FM 212R Review

The FM 212R combo matches Fender® tone and reliability with 100 watts of juiced-up power being pushed through two new 12? Fender Special Design drivers.

Features:	8
Sound:	9
Reliability:	8.7
Impression:	8.7
Overall rating:	8.6
Users rating:	7
Comments:	43

overall: 10

Featured review by: unregistered, on march 03, 2004

Price paid: $ 299.99

Purchased from: Zzounds

Features: This amp was made in 2004. This amp has 3 channels clean/drive/extra drive (solo), and has a footswitch included with the amp. I use this amp to practice with my band and to gig with them this amp has more than enough power for me. There is also a wide range of distortions avalable with the mid contour switch, mostly for heavy metal. This amp only has reverb for effects and the reverb is awesome. // 10

Sound: I use this with a Fender stat and squire affinity strat, with humbuckers and single coils, this amp has awesome and versital distortion brutal or loving and is great for any type of music blues to classic rock or reggae to heavy metal to Nu metal. Hardly any noise with any guitar, but on the extra drive channel the is a little bit whivh is fine if you just use it as a solo channel. The clean channel is awesome and holds its ground at any volume or setting without distortion with ease. // 10

Reliability & Durability: Fuck, I would take this thing to hell and back and it would still work, I would take this thing anywhere without a backup and this has never broken down but has a 5 year warrenty if it does. // 10

Impression: I mostly play punk and this amp has the balls plus some to play it perfectly. If this amp was stolen I'd find who did it and beat the fuck out of them and if I didn't find them I would definitely buy another one without even blinking. I love every thing about it and wouldn't change a single thing, and there is nothing more or less it could have to make it better, if your just starting to jam with a band or have been gigging with a band for 10 years I would definitely reccomend this amp to you, I mean 300 dollars for a monster like this with a 5 year warranty this should be against the fucking law. // 10

overall: 8.5

Reviewed by: unregistered, on december 06, 2004

Price paid: $ 455.67

Features: This amp was made in 2004. I use a Digitech Tube effects pedal with this amp through the clean channel, playing mainly classic rock. It has 3 channels, firstly a clean, secondly a distorted and thirdly another distorted channel with mid increased for thicker solos. I can only give it a 3 for features because in comparison with other amps such as Line 6 which you can get for a similar price, the variety of features is really disappointing. But that didn't put me off, because of the quality of the sounds. // 6

Sound: I currently use a Vintage guitar with 2 humbuckers and a Colombus Series 2 (cheap Fender Strat copy). The clean channel on this amp is incredible for the money. As I use this amp with an effects pedal, it sounds awesome. The sounds really are comparable with any live band I've seen. However, without using effects, you cannot get much variety in the sound of the clean channel. This also applies to the distorted channel. Twist the knobs loads and you will notice little difference. This may be due to me previously owning a 50watt Marshall RCD (the cheapest loud Marshall I could find and the tone controls are good on these) but you really could do with an effects pedal. The third channel is little different. The variety of sounds is small, plus I get a lot of noise from it. This is untrue of the first two channels though, which are virtually silent all the way up. Which really is incredible considering how loud it goes. It is really loud! I'm giving it a 5 because with a pedal, you can't do much better even for anything double the price. // 10

Reliability & Durability: I've had the amp a few months now and it has never let me down. It seems very sturdy. Considering it has a five year warranty, I don't think Fender expects it to let anyone down. I always take backup to all gigs, because you never know! But for people that don't, this won't let you down! I can only give it a 4 because for the money the build is great, but for more money the build would be better. But thats not the idea of this amp. // 8

Impression: The main thing to stress with this amp is the power and quality for the money. Variety is not its strong point. But if like me you have another guitarist in the band with a comparable 100watt Marshall, you will find this blows it away. Yeah, the Marshalls have better distortion, but just buy a decent pedal the you'll have a better clean channel and a comparable distortion, for similar money. I think when Fender made this amp, they wanted a good clean channel, ok distortion that is not just a copy of other Fenders or Marshalls, but overall, a monster that for the money could do basically any gig. And I think they've done a very good job. I would easily buy it again, because for me with a good tube effects pedal, I needed nothing else. Just don't buy this amp for distortion! Stick to Marshalls for that. Buy this amp for power and quality. // 10

overall: 7

Reviewed by: westo, on august 09, 2006

Price paid: $ 326.25

Purchased from: Local small guitar shop

Features: I play mainly blues, classic rock, some metal (not extremely heavy), and some stuff of my own. This amp hasn't dissapointed me in any of those genres/styles. It has two channels plus an extra "more Drive" button to bump up the distortion. There is also a "mid contour" button which changes the sound a little though I am still unaware as to what it does exactly. The clean channel has volume, treble, mid, and bass knobs which work very well and have very nice range. The second channel has a Drive knob, plus the same knobs of the first channel. A spring reverb knob acts for both channels. I would like to see it with some chorus/flanger effects just because the quality is so nice and my DigiTech GNX2 doesn't have the greatest effect qualities. This amp also has pre-in and pre-out jacks for other capabilities (such as connecting to other amps). I've used it in a backyard "show", you may call it, and it was perfect. It was plenty loud for that as I normally keep it at 2 or less in my room. I accidentally bought mine without the footswitch- but it should come free if you get it at the right place. // 4

Sound: The guitar I am using with this amp is an Epiphone Firebird VII with three mini humbuckers. The quality of this amp is fantastic, and without looking at it you may mistake it for tube. The bass on this amp is incredible, complimenting my blues playing. With light distortion, this amp can do a great job. There is some hissing when turned up, but at a quiet volume it's unnoticeable. This amp can do wonders with blues, sounds great with classic rock, can do pretty well with metal, and you can probably use it while playing some punk (I would never play anything like punk, so I can't tell you what it sounds like). When I played this outside for a bunch of people, the clean channel never let me down. It stayed nice, bassy, and clear. The distortion can get pretty raunchy at 10 with the "more Drive" channel added. // 10

Reliability & Durability: I can always depend on this amp to make new sounds and help me with my experimentation. At small gigs, this thing would be fine. I've had it for a few months now and nothing has happened at all. I think I can trust the Fender name and hopefully nothing bad will happen. // 8

