Fender Performer 650 user reviews ( 8/10) - 8 user reviews

• 12/27/11

  marcoamf's review "Perfect when played loud"

  Characteristics

  Solid state amp with tube distortion channel.
  
  Actually, different from what is stated here (and that the model name wrongfully suggests), the amp is 80W RMS.
  
  12 inch Fender speaker kicks loudly and can easily be used as PA to play in a medium-sized bar (I've done that).
  
  I wish it had a connection for earplugs and one for a second guitar. Only connections are for instrument and for the footswitch (and the effects loop connections in the back).

  Utilization

  The clean channel sounds great, which adds good versatility showing the real sound of different guitars and pedals. If you don't want to change your sound on purpose, it'1s a very good choice (even though Fender does not produce it anymore).
  
  My user manual was stolen when I had to send the amp to fix the reverb that was not working. Now I'm asking Fender for a PDF copy but still no response (if anyone could send me I'd appreciate).
  
  The distortion channel is not ideal in my opinion, but maybe it's just the valves that are old (again, I need the manual to replace them). But it's not bad, either.
  
  It's relatively easy to carry for the power it gets.
  
  Only con is that it sounds best when played at volume 2 and above, which is already really loud for an apartment, for instance. So for practice at home it's a bit too much.
  
  After 15 years of use it's still in perfect shape and sound (i'm not a pro musician, so not much carrying around).

  Sounds

  I've used Fender Guitars and a Custom-made Luthier HB Strat. For effects I've used Digitech RP350 and also analog overdrive, wah and EQ.
  
  I like the pure clean sound of the amp, with either strat or humbuckers. With volume above 4 it really provides a nice smooth sound when played quiet and a strong kick twang / attack when provocked. Strong bass and nice mids. Treble a little too loud for my taste, but that can be adjusted in the knobs.
  
  Hasn't got the dynamics of a valve amp (such as it's cousin the Deluxe) but clean channel is the cleanest you will get.

  Overall Opinion

  I mostly like the sound of clean channel. I don't use much reverb but it sounds nice, too.
  
  Its tone when played loud is great, not so great when trying to find a volume below number 1, seems to clip down or reduce the amount of effects.
  
  At the time, long ago, I tried other amps and I chose this because of the mellower sounds than other solid state amps like Peavey or Crate.
  
  This amp definitely influenced my sound, and I can get the twang I want for blues and rock.
  
  If I had to buy another one, I'd probably spend more (much more) and get me a tube amp like a Mesa or something. BUT considering the money costrain, this amp would be a good choice if I could play it loud (in an isolated house or studio).
  
  To play in an apartment, I would definitely choose an amp no higher than 50W.
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• 06/23/11

  iamqman's review "It's ok"

  Characteristics

  This is one of those amps that just gets pasted up because it is really no different sounding than many of Fender's famous amps that people actually do know.This amp is really nothing to write home about as the tone is clean and sparkly as you would think a Fender amp should sound like. The down side to this amp is that it a cheaper version of a deluxe amp with no tubes. Well it does have one 12ax7 but i think it is used as a phase inverter if I'm not mistake so that you will get a sense of tube interaction.

  Utilization

  This amp has two channels essentially. One being he clean channel and the other of course is the distortion channel. Neither one of these channels has anything spectacular in any way. You get a sense that Fender just put this amp out to get some buyers on the solid state market that wanted to say they had an American made Fender amp.
  
  
  
  That is the good thing about this amp is that it is made in good old USA. This is before they started shipping oversees and down to Mexico for their amp support needs.

  Sounds

  The tone fro the clean isn't bad at all. I actually prefer the clean channel of a good solid state amp compared to a tube clean. In my opinion tube were best used to being pushed. When they are not pushed they come off as dull and uninspiring. You can always beef up a lousy clean from your amp with a little compressor pedals of some sort, but to me the cleans never need that in a solid state amp.
  
  
  
  The distortion channel is a whole different ball game. The tone from this channel is so bad that you really can't even play it. Fender has really no idea how to produce a good distortion tone. They messed it up with the Hot Rod series and are just now getting that under control with the new installment of the Hot Rod series amps. Fender has nailed it on the EVH 5153, but again this is in recent years....and how long has Fender been around.
  
  
  
  Anyway, this distortion channel is terrible and not usable at all. If you need a good clean then that is all that you are going to get with this amp.

