For years, the Fender Champion series carved out a reputation as a go-to amplifier for guitarists of all levels, offering a wealth of tones and effects in a user-friendly package. While the original Champion 20 and 40 models are no longer in production, Fender has refined and reimagined this popular lineup with the Champion II series, featuring the Champion II 25, 50, and 100. Having relied on a Champion 40 for the past five years, I can personally attest to the core strengths of this design philosophy, and the Champion II series builds upon that legacy with modern enhancements.
The core appeal remains the same: a diverse collection of amp voices and inspiring effects readily accessible, eliminating the need for a room full of gear or a hefty investment. The Champion II series takes this concept further, offering updated technology and features tailored for today’s guitarist.
Why the Champion II Series Continues to Impress:
An Expanded Palette of Iconic Amp Voices: Just like its predecessor, the Champion II series excels at delivering a wide array of classic and contemporary amp emulations. Expect pristine Fender cleans that shimmer and chime, British overdrive with that unmistakable crunch, high-gain tones for modern rock and metal, and a host of other inspiring voices. This sonic versatility makes it easy to explore different genres and find the perfect tone for any musical idea.
Refined and Intuitive Effects: The onboard effects have been further refined, offering lush reverbs, engaging delays, swirling modulation effects, and vintage-inspired tremolo. These effects are designed to be inspiring and easy to dial in, allowing you to add depth and character to your sound without getting bogged down in complex menus.
Dual Channels for Enhanced Performance: The inclusion of two footswitchable channels (on the 50 and 100 models, and likely a feature of the 25 as well, though specifics may vary) provides immediate tonal flexibility. Switch seamlessly between a clean tone for rhythm playing and a driven sound for leads, a crucial feature for both practice and performance.
Seamless Jamming Capabilities: The convenient “Aux In” jack remains a staple, allowing you to connect your phone or music player and jam along with your favorite tracks. This is an invaluable tool for learning new material and honing your improvisational skills.
Silent Practice Made Easy: The headphone jack ensures that late-night practice sessions remain peaceful for those around you. You can still explore the full sonic capabilities of the amp without disturbing anyone.
Connectivity for the Modern Musician: Select Champion II models feature a USB port, enabling direct recording to your computer and potentially access to firmware updates, keeping your amp current with any software enhancements. This is a significant advantage for home recording enthusiasts.
Stompbox Integration: While the onboard effects are comprehensive, the Champion II series is designed to play well with your favorite external stompboxes, allowing you to further sculpt your tone and integrate it into your existing pedalboard.
A Look at the Current Fender Champion II Lineup:
Fender’s current Champion II lineup caters to a range of needs and playing environments:
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The Champion II 25: This compact powerhouse is the natural successor to the Champion 20, offering a portable and affordable entry point into the series. Expect a user-friendly interface and a versatile selection of amp voices and effects, perfect for beginners and those needing a grab-and-go practice amp.
- Why it rocks: Lightweight and portable, incredibly easy to use, a fantastic starting point with diverse tones, budget-friendly.
- Things to consider: Likely features a smaller speaker, which might have limitations in bass response at higher volumes. Channel switching capabilities may be more limited than larger models.
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The Champion II 50: Building upon the legacy of the Champion 40, the Champion II 50 offers increased power and likely a 12-inch speaker, providing a fuller sound with more headroom. This model is an excellent choice for practice, jamming with friends, and even small gigs. The inclusion of two footswitchable channels enhances its versatility for performance.
- Why it rocks: More powerful sound than the 25, likely features a 12-inch speaker for improved tone, two channels for greater tonal flexibility, suitable for rehearsals and small performances.
- Things to consider: Less portable than the 25.
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The Champion II 100: As the flagship of the series, the Champion II 100 delivers significant power and likely features dual speakers, making it ready for stage use. With a comprehensive array of amp models, effects, and the versatility of two channels, this amp is a powerful and adaptable tool for gigging musicians across various genres.
- Why it rocks: Gig-ready volume, likely features dual speakers for a full and impactful sound, highly versatile for different musical styles.
- Things to consider: The least portable option and may be overkill for purely home practice.
Final Thoughts: The Champion II Series – A Modern Legend Continues
While my trusty original Champion 40 has served me well for years, the Fender Champion II series represents a significant evolution of a winning formula. These amplifiers retain the core versatility and user-friendliness that made the original series so popular, while incorporating modern enhancements and updated technology. Whether you’re a beginner seeking an inspiring and adaptable first amplifier, or an experienced player looking for a reliable and versatile practice or gigging amp, the Champion II series deserves serious consideration. It’s a testament to Fender’s commitment to providing accessible and powerful tools for guitarists of all levels. Be sure to check out the Champion II 25, 50, and 100 – you might just find your next essential sonic companion.
You can get the Champion amps at your favorite local or online music store. They are also available on Amazon (Click Here)