Impression: Like I've said now many times, this amp is perfect for my types of music. I also have an old Epiphone EP-800 that I just recently hooked up to the Fender to act as a second amp. With both of these going at once, the possibilities are not endless, but rather very long (endless would be false advertising, now wouldn't it). If it were stolen, I would probably look at getting a better amp with more power simply because I would have to get an amp with more power soon anyways. I love this amp because of it's quality, I miss it's lack of some effects, and I can't stop using the second channel on light distortion. I compared it to a Vox AD50VT Valvetronix and needed more power than that. Overall, I'm sort of sad I didn't get something with more "umph" and more features. // 6

overall: 9.5

Reviewed by: qwikfngr, on february 12, 2007

Price paid: $ 329.99

Purchased from: Herried's Music Store

Features: The new FM212R's are great amps! There is 100 watts of power through two 12" Celestions all in a solid, portablle, light (48lbs.) combo. There are three foot switchable channels (2-button footswitch included) and a mid-contour feature for modern distortions and a variety of tones. Sadly the mid-range scoop isn't footswitchable; a third button on the footwitch would have been nice. Also, there are in and outputs for an effects loop or connection to sound reinforcement or recording equipment. The 100 watts of solid-state power is perfect for the small to medium-sized scene gigs that I play and the Blackface look is great in small stage setups. // 9

Sound: I play everything from reggae to metal and the amp handles any tone necessary. Playing my Strat through it evokes smooth and creamy twang in clean and enormous shrieks and pinches in overdrive. I also play a drop-tuned SG through to find that great, heavy, chug-chug sound that can only be found with Fender. Upon hitting the mid-range scoop I was blown away by the amazing distortion, with practically no noise. The clean channel rings loud and clear with the volume up to six (as loud as I've dared to crank it yet). Simply put, the amp (with footswitch) enables you to jump straight from heaven to hell. // 10

Reliability & Durability: Even in the short time I've owned my FM212R, I've found it to be both reliable and durable. Even when bumped quite roughly while being played through, no noise was audible. I'm really anxious for spring, so I can really put it to the test with some outdoor gigging. The amp seems dependable so far though, and even so, comes with a 5-year warranty. // 9

Impression: The Fender FM212R is a great amp, a real value for the power, and an amazing monster of tone, variety, brutality, and clarity encompassed. Having played for around four years, it is the perfect amp for me, as I am just beginning to perform small scene shows and concerts that require enough volume, but not walls of cabinets. The amp pairs up amazingly with both my Strat and SG. Having chosen the amp to match up with the other guitarist in my band, whom owns a similiar Fender solid-state combo, I have been completely satisfied as my band now produces some crushing sounds. The FM212R is the amp I was looking for. And it looks great! // 10

overall: 8.8

Reviewed by: Fender_punk, on november 06, 2006

Purchased from: some guy

Features: This amp was made in the usa. It's quite versitile and one of the best non-tube amps I've ever played. I play everything from NOFX to the police. You can get a great distortion sound with it, perfect for punk or metal. I played this amp with 2 guitars, a Tom DeLonge Strat and an Epiphone Dot Studio. It has a mid contour switch, 3 channels (really it's 2 with a distortion boost) a 2 button footswitch and I think that's about it. There is no line out which was bad for me because I tried plugging this into a cabinet and wouldn't work. And the footswitch is this really slippery plastic and slides around when you put your foot on it. // 8

Sound: I play a Fender Tom Delonge Stratocaster and an Epiphone Dot Studio both with the stock Epiphone pick ups and a Seymour Duncan detonator in the bridge. The bulk of what I play is Punk rock but it gets a pretty good clean sound. Also if your into the whol classic rock thing, it gets a pretty sweet overdrive sound like AC/DC and all that. You can use the mid contour button to get a crazy high metal sound but I don't use it much. The distortion on this is definately one of the best non tube distortions I have used. I would say it's better tan a couple tube heads I've used. One thing that was bad was that if you put the distortion up to 10, the distortion channel looses some crunch and the clean channel just acts weird. This might just be mine but it was one problem I had. The speakers are pretty good and I actually bought the cabinet version of this amp for my half stack. // 9

Reliability & Durability: This amp is very dependable. I played it Live for about a year and recorded a CD with it. Plenty loud enough and still sounds great. It's built pretty well and everything. It's a good amp and extremely affordable. I thought there was something wrong with it because of the whole Drive all the wya up thing but I just figured out what was wrong one day. // 9

Impression: It's good for any style of music really, punk, metal, country, whatever. I've been playing 4 years and I own A B-52 AT-100 tube head which is an amazing affordable guitar amp and I have owned a Crate blue voodoo 100 and a Peavey supreme head. This amp blew them out of the water and is quite comparable to the B-52. I run my current head through the cabinet version of this Fender amp and it gets a really good sound. // 9

overall: 7.8

Reviewed by: jeffo46, on november 09, 2007

Purchased from: Daddy's Junky Music

Features: I believe that minewas made around 2005 or so. It was alright for the music I was playing with my old band, but it wasn't spectacular. It has 2 channels and is rated at 100 watts, which is more than enough power for any gig as far as I'm concerned. The only feature that I wish this amp has, would be to have some casters built onto it. This thing weighs a freaking ton! // 7

Sound: I use a 2006 60th anniversary MIM Strat, and for that amp you would think it would be a perfect mix. The clean channel on this is very bright. I would have to turn the high no higher than 3, the bass on 6, and the mids on 6 also. The distortion on this amp is alright for blues or classic rock, providing you know how to make the proper adjustments. It took me quite a while at first to get it to sound the way I wanted. // 8

Reliability & Durability: Here's where I give this a 10. Until I got rid of this 3 months ago, I have used this on over 50 gigs and never had a problem. You could definately rely on this without a backup amp. And seeing that it's solid state.you would never have to worry about putting up with tubes. That's why I prefer solid state, cause I was playing a gig in 1988, and at the time, I was using a Marshall Tube, and halfway thru the show, the amp shit the bed on me. So as a result, I will never use tubes again. // 10

