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Average Price: $311
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$701+
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Description
The Fender M-80 Chorus Amplifier 212 is a versatile combo guitar amplifier that brings a unique blend of vintage appeal and modern functionality to your musical setup. This solid-state amplifier is renowned for its stereo chorus effect, which adds a lush, dimensional quality to your sound, making it a favorite among guitarists seeking to enrich their tonal palette. With 80 watts of power and dual 12-inch speakers, it delivers a robust sound that can effortlessly fill a room, whether you’re practicing at home or performing on stage.
The control panel of the M-80 Chorus Amplifier offers intuitive navigation with separate EQs for both clean and overdrive channels, allowing for precise tonal shaping. The onboard chorus effect is adjustable, providing everything from subtle depth to a full, shimmering presence. This amplifier is also equipped with a headphone jack for silent practice and an effects loop for integrating your favorite pedals, making it a flexible choice for any guitarist's setup.
The M-80 Chorus Amplifier is designed for musicians who appreciate rich, textured sounds and reliable performance. Its sturdy build ensures it can withstand the rigors of regular use, while its straightforward controls make it accessible for both beginners and seasoned players.
Key Features:
- 80-watt solid-state combo amplifier
- Stereo chorus effect for rich sound modulation
- Dual 12-inch speakers for full-range sound
- Separate EQ for clean and overdrive channels
- Headphone jack for silent practice
- Effects loop for pedal integration
- Durable construction suitable for gigging musicians
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
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What are the tonal characteristics of the Fender M-80 Chorus Amplifier 212?
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The Fender M-80 Chorus Amplifier 212 is known for its clear, bright tones with a strong emphasis on clean sound. It features a lush stereo chorus effect that adds depth and dimension to your playing, making it ideal for genres that benefit from clean, shimmering tones.
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How powerful is the Fender M-80 Chorus Amplifier 212?
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The Fender M-80 Chorus Amplifier 212 delivers 65 watts per channel, totaling 130 watts of RMS power. This makes it suitable for both practice and small to medium-sized gigs.
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Does the Fender M-80 Chorus Amplifier 212 include built-in effects?
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Yes, the Fender M-80 Chorus Amplifier 212 includes built-in effects such as a stereo chorus and spring reverb, allowing for versatile sound shaping directly from the amp.
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Is the Fender M-80 Chorus Amplifier 212 suitable for gigging?
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With its 130 watts of power and 2x12" speaker configuration, the Fender M-80 Chorus Amplifier 212 is suitable for small to medium-sized gigs, offering ample volume and clarity.
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How many channels does the Fender M-80 Chorus Amplifier 212 have?
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The Fender M-80 Chorus Amplifier 212 features two channels, allowing for versatile sound options ranging from clean to overdriven tones.
Videos
CigarBGuitarefx
Fender M-80 Chorus 90 watt guitar amp
Reviews
PROS
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Delivers crystal clear, punchy clean tones that rival tube amps
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Versatile overdrive channel responsive to picking dynamics
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Powerful stereo chorus creates a surreal, swirling soundscape
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Rugged, lightweight build ideal for frequent transportation
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Consistent sound quality from bedroom volumes to stadium levels
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Well-suited for a variety of genres, from shoegaze to alternative rock
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Features pre-amp out, power amp out, and headphone jack for versatility
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Loud output; effective even at low volume settings
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Affordable alternative to high-end tube amplifiers
CONS
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Requires specialized knowledge for technical maintenance
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Original speaker might need upgrading for optimal sound
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Adjusting volume can be challenging if potentiometers are damaged
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender M-80 Chorus Amplifier 212.
Build quality
Setup and maintenance
Comparisons
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The M-80's factory gain setting is praised for its "beefy" sound, making it a viable alternative to more expensive tube amps in terms of gain quality.
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Users who have owned both the M-80 and the Fender 85 suggest the M-80 has superior distortion capabilities.
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The M-80 Chorus is likened to the Roland JC120 for its lush chorus effects but is considered a more affordable alternative.
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Value and pricing
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Some owners report seeing pristine condition models listed at up to $800, despite being commonly valued lower, indicating potential market variability.
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Despite some aesthetic criticisms, the amp's performance often justifies its price, with some owners highlighting significant resale value increases.
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Commonly valued between $200-$450 depending on condition, some owners have found it for as low as $50, considering it a steal.
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Use cases and applications
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The amp is recommended to be elevated or tilted back for better sound dispersion, as the sound often projects at knee level.
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The amplifier's loudness and ability to handle various pedals make it ideal for gigging and experimenting with different tones.
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Known for its loud output, the M-80 Chorus is suitable for achieving thrash and grunge tones, with its dirty channel praised for purposefully overdriven sounds.
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Mods and upgrades
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Owners suggest upgrading to high sensitivity speakers, like the Eminence Wizard, which can increase perceived loudness significantly.
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User experience
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Volume settings are highly sensitive; users note near-silence at 1, loudness at 3, and peaking with a loss of fidelity around 9-10.
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Owners find the M-80 to be exceptionally loud, often noted as a potential downside for smaller or more controlled environments.
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The clean channel receives high praise for clarity, and the amp's ability to handle various dirt pedals is highlighted as a strength.
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Features and functionality
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The amp can operate as a 130W unit due to its 2x65W stereo configuration, offering significant loudness for live performances.
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It's noted that the M-80's solid-state design allows immediate play without waiting for tubes to warm up, appealing to those seeking practicality.
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The M-80 Chorus features two stereo FX loops, enhancing its versatility with pedals and effects.
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The M-80 Chorus includes built-in distortion and reverb, which surprised some users with their quality, despite missing the chorus on certain units.
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4.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings
1201
Interesting tone
Nice chorus. If you like the tone of the 90's, this amp brings you closer to various bands from post punk, grunge, shoegaze, alternative rock, etc. It has a super strong and diaphanous clean. The distortion is very garage band, but, with the help of just one booster (like a Moog Minifooger for example) this amp is pretty good for experimenting with jazzy licks, progressive riffs, and even funky struts. If you like Radiohead, Blur, Suede, Morrisey, The Cure, and other similar bands this amp is a good starting point. Currently (2022) electronic parts for this model are still available. Important note: the technical revision of this circuit specifically requires knowledge and specialized tools, its design is quite complex.
118
Chorus god
Got this cause I wanted a Roland Jazz Chorus, but didn't have a ton of cash. Literally got this for free because somebody left it behind in a frat house. Has a godlike chorus on it. I have to use a pair of pliers to adjust the volume on it cause most of the pot got ground or cut off somehow. Love this thing.
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