Fender Frontman 20G (How Bad Can It Be?)

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ย. 2024
  • Fender Frontman 20G (How Bad Can It Be?)
    The Frontman is Fender's small cheap practice amp solution. This is the real beginner deal, the kind of thing that I started out on back in the day when I started playing guitar. And I don't mean that in a good way.
    I hope you enjoy!
    Check out the links below if you want to help the channel:
    My Patreon page for music and exclusives: / elmojk
    The gear I most often use (the links are affiliate links): redir.love/tho...
    Budget gear I recommend: redir.love/tho...
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    Check out my music on Bandcamp: elmojk.bandcam...
    For official website (and lessons), visit elmojk.com
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    Facebook: / elmojk
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ความคิดเห็น • 357

  • @MrPolevaulter
    @MrPolevaulter  ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Check out all sorts of alternatives: th-cam.com/play/PLNaLwTdlpQNHNo5bubVjV1OW04gkqU8rM.html

    • @MrJabinho
      @MrJabinho หลายเดือนก่อน

      Is this made in China or made in Indonesia model ?

  • @LSchulz1414
    @LSchulz1414 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    Reminds me of my first Harley Benton Amp in 2012. That also sounded very bad.
    Btw I really like your rants about bad gear. Still polite but straight to the point. Thanks Sir!

  • @Thekossiable
    @Thekossiable ปีที่แล้ว +16

    20 years ago I grew up playing a MicroCube , such a great lil amp for bedroom playing . After some years i upgraded to Cube 20X which was also very good amp for a beginner player.

    • @christianstolberg
      @christianstolberg 2 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Roland is just Roland. Solid amps. always been. Always will be. Period (and many other things ofc!)

  • @markmcdonald5711
    @markmcdonald5711 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

    I just bought this amp even after watching this video. I tried it with my G&L strat and my Epi LP Special and thought it wasn't that bad as a clean amp. I also have a Blackstar ID Core 20, an Orange Crush 12, a Roland Cube 10GX and a IRig micro amp. It doesn't sound as good as the Cube or the Crush but I like it better than the Core and the IRig.

    • @jacobseraphin685
      @jacobseraphin685 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I was thinking about buying this amplifier to replace my Crush 12, if you don’t mind, I would like to know if it’s worth the upgrade. I love my crush 12 but I want more of metal sound from my amp. And you don’t have to reply if you don’t want to but it would be appreciated. Thank you.

    • @markmcdonald5711
      @markmcdonald5711 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Try the Roland Cube 10GX, you can program it for a more metal sound.@@jacobseraphin685

  • @allenreynolds2449
    @allenreynolds2449 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

    Amp sounds good, but do use an IBANEZ TS 10 TUBE SCREAMER. SOUNDS GOOD ON BOTH CHANNELS. I LIKE THE AMP. ALSO THE FENDER 15 G amp is very nice too.

  • @efeisik0
    @efeisik0 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    I have the 10 watt version with the 8 inch speaker. I can’t imagine how an amp could be any worse and more discouraging to make one not want to play 🙂

    • @MrPolevaulter
      @MrPolevaulter  ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Pretty much yeah :D

    • @jasondorsey7110
      @jasondorsey7110 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      My first "amplification device" was a karaoke machine, trust me that 10 watt wonder you got is infinitely better

  • @cylonhibrid
    @cylonhibrid ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I walked passed a shop and seen this amp for 10 English pounds, it turned out to be a bass amp, but wow we both put guitars and effects through it, only a practice amp but the size of the speaker closed cab. Brilliant. Called a Meridian Ak15B Best beginning practice amp ever. Got a a lot punch.

  • @leonardowrigley4376
    @leonardowrigley4376 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    My 90s made Frontman amps sound great when paired with some vintage celestion speakers 🔊. Takes pedals really well 😊 Gig them often

  • @TJ-nr9cg
    @TJ-nr9cg 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I paid $109 US last week for one. I have no problems with it. I'm not gonna take it gigging anywhere. Does what I need it to with little speaker distortion

  • @flotenn3351
    @flotenn3351 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    For about 100€ you can get a mid 80s Fender Sidekick 10 which is the best small / practice transistor amp I ever heard. It has a Volume and Master and breaks up very tube like. If you have the chance get one and try it out. Also takes pedals very well.

