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Champion 40 Guitar Combo Amp Blackplay button

Champion 40 Guitar Combo Amp Black

Fender

collapse expand iconDescription

The Fender Champion 40 guitar combo amp offers timeless Fender tone and style with modern versatility. This 1x12" 40W combo amp provides a dynamic range of sounds ideal for any genre. Two channels with selectable amp voicings deliver Fender's signature cleans as well as high-gain overdrive, while built-in effects—including reverb, delay, chorus and tremolo—allow you to craft your unique tone. The Fender Special Design 12" speaker fills any space with your music, loud and clear. Iconic Fender Blackface styling gives the Champion 40 a cool, vintage-inspired look that will inspire your creativity. For practice, performance or studio use, the Fender Champion 40 combo amp provides classic tone and modern features to capture your vision.

Shape Your Sound With Two Channels and Selectable Amp Voicings

The Fender Champion 40 guitar amp offers two channels: normal and drive. The normal channel produces the sparkling Fender clean tone that defined genres. Switch to the drive channel and select from three amp voicings—British, Hot Rod or Metal—to access a range of high-gain tones from classic rock to modern metal. Easily switch between channels with the optional footswitch or via the control panel to change up your sound during live performance.

Built-In Effects Enhance Your Tone

Onboard effects provide extra depth and dimension to craft your signature sound. Add reverb to fill out your tone or delay to create rhythmic repeats. Chorus delivers a shimmering, multi-dimensional effect, while tremolo produces a rhythmic pulsating effect. Adjust the amount of each effect and save your preferred settings to quickly recall your customized tone.

Special Design 12" Speaker Handles Any Volume

The Fender Special Design 12" speaker delivers full, balanced tone at any volume. Rated at 40 watts, the Champion 40 projects well for practice and can hold its own on small stages. For larger venues, use the pre-amp out jack to connect to a PA system. The open-back cabinet design enhances low-end response, giving life to warm, rich cleans and tight, defined overdrive tones.

Iconic Fender Style

The Champion 40 combo amp features Fender's classic Blackface styling with silver grille cloth and angled control panel. Its rugged plywood construction and durable vinyl covering are built to withstand the rigors of frequent use and transport. For a stylish, gig-ready amp with timeless Fender tone, the Champion 40 is an ideal, affordable choice.

Fender Champion 40 Guitar Combo Amp Black
Fender Champion 40 Guitar Combo Amp Black
Fender Champion 40 Guitar Combo Amp Black

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • World-renowned Fender clean and overdrive tones
  • An assortment of British and modern amp voicing and distortion flavors
  • Diverse palette of effects, including delay time and tremolo speed
  • Easily set the TAP button to match the song's tempo
  • Auxiliary input for jamming with media players
  • Headphone output for silent practice
  • Classic Fender Blackface cosmetics
warning

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

collapse expand iconSpecs

Electronics
  • Controls: Channel 1: Volume, Channel 2: Gain, Volume, Voice. Master: Treble, Bass, FX Level, FX Select, TAP
  • Voltage: 120V
  • Wattage: 40 watts
  • Inputs: One - 1/4"
  • Auxiliary Input: 1/8" stereo for use with media player
  • Headphone Jack: 1/8" stereo
  • Channels: Two - (Blackface Clean and Selectable Amp Voice)
Hardware
  • Front Panel: Black Angled
  • Grill Cover: Black "Bronco" Vinyl covering with silver grille cloth
  • Amplifier Depth: 9" (229mm)
  • Amplifier Width: 17.25" (438mm)
  • Amplifier Height: 17.25" (438mm)
  • Amplifier Weight: 19lb. (8.6kg)
  • Effects: Reverb, Delay/Echo, Chorus, Tremolo, Vibratone, and more. Delay Time and Tremolo speed can easily be set with the TAP button
Speakers
  • Speaker: One 12" Fender Special Design
Accessories
  • FootSwitch: Optional 2-Button Footswitch (sold separately)
  • Knobs: Vintage-Style Skirted Black Plastic

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.67

121 Reviews

92%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Better than expected!

I was in the market for a smaller, lighter amp since I was breaking my back hauling my vintage Musicman RD-65 tube amp back and forth to church every Sunday. Our church is about the size of a medium club and I mic the amp into the board. I was skeptical since I have ALWAYS used tube amps and love the punch and dynamics of tube amps. Solid state amps always sounded flat with squashed dynamics to me. But I took a shot. I tried the Mustang II first. The capabilities of that amp are amazing but it had 2 problems. Since it is trying to do everything, I didn't feel like it did anything really well. The dynamics were flat and it sounded "solid state" to me. Also, it was hard to make changes live since any movement of any knob makes the amp want to change the preset and the red light starts blinking. I found that distracting while performing. So I took a shot with the Champion 40. Holy cow! This amp really captures the dynamics of a tube amp and has a real punch on the Tweed and Blackface settings. Its not the same as a real tube amp but its REALLY close. It's plenty loud in a small club or practice environment. Anything bigger than that and you are going to be mic'd anyway. The digital effects are solid. They are not going to replace decent pedals, but its nice to have them to layer similar effects. I played virtually everything GC had in the sub $400 range that was solid state and light and this amp, BY FAR, beats them all

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

2

Very disappointed

I wanted a lighter weight amp. I read multiple reviews on the champion 40 as well as watched many demos on line. I wanted to try one out, but none of the stores had one in stock. ( I now know why). So, I ordered on line from Guitar Center. Frankly, I'm amazed at the good reviews this amp gets. I am very disappointed. I think the sound quality is poor, the range is limited, etc. I which I'd taken it back during the return period.

