Fender amps have shaped the musical landscape since 1946, powering plenty of genres over the years. Whether you’re listening to surf rock, smooth jazz, or indie – it’s highly likely that a Fender amp was used somewhere along the way.
Here at Gear4music, we’re well-versed when it comes to understanding these awesome amps. We pride ourselves on being a Fender Showcase Premium Dealer and stock the best that Fender has to offer.
What’s more, our guitar team have played plenty of Fender amps in our time, so you can rest assured knowing we’ve got the know-how when it comes to choosing the best Fender amps on the market. We’ve listed them here, and hopefully, by the end of the article, you’ll have gained some good insight into these pieces of gear from one of the most respected guitar brands.
In a hurry?
Check out our top three Fender amps. Whatever your playstyle, one of these will give your tone the oomph it’s been looking for.
Fender Champion II 100 Everything you possibly need: Clean and distorted tones, built-in effects, and plenty of sound. Check the current price
Fender Mustang LT25 Tonnes of tones and textures to play around with, all at an affordable price. Check the current price
Fender Hot Rod Experience vintage valve saturation for some all-out rock’n’roll power! Check the current price
A brief history of Fender amps
It’s easy to take guitar amps for granted, but if you were born in the 1920s or ‘30s, you’d have found yourself scrambling for make-shift, impractical gear to get yourself on a par with the volume of the big jazz bands of the era.
In the early days, guitarists were basically using portable PA systems as amps, until 1945 ushered in the pioneering work of a company called K&F – headed by none other than Leo Fender and his business partner Doc Kauffman. K&F initially used a steel ‘crinkle’ casing that was baked in Kauffman’s oven – it was later switched to wood under the name ‘Fender Electrical Instrument Company’.
The Tweed timeline came next, seeing Fender deliver some of the most important amps ever, such as the Fender Champion, the Fender Twin, the Bassman, the Deluxe and the Princeton. A tweed coat refers to the varnished cotton twill because of its feel and appearance, it’s now recognised as a vintage-style spec.
From the clean punch of the Twin to the warm grit of the Deluxe, Fender amps shaped the sound of every single genre over the years. And they haven’t stopped. Today, you’ll find digital Tone Masters and Mustangs sitting comfortably next to all-valve classics. Fender amps led the charge when it came to the development of amps, so it’s not surprising that they continue to give us plenty of awesome amps today.
Why we’ve chosen these amps
With such a bountiful array of amps to offer, you might be wondering how we’ve narrowed down our selection of the best Fender amps. Well, we’ve compiled our list to include options for every type of guitarist. From those who want a vintage twang to gigging musicians who need all the noise they can get – the best Fender amp varies across circumstances.
If you’re a beginner, the best amp for you isn’t going to be a Fender Princeton – it’s got more power than you’ll know what to do with. Instead, the right option will be something like The Fender Frontman 10G – a small and simple unit that’ll get you acquainted with the basics. Each of these amps caters to a particular type of guitarist – so sit back and get scrolling to see what amp is right for you!
The best Fender amps
1. Fender Frontman 10G – the best beginner amp
Key features
- 6” speaker and 10 watts of power
- Gain dial
- Clean/overdrive switch
Pros
- Compact and affordable unit with plenty of tonal potential
- Simple controls that are perfect if you’re a beginner
- Headphone out means you can make all the mistakes you need without winding up the neighbour
Cons
- Not capable of creating loads of noise – if you’re after volume then look elsewhere
If you’re a beginner looking for a fantastic Fender amp that’ll give you a flying start on your guitar journey, you can’t go far wrong with the Fender Frontman 10G. This nifty little amp provides simple tone controls alongside some gnarly grit and overdrive potential thanks to the clean/overdrive switch and the gain dial.
It’s the best beginner Fender amp, allowing for some decent tone tinkering all in a compact unit. What’s more, it harbours all the noise you’ll need when you’re just starting out with its 6” speaker and 10 watts of power. And don’t worry, if you’re not quite ready to play the house down then there’s a headphone output for those silent sessions.
2. Fender Mustang LT25 – the best practice amp
Key features
- 30 built-in tone presets
- 1.8” colour display
- Sturdy and compact chassis – take it with you anywhere!
Pros
- Tonnes of tones to explore – practise any genre on the fly
- Compact build means it can fit into any practice space
- Decent volume potential thanks to the 8” speaker
Cons
- If you’re only after one particular tone, you won’t need all the tones the Mustang has to offer
Amp technology really has come leaps and bounds since those early ‘crinkle’ case days at K&F – just look at Fender’s Mustang range of amps, some of the most technologically advanced modelling amps on the market today. Of these, it’s the Mustang LT25 that takes the top spot for being the best practice amp as it offers a huge array of tone presets to play around with.