    • @IanOS-UK
      @IanOS-UK ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Agreed - I have owned a Sidekick 10 from new in around 1986 - It’s a great little amp. Thankfully, I resisted the temptation to trade it in when I was younger and even more clueless than I am today! 😃

    • @flotenn3351
      @flotenn3351 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@IanOS-UK I'll never ever trade that little gem. That thing and my Tele would be my lonley island rig.

  • @patricklongshanks378
    @patricklongshanks378 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    I liked my frontman 15g so much, I bought a frontman 25r. I love these amps, lol. Just gotta turn the treble down. They’ve got a great fuzzy punch.

    • @enyaratna
      @enyaratna 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      yup I can't comprehend what's up with all that hate train. These amps are just amazing.

  • @probieabhi2258
    @probieabhi2258 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Dude I was nearly about to buy this shit thx for your perspective!

  • @adammichaelchannel
    @adammichaelchannel ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Thanks Elmo. I had one of these as a beginner. It's amazing how much better the Champion 20 sounds, for not much more money.

    • @MrPolevaulter
      @MrPolevaulter  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Haven't tried the Champion, but I'm sure it's way better than this.

    • @Da_Publick
      @Da_Publick 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I a/b both amps at Sam Ash in New York, way before the quarantine, when you could still do that in a music store. All the Champion's voices could be made with the Frontman, by just adjusting the Gain, volume, and (to a lesser extent) the EQ controls. The Champion makes it all easy for you, and it has built-in effects. That's the only difference, IMO; that, and the price.

    • @johannessilver8653
      @johannessilver8653 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Yes and Mustang is totally on another level than this. I like that Elmo says it straight unlike many other reactors...just using words like amazing, awesome and brilliant for everything they check.

    • @Da_Publick
      @Da_Publick 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@johannessilver8653 The Champion and Frontman both s*ck, and the Mustang is a true Modeling amp, so it has to be more awesome than those two.
      Oops.....

    • @johannessilver8653
      @johannessilver8653 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yes, I agree.@@Da_Publick

  • @vav413
    @vav413 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    I dated a girl who had this amp. I remember plugging in and being absolutely shocked at how BAD this amp was. It's truly something to behold

    • @MrPolevaulter
      @MrPolevaulter  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It truly is.

    • @squirelova1815
      @squirelova1815 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      "Dated"...past tense. Say no more...

    • @tjsogmc
      @tjsogmc ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I'm not following you... was it terrible when you plugged into the amp or the girl? 🤣🤣

  • @Awaclus
    @Awaclus ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I liked it when you dropped the treble and then it was both muddy and still unbearably harsh at the same time.

    • @MrPolevaulter
      @MrPolevaulter  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Haha :D Yeah, it's quite something that it manages to sound harsh and muddy at the same time :D

  • @Leo_ofRedKeep
    @Leo_ofRedKeep ปีที่แล้ว +76

    There is a market for beginner gear so bad it makes kids quit and go back to learning a proper job. Smart fathers know that ;)

  • @johnsmith-xr1uh
    @johnsmith-xr1uh 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +86

    Absolutely nothing wrong with this amp

    • @user-qb8gx5jg6h
      @user-qb8gx5jg6h 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

      Im wbout to buy this amp tomorrow is it good?

    • @rhoadsfitzpatrick6601
      @rhoadsfitzpatrick6601 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Ya

    • @twoh.am_
      @twoh.am_ 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@user-qb8gx5jg6h did you buy it? what happened?

    • @Leon-Coils19912
      @Leon-Coils19912 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      ​@@user-qb8gx5jg6h save up a bit more and buy a Boss Katana mk2 50 👍 i might be a bit too late 🤣

    • @DaveyMulholland
      @DaveyMulholland 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      ​​​@@Leon-Coils19912a bit more?????
      You can get these for twenty quid or less!!
      Amazing for the price.
      Somebody gave me one. I'm going to install an output and try different speakers. The speaker is it's biggest weakness. Or it's greatest feature if that's the sound you're after...

  • @mikaashton2152
    @mikaashton2152 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I had a fender 25r front man made in 2005. It was a cool amp, 10 inch speaker and a real spring reverb. It was a killer amp. I sold it unfortunately. It's sad to see fender lowering standards.
    Mind you all the big brands have done it. Like marshall with the mg series.

    • @MrPolevaulter
      @MrPolevaulter  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I think the Marshall MG series is way better than this.

