When it comes to legendary amplifiers, few names resonate as profoundly as Fender. The storied history of Fender amplifiers has left an indelible mark on the world of music, with each model bringing its own unique charm to the table.
In this review article, we turn our attention to the best small Fender Amps, the compact wonders in Fender’s lineup. These small Fender amps may be diminutive in size, but don’t let that fool you; they pack a sonic punch that belies their stature. Join us as we delve into the world of small Fender amplifiers, uncovering the big sounds they have to offer in their small, portable packages.
1. Fender Blues Junior IV
Fender Blues Junior IV Product Link
When it comes to guitar amplifiers, the Fender Blues Junior series has earned a reputation for delivering classic blues and rock tones. In this review, I’ll share my personal experience testing the Fender Blues Junior IV, highlighting its features and discussing both the pros and cons.
Features of the Fender Blues Junior IV
- 1 Channel: This amplifier offers a single channel for a straightforward and authentic vintage sound.
- Power: 15W: Despite its modest wattage, the Fender Blues Junior IV is capable of producing surprisingly loud and rich tones.
- Speakers: 1x 12″ Celestion A-Type: The Celestion speaker contributes to the amp’s signature warm and clear sound.
- Tubes: 3x 12AX7 and 2x EL84: The combination of tubes delivers that beloved tube amp saturation and responsiveness.
- 1 Jack input: Conveniently located for plugging in your guitar.
- Controls: The amp boasts a variety of controls, including Reverb, Master, Middle, Bass, Treble, FAT Switch, and Volume, allowing for versatile tone shaping.
- Chicken Head Style Buttons: The vintage-style knobs not only look great but also provide easy control adjustments.
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 40.8 x 45.72 x 23.31 cm: The amp’s compact size makes it highly portable.
- Weight: 14.3 kg: It strikes a balance between being lightweight for gigging and sturdy for longevity.
- Design: Adorned with black textured vinyl and a slightly aged silver-colored front grille fabric, it exudes vintage charm.
- Suitable optional case: Art.318741 (not included) is recommended for added protection during transport.
My Pros and Cons about the Fender Blues Junior IV
Pros
1. Classic Blues and Rock Tones: In my opinion, the Fender Blues Junior IV truly captures the essence of classic blues and rock tones. Its clean sound is pristine, and when you push it, it responds with that iconic breakup and grit.
2. Pedal-Friendly: This amp handles pedals exceptionally well, allowing you to sculpt your desired sound effortlessly, from sweet cleans to searing overdrive.
3. Vintage Aesthetic: The amp’s vintage design, complete with chicken head knobs and aged grille fabric, adds a touch of nostalgia to your setup.
4. Versatile Controls: With a wide array of controls at your disposal, you can fine-tune your tone to perfection, making it suitable for various playing styles and genres.
Cons
1. Lack of Reverb Footswitch: While the amp has a fantastic spring reverb, it would be a welcomed addition to have a footswitch option for toggling the reverb on and off during a performance.
2. Limited Indicator for “Fat” Switch: The “Fat” switch, although useful for enhancing the sound, lacks a visual indicator on the amp or footswitch, making it slightly inconvenient to know its status at a glance.
3. Volume Control Sensitivity: The volume control can be sensitive in the mid-range, requiring precise adjustments to dial in your desired loudness level.
AMP SUMMARY
In conclusion, the Fender Blues Junior IV is a fantastic amplifier that embodies the spirit of classic blues and rock. Its vintage appeal, versatile controls, and responsive tone make it a standout choice for guitarists seeking that timeless Fender sound. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as the lack of a reverb footswitch and the sensitivity of the volume control, the overall performance and sonic quality make it a worthwhile investment for players of all skill levels. Whether you’re jamming at home or performing on stage, the Fender Blues Junior IV is sure to impress with its authentic, vintage-inspired tones. Rock on!
2. Fender 65 Princeton Reverb
Fender 65 Princeton Reverb Product Link
If you’re in the market for a compact tube amplifier that delivers vintage blackface tones with pristine reverb, the Fender Princeton Reverb may be your ticket to sonic bliss. In this review, I’ll share my personal experiences with this amp, covering its features and highlighting both the pros and cons.
Features:
- All Tube Combo Amplifier: The Fender Princeton Reverb is an all-tube combo amplifier designed for electric guitars, making it ideal for those seeking that classic tube warmth and responsiveness.
- Vintage Reissue Series: As part of the Vintage Reissue Series, this amp is crafted to capture the essence of the iconic blackface era Fender amplifiers.
- 12 Watts of Power: While it may seem modest on paper, the 12-watt power rating of this amp packs a punch, especially when it comes to clean tones.
- 1 Channel: The amp offers a single channel, which is dedicated to delivering those coveted clean and mildly overdriven sounds.
- 1x 10″ Jensen C-10R Speaker: The Princeton Reverb is equipped with a 10″ Jensen C-10R speaker, known for its crisp and articulate tone.
- 2 Inputs: It features two inputs, providing flexibility for various instruments and playing styles.
