After using the amplifier for a few months and reading up on the new digital modeling amps, I think the best way to describe the Champion 40 is that it's a modeling amplifier for people who don't want to connect their guitar amp to their phone or the Internet. Instead of dozens/hundreds of amp sounds and effects and configurations, the Champion series gives you a fixed number of solid amp sounds through an interface that looks, feels, and works just like a regular old-school amplifier. It makes the newer tech in solid-state amplifier much more accessible. I'll also add that I've since picked up a small tube amp which I love, but I have one favorite guitar where I still prefer running it through the Champion's Deluxe or Princeton Reverb voices.
Rest of the original write-up follows.
I'm mostly a hobby player, playing for fun and to accompany/supervise my son during his music practice. I've never owned a "real" amp, playing through an early-1990's vintage Crate practice amp and a Pignose. Both were functional: I'd play through them so I could hear my Strat, but I never loved how my guitar sounded through either of them. The pandemic has led to me playing a lot more, so I finally decided to splurge on a better practice amp. I don't have a lot of experience with amps, and the pandemic meant I couldn't try any in person before buying something. I settled on the Champion 40 one based on comments and videos of recent Fender solid-state amps. The other amp I considered was a Bugera v5 tube amp, but I went with the Champion 40 for its versatility and to avoid the maintenance that I know tube amps require.
The best thing I can say about this amp is that I feel like my guitar suddenly has tone, whether through the clean channel or through the voice channel. I play more than I did before because I like hearing my guitar talking through it. It's a simple amp that's easy to operate and doesn't have as much complexity as something like the Fender Mustang line, but you can still get plenty of versatility with the amp voices and effects provided. A lot of the built-in effects are gimmicky, but I like the way the reverb effects sound and I'm not into effects anyway. The marketing says the clean channel is modeled after a classic Twin blackface sound, and I'd agree based on how close it is to the Twin voice on the other channel with the gain turned down.
Finally, while looks are the least important aspect of an amp, I love the classic Fender blackface look of the Champion 40. I also like the usability of the blackface angled front panel over top-mounted controls (as on the Fender tweed amps or the Mustang line), so it's not just about the looks.
I am sure there are lots of amps in this price range that would satisfy my needs, and which would sound as good or better. I'm also sure I could spend 2-5 times as much money a tube amp to get better tone. The bottom line is that I love the way this amp looks, works, and sounds, and I feel like I got a whole lot of amplifier for the money. It's an amp I can grow with for quite a while.
Add to your order
-
Coverage for accidental damage including drops, spills, and broken parts, as well as breakdowns (plans vary) -
24/7 support when you need it. -
Quick, easy, and frustration-free claims.
Cover this product:
3-Year Protection $33.99
4-Year Protection $44.99
Cover all of your eligible devices:
Asurion Complete Protect: One plan covers all eligible past and future purchases (Renews Monthly Until Cancelled) $16.99/month
Select a plan
Add to your order
- Coverage for accidental damage including drops, spills, and broken parts, as well as breakdowns (plans vary)
- 24/7 support when you need it.
- Quick, easy, and frustration-free claims.
Cover this product:
Select a plan
Frequently bought together
$229.99
Get it as soon as Sunday, May 19
In Stock
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Top rated similar items
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Videos
Page 1 of 1Start OverPage 1 of 1
Videos for this product
4:46
Click to play video
Honest review and demo for Fender Champion 40 guitar amp
Morgan
From the manufacturer
Affordable onstage verstality
Easy to use and versatile enough for any style of guitar playing, the 40-watt, 1x12" Champion 40 is an ideal choice as your first practice amp and an affordable stage amp. Straightforward controls, cool effects and versatile amp voicings make it easy to dial in just the right sounds for rock, blues, metal, country, jazz and more.
Features
- 40 watts
- 12” Fender Special Design speaker
- Two channels, single input
- Reverb, delay/echo, chorus, tremolo, Vibratone and other effects
- Different amp voicings and distortion types
- 1/8” auxiliary input and headphone output jacks
Compare with similar items
This Item  Fender Champion 40 Guitar Amplifier, with 2-Year Warranty |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $229.99 | $199.99 | $99.99 | $129.99 | $129.99 | $239.99 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Sunday, May 19 | Get it as soon as Sunday, May 19 | Get it as soon as Sunday, May 19 | Get it as soon as Monday, May 20 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||
| Versatility | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| For beginners | ||||||
| Portability | ||||||
| Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | COOLMUSIC | Austin Bazaar | Austin Bazaar |
| power source | Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric |
| number of bands | 4 | — | 4 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
| output wattage | — | 40 watts | 20 watts | 50 watts | 20 watts | 50 watts |
| speaker size | 12 inches | 4 inches | 8 inches | 10 inches | 3.5 inches | 12 inches |
| connector type | 6.35mm Jack | — | 3.5mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack Aptoor, 6.35mm Jack | — |
| compatible devices | Guitar | Guitar | Guitar | Guitar | Guitar | Guitar |
Reviews with images
Great Practice Amp
I have owned Fender amps in the past and have always been very happy with them. If you have limited space, these practice amps are a good way to go.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2020
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2023
I needed a small practice amp with effects and this fills the bill perfectly. I play jazz/blues and am satisfied with the sounds this little solid state amp provides. The effects are just right for my needs and the size and price are a great value. The amp is quiet without hum or noise, and provides a clean sound with great effects options. It also has a aux input and a tempo set for delay effects. Great sound dynamics.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2015
Top reviews from other countries
ADRIANA GUZMAN RAMIREZ
Excelente Amplificador
Reviewed in Mexico on December 30, 2021
simon lee
amazing amp - needs EU to UK plug adaptor.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 20, 2021Anjali
Perfect entry or mid level amp for fender stratocaster or ...
Reviewed in India on January 26, 2017