Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $175

Budget/Beginner

$300

$701+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Solid-State Combo Guitar Amp of the Frontman series

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model FM 212R 2-Channel 100-Watt 2x12" Solid State Guitar Combo
Finish Black
Year 2003 - 2008
Made In Korea, Republic of
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Electronics Solid State
Model Family Fender Frontman 212
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 100
Power Tube Type None
Reverb Spring Reverb
Series Fender Frontman
Speaker Configuration 2x12"

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Fender FM 212R suitable for?

The Fender FM 212R is versatile and well-suited for a range of genres, particularly those that benefit from its classic Fender clean sound and powerful drive channel, such as rock, blues, and country.

Does the Fender FM 212R have built-in effects?

Yes, the Fender FM 212R features built-in spring reverb, offering a classic reverb sound directly from the amp.

How loud is the Fender FM 212R, and is it suitable for gigging?

With 100 watts of power and a 2x12" speaker configuration, the Fender FM 212R is loud enough for gigging with a band, making it a reliable choice for live performances.

Does the Fender FM 212R have an effects loop?

Yes, the Fender FM 212R includes an effects loop, allowing you to connect external effects units and maintain signal clarity.

What are the channel options on the Fender FM 212R?

The Fender FM 212R features two channels: Clean and Drive, with the Drive channel offering an additional "More Drive" mode for extra gain.

GuitaBassBreaker

GuitaBassBreaker

Test Fender FM212R guitar amplifier.

Video thumbnail for Test Fender FM212R guitar amplifier. by GuitaBassBreaker

Test Fender FM212R guitar amplifier.

GuitaBassBreaker

GuitaBassBreaker

Reviews

PROS

  • No hum when plugged in, ensuring clean sound

  • Good value for beginners or jam sessions

  • Powerful with 2X12 100W for ample volume

  • Can be improved with some cleaning and maintenance

CONS

  • Some controls (pots) are finicky, affecting ease of use

  • Build quality issues with broken inputs reported

  • May require DIY repairs or adjustments over time

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender FM 212R.

Use cases and applications

  • The FM 212R can be effectively used in small spaces like a 15-square-foot bedroom, with volume management through EQ pedals for quieter practice.

    Source
  • The amp is suitable for both bedroom practice and gigging, offering flexibility in volume control to adapt to different environments.

    Source
  • The amp excels with clean tones for genres like shoegaze and alternative, especially when paired with pedals on the clean channel.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Converting the FM 212R into a head and pairing it with a 4x12 cab loaded with Seventy 80 speakers can enhance its performance and versatility.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The clean channel delivers a warm tone at lower volumes but struggles with distortion when the master volume exceeds 3/4.

    Source
  • The dirty channel is noted to sound compressed and thin, although the built-in reverb is positively received.

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  • The volume pot on the clean channel is reverse log, with 50% of volume in the first 20% of the pot's range.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report the amp becomes distorted when the master volume is pushed past 3/4, impacting the clean sound quality.

    Source

Build quality

  • The pot shafts are prone to breaking if the amp is frequently moved or mishandled, indicating a need for careful transport.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Dry joints on speaker connections are common but easily fixable for $20-$40 by a technician.

    Source
  • The footswitch's indicator LED can fail, although the switch remains functional; a replacement LED costs about $1.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • At $180, it's viewed as a good deal for its loud output and Fender clean tones, despite its flaws.

    Source
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 14 Ratings

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1 star
A

Meh

I actually didn't buy this, my brother got it years ago when he was in middle school. It is a good amp for what it is I guess. The one I have is a bit messed up. one of the inputs is broken. I've been meaning to see if I can figure out how to fix it. I usually play on my little tube, but this is good if you want to go jam or something. It's a cheap amp. You pay for what you get!

malcolm_joshua_mcgill

Touring Amp

Pretty much since the beginning of Malcolm's guitar playing experience he's needed an amplifier. One day, while at a practice in the basement of COUSIN's drummer Connor Stoehr's house, he was offered a 2X12 100W FM 212R by Connor's dad. He grabbed the opportunity without hesitation and has been happy ever since.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kevin Parker uses Fender FM 212R

Kevin Parker

Singer, Guitarist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via Photo

Kevin Parker is confirmed to use a Fender FM 212R amplifier, as evidenced by a video he posted on Instagram. In this video, he is seen playing the beginning of the (at the time of making the post, a yet to be released or announced) single "End of Summer" while using the Fender FM 212R with a Roland TR-808 drum machine and a Vermona DRM1 MKIV drum synthesizer connected to it.

See how joaquin aguiar uses Fender FM 212R

joaquin aguiar

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

Joaquin Aguiar is shown using the Fender FM 212R amplifier in a photo shared on Instagram by @killjoy_dead.

Album Usage

The Fender FM 212R has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender FM 212R, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1

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