    • @g.sferrazza10-13
      @g.sferrazza10-13 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      the MG series actually went up in quality; when the Frontman 10G came out that was deemed by many better due to the noise level inherent on th MG10cd @@MrPolevaulter

  • @stevenpipes1555
    @stevenpipes1555 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I picked up a Frontman 15 R , for a freind who was curious about learning to play. I found it at a yardsale for 15 dollars. It had a blown fuse, and two days later i found him a Roland amp cube for 30 bucks. I still haven't fixed and tried the Fender! Lol

  • @bryansimmons4550
    @bryansimmons4550 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have to confess I recently bought one of these simply to have a small amp to easily move around.
    My main amp is still a Marshall JCM800 50W tube combo (which is HEAVY), but after almost 60 years of playing, I still like simple stuff, too.
    Simply retubing and biasing a Marshall amp costs way more than a Frontman 20.
    If I were limited to only one amp, of course I would get something a lot better. As it is, using the clean channel and my usual stompboxes for extra flavor, it does OK. You're not going to get great sound out of an 8" speaker anyway.

  • @lucabartoliniprof
    @lucabartoliniprof ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I Had a Fender Champion 20w amp with some effects inside. It was not so bad as this one.....

    • @Leo_ofRedKeep
      @Leo_ofRedKeep ปีที่แล้ว

      The Champion is a modeller. It replicates tube distortion the same way a CD player does. This here is just a straight amplifier and it sounds terrible when pushed into true solid state distortion.

  • @tomminystrom
    @tomminystrom ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Sounds ok to me except the distortion. Maybe it's the miking instead of me being in the room?

  • @TheGlato
    @TheGlato ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Oh man... Now I really appreciate my roland cube 30x which I got second hand for 85 euro. Thank you Elmo for informative video

  • @michaelmccorkle8906
    @michaelmccorkle8906 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    It's a small practice amp. It's not meant to play Madison Square Garden. For an 8 year old it's perfectly fine to learn with. It's a Fender. That says quality.

    • @RileyxSano
      @RileyxSano 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      no excuse

    • @paisleepunk
      @paisleepunk 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      you can DEFINITELY get a better fender-esque sound from a spark mini, if that's what you're after

  • @RonnyGuittar
    @RonnyGuittar 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Sounds a bit "stuffed" and "dry" but for beginners to learn and practise in their bedroom, this thing will do. A small amp like this can shurely not sound as good an clear as a 12" stage amp. But: I would buy it for little home use, because i ´ve already heard worse than this.

  • @DivineMisterAdVentures
    @DivineMisterAdVentures 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Cynical cash grab? It's $99 USD on Sweetwater. More like a cash flea bite. Maybe a pluck. Or a pinch?
    I think it sounds jim dandy and bo didley. And it has a lot more controls than my blender. It's also 1/3 the price of a similar output studio monitor (one). Me thinks thou art Jaded green with energy. SO - what is better for acoustic and vocal? Nothing? A natural canyon? A tight Alleyway? A tub and shower? :)

  • @kokehri
    @kokehri 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I just got a new one. It was heavily discounted so took a chance.
    No sound from clean channel at all. Very low volume sound from the overdrive channel, about the same volume as the hiss of the amp on gain.
    Probably the channel selection switch is faulty.
    I am sending it back. Interesting to see whether they repair it or refund the money. I already have a Jensen speaker for it so it would be nice to have a working amp to put the new speaker in.
    On the positive side the pots on this amp feel very nice to turn and of course the looks are classic Fender. A nice practice toy if I will get a properly working unit.
    For reference I have all the current Fender Champions, 20, 40 and 100. They all sound magnificent! I have a dozen or so tube amps, too, and still I am happy with the tones I get out of those Champions.

  • @davescott3588
    @davescott3588 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    After a lot of looking about and loving my Boss GT6 pedal i could not, for home use, find anything worth getting i ended up with a Fender Champion 110 thats and old second hand amp( 20 ish years old )... lovely sound with or without effects (its built in reverb is crap) so i do tend to use with GT6 ... it sound lovely loud or quiet designed in USA built in Mexico and great condition for only £90 ....so look at second hand market guys some lovely bargains to be had still out there PS love your channel !!!!!!

  • @antonakis79ohyes
    @antonakis79ohyes ปีที่แล้ว +9

    100% spot on. The Frontman series should not even exist. Even the Champion 20 sounds like a tin can some times, but ok... A Katana mini is the way to go at this price level, or many other things, new or used.. thank God we have TH-cam these days.. Thanks Elmo.. Fender should even be ashamed for the quality of their guitars these days.. I own some of them, so I know what I am talking about...

