Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $230

Budget/Beginner

$300

$701+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Explore the versatility and power of the Fender Stage 185, a classic combo guitar amplifier that has captivated musicians with its robust performance and reliability. Designed for both gigging professionals and hobbyists, the Fender Stage 185 combines solid-state technology with a broad tonal range, offering an impressive 185 watts of power. This amplifier is well-suited for various musical styles, from blues to rock and beyond, ensuring that your sound is heard with clarity and presence.

The Fender Stage 185 features two channels—clean and drive—allowing you to switch effortlessly between crisp, clean tones and rich, overdriven sounds. With a 12-inch speaker, this combo amplifier delivers a full-bodied sound that fills any venue. Additionally, the onboard 3-band EQ provides precise control over your tone, while the built-in reverb adds depth and dimension to your music.

Whether you’re performing on stage or practicing at home, the Fender Stage 185 is engineered to meet the demands of any setting. Its durable construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of frequent use, while its intuitive controls make it easy to dial in the perfect sound. Experience the power and flexibility that has made the Fender Stage 185 a trusted choice among guitarists.

Key Features:

  • 185 watts of solid-state power
  • Two channels: clean and drive
  • 12-inch speaker for full-bodied sound
  • Onboard 3-band EQ for precise tonal control
  • Built-in reverb for added depth
  • Durable construction for reliability on stage and in the studio

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Stage 185 2-Channel 150-Watt 1x12" Solid State Guitar Combo
Finish Black
Year 1988 - 1992
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Electronics Solid State
Model Family Fender Stage Amp
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 150
Power Tube Type None
Reverb Spring Reverb
Series Fender Standard Solid State
Speaker Configuration 1x12"

FAQs

What is the power output of the Fender Stage 185 amplifier?

The Fender Stage 185 amplifier has a power output of 150 watts, making it suitable for both practice and live performance settings.

Does the Fender Stage 185 have built-in effects?

Yes, the Fender Stage 185 features built-in effects, including a spring reverb, which adds depth and dimension to your sound.

How many channels does the Fender Stage 185 offer?

The Fender Stage 185 is equipped with two channels, allowing for versatile sound shaping and easy switching between different tones.

Is the Fender Stage 185 suitable for gigging with a band?

With its 150-watt output, the Fender Stage 185 is powerful enough for gigging with a band, providing ample volume and clarity for live performances.

What type of speaker configuration does the Fender Stage 185 have?

The Fender Stage 185 features a 1x12" speaker configuration, delivering a balanced and full-range sound suitable for various musical styles.

Bit Wars

Bit Wars

Vintage Fender Red Knob Amp Pickup - Cheap Rivera Era Stage 185

Video thumbnail for Vintage Fender Red Knob Amp Pickup - Cheap Rivera Era Stage 185 by Bit Wars

Vintage Fender Red Knob Amp Pickup - Cheap Rivera Era Stage 185

Bit Wars

Bit Wars

Video thumbnail for Fender Stage 185 - Solid State Fun times by What’s Stef On?

Fender Stage 185 - Solid State Fun times

What’s Stef On?

What’s Stef On?

Video thumbnail for Customized Fender Stage 185 Red Knob with Fender Extension Cab by Collected Thoughts

Customized Fender Stage 185 Red Knob with Fender Extension Cab

Collected Thoughts

Collected Thoughts

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Stage 185.

Build quality

  • The Fender Stage 185 is part of the red knob series, known for using red knobs purchased in bulk to reduce costs.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Even without a speaker, this amp, associated with the London series, can sell for over $200 due to its collector's value.

    Source
  • The amp lacks natural distortion, but pedals like the EHX Little Big Muff and Boss DS-1 can effectively compensate.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Deoxit can effectively stop crackling and popping issues in this amp model.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest replacing the original speaker with a cheaper alternative if selling the EVM12 separately.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Designed by Bob Haigler and Bill Hughes, this amp is linked to the re-emergence of Fender's amp production at the Sunn Factory.

    Source
  • Effective for classic rock and blues, used by a guitarist and drummer to cover bands like The Doors and Velvet Underground.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite extensive maintenance, one owner describes the amp's sound as "a dozen pounds of hot garbage juice," suggesting potential quality variability.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Stage 185 Review: I kid you not. In 37 years of playing, I've used... | Fender | Guitar Amplifiers | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Fender Stage 185 is lauded for its exceptional clean channel, embodying the classic Fender sound, and is well-suited for Blues and Classic Rock. While the gain may require some tweaking and isn't ideal for Metal genres, the amp excels in versatility and power, boasting a robust 150 watts. Reliability is emphasized, with minor maintenance turning it into a reliable workhorse. However, its solid-state nature might not appeal to everyone, especially those seeking a modern crunch. Overall, it's a powerhouse of an amp that shines with clean tones, making it a worthy investment if you find one.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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noel_rudloff

1989 Fender Stage 185

This amp was made for me. I bought this without knowing it would have my perfect tone. I love this amp to death.

jimmarchi1

bold statement!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Stuart Adamson uses Fender Stage 185

Stuart Adamson

Singer, Guitarist

Big Country

...
Verified

The article on Stuart Adamson's gear highlights his use of the Fender Stage 185 amplifier, noting it as a key component in his setup with Big Country.

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 Stage 185, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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