Impression: I have been playing for over 35 years, and not to rag on Fender, but I feel that if this amp was made in either the good ole USA or even Mexico, it would be a much better sounding amp. I have a late '90s Frontman 25 with the black grille that was made in Mexico which blows this amp away if you can believe that. I ended up doing a straight trade for a USA 1997 Peavey Studio Pro 112, which I do not regret. I'm not gigging right now, and the Peavey is a lot lighter on my back. So, if I still owned this and it got lost or whatever, I would not replace it with the same thing. The Chinese do not have a clue how to build a great amp. // 6

overall: 9

Reviewed by: Blue_Strat91, on december 27, 2007

Price paid: $ 300

Purchased from: Musician's Friend

Features: This 100 watt solid state amp was made in 2004. It has 3 footswitchable channels, the clean and dirty EQs being independent and a mid scoop on the dirty channels, clean, Drive, and more Drive. The clean is amazing, Fender clean. Drive could be better, but isn't bad, it's a Fender, not a Marshall people! More drive is basically the Drive channel with a gain boost. Spring reverb is a nice touch. // 8

Sound: I run a Fender stratocaster through my crybaby wah, SD-1, BD-2, CS-3, and RP-80 multi-effects unit. I use the clean channel (the best feature of the amp) and use it as a base on which to build my sounds utilizing my effects. It is not noisy on the clean channel, but hisses a lot when the gain is maxed out on the more Drive channel. The distortion will not suit a metal player, but that's why they invented stompboxes. The clean channel, being solid state, stays clean at very high volumes. Very nice with effects. // 9

Reliability & Durability: I can, and will depend on this amplifier, it has never let me down. I would gig without a backup without any worries. The only time it gave me an issue was when the included footswitch cable died, but it is easily replaced by a standard instrument cable. I still don't know why it happened, but it wasn't a really durable cable, so I'm not suprised honestly. But the amp itself is built like a rock. // 10

Impression: Overall, I love this amp. I've been playing for 4 years, playing a variety of styles from classic rock, blues, jazz, and modern rock. The only thing that I wish this amp had was better distortion channels. Nonetheless I can deal with it, because the clean channel is amazing. If it were stolen or lost I'd either buy this or a Fender DRRI. // 9

overall: 8.8

Reviewed by: guy_tebache, on june 25, 2008

Price paid: A$ 550

Features: This amp was made in 2005 and it is pretty cool for a cheapish 100W solid state. I play funk, rock, indie, prog rock, metal, and a bit of everything else. It plays all of these styles really well. It has 2 channels: clean/ overdrive, with a "more drive" option on the Drive channel, and also comes with spring reverb. It comes with a footswitch for channel/more Drive and has 2 12" Fender speakers. I've used this amp for pratice, gigs and recording and it works fine for all of them. The thing that drew me to this amp was that it was cheap and simple. I like effects pedals and I'm not really into onboard FX. // 8

Sound: I use this amp with a bunch of effects and an Epiphone Les Paul Standard. This gets a pretty great sound for most styles, but whenever I need a Strat/single coil sound I find my self always using the Drive channel for that extra bite. If you use the Drive channel on high Drive it gets really noisy, but I've never had any problems with noise on the clean channel that wasn't caused by something else. That said, the Drive is pretty nice for a stock overdrive. For some styles of music you would prefer a Marshall overdrive, but this still works well. // 9

Reliability & Durability: I've never had any reliability problems, but I've heard that if you use this amp at high volumes (though with a full band and a full FOH system I've never had to turn it past 4) and high Drive, the amp can overheat and cut out after extended use. It's built like a brick. I'm more worried about it breaking me when I carry it around // 9

Impression: I've been playing around 6 years and this was my first serious amp, though now I'm due a nice tube halfstack. It's a very nice intermediate players amp and plays well in most if not all genres. I like the overdrive and clean channels, and I like the reverb, though there are better sounds to be had. It wouldn't be stolen cos it weighs a ton. // 9

overall: 8.5

Reviewed by: Slaytanic1993, on february 18, 2008

Price paid: $ 199.99

Purchased from: k&s music (williamsport)

Features: I play very diverse metal (mostly stuff like Opeth and Watain) and the more Drive channel through my Boss OverDrive is sick sounding and the cleans are so fracking amazing. I'd tour with this bitch! Channels: clean/drive/more drive/mid contour. In order, the channels go amazing/decent/amazing/good. These channels all meet my expectations 100%, I've played other Fender amps and have been pleased with the sounds and wanted to buy my own. Basic settings, and reverb. I wish this had a built in delay but that's just hoping for a lot. I love the features this has and I will probably use this amp as my cabs if I buy a head. I use it in band practice, home practice, jamming, and rehearsals and gigs. In bedroom jams it is slightly loud, but what the hell, right? For jamming with some random dudes at K&S (the equivalent of a GC around here) it is awesome, and I love showing off the punchy-ass tone. Rehearsles and gigs it is just perfect, and I do not use any backup, and it makes me happy that I bought this amp. For a SS amp, this amp is so good and has a nice warm punch rather than others SS amps which have a dull gain. The dual input is good when my guitarist decides he doesn't want to take his amp to practice. // 8

Sound: I mostly use my B.C. Rich Custom Shop Stealth with a Dimebucker in the bridge for my guitars, occaisionally I'll use my EC-50, and it just makes my sound even tighter. The whole setup just pleases my need so much. It fits roughly 90%. It is missing some gain, but that's because it isn't tube. If it was a tube amp it'd be a clear 100%. The cleans, the drive, the everything is perfect on this amp. I have none, and I use it with the gain on 6 with my Boss on level: 1 o'clock and drive: 9 o'clock and it makes almost no noise (the little noise heard is bearable). If high enough the drive is almost tube-ish even w/out my pedal. The clean stays nice and, well, clean at any volume, and the all-around control of this amp's tone and noise/vol. control is nicely done for Fender. Distortion problems, slightly meek, but Fender isn't exactly a death metal brand, right? Still, what it lacks in distortion, the cleans more than make up for it. // 9

Reliability & Durability: As stated before, no need for a backup, and this thing is sturdy, oh yeah. I think if I dropped this from a man's height or two and it'd be fine. for a very used amp, this amp is extremely well done and never goes kablush. The reliability is nice, I'd rely on it if I ever had a tube amp with bad cleans and I needed some decent cleans, if that happened, this amp would have it's place. // 9

