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Average Price: $235

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$300

$701+

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Description

The Fender Princeton Chorus (Black Knob) is a timeless classic that continues to captivate guitarists with its versatile tones and robust build. Perfect for both the studio and stage, this combo amplifier delivers a rich, full-bodied sound that is quintessentially Fender. With its stereo chorus capabilities, it creates a lush and immersive sonic experience that envelopes your audience in waves of harmonious modulation. The dual 10" speakers ensure your sound is projected with clarity and depth, making it ideal for small to mid-sized venues. This solid-state amp offers a reliable and consistent performance, maintaining a warm, vintage tone while providing modern flexibility. Whether you're a gigging musician or a home studio enthusiast, the Fender Princeton Chorus will elevate your sound with its classic charm and contemporary features.

Key Features:

  • 25 watts of power
  • Dual 10" speakers
  • Stereo chorus effect
  • Solid-state reliability
  • Vintage-inspired sound with modern versatility

Owner's manual

Fender Princeton Chorus (Black Knob) User Manual

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Princeton Stereo Chorus 2-Channel 2 x 25-Watt 2x10" Solid State Guitar Combo
Finish Black
Year 1988 - 2001
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Color Family Black
Electronics Solid State
Model Family Fender Princeton
Model Sub-Family Fender Princeton Chorus Solid State
Output Power (Watts) 25
Reverb Spring Reverb
Series Fender Standard Solid State
Speaker Configuration 2x10"

FAQs

Is the Fender Princeton Chorus (Black Knob) a tube amplifier?

No, the Fender Princeton Chorus (Black Knob) is a solid-state amplifier, meaning it does not use tubes in its electronics, which contributes to its distinct clean tone.

What type of music is the Fender Princeton Chorus (Black Knob) best suited for?

The Fender Princeton Chorus is well-suited for genres that benefit from clean tones and stereo chorus effects, such as jazz, blues, and pop.

How powerful is the Fender Princeton Chorus (Black Knob) amplifier?

The Fender Princeton Chorus has an output power of 2 x 25 watts, making it suitable for small to medium-sized venues and practice sessions.

Does the Fender Princeton Chorus (Black Knob) have built-in effects?

Yes, the Fender Princeton Chorus includes built-in stereo chorus and spring reverb effects, enhancing its versatility for various musical styles.

What is the speaker configuration of the Fender Princeton Chorus (Black Knob)?

The Fender Princeton Chorus features a 2x10" speaker configuration, providing a balanced sound with ample projection.

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers classic "Fender Clean" tones with responsive dynamics

  • Excellent stereo chorus feature for added depth and movement

  • Versatile EQ section for customizing sound across styles

  • Affordable alternative to higher-priced amplifiers with similar features

  • Compact and portable for gigs and rehearsals

  • Reverb is full and characteristic of signature Fender quality

  • Provides a wide range of tones from clean to hair metal

  • Durable and reliable for long-term use

CONS

  • Built-in overdrive sounds like a typical solid state amp, lacks tube warmth

  • Relatively quiet; may struggle to compete with loud live bands

  • Inconsistent manufacturing locations; Mexican vs. USA versions may vary in quality

  • Requires external pedals for high-quality distortion

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Princeton Chorus (Black Knob).

Features and functionality

  • The Princeton Chorus is a 25.5W per channel stereo amp, adding up to a total of 51 watts, with two 10-inch speakers for stereo sound.

    Source
  • The headphone jack doubles as a line out, providing excellent sound quality when connected directly to an interface, especially for recording.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the stock reverb tank with a 9EB3C1B tank offers a smoother, denser sound and fits well with minor RCA cable modifications.

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  • Owners recommend replacing the reverb tank for improved sound, with type 9 tanks offering a significant upgrade in reverb quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The stereo chorus resembles that of Roland Jazz Chorus amps, but with less wattage, making it suitable for home recording rather than loud performances.

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  • It's noted that the amp's clean channel can be excessively bright, contrasting with the more balanced tone of British amps like Vox or Laney.

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  • Users find the Princeton Chorus superior in direct line-out sound quality compared to JC-40, which lacks cab simulation.

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User experience

  • Some owners find the amp heavy at 38 lbs, prompting modifications to reduce weight by replacing the stock speakers with 6-inch Jensens.

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  • Some users report that the effects loop can be problematic, breaking after initial use and requiring a patch cable to maintain sound.

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  • Owners have experienced minimal headphone hiss, contrary to common issues in similar amps, enhancing its appeal for home use.

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Use cases and applications

  • The amp excels with stereo effects like panning tremolo, making it ideal for experimental setups or shoegaze music.

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  • The Princeton Chorus is cited as being particularly well-suited for shoegaze, aligning with its distinctive chorus effect.

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  • Ideal as a pedal platform for clean tones, particularly for classic rock, but requires pedals for more diverse sound applications.

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Build quality

  • The amp uses a Panasonic analogue bucket brigade chip for its chorus effect, noted for its warm, classic sound compared to digital versions.

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Value and pricing

  • Black knob models are typically valued between $150-$250, with red knob versions often overpriced but showing no significant performance difference.

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  • Offering $150 and negotiating up to $175 is suggested as a fair price for a used Princeton Chorus in good condition.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jeremy_crockett

An Outstanding Amplifier at a Bargain Price

As an amateur home player (primarily a Bassist), I do not need a ton of power for a guitar. That said, the 50 watts this excellent amplifier puts out is almost too much.

The Chorus feature is what closed the deal for me. I paid $180 for mine and it was money well spent. The thing that the Princeton Chorus does well is the classic "Fender Clean" tone. It is very responsive to playing dynamics and the Chorus is amazingly lush.

If you are looking for an over-driven tone, you will need a pedal to accomplish this as the "dirty" channel is, quite frankly, not good. Other than that, I cannot see how anyone would be disappointed with this Secondhand Lion of an amplifier.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Isaiah Ikey Owens uses Fender Princeton Chorus (Black Knob)

Isaiah Ikey Owens

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Mars Volta

...
Verified via Photo

Visible in this June 20, 2013 Instagram post.

See how Louis Futon uses Fender Princeton Chorus (Black Knob)

Louis Futon

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via Magnetic Magazine

The cited article is an interview with Louis that details the recording process for his album "Way Back When". He mentions the use of many pieces of gear stating, "All the guitar was recorded on my American Fender Strat, sometimes running through guitar rig and sometimes through my Fender Princeton Chorus Amp."

Album Usage

The Fender Princeton Chorus (Black Knob) 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 Princeton Chorus (Black Knob), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
jeremy_crockett

jeremy_crockett

Gear IQ 7007

jeremy_crockett

jeremy_crockett

Gear IQ 7007

jeremy_crockett

jeremy_crockett

Gear IQ 7007

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