  Overall Opinion

  Fender has now discontinued these amps and you can still find them on the used market from time to time. If you want a solid state Fender then I would go with the Frontman or the new G-Dec amps from this last NAMM show. They are more modern and will give you a better tone overall. If for some reason you really want this amp I think you can find them for under $200 in the classifieds or evilBay
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• 09/16/11

  duplicataz's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " small but cousteau"

  Characteristics

  I can not believe the features well detailed by colleagues

  Utilization

  Personal I love the simple and effective.
  
  For most of the renowned amps (Vox, Marshall, Fender ect ...) there is always a simplicitée making efficiency, the complex reflection kills.

  Sounds

  the sound is good, nothing to say.
  
  A good EQ, a tad of reverb and Fender sound is there.
  
  
  
  I have over 10 years and I play several types of guitar (Gibson SG, Gibson LP Studio, Fender Standard, Telecaster) and the sound is always there no matter the style you want when you have tamed the beast's settings and it sounds well controlled.

  Overall Opinion

  For me it is a good compromise for the repeated, small scenes, and even larger if recup with an SM57 or other it does it well,
  
  
  
  + Clean sound perfect
  
  + Light to move it, it helps
  
  + Easy to use when you know adjust the sound you want.
  
  + Powerful 65 watts announced but is far more on deposits.
  
  + A lamp is the preamble to its name a hybrid (because for me it is better than the transistor, but the lack of heat lamp brings the amp current but hey the price is different too.
  
  + Effects loop and line out.
  
  
  
  - The distortion is not enough clean (if you push the beast a bit of distortion is boiled) then as a colleague said the metal is not great.
  
  - The power is too powerful (like bcp amp, the volume is scaled from 0 to 10, 2 it is already shaking the walls a 6 7 collapsed after the house because nothing can grow there from August to October nothing more). solution volume pedal that controls the worries.
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• 02/09/11

  starcri's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  65W transistor amp made in USA with a tube preamp on the lead channel.
  
  A spring reverb.
  
  Clean channel: Volume severe acute mediums, ditto on the lead channel with the gain control and more.
  
  A 2-button footswitch for reverb and channel switching.
  
  A single entry. An output line out jack and an input / output effects loop with level control 3 positions.
  
  An HP Fender 12 inch. There

  Utilization

  everything you need, but nothing more. The manual is useless, it is only the basic settings and they are sufficient. It was immediately clear sound pretty well-typed Fender reverb preamp is correcte.La lamp gives a nice distortion, probably enough for metalheads, but bluesy.

  Sounds

  This amp is ok for playing almost all genres of music (except perhaps the metal)
  
  Although one should not overdo the high notes that quickly become flashy nor hope this amp more than a category can not give, but it is a good tool without too many pretensions, solid and reliable. My fabulous Les Paul Standart would probably deserved better, but she could make it sound honestly.

  Overall Opinion

  I bought this amp on a whim as I was angry enough to break my back lugging my Lab Series. Of course I immediately was disappointed by the difference in sound quality, the Performer 650 can not compete with a Lab Series ... but I got done, his 17Kg (approximately) is still appreciable. And I nearly fifteen years, on stage, at home or repeat, it has proved very useful. The baffle is open, you can store extension cords, stand, racks etc.. It is powerful enough in all circumstances, the sound is okay and we do not break the head with the settings ... I ended up buying another amp more "pro" and have kept it in second amp as it is a good tool of its kind. I can not remember the price at which I bought (or date, I put 97 in pif) and therefore can not say anything about its quality / price ratio. That said, I recommend secondhand who wants a good little amp without pretensions.
  
  A good tool
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• 01/16/08

  arghdedamned's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Other opinions are well documented so I do not dwell on this point.

  Utilization

  Using ultra simple.
  
  A clear channel and a channel footswitch saturated with good practice.
  
  Just a little flat on the volume control for each channel that is too sensitive for my taste, in fact, it is graduated from 1 to 10, but spent a good 2.5 / 10 it already sends a lot of big sound in cages Honey, so setting a bit tricky in use at home when mom (my wife) takes a nap!

  Sounds

  Waaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhouuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!
  
  I find it really ensures this amp! A sound that perfectly suits my style (noise rock).
  
  The clean sound is warm, saturated high-powered sound and reverb that gives body to esemble.
  
  75 watts you say? Hard to believe so the effect of power given by this amp is present.

  Overall Opinion

  It's been about 6 years that I use, it has been my third amp (the first 2 were sold quickly because not to my taste), and I'm really super happy. I do not make a scene and uses it at home and in rehearsal with friends. Repeats did not really do fear.
  