    • @MrPolevaulter
      @MrPolevaulter  ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Yeah, this amp is just terrible.

    • @flotenn3351
      @flotenn3351 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Not every frontman sounds bad, I have an old 25R which does make a decent clean tone when EQ`ed properly. Not brilliant but good enough for getting started. The drive sound is pretty bad though. Also the tin can feel might be better when using a bigger speaker like 10 or 12. It's sad but Fender became just another lifestyle brand like Gibson and Marshall appearently.

  • @seanbarker4610
    @seanbarker4610 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Bizarrely, it's quite refreshing to hear something quite bad! Lol

  • @DigitalDaddy
    @DigitalDaddy ปีที่แล้ว +3

    In Canada, it retails for $139.00

    • @daniellarson3068
      @daniellarson3068 ปีที่แล้ว

      Looks like $100 in USA. Exchange Rate is 1.34 today. This amp reminds me a little of my Burwood G-10. I won't complain about that one. I got it when Radio Shacks were closing for about $10.

  • @Healcraft
    @Healcraft ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I miss my first amp, some rando Fender amp that came in those strat bundles (late 90s) the newer ones arent the same. It wasnt that good but I liked the gain on it, sounded very good for the type of stuff I was playing like Blink 182, Nirvana etc.

  • @victormorris7796
    @victormorris7796 16 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    I have this amp. Great for practice.

  • @LeifPalmin
    @LeifPalmin ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have my Harley Benton tube15 with a vintage 30 sörjer, super happy

  • @Leo_ofRedKeep
    @Leo_ofRedKeep ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I suppose the Fender Champion 20 is the perfect candidate for a complementary video. Fender should not be making the Frontman anymore.

    • @efeisik0
      @efeisik0 ปีที่แล้ว

      the champion line is superb. I have a 1996 squier champ and it completely obliterates my fairly new frontman in any way imaginable

    • @MrPolevaulter
      @MrPolevaulter  ปีที่แล้ว

      Based on this amp, I'd agree.

  • @Zanmu4
    @Zanmu4 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    2:04 I thought it was Spongebob lol

  • @alienfretboy
    @alienfretboy ปีที่แล้ว +3

    You could improve the tone by modifying the amp with a sledge hammer.

  • @Mandobird1
    @Mandobird1 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    The only thing worse than a Frontman 20G, is a Frontman 10G.

  • @GabrielNacu
    @GabrielNacu ปีที่แล้ว +8

    That overdrive channel is like a swarm of angry hornets trained in the art of war to ravage your ears and make everyone hate you (not just your mother)!
    Thanks for taking the bullet for us Elmo ;)
    -Gabe

  • @loupascarelli
    @loupascarelli 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    " THANKS , BRO , FOR YOUR HONESTY .. NEVER CHANGE .. ALWAYS SPEAK THE TRUTH ..

  • @GerhardGeficky-jg4ok
    @GerhardGeficky-jg4ok 11 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Its not that bad. i used to jam with one it clips at full output . Its a cheap light amp that does the job.the roland cubes are waaaaay better.

  • @jjhatnm
    @jjhatnm 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I went ahead and bought this anyway. I have an affects processor though. Just needed a small speaker to play through.

  • @TroyNaumu808
    @TroyNaumu808 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Your reviews like your guitar playing is aways excellent. Your videos are always informative. I aways go to your videos to hear your good opinion on a product before I purchase anything.

  • @BeamMonsterZeus
    @BeamMonsterZeus ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm listening again and I'm shocked at how low quality the speaker and electronics are. The three EQ pots seem to do jack sh* for tonal improvements while the gain just turns the amplifier into a tin box. It's as though it was sitting outside in the rain for a few years. I'm assuming literally every major component is cheaper than what is found in competing amps, as nothing you did could salvage the sound. It's broken out of the box.

  • @basicforge
    @basicforge ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I had a 15W Frontman a few yyears back and I got rid of it fast. I do wonder though how the Nobels ODR-1 would have sounded into the clean channel? ;)

  • @dmimcg
    @dmimcg 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I'm a beginner and bought this amp. sounds fine to me, but hey, I'm a newbie.The thing I HATE about the small amp is the instructions that came with it are SHIT. I know the gain knob has something to do with the sound, but I can't get the gain setting right because I don't sound like Steve Vai. For that I feel kinda ripped off. I'm playing an Ibanez Jem btw, and just learned smoke on the water. had no idea learning to play guitar was so fun and easy. I think I'm ready to try For The Love of God.,

    • @eli7837
      @eli7837 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hell yeah ! rock on dude

  • @joekelly9369
    @joekelly9369 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Thats an assault on the ears. Love it

  • @andriivoitovych7683
    @andriivoitovych7683 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    What about Champion 20?