Impression: My style of folky-acoustic guitar mixed with heavy as hell metal makes this amp my baby. The styles meld together and the clean with a load of bass will make your electric sound acoustic (my win, as I haven't bothered with acoustic yet) and the distortion with a good compression/OD pedal with equal amounst of high mids and bass will give you a clean punch that any metalhead would recognize. If the first I'd firstly kill whatever roadie lost it or I'd spend numerous days trying to find it. If it were stolen, I would pay twice as much as I paid to get my original back and if I had to, I'd buy another one. I love this on clean and with OD'd drive, but I slightly dislike the drive by itself. I compared this with a Crate (model escapes) and I picked this over it solely on the clean setting, and I think if I could have, I'd buy the Crate for natural distortion and keep the Fender for cleans and OD'd drive. I also tried out a Marshall MG something and thought the Fender kicked it in the nuts and walked away laughing. Perfect, well, expect for that if it was a tube amp then it'd be given 10/10 everywhere. // 8

overall: 10

Reviewed by: btwade, on january 28, 2008

Features: I love this amp. I have been playing for about 2 years and I wanted to get a new amp. So I went to music stop and some guy came around the corner with this Fender amp. I tryed it and loved it. It was the 2nd last one in the shop. It was made in 2004. I play mostly rock (grunge, punk, heavy and classic) it has 2 channels (clean and overdrive) the overdrive has a boost buttom for more gain and volume for solos and a spring reverb. It does have an effects loop but I don't really use it much. I wish it had a headphone jack. I mostly play at home and jam with my buddies. // 10

Sound: I am using a Jay Turser stratocaster copy with single coils and with this guitar it sounds amazing. It suits my music style perfect (rock) both channels sound amazing. The clean channel is really crisp and clear. the overdrive it nutts, I love the gain. It doesn't break up at all. // 10

Reliability & Durability: I will always depend on this amp. Fender has always made very good quality products. I would never use a backup. It hasn't broken down yet and might never sence it is a solid state amp it doesn't have tube to crack! Fender has a 5 year warrenty so I will have no problems. // 10

Impression: It is a perfect match for my musical style(rock).playing for 2 years. I use a Ibanez TS7 Tubescreamer for bluey stuff and I use a Morley Classic Wah. I would have asked about the effects loop before buying this amp. If it were ever stolen/lost I would find that person and skin them (not litterly) and I also love the spring reverb. // 10

overall: 9.3

Reviewed by: Steveblues50, on september 18, 2006

Price paid: $ 300

Purchased from: local music store

Features: My FM212R was made in China in 2004. The amp is a two channel solid state with reverb, very basic. Has a very nice clean channel and distortion is not bad but if you like distortion you'll want to add a decent OD/Dist pedal or two. Basic EQ for both channels and a mid scoop on distortion that gives a nice tonal pallette for 300 bucks. Distortion (drive) can also be kicked up a notch with more drive function. Very loud 100 watts. Only wish it had a headphone jack. // 9

Sound: I play mostly blues, punk and classic rock. This thing does each well. As I said clean is very nice, no breakup at higher volumes and at this price level I think that is very important. If you have good Fender clean you can build on that, right? I use a MIM Strat and an Ibanez 335 copy into a Crybaby Wah/MXR EQ/Digitech DF7/Keely modded TS9 straight into amp with a DigiTech Multichorus in the effects loop I forgot to mention above. Very happy with the sounds this set up gives me. Don't get me wrong. I still use the drive and more drive channel, I just like like them more whem used in conjunction with the TS9. I do have to say I use the straight Fender distortion in More Drive mod for an Epi Les Paul I have set up for slide. Lots of sounds, just play with the knobs. Not a bedroom amp. // 9

Reliability & Durability: It's solid state and a Fender what could be more reliable? I've had it for 18mos use it a couple hours every day, no problems. Just keep it clean away from heat and damp and you'll be all set. Don't gig but I've moved it around with a lot less care than I give my tube amp. Comes with a 5yr warranty. // 10

Impression: Overall this amp is the balls at 300 bucks. Sure you could do better going tube but you are not going to find a 212 all tube combo for anywhere near this price. For anyone on a budget you can get some damn fine professional sounds out of this puppy. Digital amp modeling. Marshall is nice but the clean Fender channel is better. The Fender is also cheaper than the Marshall AVT 212 option. Bang for the buck FM212R wins. // 9

overall: 8.3

Reviewed by: Godzilla1969, on april 17, 2006

Price paid: $ 299

Purchased from: Musiciansfriend.com

Features: I got my Fender FM 212R for Christmas of 2004. Seeing as I use only distortion and overdrive pedals, I can't tell you just how versatile it is, but it performs very well with the various styles of music that I play. The features that I never use on this amp are the overdrive/distortion setting, because the sound on these is somewhat lackluster, and the reverb, because it broke about a year after I got it. I kind of wish it had some on-board effects, but those are sometimes lacking the authenticity of real effects, so I am not too disappointed. // 8

Sound: I am using a Gibson Les Paul Studio Plus, a Fender Standard Stratocaster, and an Ovation CC057 with this amp. It fits my style very well, because when I am not using the superb clean channel, I am using an overdrive or distortion pedal. When I actually use the amp's distortion, it gets a little noisy, especially with my Strat, once it goes up to about 4. One great thing about it is that it is loud! An ideal independent practice volume for me is at no louder than one, but fro about 7-10, there is not much of a difference in volume. The clean channel, as I said before, is wonderful. It sounds great with humbuckers or single coils or even the pickup in my acoustic-electric. Also, as I have said before, the distortion channel leaves much to be desired. While you can get a good sounding light overdrive, the brutalest distortion is no match for my pedals. // 9

Reliability & Durability: I would definately use this amp in a gig without a backup, because, for the most part, I have not been disappointed by it yet. One frustrating thing that happened to my amp is that the reverb stopped working about a year after I had it, which wasn't due to any lack of care or maintenance. // 8

Impression: My band plays Radiohead-ish songs, and my amp can match the music very well. All of my pedals, wah, phasers, distortion, overdrive, noise suppressors, work fine with it, and I love the clean channel most of all. I'm not crazy about the distortion, or lack of functioning reverb, but I am not in any way disappointed with the amp. // 8

overall: 9

Reviewed by: next_angus_8888, on january 03, 2005

Purchased from: Newfoundban (local music store)

Features: I'm pretty sure this amp was made in 2003. The is extremly versatile. It has amazing drive and more drive for the hevyer music. I play 80's rock, blues, jazz and a bit of metal but not alot. It is able to give you many kinds of distortions for different types of playing. The clean channel is exceptional also. It has three channels; clean drive and more drive like I already discussed. The Fender FM212R has two inputs, pre out, power in and a foot swith input. I use this amp for gigs at school. It's definaetly powerful enough with two specialy desined 12 inch speakers. It is a soldid State amp. It weighs forty eight pounds. The Fender FM212R come with a foot swith so you can switch channels while you play. // 8