- Tube Power Amplification: The power amp section boasts 2x 6V6GT tubes, contributing to the amp’s signature vintage warmth and responsiveness.
- Blackface Control Panel: Staying true to its vintage roots, the amp features the iconic blackface control panel design.
- Comprehensive Controls: The control layout includes knobs for volume, treble, bass, reverb, speed, and intensity, allowing you to fine-tune your tone precisely.
- Compact and Portable: With dimensions of 40.6 x 50.5 x 24.13 cm and a weight of 15.7 kg, the Princeton Reverb is relatively compact and easy to transport.
- Included Accessories: The package includes a foot switch and cover for added convenience.
My Pros and Cons About the Model:
Pros:
In my opinion, there are several noteworthy advantages to the Fender Princeton Reverb:
- Portability: Despite being a tube amp, the Princeton Reverb is surprisingly compact and relatively lightweight, making it suitable for various gigging scenarios.
- Authentic Blackface Sound: If you’re a fan of that quintessential blackface Fender tone, this amp nails it. The clean tones are pristine and immediately evoke that vintage vibe.
- Fantastic Reverb: The built-in reverb is a standout feature. It adds lush, spacious ambiance to your sound, enhancing your playing experience.
Cons:
Based on my personal experience, there is one notable downside:
- Transportation Challenges: Like many tube amps, the Princeton Reverb may not be the easiest to transport. Its delicate tubes and sensitive components make it less than ideal for frequent travel.
In Conclusion:
For jazz and blues players seeking that classic blackface clean tone with a touch of edge and exceptional reverb, the Fender Princeton Reverb is hard to beat. It excels in delivering vintage-inspired sounds and has served me well in various gigging situations.
While it may have its quirks, such as transportation concerns, this amp remains a reliable choice for musicians who prioritize exceptional tone and vintage aesthetics. Its remarkable tube-driven sound, together with Fender’s renowned customer service, makes it a worthy addition to your arsenal.
The Fender Princeton Reverb’s enduring popularity speaks volumes about its sonic capabilities. It’s a testament to the timeless appeal of vintage Fender amplifiers. Whether you’re jamming at home or performing on stage, this amp is a vintage reissue gem that stands the test of time.
3. Fender PRO Junior IV
Fender PRO Junior IV Product Link
As a seasoned enthusiast in the world of guitar amplifiers, I recently had the pleasure of putting the Fender Pro Junior IV Amp through its paces. The Pro Junior IV is a part of Fender’s esteemed Hot Rod series, and it certainly lives up to the reputation. In this review, I’ll delve into its features, my personal experience, and both the pros and cons of this compact powerhouse.
Features
Let’s kick things off by taking a closer look at the key features that the Fender Pro Junior IV brings to the table:
- 1 Channel: The Pro Junior IV keeps it simple with a single channel, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer straightforward controls.
- Powerful 15 Watts: Don’t let the modest wattage fool you; this amp is surprisingly loud and capable of producing that coveted Fender overdrive.
- 1x 10″ Jensen P10R Speaker: The Jensen speaker ensures a classic, vintage tone that’s perfect for blues and rock.
- Tubes: Powered by 2x 12AX7 and 2x EL84 tubes, the Pro Junior IV delivers the warm, tube-driven sound that many guitarists adore.
- Easy Controls: With just volume and tone controls, you won’t feel overwhelmed. It’s all about dialing in your perfect tone effortlessly.
- Vintage Aesthetics: The lacquered tweed exterior and ’50s-style front grille cloth give the amp a classic and timeless appearance.
- Compact and Lightweight: Weighing in at 10.36 kg and compact dimensions, this amp is perfect for musicians on the move.
My Pros and Cons about the Model
Pros
Powerful Sound: In my opinion, the Pro Junior IV delivers a fantastic sound, especially considering its size and simplicity. With its 15 watts, it quickly reaches that sweet overdriven tone that blues enthusiasts like myself crave.
Compact and Portable: One of the standout features for me is its lightweight design. It’s a breeze to carry, and it still looks great while doing so.
Versatility: While lacking reverb, this amp takes pedals exceptionally well. I appreciate the ability to customize my sound with my pedalboard.
Warm Vintage Tone: The amp’s tone is rich, warm, and incredibly pleasing to the ears. It’s a perfect fit for blues, accentuating the nuances in my playing.
Pedal-Friendly: Whether it’s a Tubescreamer, Boss OD-3, or other pedals, the Pro Junior IV handles them with finesse. It’s a versatile canvas for crafting various tones.
Cons
Quality Control: Based on my experiences and those of others, it seems that Fender could improve its quality control. Issues with valves have been reported, which can be frustrating for musicians.
Limited Features: While the simplicity of this amp is its charm, some may find its lack of features a drawback. If you’re looking for extensive tone-shaping options, this may not be the amp for you.
