With its Champion series, Fender has added a selection of affordable amplifiers to its range that combine modern transistor amplification and selected modelling capabilities with the distinctive black faceplate, control layout, and silver-grey grille cloth of the company’s classic late-1960s “Blackface” amps. The Champion 20 is the smallest model in the series and, as its name suggests, delivers 20 watts of power – enough for practising at home and for those first forays into the rehearsal room and onto the stage, particularly when it is miked up and the PA can provide the necessary volume.
In terms of design, the Fender Champion 20 is a classic single-channel amp, but it has a lot more to offer: The two-band EQ and a selection of clean, crunch, and overdrive sounds make this amp highly versatile. It also comes equipped with an effect section that includes Reverb, Delay, Chorus, and Tremolo. The first effect control sets the effect level, while the second is used to select the effect type. The front panel also includes an AUX input, so players can jam along to their favourite songs, and a headphone output so that they can use the amp whenever they want to without annoying the family or the neighbours.
At first glance, the Fender Champion 20’s elegant and eye-catching vintage looks don’t immediately suggest that it is also a great amp for beginners. It also comes at a surprisingly budget-friendly price. Of course, you don’t get an all-tube amplifier for that money, but the Champion’s modelling circuitry nevertheless delivers an impressive sound, and it is less sensitive and requires less maintenance than its tube-driven counterparts, which will also suit beginners down to the ground. The 20-watt power amp and 1x8” speaker configuration make the compact Champion 20 the ideal choice for beginners looking for a versatile and portable amplifier.
Fender is without doubt one of the most legendary guitar and amplifier manufacturers of all time. The company was founded in 1946 by its namesake Leo Fender († 1991), whose innovative ideas brought a breath of fresh air into the musical world. His Telecaster, Stratocaster, Precision Bass, and Jazz Bass are not only classics – they also continue to shape the styles of musicians in countless genres to this day. Timeless Fender amplifier models such as the Bassman, Twin, Deluxe, and Princeton also enjoy a stellar reputation. Besides maintaining its classic product portfolio, however, the company is also constantly developing new products that make Fender a driving force in today’s music industry.
The Fender Champion 20 is a practice amplifier through and through – emphasised by the headphone output for quiet practice, the AUX input for playing along to music from your mobile phone, and of course its compact size, which means it can be taken almost anywhere. The most interesting feature, however, is the amp’s modelling circuitry, which makes it easy for players to imitate the sounds of their musical idols. The “Tweed” and “Blackface” settings are of course based on Fender’s legendary late-1960s amps, while “British” and “Metal” provide the perfect sounds for heavier styles of music.