Sound: I am using a Washburn Dime V Dimebag Darrell Signature series guitar (RIP Dime) with Seymour Duncan pickups. I think it is the best for classic rock '80s. I paly a lot of AC/DC and the driber channel suits it very well. The amp is extremly quit, that is when your not playing. When you play it blowing your ears. But when not playing you would only be able to tell it is on because of the power light on front. If you cange the settings on the amp you can get a great variety from clean, drive and even metal. The clean channel is amazing. It will stay clean now matter what the volume. The distortion is brutal. but in a goos way. Becasue you can have little distorting for what I play like AC/DC. But you can change setting and put the more drive channel on to blast right to metal distortion. // 10

Reliability & Durability: I would use this amp at all my gigs and I would not have a problem. No need for a back up amp when you got a Fender FM212R. // 8

Impression: Once again, I paly 80's rock. This amp is perfect for it. I have been playing for about 2 years. I have A Washburn Dime V Dimebag Darrell Signature series and my Fender FM212R I've got a entry level Jay Turser along wiht a ten watt Traynor amp. If this was to be broken I would fix it and if stonel I'd look for it and perhaps but another one. I love this amp becasue it has many types of tones and setting. but what I hate is the weight of it. Forty eight pounds. Hard to carry around. The one thing that does not bother me but I would not mind having is digital effects. Oh well. Over all I think the amp is excellent. // 10

overall: 8.3

Reviewed by: guitarfan93, on august 21, 2006

Price paid: $ 300

Purchased from: musicians friend

Features: My amp was made in 2004, and it is very versatile.You can plug 2 guitars into it. It is solid a solid state amp, and get very loud if you want it that way, it's definately for the typical gigger. My favorite feature on this amp is the reverb, it's got that classic Fender verb sound which is really good. // 8

Sound: I am using a Epiphone Les Paul Custom and DigiTech RP200A pedal with it. I play most types of rock (classic, metal, punk) and ocassionally blues. It can be noisy when on the the more drive channel (when the red light in the middle is lit), also on the clean channel it will sometimes distort or clip a little when using a lot of bass. The drive channel is good for when you need like the classic rock sound (Malcom Young, Jimmy Page, and stuff like that). The more drive I'd good for hard stuff like metal (Metallica, Slayer, A7X). // 9

Reliability & Durability: I can depend on this amp without a backup. This ia amp is a tough one but is very heavy. Somewhere around 50 pounds, and if you carry it by yourself it's alittle awkward to grip since it only has one handle. This amp has never broken and sounds as good as the day I bought it. // 8

Impression: I play a lot of different genres of rock and this amp can handle all of them. I usually play with my RP200A into the clean channel, just because that pedal give me more choices. I love the massive sound it produces. It may only have 2x12" speakers but sounds just as loud as a Marshall half stack. I compared this amp to many crat amps and this one delivered more kick to it. I do wish it had more eq options on the clean channel, it is sometimes hard to get a nice clean sound out of my Les Paul with this amp. If this amp was stolen I probaly wouldn't get it again, because I really wanna tube amp now, but overall it is a good amp. // 8

overall: 8.5

Reviewed by: sumfartieone, on april 06, 2004

Price paid: $ 399.99

Purchased from: zZounds

Features: This amp has three channels and has a spring reverb. As far as features are concerned this is it, but the ammount of power this has is amazing. I'll give it a four because of the lack of features but the quality of what it did have. // 8

Sound: I use this with a combination of single coils and humbucker pickups and get a great sound every time. This amp was made for distortion, it has a wide range of different distortion tones, but don't get me won't the clean channel kicks ass to, and never breaks up even at 10. The only problem I had was blowing the speakers after one month of having the amp. But all is well and fixed now. // 10

Reliability & Durability: This amp is pretty reliable besides the small blown speaker problem. But if anything worse ever happens there is a 5 year warranty to cover my ass, so im not to worried about it. I'll give it a 3 hear because of the blown speakers. // 6

Impression: This amp is perfect for anybody just starting out, especially for the price. If I went to the store and this amp was $400 I still would buy it. The only thing I wish it had was a little bit higher quallity speakers, but for $300, fuck beggers can't be choosers! I recommend this amp to anybody needing gig like volumes on a tigh budget, even if your not on a tight budget the buy this and save you money for a new guitar! // 10

overall: 8

Reviewed by: alexi1, on february 16, 2006

Purchased from: Westside music centre

Features: This amp is very versatile it can give a nice full clean sound or a heavier crunch distortion sound. I like to play heavy metal, but I dont run straight through the amp I use a Boss ME-50. There are three channels a clean, ditortion and more distortion. I don't use the 'more distortion' channel because it's just not heavy enough for my style of music. If I didn't have a pedal and have to run straight to the amp then I would wish it had a lot heavier sound. It's a solid state amp. But it has extreme power. I practice most in my room and I cant turn it above 2 because it's just to loud for practicing. // 7

Sound: I play with a Vintage LP-200 (not the best) with Wilkinson humbuckers (I'm not a fan of single coils). It's an extremelly loud amp and for playing live its very good. There is a fair bit of sound variety. From a clean to '50s soft distortion to a fairly heavy sound. The clean channel stays clean no matter what volume it's played at. // 7

Reliability & Durability: I can depend on this amp for live playing as a trust it will not break. I'm happy walking on the top of it while playing without the fear of it breaking. The amp has never packed up on me. I play on it every day. // 9

Impression: When I first opened the box up I did'nt think it was a 100watt amp as it is fairly small, but when I plug it in, in the living room (where everyone was) it was on volume 3 and I didn't think it was going to be that loud. I scared the crap out of everyone. My ears were ringing for hours after. If The amp were to get stolen or completelly pack in then I would probablly not buy it again I would get the Line 6 150 watt (I've heard it's very good). // 9

overall: 10

Reviewed by: blink_nirvana, on february 03, 2005

Price paid: $ 315.21

Purchased from: St. Johns Music

Features: This is a limited edition amp from Fender. The dealer or store clerk may say it is an eco amp, but don't let that fool you this is a crazy amp. It has a diferent options for clean, and distortion to let you find the perfect sound for any song. It sounds amazing with any of the styles I play: Blink 182, Green Day, Jimi Hendrix, Van Halen, Sum 41 and many more. There's alot of hype about Marshall and I must say it is all talk. I tried out all kinds of amps: Marshall, other Fenders, Peavey, Crate, and Behinger (or something like that). Marshall sounded really bad, and kinda constapated. Fenders were all pretty good, this one being the best. Crate was too basic and expensive and lacked power. Behringer was horrible. For Peavey I tried out the Studio Pro, along with others and they lacked power and wasn't as versitile as it looked. Fender had that nice "bassy" sound, and has a ton of power. I use my FM212R With my band and it definately has enaugh power, sounds great, and can play over the drums. This amp is all you need. // 10