  • @Musicandmore-yt4ts
    @Musicandmore-yt4ts ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I was looking for an amp that cost about 100€, I decided not to buy new one and I've found Fender Champion 65r with spring reverb, two chanels and I can say it is a beast, with 12 inch speaker, it sounds like old good fender, especially with strat SSS, I am happy I've bought used better amp, sound is brilliant. 😊

  • @GuyNarnarian
    @GuyNarnarian ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The clean sound wasn't terrible...... not what you want from a home practice amp. I like the THR series, have tried the Roland cubes, just not as good as the THR.

  • @michaelmillican5592
    @michaelmillican5592 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    It's not a cash grab. It's a starter practice amplifier that you can achieve a clean sound on. Therefore you can use pedals in a chain before the amplifier and achieve a very good sound for a very cheap price. Depending on exactly where you are in the states, you can get one for 40 or 50 bucks. Sometimes less. You are obviously trying to push an amplifier from Europe. It might as well be a commercial. Harley Benton on the other hand does make garbage guitars from my experience.

    • @MrPolevaulter
      @MrPolevaulter  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Which European amp is that? Harley Benton Tube15? As in Stage Right (same amp). To my knowledge you can't find a single European or American amp at this price point. They're all made in Asia.

  • @jeffhudson2346
    @jeffhudson2346 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Reminds me of my first amp the infamous gorilla.

  • @deanluna847
    @deanluna847 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I think it's all subjective and situational. I understand people who have experienced greater/bigger amps would otherwise say that the Frontman 10/15/20g is a bad amp but for starting musicians, it's good for the price. I have the 10g and I'm fine with it so far. I'm not a hardcore guitar player so that maybe why. Cheers!

  • @Cursedc23
    @Cursedc23 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The clean tone is good but the distortion is where everything gets sucky

  • @stadtlandschuss
    @stadtlandschuss 4 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Amp actually is pretty fine. The cab is crappy.
    I got rid of the cab entirely and modded mine to a "mini-head". (if you're somewhat skilled you can even mod a PA bypass and use it as direct out or in combination with another PA.)
    Plug it in a 4x12 and the difference is day and night.
    Boost it with a TS or similiar and you've got yourself a decent head for metal and sorts, considering its price on ebay was like 20€ or something like that.

  • @j-venom616
    @j-venom616 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Oh man! My first amp was Fender Frontman 15G, I got it in around 94 or something and thought it was a killer! At least you got that bee-hive buzz drive - more drive, better! I actually still have the amp (just to remind me what I learnt to play on) - it sounds as horrible as one you are demoing. Kids today should be happy for all the tabs, lessons and GEAR... hehe...

    • @j-venom616
      @j-venom616 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Oh! One addition, that wouldn't work as anchor for boat - it floats! 😅

    • @MrPolevaulter
      @MrPolevaulter  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Haha :D It floats :D

  • @Canuplease1974
    @Canuplease1974 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have this amplifier, and I have a few gripes with your review of it. First, that amp is never meant to have the gain cranked.... 6 is as high as you should go. Second, I've gotten some absolutely wonderful tones out of my Frontman 20, plugging in my Schecter Omen-6. Lastly, you should dial the bass down to about 2 or 3. I love that amp, personally

  • @ericskinner7355
    @ericskinner7355 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So many options today. If you start out with one of those, it's good incentive to upgrade.

  • @g.sferrazza10-13
    @g.sferrazza10-13 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    With the previous iteration of the Frontman, specifically the ones starting at 15, 15R and 25 watts, the biggest drawback were the speakers. Once those were swapped they were usable to excellent. Now weather that is the case with these new ones I don't know... If it is maybe... possibly... once they go on sale due to overstock or hit the used market then they might be something worth getting once you add the price of the new speaker

  • @adamlangley5552
    @adamlangley5552 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I got a new squire sonic tele and picked one of this to replace my estabaun 10 watt... I like it!

