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Average Price: $310

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Description

The Fender M-80 Chorus is a classic guitar amplifier head that marries powerful performance with versatile tonal capabilities. Designed for guitarists who appreciate the rich, textured sounds that only a chorus effect can bring, this amp head is a reliable companion for both practice and live settings. With its stereo chorus circuit, the M-80 delivers a lush, expansive sound that can fill any room. This amp head features a straightforward interface that allows for easy tone shaping, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced players seeking a reliable workhorse.

The M-80 Chorus is equipped with a solid-state power amplifier that provides clean, consistent output, ensuring that your guitar's true voice is always at the forefront. It also includes a range of controls for fine-tuning your sound, including separate EQ settings for clean and overdrive channels, and individual volume controls for each channel. The built-in chorus effect adds depth and dimension to your playing, perfect for creating atmospheric soundscapes or enhancing your solos. Whether you're playing smooth jazz, gritty blues, or explosive rock, the M-80 Chorus offers a dynamic range of tones to suit your style.

Key Features:

  • Stereo chorus circuit for lush, expansive tonal effects
  • Solid-state power amplifier for consistent performance
  • Dual channel operation with separate EQ for clean and overdrive
  • Built-in chorus effect to add depth and dimension
  • Individual volume controls for each channel
  • Reliable and robust design for both practice and live settings

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model M-80 Chorus 2-Channel 2 x 65-Watt 2x12" Stereo Solid State Guitar Combo
Finish Black Tolex, Grey Carpet
Year 1990 - 1994
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black, Grey
Electronics Solid State
Model Family Fender M-80 Chorus
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 65
Power Tube Type None
Reverb Spring Reverb
Series Fender M-80
Speaker Configuration 2x12"

FAQs

What type of amplifier is the Fender M-80 Chorus?

The Fender M-80 Chorus is a solid-state guitar amplifier head with a stereo output, offering 65 watts per channel, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

Does the Fender M-80 Chorus have built-in effects?

Yes, the Fender M-80 Chorus features built-in stereo chorus and spring reverb effects, which add depth and dimension to your guitar sound.

How many channels does the Fender M-80 Chorus have?

The Fender M-80 Chorus is equipped with two channels, allowing for versatile sound shaping and quick switching between clean and overdriven tones.

What is the speaker configuration of the Fender M-80 Chorus?

The Fender M-80 Chorus features a 2x12" speaker configuration, providing a full and robust sound suitable for various performance settings.

Is the Fender M-80 Chorus suitable for live performances?

With its 130-watt stereo output and built-in effects, the Fender M-80 Chorus is well-suited for live performances, offering ample volume and tonal versatility.

CigarBGuitarefx

CigarBGuitarefx

Fender M-80 Chorus 90 watt guitar amp

Video thumbnail for Fender M-80 Chorus 90 watt guitar amp by CigarBGuitarefx

Fender M-80 Chorus 90 watt guitar amp

CigarBGuitarefx

CigarBGuitarefx

Video thumbnail for Fender M80 Chorus 2x12 by a11outwar

Fender M80 Chorus 2x12

a11outwar

a11outwar

Video thumbnail for Fender M-80 Chorus Review and Demo by 6L6wear

Fender M-80 Chorus Review and Demo

6L6wear

6L6wear

Video thumbnail for Fender M-80 Chorus combo 2x12 (a METAL fender amp???) by jack punkington

Fender M-80 Chorus combo 2x12 (a METAL fender amp???)

jack punkington

jack punkington

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional clean tones; tubey, spanky, with full bass and glassy highs

  • Versatile overdrive channel with responsive, crunchy rhythm and lead tones

  • Surprisingly nice reverb, enhanced by a variable stereo chorus

  • Solid build, lightweight and travels well

  • Takes pedals well, both in front and through the effects loop

  • Consistent tone and responsiveness at all volume levels

  • Loud enough for outdoor gigs without losing clarity

  • No need to worry about tube maintenance

  • Offers gig/mixer versatility with pre-amp and power amp outs

  • More affordable and lighter than similar tube amps

CONS

  • Original speaker may require upgrade for optimal performance

  • Matching Fender HM-412 cabs needed for best sound, could limit options

  • Carpeted exterior may not appeal to all aesthetically

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender M-80 Chorus.

Comparisons

  • Jason Becker reportedly used the Fender M-80 on demo recordings and with artists like David Lee Roth, despite having access to Marshall and Peavey gear.

    Source
  • While not as durable as modern amps, the M-80 Chorus is favored by Radiohead fans for its unique sound profile.

    Source
  • It has been compared to the Roland JC120, offering a similar chorus effect but at a more affordable price point.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Known for "monstrous" clean tones, the amp serves well as a pedal platform with 'woody' tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • Some users highlight the amp's effectiveness in achieving the Alice in Chains "Dirt" sound, particularly with a Les Paul guitar.

    Source
  • It's capable of delivering clean tones and a range of dirty tones from bluesy breakup to high-gain thrash sounds.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Input 2 offers 6 dB less gain, recommended for high output pickups to avoid unwanted preamp distortion.

    Source
  • The M-80 Chorus is noted for its stereo effects loops and ability to handle multiple pedals and effects well.

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  • The amp includes a short spring reverb tank, providing a unique ambient sound rather than the typical long-spring reverb.

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  • The built-in chorus effect can vary from subtle to very prominent, offering lush stereo sound when paired with stereo speaker cabinets.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Input jacks are frequently reported as the main maintenance issue, often requiring simple fixes like cleaning or resoldering for optimal performance.

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Build quality

  • The second input is often less reliable, commonly needing deoxit or resoldering due to solder joint stress, indicating a common weak point in the amp's build.

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  • The grey carpet finish is prone to wear, with multiple users noting it attracts cat hair and can resemble a scratching post.

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  • The amp features red knobs and grey carpet covering, similar to Peavey designs, and is lighter and more durable than tube heads.

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User experience

  • Several owners describe the amp as consistently missing the same knobs, suggesting a common issue with the model's hardware durability.

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  • Owners mention the amp's max volume hits around 2, indicating that it's extremely loud and can easily overpower a drummer in band settings.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • While not widely sought after, it's considered a "sleeper" amp, with market prices ranging from $200 to $450 depending on condition.

    Source

Critic Reviews

M-80 Chorus Review: I play most rock and metal but I also like to... | Fender | Guitar Amplifiers | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Fender M-80 Chorus offers impressive clean tones and a spectacular built-in chorus that rivals many pedals. However, its overdrive leaves much to be desired due to the lack of EQ controls, which can limit its versatility. While it shines with various guitar styles, especially rock and grunge, some users may need to rely on additional pedals for optimal overdrive sound. Overall, this solid-state amp boasts reliability and durability, making it a worthy gigging companion despite its age. It’s a solid choice for musicians seeking great sound without breaking the bank, but potential buyers should be aware of its limitations in the overdrive department.

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