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MGR/Michael « Fender Frontman 25R »
Published on 12/30/03 at 15:00I purchased the amplifier new from Guitar Center for $139.99 plus tax. I purchased the amp mostly because of the price and the reputation of the Fender name. I also like the fact that it did not have built in effects because I already own a multi-effects pedal from Digitech. I just wanted a stripped down amp with great sound.
The size is perfect...small enough to be portable and large enough to rattle the windows. It has great overall tone and the drive channel works well for most types of rock or electric blues. With some tweaking the clean channel has great sound as well. For the most part I don't even use my effects pedal through the amp because I like the sound quality it provides by itself. The reverb feature is great as well.
The clean channel seems to have a lot more gain to it than the drive channel. I find that I have to turn down the volume from the guitar when on this channel. I also noticed a lot of white noise (hissing) when I connected my effects pedal to this channel. If I switch to the drive channel and turn the gain down the problem is not there. This can all be fixed with some simple adjustments of the amp and pedal EQ controls.
I like the placement of the knobs and switches. The unit did not come with a foot-switch, but I was able to construct one from parts available at Radio Shack for less than $8 (I'm just too cheap to spend $20 on one.) The speaker provides great sound. The only sound issue I found is that when played at higher volumes the front grill seems to rattle a bit (but so does everything else in the house).
Bottom Line: If you are a professional this would make a great practice amp. Probably not great for a gig. If you are like me, playing concerts for your wife and 2 year old at home, I would highly recommend this amp. It has plenty of punch for your home and other small gigs. If you want portable and powerful you'll find it in this amp.
This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
The size is perfect...small enough to be portable and large enough to rattle the windows. It has great overall tone and the drive channel works well for most types of rock or electric blues. With some tweaking the clean channel has great sound as well. For the most part I don't even use my effects pedal through the amp because I like the sound quality it provides by itself. The reverb feature is great as well.
The clean channel seems to have a lot more gain to it than the drive channel. I find that I have to turn down the volume from the guitar when on this channel. I also noticed a lot of white noise (hissing) when I connected my effects pedal to this channel. If I switch to the drive channel and turn the gain down the problem is not there. This can all be fixed with some simple adjustments of the amp and pedal EQ controls.
I like the placement of the knobs and switches. The unit did not come with a foot-switch, but I was able to construct one from parts available at Radio Shack for less than $8 (I'm just too cheap to spend $20 on one.) The speaker provides great sound. The only sound issue I found is that when played at higher volumes the front grill seems to rattle a bit (but so does everything else in the house).
Bottom Line: If you are a professional this would make a great practice amp. Probably not great for a gig. If you are like me, playing concerts for your wife and 2 year old at home, I would highly recommend this amp. It has plenty of punch for your home and other small gigs. If you want portable and powerful you'll find it in this amp.
This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com