  • @johnnorth9355
    @johnnorth9355 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Probably all the amp most beginners will ever need ? Let's face it - will be played once or twice before being chucked in a corner with the guitar it came with. Cue years of dust later. I'm picking up my latest 'bargain' guitar tomorrow -played twice and then left in it's case. This will come with a 15 watt Peavey Vyper amp thrown in for free - what else could you do with it ?

    • @MrPolevaulter
      @MrPolevaulter  ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah. Dust collector.

    • @cyntdestroyer69xd
      @cyntdestroyer69xd ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Idk. Bought Boss Katana and Harley Benton JA baritone, and been playing almost nonstop. There are many good beginner amps and guitars, even very specific ones(like my 30" baritone, or 7-8 strings, only 9 strings aren't available for a cheap price, but down tuning pedal is, lol) - if you'll buy a bearable to good amp, and guitar you'll like, it's up to you then

  • @dr.s.
    @dr.s. ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Sounds like the put a speaker in a bread box. You can't expect a 1×8 to sound like a 1×10 or bigger, sure, but you can get quite a bit of sound out of it (even from smaller ones). This kinda lacks everything, sounds almost a bit broken to me.

    • @Leo_ofRedKeep
      @Leo_ofRedKeep ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The 8" speaker is not the problem. Solid state distortion is. A modeller with the same speaker sounds nice.

    • @MrPolevaulter
      @MrPolevaulter  ปีที่แล้ว

      I think it's the solid state thing.

    • @zeusapollo8688
      @zeusapollo8688 ปีที่แล้ว

      The distortion is terrible but clean thru a 12 might be respectable

    • @johncollins5552
      @johncollins5552 ปีที่แล้ว

      Speaker in a breadbox will sound much better than this horrific amp, almost as bad as the Blaster amp of the early nineties.

  • @luciansirbu1784
    @luciansirbu1784 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    When I started playing guitar in 2014 i almost bought this amp, but idk how i decided to get the vox mini 5 which i still have and sounds really good

  • @matzer8846
    @matzer8846 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Maybe it just needs a Dumble(ish) tuning

  • @Old_Geezer
    @Old_Geezer ปีที่แล้ว +1

    If you're on a really tight budget for a home/practice amp you could buy a 40 watt Behringer HA40 for the same money in the UK (£99.00 depending on retailer) with two channels, 3 band EQ, spring reverb, overdrive and a Bugera 10" Vintage speaker. Can't expect miracles at this price but the Behringer sounds way better than this does.
    Best advice though would be to save that £100 and you're almost halfway to a Boss Katana 50 MKII new or used.

    • @MrPolevaulter
      @MrPolevaulter  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Or a Fender Mustang LT25, Harley Benton HB-20, Harley Benton Tube5, used Roland Cube... The list goes on.

  • @buffdaddy2032
    @buffdaddy2032 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for giving honest reviews. I started playing in the mid 80s and had a small gorilla amp. It was so bad . Fortunately i didnt give up playing .

  • @tcsabi6992
    @tcsabi6992 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It's good to see the good old amp/guitar reviews again. 😊
    I hope you already feel better after losing your job. 😁 (Seeing these awesome reviews I think you do.)
    By the way I'm happy I have seen your Fender vs Boss Katana review before buying amp.
    I almost bought this cr#p before seeing your video.
    I thougt Fender solid state amps have got better after the years but they haven't.

  • @Michael-jv2cn
    @Michael-jv2cn ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I had a fender amp once. I was shocked at the speaker when I took it out. very light had really thin magnet. Seemed very cheap.

  • @davescott3588
    @davescott3588 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Well as stand alone amp your very correct BUT the clean channel is fab if used even like
    with a old boss gt6 pedal eq ect and you can make it sound cool but only at lowish vol not as bad as you say depends on your patience to correct eq and drive extra and its over priced so i half agree with you sir Kar+

  • @megadawg342
    @megadawg342 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I needed a home practice amp, so I tried one too, and thought the same. I couldn't get a tone I liked. I spent less on a STAGE RIGHT w a 12" and reverb. It smokes that POS.

  • @benligil
    @benligil ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I saw people turning rhese things to heads and as they connect them bigger cabs sounds become more usable.

  • @stevenbarton2398
    @stevenbarton2398 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have a Marshall MG 10 and from the sounds of the Fender 20G, its in the same category.

  • @Doggieman1111
    @Doggieman1111 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    It's too bad too because this and g10 are amazing looking amps but they sound like hollow slush from the bottom of a well.