Sound: I use my FM212R with a Strat Spinoff, and a Boss Metal Zone MT-2. And I was amazed by the sound I got when I played for the first timne with my band. So were they. It fits my style perfectly, and could fit any style you put it with. There is a large variety of sounds that I can create. You can get anywhere from a nice warm distortion, to a Korn type distortion. Trust me. I've tried. There is hardly any feedback. // 10

Reliability & Durability: This amp is kick ass. It has never broken down. And if it does it has a 5 year waranty covering my ass. 12" speakers are kick ass and are made to take a beating, while making an unbeatable sound. Whether jamming alone at home, jamming with my band, or playing a gig, I know I can rely on my Fender FM212R. // 10

Impression: I would suggst anyone to buy this amp. If you don't believe me go to your local music store and you'll see what I'm talking about. I promise you'll fall in love. // 10

overall: 9.5

Reviewed by: The Hog, on august 29, 2005

Purchased from: Long & McQuade

Features: I bought this amp in 2003, it holds up to my styles of play which are blues, hard rock. It has 3 channels and it comes with a footswitch, 2 inputs. I don't really use all the channels because I use my effects pedals but when I first got it, I just plugged it in played. The clean channel was awesome and the drive channel it was something else too. My band, we don't have alot gigs but when we do they're usually house parties. This thing is awesome lots of power. The leadsinger/guitarist of our band liked so much he went and got one about 2 weeks after I got mine. // 10

Sound: I have a Epiphone Les Paul Classic and a Gibson Challenger. These 2 guitars and this amp are a great combo. at least for my style of playing which are blues, hard rock. I can make this amp sounds like a 12 string acoustic or absolute heavy metal electric. // 10

Reliability & Durability: Can I depend on it? And would I use it on a gig without a backup? You're right, I would without a doubt. The only problem I had with the FM212 was for some reason I blew a speaker within about 6 months so I brought it back to were I bought it and within a few weeks Fender sent me a brand new one (god love them). It is now 2005 and this one's running great with not one problem. // 8

Impression: My band and I have been together for 3 years, and I have been playing off and on for about 10 years. This is a great match for the style of music I play which are blues and hard rock. I own an Epiphone Les Paul Classic, Gibson Challenger and a Yamaha acoustic guitar, along with my FM212 I have a Marshall G50R CD amp, effects I have a Zoom GFX707, Boss BD-2 Blues Driver, Boss DS-1 Distortion, Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive and a Dunlop Cry Baby GCB-95. If it were stolen/lost I would hunt them down and beat them if I didn't find them I would go out and buy a new one. I compared it with the Mega's, the Marshall's, the Line 6's and so on. I didn't want anything too big but also not too small, this one was the perfect fit it's not too big (it weights about 50 pounds)but it has lots of power. But what it all came down to was the almighty dollar for $400 and change and a 5 years warranty I was sold. // 10

overall: 8.5

Reviewed by: JaredF, on july 02, 2005

Purchased from: Axe Music

Features: Made in 20005, this solid state amp is a powerhouse. I play metal, and it's many subgenres, and some classic rock as well, and this amp is a fair suite for the music. Loud-100 Watts, I turn the dial to "2", and its as loud as my 0 Watt practice amp. At 4-5, you have to bring out the 20'foot cable b/c its that fricken loud! The footswitch for clean, drive/more drive is great always use it. The more distortion channel is great, better for those metal distortions that I need, and the regular drive channel is good for more classic rock distortion that I play aswell. The EQ switch and conture also help with that, using it or not, gives you your choice of anything of a classic rock sound, to more modern, deepend metal guturals, to anything in between. A slight reveb dial gives your sound a more "concert" feel, which is fun to use occasionally on clean solos. no effects loop, or effects at all, becasue this amp is ment to be loud! Nothing fancy or innovative, just pure gigging power, it doesn't have worthless crap that you use in practice, it has the bare essentials maxed out for a more live preformance amp. I use it in a band and it works great for leveling out with a drummer. // 8

Sound: I have a s--t guitar that I sard - a Slamer Hamer. And it still sounds good with the stock pickups. But I'm in market and buyinmg a King V from Jackson, tried it out! Getting it in the next fews days b/c I love the Jackson V - Fender beast amp combo, you can get some killer sounds from just playing around for a few minutes. It has 2 inputs: for regular pickups and for high active inputs that pick up more. I have regular pickups, and I put my guitar into the second one, and it cut noise by half, still giving me my tone and sound that I have on one. The distortion could be better, but I'm using a cheap hamer, remember? When I tried out the Jackson, I cried from love of the sound, you would too. // 8

Reliability & Durability: You can depend on it, 100 watts, lots of distortion options. I would use it withoput a backup, its a great amp! Never crapped out on me yet! // 10

Impression: Metal - great match! Plus, metal is loud, so is the amp! I had a dean markely practice amp before, well of course this blows it all away! If it was stolen, id buy it again, I had a great deal for the price, I payed up to 120, less than other places! Love the power and opportunites, but the distortion could be more crunch and deeper. But I love the foot switch, great it is! // 8

overall: 4.5

Reviewed by: iammetal, on november 09, 2005

Features: The features for this amp, are all over-rated by far. When I first got it, the price and weight had me sold on it. I was wrong. It has all theses fancy channel knobs, for reverb, drive, contour, and of course bass, treble, and volume. It comes with a pedal, that "allows" you to switch channels without tinkering little buttons on the amp itself. The pedal broke the second day I owned it. Its not a tube amp, so it starts right up, but it sucks. I purchased this amp for the "100 Watts of useable power," because I needed a gig amp, but it too basic of an amp for me. // 5