You can switch from Fender’s revered clean tone to dirty blues sounds at the flick of a switch. If you’re like me and jump between genres every other week, this amp is the perfect companion.
As for sound, this amp’s eight-inch speaker provides more than enough kick to get those practice sessions off the ground. And once again, you can make use of that headphone output if you’re having a silent solo practice session. The Mustang LT25 really is a great amp to practice on, letting you try loads of tones in a compact package.
3. Mustang GTX100 – the most versatile amp
Key features
- 40 amp models
- 200 preset guitar tones
- 100W of power from a 12” speaker
Pros
- You’ll never get bored of the same old tone with so many to choose from
- 40 amp sounds in one – maximising portability and saving space
- Plenty of power, letting you take on any stage or studio
Cons
- 100W of power might be too much to handle if you’re playing in small-scale environments
The Fender Mustang GTX100 is hands down one of the most versatile amps you can get your hands on. With 40 amp models under the hood, it has everything from vintage tweed tones to modern high-gain sound. It’s like having a full studio’s worth of amps packed into one tidy, stage-ready combo.
There’s nothing quite like being able to flick between classic cleans, snarling British overdrive, or ambient shimmer on the fly. What’s more, with 100 watts of solid power through a 12″ Celestion speaker, this amp doesn’t just sound great – it packs the punch you need to take your playing beyond practice and to the stage. Bluetooth and Fender Tone app connectivity are the cherry on top of this versatile tone machine.
4. Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb – the most iconic-sounding
Key features
- 12” Jensen N-12K Neo speaker
- Built-in reverb and vibrato
- Iconic Fender cleans and shimmer
Pros
- Achieve that unmistakeable Fender clean sound
- If you want walls of noise, this amp brings it
- Built-in vibrato and reverb give you a tonal edge
Cons
- Not great for overdriven, metal tones
Long hailed as the benchmark for that Fender clean tone, the Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb has to be the most iconic-sounding Fender amp. From its first introduction in the ‘60s to its modern Neo speaker-loaded iterations, this amp is perfect if you’re after that shimmering clean Fender sound.
With a 12″ Jensen N-12K Neo speaker, it delivers sparkling highs and full-bodied lows. Plus, its lightweight footprint makes it easy to transport. But what makes the Deluxe Reverb so iconic isn’t just its crystal-clear cleans – it’s the onboard reverb and tremolo, adding a little more depth to your tone.
It’s loud enough to fill a stage, responsive enough for studio nuance, and expressive enough for anything in between.
5. Fender Tone Master Princeton – the best for recording
Key features
- Five power attenuation settings
- Built-in mute switch perfect for stage and studio
- 10” Jensen C10R with ceramic magnet sound
Pros
- Superb vintage-style sound that’ll take you back to the ‘60s
- Built-in tremolo and reverb effects let you unleash that classic Fender sound
- With power attenuation, you can lower the notch of your playing if needed or crank it up for break-up tones!
Cons
- While the Princeton is great if you’re hitting the studio, some features might be lost on you if you’re not looking to record
If you’re looking to take your sound to the studio, there isn’t a better amp than the Fender Tone Master Princeton Reverb. You get the unmistakable ‘60s-style Fender sound, complete with some beautiful built-in tremolo and reverb. Thanks to the five-stage power attenuator, you can dial it down for low-key late-night sessions or crank it up for edge-of-breakup tones.
What makes it ideal for the studio is its DI capabilities. The balanced XLR output with cabinet simulation and impulse response offers an authentic mic’d-up tone straight into your interface. An onboard mute switch ensures total silence from the speaker – perfect if you need to put a sudden stop to your sound.
With its compact size, light pine cabinet, and Jensen C10R speaker delivering tight, articulate tone, the Tone Master Princeton Reverb gives you that iconic Fender sound with the added bonus of being a beast when it comes to recording.
6. Fender Champion II 100 – the best gigging amp
Key features
- British and other modern distortions
- Choice of two channels – clean or overdriven
- Built-in effects such as delay, reverb, chorus, tremolo, and Vibratone
Pros
- Packed with loads of features at an affordable price
- With a range of tones at your fingertips, you can take on any genre
- It’s the little things that count – get creative with FX loop and footswitch connectivity
Cons
- If you’re a beginner, so many control and connectivity options can be daunting
The Fender Champion II 100 can take on any playing scenario with ease. With 100 watts of power and two 12” speakers, we’ve got this one down as the best gigging amp. While its mega noise potential is certainly something to rave about, there are tonnes of other features that elevate this beast’s performance on stage.
