All user reviews of 5/5 for the Fender Performer 650

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.

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.

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!

I won't mention the features again, which have been detailed by some colleagues before.

UTILIZATION

Personally, I love its simplicity and effectiveness
Most renown amps (Vox, Marshall, Fender, etc.) always offer a simplicity that makes them effective.

SOUNDS

The sound is all right, I have nothing to say in that respect.
A good EQ, a bit of reverb and you get the fender sound.

I've had it for more than 10 years and have played it with different guitar types (Gibson SG, Gibson LP studio, Fender Standard, Telecaster) and it always sounds good. Once you have tamed it and mastered the controls, it doesn't matter what style you play, it sounds good.

OVERALL OPINION

For me, it's a good compromise for rehearsals, small stages and even big ones, if you mic it with an Sm57 or similar.

+ Perfect clean sound
+ Light to transport
+ Easy to dial in when you know the sound you want
+ Powerful, rated at 65 watts but it delivers more, that's for sure
+ The hybrid tag suits the tube preamp very well (because for me it's better than a solid-state but lacks some of the warmth a tube provides current amps, at a higher price, though.)
+ Effects loop and line out.

- The distortion is not clean enough (if you crank it up it turns into noise), so, as someone already wrote before me, it's not the best for metal.
- It's too powerful (like many amps, the volume is graded from 0 to 10, at 2 it already makes the walls tremble, at 6-7 the house falls down, afterwards there's nothing left, even if you can go to 8 or 10). The solution is a volume pedal to fix the problem.