  • @castleanthrax1833
    @castleanthrax1833 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    They go for about $200 here in Australia.
    I saw them as low as $180 and as high as $249 (wow).
    Is it any wonder people give it away when they buy crap like this. If you can't make it sound good with a YJM Strat, it must really be an awful amp. 😢

  • @zerep11
    @zerep11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The three biggest problems with the Fender 20G are ...
    1. Cheap 8" Transistor Radio Level Speaker (Made by Eminence?) - Should be at least a High Quality 10" Celestion, WGS, or Jensen - Scumback doesn't manufacture 10" guitar speakers anymore.
    2. No Reverb - What?
    3. Drive Channel Circuitry - Pulled from a 1960's Radio Shack Pocket Transistor Radio.
    *NOTE:* At least it has an headphone jack, which should prevent one's Mother from hating them if used at all times instead of the Cheap 8" Transistor Radio Level Speaker. Just make sure to use QUALITY headphones.

  • @joeblankenship377
    @joeblankenship377 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The "Champ" that came with my Squier was pretty damn awful. Back in 2000. But it did sound pretty gnarly when you played it through headphones, like that Beatles "Revolution" distortion.

  • @JohnBroadhurst-ok6kb
    @JohnBroadhurst-ok6kb 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    My first amp was the fender frontman 15, I genuinely wanted to quit not because I couldn't play, but because of how awful the amp sounded, I wouldn't give this amp to a crack head with a toilet seat as a guitar. Upgraded to a fender champion 20 for home use and street gigging and the difference is huge, it has multiple built in effected and voices, you should definitely give it a review! Trust me

  • @RickMichaelis63
    @RickMichaelis63 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for the review Elmo you know I enjoy & appreciate it 🎉cheers🙏✌️❤️

  • @frankhughes5702
    @frankhughes5702 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Elmo I want to thank you for doing this review! I've been looking for a good review on this amp and I'm going to get it. I've been wanting a good solid state amp head but I either don't like the sound or the looks of some of the ones on the market. So I'm going to get the fender 20g and turn it into a head and I'm optimistic that it will sound good through my 2x12 cab! I'll probably just use the clean channel and run my pedal board for drive and whatever else. 👍

  • @michaelolz
    @michaelolz ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Maybe it's where I'm listening on a MacBook Pro, but does it sound a little bit "paper cuppish"?

  • @svarfinnbogason3645
    @svarfinnbogason3645 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Elmo, you must be very committed to informing your viewers or a masochist, I would bet on the former.

  • @JohnBradt-GuitarMan
    @JohnBradt-GuitarMan หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thank you because I was thinking of buying one now I know better 😎🎸🎶☮️

  • @Opurator_prime
    @Opurator_prime 25 วันที่ผ่านมา

    The video didn’t sound too bad. I’ll take this as a w

  • @greenslider
    @greenslider ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great clip as always Elmo. I miss my angry 🍻 with chainsaws. I remember tye eighties when I eagerly looked into shop windows hoping to upgrade to a Carlsbro amp... long ago.. but they all sounded like that..kind of like a mini rectifier in a sardine can..in a wooden box..and then there was the
    obligatory collection of arion pedals with a Ross distortion thrown up front...and plywood marlins, hondos or encores..

  • @DavidMadeira29
    @DavidMadeira29 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I still think that the Strat is really that Gilmour-McCartney's picture. At last there it goes in my head with the 24 hrs. I wouldn't be the first who goes paralyzed by an amp putting out 400W. Pedal to the metal! Still a reliable monitor, Dude. I heard worse of Beringher Audio witch is in fact the last pedal we made. Covers 🆙️ What are you missing, the red knobs of Catwoman? I don't know. Namastè. 🗨😉🤟🌀🎨⚰🔇

  • @fabioserette1774
    @fabioserette1774 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I've found a Frontman 25R (10 inch Fender speaker, spring reverb) for 50 USD in great condition. I Cant find one to test, but it seams sounds pretty good in some videos on you tube. Have you ever tried one? I think the Behringer HA-40 could be an option too.

    • @luciansirbu1784
      @luciansirbu1784 ปีที่แล้ว

      Honestly id recommend you stay away from both and just get a small practice amp like boss katana for 70$, it has quality sound, miles better than the cheapest comobos..