Filters

Best Uses

  1. Home Studio52
  2. Performances31
  3. Amateur Recording30
  4. Outdoor Events / Games20
  5. Professional Recording9

Cons

  1. Poor Sound Quality5
  2. Limited Functions4
  3. Weak2
  4. Difficult To Use1
  5. OK speaker but should have been Jensen at least1

Describe Yourself

  1. Experienced45
  2. Novice17
  3. Professional Musician11

Pros

  1. Easy To Use70
  2. Portable67
  3. Excellent Sound57
  4. Good Power Output49
  5. Warm / Comfy46
  • Awesome Fender sound for a great price!

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted3 months ago

    bySean

    fromJacksonville Beach, FL

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Very happy with the Champion 40! Easy to use and play multiple genres. Sounds excellent with direct plug-in or through my pedalboard! Great for at home and powerful enough to play at church or a gig. Great Fender sound!!!

  • Now I have 2

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted3 months ago

    byLloyd

    fromWheeling IL

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I use the stamp as an every day amplifier for practice

  • I would highly recommend this

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted3 months ago

    byMark

    fromOmaha, NE

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I like the fact that it's size is easy to transport and setup. The sound is way better than I expected.

  • Amazing little amp!!

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted4 months ago

    byNick

    fromBellmore, N.Y.

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I am using the Fender champion 40 for practice, as well as performing, and Church worship. I have quite a few amps vintage tube and solid state, and this one is a keeper!!!

  • Very nice amp

    5

    submitted8 months ago

    byJames

    fromTempe AZ

    This is a great amp for the price. A little over 200 with the 10% discount. Fun to use and has good sound. I would recommend this to anyone.

  • Nice amp at a good price

    4

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byRon

    fromDenver, Co

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I bought this Champion 40 mostly because I own the 20 watt version (1 channel) which i have been quite happy with, and I decided i wanted the 2-channel version. It is a great practice amp and I've used it on a smaller gig as well when my Blues Deluxe was having an issue. I always played tube amps (30 yrs) but the latest small solid state amps are light-years better than they were when i originally formed an opinion. I still think tubes sound better than SS but I have to admit I am impressed with these Fender Champions. They are great for in-home play when you dont want to mess with your larger gear or setting up pedals etc. The effects are good enough to get intended feels for ideas, and there are enough of the amp voicings to find one you like. I really only use the Black Panel Deluxe (best of the bunch IMO), Black Panel Princeton, and the Tweed Deluxe, but I admit I've had a few stress relief sessions on the British and Metal settings at dimed Gain. If you are a Marshall or Orange owner you likely will not like this amp. If you are a Fender person and you take it for what it is (small low cost solid state practice) you probably will appreciate this amp.

collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byLuke

    fromSan Jacinto

    Does this amp have good-sounding gain, good enough to play brit/thrash metal?

    Does this amp have good-sounding gain, good enough to play brit/thrash metal?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The amp will do it. Technique is in your hands, not the amp.
  • asked byMusic Man

    fromKennesaw, Ga. 30152

    Can the Champion 40 have a mic hooked up through the pedal entry?

    Can the Champion 40 have a mic hooked up through the pedal entry?

    Open Reply - Gear-Advisor
    No, the pedal uses a switching system not a line level.
  • asked byBill

    fromSpringfield Ohio

    Can you run pedals through it

    Can you run pedals through it

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, you can run pedals through this amp.
  • asked byBrian

    fromSaint Peters, Missouri

    Says two button foot switch sold separately but does not say which one /or model? Does Guitar Center sell it? Item no.#???

    Says two button foot switch sold separately but does not say which one /or model? Does Guitar Center sell it? Item no.#???

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Please contact a Sales Agent for Special Order Placement
  • asked byGreg

    fromLebanon, IN

    Is there a "tube screamer" effect that can be used?

    Is there a "tube screamer" effect that can be used?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    No, there is not a tube screamer effect.
  • asked byDon

    fromHyannis, MA

    Does it take 1/4" headphone jack

    Does it take 1/4" headphone jack

    Open Reply - Durran
    No, the Champion 40 has a 1/8" (3.5mm) output phones jack for headphones
  • asked byapolis567

    fromnew york

    is this amp loud enough for a gig/ will it be heard over a drum set

    is this amp loud enough for a gig/ will it be heard over a drum set

    Open Reply - Ronald
    Depending on the size of the venue. If it's a smaller club you should be alright, and if you're not able to be heard you can always mic it and it will work out great.
  • asked byEd

    fromSt. Charles mo.

    Is it in damaged? Why is it open box?

    Is it in damaged? Why is it open box?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    It could be for any number of reasons ranging from the box was damaged in transit, or it's used. It is still covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
  • asked byAnderdan010

    fromundisclosed

    Does this come with amp cord?

    Does this come with amp cord?

    Open Reply - Beau
    This amp does come with a power cord but does not come with an instrument cable.
  • asked byLegacy

    fromMichigan

    Can I plug in an acoustic guitar with a pick-up?

    Can I plug in an acoustic guitar with a pick-up?

    Open Reply - Beau
    An acoustic guitar with a pickup can be plugged into this amp.
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