For those intense, hard rock performances, this amp has the potential to turn things up a notch courtesy of its overdrive channel. There’s also a series of distortion effects to experiment with. Sometimes all you need is a bit of British crunch. What’s more, the Champion gives you plenty of built-in effects and extended connectivity options to take your gigs even further.
With an FX-loop, you can connect additional pedals to spruce up your sound on stage and dive into musical wizardry – as if the plethora of built-in effects weren’t enough. Essentially, the Champion II 100 puts you in absolute control of your tone, making use of the various effects, three-band EQ, and extended connectivity that’ll make your gig rig reach absolute perfection.
7. Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV – the best valve amp
Key features
- 12” Celestion ‘A’ speaker
- Three 12AX7 preamp tubes and two 6L6 power tubes
- ‘Normal’, ‘Drive’, and ‘More Drive’ channels
Pros
- Unleash hefty tube power for a big noise and more than enough rock potential
- With three channels, two of which focus on drive, you can really push your sound when needed
- Solid tonal controls let you refine your sound how you see fit
Cons
- This one’s heavy, so if don’t want to be lugging around an amp of significant weight then look for something lighter
The Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV is a ticket to killer valve tone. With 40 watts of all-tube power pushing through a 12” Celestion A-type speaker, it delivers a rich, balanced sound that holds its own.
With three channels – Normal, Drive, and More Drive – the amp allows you to dial in everything from classic Fender cleans to growling lead tones. While you can still achieve that hot tube tone, the range of tonal controls gives the sound an edge that other tube amps on the market can’t quite capture.
There’s an unfortunate trade-off when you opt for pure valve power, and that’s the weight. It’s no secret that valve amps tend to carry a fair bit of heft, so make sure you’ve got the means to cart this rig around.
8. Fender Tone Master Pro – the best amp modeller
Key features
- Over 100 Tone Master amp and effect models
- Upwards of 6,000 Fender-captured impulse responses
- Seven-inch colour display with song and setlist modes
Pros
- An absolute tone machine that’ll give you access to loads of sounds to explore
- App connectivity gets you involved with a world of like-minded tone enthusiasts, so you can share your presets
- Compact unit with extensive connectivity – the Tone Master Pro really is at the forefront of modelling tech
Cons
- High price point
The Fender Tone Master Pro houses a world of effects inside a sleek, compact unit, providing an obscene number of tones and textures to get stuck into. There are over 100 Tone Master and effect models and more than 6,000 Fender-captured impulse responses with a range of microphone and cab options.
You can create anything from classic Fender rock ‘n’ roll amp tones to modern ambient, effect-laden textures – all made easy thanks to a seven-inch colour display screen.
Whether you want to refine a specific sound or just want to experiment, the Tone Master Pro offers all the tools you need to dive into the depths of tone. Seamless connectivity brings this unit even further into the future, giving you the choice to stream audio from your phone via Bluetooth, get wired up with an expression pedal, or become a tonal recluse with a headphone output jack.
To learn more, check out our Fender Tone Master Pro review.
9. Fender Mustang Micro Plus – the best headphone amp
Key features
- 25 amp and 25 effects at your fingertips
- 100 editable preset slots
- Bluetooth streaming lets you jam with your favourite tracks
Pros
- Super portable – you can take the Micro Plus anywhere and get playing
- Plenty of amp models and effects to play around with
- Integrated display makes things nice and easy for you to follow
Cons
- It’s a headphone amp, so it’s not going to let you play aloud like most amps
The Fender Mustang Micro Plus lets you carry loads of amp and effect models anywhere you go.
If you live in a small space or with others, the Mustang Micro Plus is perfect. As a headphone amp, it squeezes 25 amp and 25 effect models into one pocket-sized unit.
Little features add up to make a wonderfully refined playing experience. For example, the addition of a small OLED display keeps track of tones and textures, and app connectivity lets you personalise the Micro Plus, giving you 100 editable preset slots to fill however you please. We’ve reviewed the Fender Mustang Micro Plus and how it compares to the original Micro – take a look if you think this is the headphone amp for you.