Sound: The sound isnt that great. Its really faded, and sounds like it lacks the ability to try. When it's turned up (which it really does get loud) it actually does not sound all that bad rather when its quiet. The overdrive on it is ives off a very loud static when the guitar is silenced though, and my "Metal Zone" pedal and it do not get along at all. The clear channel sounds great, but I never use it on account I'm into heavy distortion, and deep sound. I have a seven string, and it also dosent get along with it as well. // 4

Reliability & Durability: My band and I practice at least once a week, and I have to travel to my drummer house, about 20 minutes away. So, it is in my tiny back seat alot, rolling around at times, but nothing has broken on it soo far. Its heavy, and been dropped once, but it didnt damage the amp at all. But, turning it up to 9 (out of 10), after a minute or two you can smell the amp frying up. Thats never a good sign. // 5

Impression: It's not for heavy rockers/metal heads out their, but for folk music or light country or something along those lines. The clear channel is great, that is if you like that kind of sound, but the overdrive on it is really a waste of money. Don't let the price get you, its a cheap amp, at a fairly cheap price for its range, but I don't recommend it for anyone who likes harder, deeper tuned, music with distortion and what not. // 4

Comments

[pjack]

yes this amp is really awesome, fender amps rock!!!

[ArcherTheVMan]

godzilla 1969 is wasting his amp so much, you have pedals so you dont use the overdrive channels... what if they sound better than your pedals? (which they probably will) whats the point in buying an amp and then Never using it to its potential, you may as well go buy something even cheaper cos it wouldnt change your tone whatsoever. you could at least try messing with the other settings just in case you Do actually like them. i used to be the sort of person who Had to use his pedals, then when i got a new amp i realised how much i wasting time (and tone) to something which is in reality quite awquard and unnecessary.

[ArcherTheVMan]

...much i was wasting...*

[sithian476]

ArcherTheVMan... I have this amp, and yes I can kinda see your point, but the overdrive/distortion on this amp is limited no matter how much you mess with. You sorta have to use a pedal if you want a quality heavy distortion.

[flowers_of_rome]

In the first review, the reviewer complained about the lack of features. Sometimes amps sound good without effects. I own this amp and I love it.

[OttovanZanten]

i heard some bad things about it...
on volume level 3 (from 10) the sound goes off... amp is on, volume automatically goes to 0 or somthing, weird, heard that problem a lot, but im still thinking of buying 1, finally a 100 watt amp that i can buy :P

[adam purdie]

THis amp sounds like it should....like a true fender! It doesnt have effects, but it realy doesnt need them. Just plug your guitar straight into the front of it, play, listen and enjoy!!! Iv never heard a solidstate amp sound this good, and iv heard many tube amps sound a lot worse!!! This amps got the tones you need, when you need them, classic fender looks and a shed load of power. Great for live aplications and studios alike!!!

[Strongbow]

I was tihnking of selling my AVT50 and getting this, i play stuff like blink to bullet to more indie stuff any opinions?
Oh and my amp makes a popping noise when going from distortion to clean any ideas what it is ?
and does this amp do this?

[billman_teskey]

strongbow:
if you're looking for an amp with decent distortion, stick with marshall, they're more expensive, but the overdrive is soooo much nicer. but, if you're like me and have pedals, I've got a fender standard strat HSS with a Boss GT-8 multi-effects with this fender amp... use it on the amps clean setting and then work on your effects. rocks, simply rocks. the only issue i have is that the low level is even too loud i find, it doesn't kick in until about level 1 and a half, not ideal with practicing when u've got housemates, lol. but for gigging and for practicing loud or moderate, go for it, u really can't beat the price man

[Fender_punk]

Strongbow :
I was tihnking of selling my AVT50 and getting this, i play stuff like blink to bullet to more indie stuff any opinions?
Oh and my amp makes a popping noise when going from distortion to clean any ideas what it is ?
and does this amp do this?

yeah, i play all that kind of stuff. this amp would be sweet for that. My friends got a marshall 1x12 (im not sure which on it is) and my fender blew it away.

[papaprotogo]

I was looking for some info on the fender FM 412 plus the head but this is the closest thing to it. Sounds like a great amp!

[Spawn2]

I've got this amp, it sounds pretty good, the only thing I do is turn the Treble all the way down on the distorted channel, you really need an equalizer (like the GE7) tot make it sound good..

Also: during the last couple of gigs, after 2 hours of playing on 3/4 volume, this amp starts to overheat and shuts down.... that's not a good sign!!!

[E V H 5150]

Is this the same as the FM 100H?

[fenderdeluxe]

How does the mid contour switch work?
what do u have to do?

[Spawn2]

I have this amp too,
The distorted channel is quite bad on itself, but if you add a tubescreamer or in my case: BOSS SD1 or Jekyll and Hyde for boost, it sounds great: much more defined than a standard marshall amp.
Great value for money!!!

I've gigged with it for the last year and a half, I did have the problem with the volume cutting down: but I think it's due to overheating, I placed a cooler in it (dunno how to call it van/fan/fen or something in english) and it works fine now!!!

Reverb is a bit noisy though

[CORT noob]

I have this amp. See, the thing is that you people are trying to use this amp in the wrong genres. I believe it shines best in Classic rock, and Older metal. With just this and my DS-1, incase I need something a little heavier, I can achieve almost any sound I wanted. I love the creamy overdrive, and it is perfect for keeping up with the noise of my bands drummer.

[Oke]

fender was never good for distortion

[nevercon69]

i went to a guitar center to try this amp and i have to disagree with the sound quality bit...it's way too twangy and bright. i tried to get different sounds out of it but it would not budge. i think it's a nice amp, but the sound isn't versatile enough for a 9

[joe_k]

this amp is great for the price. you get a pretty damn good clean tone out of it but the drive channel is a waste of space, alright for softer overdrive but gets worse the more gain you add. the reverb on mine is barely noticable even when it is turned up ful blast but i think thats because i have dropped it one too many times. i have gigged with it for a year and it hasnt let me down at all.

[leondb]

I sampled this at Easy Music Center, and I really like this this amp! I always liked Fender guitars and amps. I had one back in 94.

I am curious though, has anyone gotten their hands on a Fender MH-500 (Metal Head) 550 watt head/cabinet yet? I didn't see any reviews here, and am really curious if anyone owns or knows someone who owns one, or even tried one out yet... I haven't seen one yet at any local shops.

