Hey guys, Lately I've been thinking about where some of my amps come from. On the Fender front, I own a SuperChamp XD, a BDEC and a Bassman 250/210. IMO, they are really wonderful amps and fulfill my needs perfectly. The only other amp I would like to add would have to be a Blues jr.
Having said that, the only thing that bothers me is the "made in China & Indonesia" that the amps have stamped on the back. Funny, I kind of wish they were made (at least) in Mexico, if not the USA. The MIMs have a really nice build quality to them.
Now with that out of the way, I have to say that my three Fender amps sound really good and feel like they should last a lifetime (fingers crossed). I find that my SuperChamp XD gives me many vintage tones to work with, plus the warmth of tubes. This is something that my $99 Line 6 Spider III doesn't even come close to. While the Spider III is a decent first amp with some neat effects. It really does pale in comparison to the SuperChamp XD.
On the bass end of the spectrum, The BDEC is a great tool for the beginner/novice, intermediate and professionals alike. It has a teach mode, offers drum beats, can record your progress and you can download new midi tracks to your PC and upload them into the BDEC. A very universal tool for any bass player. Then there is my newly purchased Bassman 250/210. It is something of a mini beast. It is a little bit larger than my Ampeg B100r and Line 6 LD150 (both really good bass amps, no complaints here), but the sound is enormous. A very full, very rich sound is had from this amp. Both my American Standard P and J love this amp. My American P deluxe and J24 sound much more full and shake my house. I have honestly though about returning this one because it may just be to much amp for my needs (I'm just a student at the moment and don't gig).
So, how does everyone else feel about their Asian made amps? Are you happy? Do they hold up to the standards of past Fender amps?
Having said that, the only thing that bothers me is the "made in China & Indonesia" that the amps have stamped on the back. Funny, I kind of wish they were made (at least) in Mexico, if not the USA. The MIMs have a really nice build quality to them.
Now with that out of the way, I have to say that my three Fender amps sound really good and feel like they should last a lifetime (fingers crossed). I find that my SuperChamp XD gives me many vintage tones to work with, plus the warmth of tubes. This is something that my $99 Line 6 Spider III doesn't even come close to. While the Spider III is a decent first amp with some neat effects. It really does pale in comparison to the SuperChamp XD.
On the bass end of the spectrum, The BDEC is a great tool for the beginner/novice, intermediate and professionals alike. It has a teach mode, offers drum beats, can record your progress and you can download new midi tracks to your PC and upload them into the BDEC. A very universal tool for any bass player. Then there is my newly purchased Bassman 250/210. It is something of a mini beast. It is a little bit larger than my Ampeg B100r and Line 6 LD150 (both really good bass amps, no complaints here), but the sound is enormous. A very full, very rich sound is had from this amp. Both my American Standard P and J love this amp. My American P deluxe and J24 sound much more full and shake my house. I have honestly though about returning this one because it may just be to much amp for my needs (I'm just a student at the moment and don't gig).
So, how does everyone else feel about their Asian made amps? Are you happy? Do they hold up to the standards of past Fender amps?