10. Fender Blues Junior LTD Combo – the best blues amp
Key features
- All-tube construction
- Built-in reverb adds depth to your tone
- Vintage Lacquered Tweed covering
Pros
- All-round vintage experience, from the tube tone to the lacquered tweed cover
- Perfect if you want to channel your inner blues passion
- More affordable than other valve amps on the market
Cons
- Limited to the more bluesy tones
The Fender Blues Junior does what it says on the tin: it delivers fantastic blues tones from a retro-looking unit with tweed casing.
Aside from being the best blues amp, it’s also got to be one of my favourite all-time amps full stop. At a reasonably affordable price for a valve amp, it’s well worth looking into if you want to perfect your blues playing.
The Blues Junior also comes with built-in reverb and is fitted with a 12” Jensen C-12N speaker.
11. Fender Mini ’65 Twin Amp – the best mini amp
Key features
- 2×3” speakers for moderate volume and a mini fit
- Battery powered – free from sockets and wires
- Beautiful blonde cover
Pros
- Perfect for late-night practice or bedroom playing sessions
- Plug in and play anywhere, this amp is free from socket supremacy and wire restrictions
- ’60s-inspired style that’ll even look great as a desk ornament
Cons
- Might be too novel for the more serious guitarists out there
Bringing the ‘60s back in a novel blonde mini package is the Fender Mini ’65 Twin Amp. If you’re the kind of guitarist who prefers to play in mellow or late-night bedroom settings, this amp will make for the perfect little companion.
With a respectable one watt of power and two three-inch speakers, it’s all about the tone rather than the volume for this mini amp. Even if you’re just dipping your toe into Fender’s vintage sound, a mini amp is a good intro to the world of ‘60s amps. A gain knob is included to give you the option of amping the grit up.
Better still, the amp operates as a fully battery-powered unit that you’re free to take anywhere.
How to choose the best Fender amp for you
With so many Fender amp types and series out there it can be tough to choose the amp that’s right for you. There’s a load of factors that’ll sway you one way or another, but the main things to consider are size, output, affordability, tone, and levels of complexity.
As a beginner, you’ll probably want something small, simple and inoffensive. Anything from the Fender Frontman series will have everything you need. These amps fit into small places like your bedroom, provide simple tone controls, and don’t have an overwhelming output. Nifty features like an aux input and headphone output are perfect for practice sessions. Oh, and they’re also super affordable!
If you’re after a little more tonal depth, the Fender Champion series might take your fancy. While remaining affordable, these modelling amps provide a range of built-in effects to experiment with, letting you tackle any genre. They’re all-rounders with simple controls, a range of power outputs, and they sound great!
In similar modelling territory, Fender’s Mustang series offers some of the most technologically advanced amps you can get your hands on. From the practice-perfect Micro Plus to the tone-conquering LT25, these amps give you tonnes of textures to explore, and all affordable prices too.
Finally, if you have a preference for vintage-inspired gear and old-school playing styles, amps from the Tonemaster or the Hot Rod series are where you should look. The Tonemaster series recreates some of the most iconic Fender amps ever made, only tweaked with modern modelling tech.
The Deluxe reverb for instance gives you all the glory of the original ’63 model, only without the valve hassle. If you’re willing to face the price, heft and maintenance involved with valve amps, something like the Blues Junior is also an excellent choice, delivering authentic vintage valve blues tones!
FAQs
What Fender amps did Hendrix use?
Although Jimi Hendrix mainly used Marshall amps, he was also known to use Fender amps such as the Fender Twin Reverb for his more bluesy tracks and used a Fender Dual Showman in 1968, potentially for the recording of “Voodoo Chile”.
What is the most recorded Fender amp?
The Fender Deluxe Reverb is one of the most recorded amps ever. Introduced in 1963, the Deluxe Reverb continues to be a popular amp to this day. Why? Because it can keep up with the demands of pretty much any genre you throw at it!
What is the most famous amp of all time?
One of the most famous amps of all time has to be the Fender Twin Reverb. Coming to prominence in the ‘60s, this amp is revered for its pristine Fender clean tone and built-in spring reverb. It also packs a mighty dual-speaker punch…
Final thoughts
So there you have it, the best Fender amps. Hopefully, this article has helped you come to a decision on the right Fender amp for you – and with so many to choose from, that’s no easy feat. From the affordable beginner-friendly Frontman to the valve-powered vintage gems, there’s a Fender amp for every type of guitarist.
If you want to learn more about amps in general, check out our guide to different amp types. Here you’ll find some more detailed info about solid-state, valve amps, and everything in between.
I get it, not everyone loves Fender as much as I do, which is why we also have an article about the best guitar amps overall that doesn’t only include Fender.
And for bassists, we have the best bass practice amps.
0 Comments