[youreowned]

Absolutely the best amp you can get for its price. Me and my friend bought two and got an even better combined deal!

[thyentityremage]

this amp is awesome...i love it. my parents got it for me for christmas and ive almost blown my ear drums off with it...unfortunatley...its under repair right now...my friend broke off a nob...the dirty channel nob...and its too damn loud

[!MoosE!]

I need to get a more powerful amp for my band. We play rock and metal. I know this amps distortion ain't great, but i use an Electro Harmonix Metal Muff any way. Would it be worth getting one of these? I also like to play clean bluesy stuff too.

[DaveForte]

This is a truely beautiful amp, i have one. Will write a review when i have time. I am no pro, but this amp produces some of the most beautiful sound, especially with a bit of reverb. Id buy another, given i had the cash.

[westo]

!MoosE! wrote:

I need to get a more powerful amp for my band. We play rock and metal. I know this amps distortion ain't great, but i use an Electro Harmonix Metal Muff any way. Would it be worth getting one of these? I also like to play clean bluesy stuff too.

just get a hot rod deluxe.

[areese82]

Strongbow wrote:

I was tihnking of selling my AVT50 and getting this, i play stuff like blink to bullet to more indie stuff any opinions?
Oh and my amp makes a popping noise when going from distortion to clean any ideas what it is ?
and does this amp do this?

Weird. My AVT50 has a similar problem with the distortion channel. I get volume swells too.

[gibsonjammer666]

this amp is awsome , good tone and power , even though its a little noisey when you turn on the extra drive channle , but other wise great amp

[Derz]

i have this one too!
it´s a very good one!

[ffud]

so i have this amp and love it cuz it is an amazing sounding solid state amp... but why do some people think that it is crap?

[rhcpfan118]

this amp is by far the best deal i have found. i got a used marshall for about 300 and decided to return it to get the fender (brand new mind you) for 330... and the fender came with the footswitch, which the marshall didn't have. overall an amazing deal, i use it for all sorts of music, mainly tool and rhcp, i can get a good tone with the built in gain channels and some stomp boxes. great amp, great deal. if i had it stolen and couldn't afford a higher end fender (in the $500+ range) i'd definitely get another one of these without hesitation.

[E V H 5150]

So... if I already had a great guitar, and a Boss ME-50, and all I need is a decent clean and loud amp, this might be what I'm looking for. I'm gonna have to compare this with the Peavey Bandit 112 at my local music store...

[Tele Echoes]

A reply to the first review; what the heck would you possibly use as a back-up for this piece of crap...This amp should be a last resort,last resort, last resort. Maybe a back-up to your back-up's back-up, but definately not a main amp :S

[steve-bod]

its nothing special but will rock the house and piss off very one around you. Has a good clean tone, depending how much distortion you like but what am i saying it has a 2-channel drive, which is quite noticable between the 2-channels selection.

[jeffo46]

If you want a low priced ss fender,then look on e-bay or craig's list for a Princeton 65 or anything that's either Mexican or US made.These FM series amps are horrible.

[yourxtragedy]

I've had this amp for about 3 years and overall I still love it. I got tired of the footswitch pretty quickly and started buying effects; even without add in's though, this thing sounds good for the price. It's gotten me by with practices for sure, and I'm positive it'd be just fine for gigs.

[BlueSky6392]

uhm.. i hve a question... i was thinking of buying this.... but then i saw the frontman 212r.. its about the same price.. i dont know what which one is better.. any advice?

[BlueSky6392]

and what about marshall mg50fdx its a bit more and only 50 watts but some people say it has better sound.. i dont know what which one to buy..

[guy_tebache]

BlueSky6392 :
uhm.. i hve a question... i was thinking of buying this.... but then i saw the frontman 212r.. its about the same price.. i dont know what which one is better.. any advice?

They are the same amp. The front man is just repackaged

BlueSky6392 :
and what about marshall mg50fdx its a bit more and only 50 watts but some people say it has better sound.. i dont know what which one to buy..

I've owned both and it really depends what you want out of your amp. Do you like onboard effects or pedals? Or no effects at all? do you like clean or overdrive or both? I prefer the fender cos its REALLY loud and I dont like onboard effects so much except reverb, It plays all the stuff i play pretty well, plus its got the option of a clean channel (whereas the marshall has 2 overdrive channels) so the only was this amp could be more perfect for me was if it was a tube amp.

[BlueSky6392]

I've owned both and it really depends what you want out of your amp. Do you like onboard effects or pedals? Or no effects at all? do you like clean or overdrive or both? I prefer the fender cos its REALLY loud and I dont like onboard effects so much except reverb, It plays all the stuff i play pretty well, plus its got the option of a clean channel (whereas the marshall has 2 overdrive channels) so the only was this amp could be more perfect for me was if it was a tube amp.

people said marshall has a better distortion and stuff. but i have a gt10 multieffect(someone got it for me).. so is it better to buy the fender? cuz i can make the overdrive sound without the marshall overdrive channel? or is the overdrive channel is sounds better than my effect?

[lespaul#1]

BlueSky6392 wrote:

I've owned both and it really depends what you want out of your amp. Do you like onboard effects or pedals? Or no effects at all? do you like clean or overdrive or both? I prefer the fender cos its REALLY loud and I dont like onboard effects so much except reverb, It plays all the stuff i play pretty well, plus its got the option of a clean channel (whereas the marshall has 2 overdrive channels) so the only was this amp could be more perfect for me was if it was a tube amp.


people said marshall has a better distortion and stuff. but i have a gt10 multieffect(someone got it for me).. so is it better to buy the fender? cuz i can make the overdrive sound without the marshall overdrive channel? or is the overdrive channel is sounds better than my effect?

The Fender has a better clean sound and better reverb, if you have a multieffect pedal with your desired distortion, buy the Fender.

[lespaul#1]

Oke wrote:

fender was never good for distortion

Ha! Ya right. Listen to SRV.

[The^Unforgiven]

Not saying this is not a good amp, have one myself, and it's perfect for practicing (considering the price), but... which part of the amp's tone is 'brutal' or 'versatile'? Old-skool rock'n'roll this amp can and will handle on it's own, but for metal I at least need a distortion pedal. Using a Boss MT2 myself and it gets the damn job done.

[Jake-_-Thompson]

I ahve this amp myself and only one complaint it boosts the treble so much! Very annoying as i like a really bassy sound other than that it's perfect