    • @zeusapollo8688
      @zeusapollo8688 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I have a 25r. It is repurposed/rehoused with a 12 inch rola and sounds pretty great. Using a separate speaker will help a ton

    • @jakollee
      @jakollee ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I have a Frontman 25R w/10-inch speaker and open-backed cabinet, and I think it actually sounds pretty decent for a cheap practice amp. The drive channel is not great, but sounds better than this one here!

    • @fabioserette1774
      @fabioserette1774 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@luciansirbu1784 thanks.

    • @fabioserette1774
      @fabioserette1774 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jakollee Yes, I will only use the clean channel and pedals. The clean channel seams pretty good to me. Maybe a speaker upgrade (Celestion Ten 30 for $50).

  • @joshuakarar3594
    @joshuakarar3594 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I just don’t even understand the point of this thing. Fender makes the Champion 20, sells it for €150 euros or $130 dollars in the US and it actually sounds pretty decent for what it is.

  • @samizdat113
    @samizdat113 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    1992 called. They want their practice amp back.

  • @tims001
    @tims001 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Approx $200 AUD here in Australia

  • @DuoJet63
    @DuoJet63 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    And they are all riddled with cold solder joints and cheap input jacks. They ain't a gigging amp by any means. I've repaired too many of them.

  • @user-sz3bw4wp8j
    @user-sz3bw4wp8j ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I dont know, have music man 210hd 130 tube amp, and fender frontman 10g, I mean there is a difference ofcourse, but frontman 10g sound isnt that bad, it is ok instead....

  • @AIt-Girl
    @AIt-Girl 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    i just started acoustic some months ago but decided to buy a cheap squire mustang, and i didnt have enough left for an amp so i got this cause i thought oh well its just for now it cant be that baaad, oh was i wrong 😭😂

  • @ekims_echoes
    @ekims_echoes ปีที่แล้ว +3

    These small Fender Frontman amps leave me feeling blessed that my first amp was a 30 watt Crate solid state. Yes. Crate solid state. I get it when these come in a combo set, but I can't imagine buying this separately.

  • @brianhenderson4916
    @brianhenderson4916 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Hey Fender execs, Elmo hit on a genius idea. Make a cheap solid state practice amp with just a clean channel and market it as a "less is more" pedal platform. Call it the "Clean Cut Special". Bundle it with a one use money off voucher for your own line of pedals. In all seriousness this is just a continuation of a decades long trend of entry level solid state amps with usable clean and garbage drive channels. The market is still saturated with them, but as you have shown yourself companies like Joyo and Harley Benton can do better for the money so there no excuses!

  • @charlene2400
    @charlene2400 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    those run about $100 usd here in the states. About the only good Frontman amp I've used, is my old 90's pr241. That one still kicks, and was only 20 bucks used, lol

  • @olebrumme6356
    @olebrumme6356 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Is there really any good Fender amps for rock and metal?

    • @jeffwombold9167
      @jeffwombold9167 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      A fender prosonic is probably one of the best, but they only made them for 2 years. I have one, and its dirty channel is amazing.

    • @olebrumme6356
      @olebrumme6356 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@jeffwombold9167 What about a clean amp if I rely on pedals? I currently have a Boss Katana which is great, but it has too many features I don't use.

    • @jeffwombold9167
      @jeffwombold9167 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I have a katana too, that I don't use all of its features a lot. The prosonic has a clean channel also. The problem with a prosonic is it only has one set of tone controls for both channels.

    • @olebrumme6356
      @olebrumme6356 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@jeffwombold9167 That's unfortunate. I'd take a clean amp with just a master volume, and a 10 band EQ sliders any day tho.

    • @jeffwombold9167
      @jeffwombold9167 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The clean channel on the prosonic is great with pedals. It's the typical fender clean.

  • @davescott3588
    @davescott3588 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Well my Champion Fender due to age had a leaking clean pot it got very bad problem was to get a Fender USA was only 16 sterling but 60 sterling import price !!!! Outch so i took my Fender 20 Frontman and wired into the cab of the champion (with its lovely Fender speaker ) now i have the best of the Frontman going into a far better cab and speaker always solutions guys

  • @rayericphillips3916
    @rayericphillips3916 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Excellent guitar player !!!

  • @Spivonious
    @Spivonious ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Honestly, it didn't sound that bad for a practice amp. It's only 100USD!

  • @MrJabinho
    @MrJabinho หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Please put a new Celestion speaker in to it. The stock speaker is total cr.....