  The value for money is very good (bought on occasion at the time).
  
  The hardware seems reliable, however, I had a problem with the reverb which had to be changed (after a sixty euros). No problem elsewhere.
  
  Choice I would definitely do it again!
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• 09/10/07

  Blackjack(FR79)'s review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Caractritisque the same as above ....

  Utilization

  So the config is super simple, you plug the bte, turn the knob and go.
  
  It's Fender and we do not chignolle folks, its a adcoiffer a titan!
  
  In his "clear" it's hot, it's round and ca claque if necessary.
  
  Regarding the manual, bah I did not read, no need, however I do not even know where it is! lol. All I put 10.

  Sounds

  It is ideally suited to my style of music, by the way it adapts to any style that is so versatile.
  
  For this good "sound" I put 10, I loose.

  Overall Opinion

  Well in fact I've had 13 years now ..... but I am a breack of ten years without touching it and it perfectly aged.
  
  What I like about this amp that's simplicity of use, and good "sound".
  
  I had to buy it al "era between 3500 and 4000 francs, and it did really cheap for this type of amp.
  
  Currently I am playing again, with among other a drummer who Coune by what he has to type like a deaf lol.
  
  I do it again if the same purchase it again, eyes closed.
  
  All're crazy, even a 10.
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• 03/23/06

  ytse vinz's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  70 watt transistor amp with a 12AX7 preamp.
  
  2 channels.
  
  Separate EQ for each channel.
  
  Effects loop.
  
  Line In
  
  Spring reverb.

  Utilization

  Configuration architecture simple: branch, you turn, turn, and it sends! No adjustments unnecessary, all you need.
  
  Good point on the Equalization of clean channel with 3 band is to find a nickel.
  
  Distortion channel is the same, with a gradual gain an edge and effective.

  Sounds

  While there, one more ... kidding! It's Fender, and Fender said, said, clear sound to fall ... and it's the bomb! The beast of the resource in power, and low cash good well rounded, mid-boiling hot, and sharp and crystalline claqunts! Lovers of beautiful arpeggios, blues or clean funky rhythm is for you!
  
  But boosted channel is no exception either. With the small loupiote in preamp, it has a nice little sound that goes from bluesy overdrive and distortion free plump to calm all the combos that I could cross Marshmallow, and brands that reference in the field are not far away. The setting of stroke is super effective to deal also with precision.
  
  Personally, I played it with Ibanez SA, RG prestige, Epiphone SG, or PRS, and this combo provides in all registers, blues, rock, reggae, metal (yes, too !!!).

  Overall Opinion

  I played it for 5 years and never disappointed! Purchased 3500 francs at the time, was not given, but the price of versatility. We find more (at this price) amplifiers that provide power to cover a drummer, to provide versatility in all styles, the heat of a lamp (no transistor will never replace). I have tried just about everything that was done at the time in this price range ... and there's no picture!
  
  Small clarification though: I claim (change of config, and drummer with a strike as pissed actually more!). This can obviously affect the credibility of that opinion, but with heartbreak that I part of this companion ... snif! And I need gold coins, too!
  
  At the modeling to the death,
  
  The authenticity still resisting the invader.
  
  And facing the electronics and its deviations,
  
  It can be said again and again: Thank FENDER!
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• 11/27/05

  dreamt's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Transistor-Amp
  
  -65w (well I had a Marshall Valvestate 80w, this little fender spits more! I would say a good 100w pti!)
  
  2CHANNEL-(clean / gain)
  
  -Clean: Volume, Treble, Mid, Bass
  
  -Gain: Volume, Treble, Body, Bass, Gain
  
  -Reverb
  
  Football swith channels / reverb

  Utilization

  This gives the sound you want easily, the configuration is very simple.
  
  
  
  Knobs for volume significantly, from 2 / 3 sends a sec.

  Sounds

  It provides in all styles, rock can be pushed to mtal, blues or jazz without problem ... I play with OLP Petrucci, but happiness especially in clean. The sound can be a bit saturated imprcis when the gain is pushed back. The sound is more brutal than the Marshall I was using, but less "concentrated.
  
  
  
  The clean trs is good, I rarely heard a combo of a transistor. The highlight of the amp.

  Overall Opinion

  4 years I have, I'm glad trs. Good use in concert, on the small diodes are pdalier trs useful. In addition, the Fender style and class that do not leave indiffrents ....
  
  Discoverable only occasion I think it's a deal for 200.
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