Higher Noise Floor: Compared to its peers, the Pro Junior IV has a higher inherent noise level. Although it’s manageable, it’s something to be aware of.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Fender Pro Junior IV Amp packs a punch in a small package. Its vintage aesthetics, warm tones, and pedal-friendliness make it a worthy addition to any guitarist’s arsenal. While it’s not without its quirks, such as quality control concerns and a limited feature set, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a straightforward amplifier that delivers that classic Fender sound. If you’re a blues or rock enthusiast looking for a portable, tube-driven solution, the Pro Junior IV should be on your radar. In my experience, it’s an amp I’m genuinely satisfied with.
4. Fender 57 Custom Champ
Fender 57 Custom Champ Product Link
In the world of guitar amplifiers, the Fender ’57 Custom Champ has earned its stripes as a legendary, compact powerhouse. As an avid guitarist myself, I recently had the pleasure of putting this iconic amp to the test. Here’s my in-depth review of the Fender ’57 Custom Champ, highlighting its features, pros, and cons.
Features
Let’s kick things off by taking a closer look at the features that the Fender ’57 Custom Champ brings to the table:
- All Tube: This amplifier boasts an all-tube circuitry, offering that warm and classic tone that only tubes can provide.
- Power: With 5 watts of power, it’s perfect for home use and smaller venues.
- Speaker: The amp comes equipped with a 1x 8″ Weber special design speaker featuring an alnico magnet.
- Inputs: It offers two inputs, High and Low, catering to different guitars and playing styles.
- Tube Types: The Fender ’57 Custom Champ includes 1x 12AY7, 1x 5Y3, and 1x 6V6 tubes, contributing to its rich tonal palette.
- Volume Control: The straightforward volume control knob makes it easy to dial in your desired sound.
- Weight: Weighing in at just 7.5 kg, it’s highly portable for musicians on the go.
- Dimensions: Compact dimensions of 34.3 x 31.8 x 19.8 cm make it a space-saving option.
- Finish: Sporting a Tweed exterior and a vintage-style brown/gold grill, it’s a visual delight.
- Includes Protective Cover: For added durability and protection during transport.
- Made in the USA: Crafted with precision in the Fender Custom Shop at Corona.
My Pros and Cons about the Model
Pros
Authentic Tube Tone
In my opinion, the Fender ’57 Custom Champ truly captures the essence of tube-driven warmth and richness. The Ruby 6V6 tube and 12AY7 preamp tube combine to deliver a tonal experience that’s both inspiring and nostalgic.
Pedal-Friendly
This amp is incredibly pedal-friendly. It takes pedals, including reverb pedals, with grace and versatility. Whether you’re a pedal enthusiast or prefer a minimalist setup, it accommodates your needs.
Build Quality
The build quality is top-notch. From the finger-joint cabinet to the handmade turretboard, it exudes durability and craftsmanship. This amp is built to last and has seen its fair share of recording sessions, which speaks volumes about its reliability.
Compact and Portable
With its compact size and manageable weight, the Fender ’57 Custom Champ is perfect for on-the-go musicians. It’s equally at home in your bedroom or a small club setting.
Time-Tested Design
This amp’s design, inspired by the classic 5F1 circuit, has stood the test of time. Its simplicity is its strength, allowing you to focus on your playing without getting lost in a sea of controls.
Cons
Limited Features
The amp’s simplicity can also be a drawback for some. With just an on/off switch and volume control, it may not cater to players seeking a wide range of tonal shaping options.
Price Tag
While it delivers exceptional tone and craftsmanship, the Fender ’57 Custom Champ does come with a relatively high price tag for its size and features. However, for those who prioritize quality and tone, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Speaker Size
The 8-inch Weber speaker, while impressive for its size, does have its limitations in terms of volume and projection. In larger venues, you might need additional amplification.
Final Thoughts
In my journey to find the perfect amplifier, the Fender ’57 Custom Champ emerged as a true gem. It’s a compact, no-frills amp that excels in delivering clean and slightly overdriven tones. While it may not suit everyone’s needs, it’s a purist’s dream come true. With its authentic tube sound and pedal-friendly nature, it offers a rewarding playing experience. Yes, it’s an investment, but it’s one that can hold its value and continue to inspire your musical journey. In the world of amplifiers, the Fender ’57 Custom Champ is a force to be reckoned with, offering a warm, bluesy, and downright addictive tone that keeps calling you back for more. If you’re in search of an amp that delivers a pure, unadulterated guitar sound, this might just be your holy grail. Rock on!
CONCLUSIONE
In the realm of amplifiers, Fender’s small wonders stand as a testament to the brand’s enduring legacy. These diminutive powerhouses may not boast the wattage of their larger siblings, but they make up for it with character, portability, and undeniable sonic charm. From the vintage-inspired tones of the Fender ’57 Custom Champ to the modern versatility of the Fender Blues Junior, these amps cater to a diverse range of players. Whether you’re a bedroom guitarist, a recording artist, or a gigging musician in search of a backup amp, Fender’s small amplifiers offer a compelling solution. In the world of music gear, small Fender amps prove that greatness comes in all sizes.
