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Description

The Fender M-80 Preamp is a versatile companion for guitarists seeking to enhance their sound with precision and style. This solid-state preamp offers a reliable and consistent performance that musicians have come to expect from Fender. Designed to cater to a wide range of playing styles, the M-80 Preamp provides a comprehensive tonal palette, making it suitable for both stage performances and studio sessions.

With its intuitive layout, the M-80 Preamp allows users to easily navigate through its controls, ensuring a seamless experience when dialing in the perfect sound. The three-band EQ gives players the flexibility to shape their tone with precision, allowing for a rich bass, clear mids, and sparkling highs. This preamp's versatility shines through in its ability to handle anything from clean tones to crunchy overdrive, making it a valuable addition to any guitarist's gear collection.

Built with durability in mind, the Fender M-80 Preamp is constructed to withstand the rigors of regular use. Its robust design ensures it remains a staple in your setup for years to come, without compromising on quality or reliability. Whether you're a touring musician or a home studio enthusiast, this preamp is designed to meet your needs and elevate your sound.

Key Features:

  • Solid-state preamp for reliable performance
  • Three-band EQ for versatile tone shaping
  • Durable construction ideal for regular use
  • Suitable for both live performances and studio recordings
  • Capable of producing clean tones and overdriven sounds
zyxwfish

zyxwfish

And Justice For All guitar tone with a fender m-80

Video thumbnail for And Justice For All guitar tone with a fender m-80 by zyxwfish

And Justice For All guitar tone with a fender m-80

zyxwfish

zyxwfish

Video thumbnail for Fender M-80 Preamp with Marshall 9000 Series power amp Serviced & Ready by Sam Lease

Fender M-80 Preamp with Marshall 9000 Series power amp Serviced & Ready

Sam Lease

Sam Lease

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners report that volume control is extremely sensitive, becoming loud at '1' and deafening at '2', with minimal difference from 2-10.

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  • Scratchy pots can be cleaned with Deoxit, but caution is needed to avoid internal damage, as seen with a broken reverb pot.

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  • Replacing resistors per Fender Service Bulletin and zener diodes is a known maintenance practice due to heat-induced discoloration of the circuit board.

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  • The second input is designed to offer 6 dB less gain, useful for managing high output pickups, and issues are often due to loose solder joints or a corroded jack.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the 30C50K reverse audio pot with a 50k linear or 15% audio taper pot can smooth volume control.

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  • Reupholstering the amp is noted to be straightforward, providing an easy aesthetic upgrade for those looking to personalize their gear.

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Features and functionality

  • Using a volume pedal or JHS Little Black Box in the effects loop is a workaround for controlling output level.

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  • Owners highlight the amp's superb clean tones, describing it as an excellent platform for pedals and noting its ability to handle high output pickups with less distortion.

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  • The amp features spring reverb that provides a unique ambient sound effect, distinct from traditional long-spring reverb tanks, offering a room-like reverb effect.

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User experience

  • Users appreciate the amp's ability to deliver a "monstrous" clean sound with a "woody" tone, especially praised for its versatility in various musical styles.

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  • Owners appreciate the amp's ability to produce clean tones and handle dirt pedals well, making it suitable for grunge and alternative rock styles.

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Value and pricing

  • Repair costs for common issues like input jack replacement are generally around $60-$70, emphasizing affordability for maintaining this vintage piece.

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  • The M-80 Chorus, despite not being widely sought after, can be a great value for collectors, often found for $250-$350, making $50 a steal.

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Comparisons

  • Compared to other solid-state Fender amps, such as the non-chorus head version, the M-80 is noted for its distinct appeal among 90s death metal enthusiasts.

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  • The M-80 Chorus is comparable to the Roland JC-120 in terms of its lush stereo chorus and clean tones, but typically at a fraction of the price.

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Build quality

  • The amp's design includes elements reminiscent of Peavey amps, such as red knobs and gray carpet, signaling a departure from traditional Fender aesthetics.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Thomas DeLonge uses Fender M-80 Preamp

Thomas DeLonge

Singer, Guitarist

Blink-182

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo (taken in October 1993), DeLonge appears to be using Fender M-80 preamp (just under Fender combo, and above green/red flare).

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 M-80 Preamp, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Fender 2150 Power Amplifier
Fender 2150 Power Amplifier Guitar Power Amplifiers
1
Fender Princeton Chorus (Red Knob)
Fender Princeton Chorus (Red Knob) Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1

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