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Average Price: $302
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$300
$701+
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Description
Step into a time machine and bring the golden era of rock 'n' roll to your fingertips with the Fender Vaporizer Combo Guitar Amplifier. This all-tube amplifier doesn't just deliver sound; it delivers an experience. With its retro atomic-age design, the Vaporizer captures the spirit of the '50s and '60s, a nod to an era when the Space Race influenced everything from music to automobiles. Its unique aesthetic is matched by its performance, offering rich, authentic tube-driven tones that are both powerful and versatile.
Under the hood, the Vaporizer packs a punch with 12 watts of power delivered through a pair of EL84 tubes, driving two 10" Special Design Vaporizer speakers. The result is a lush, dynamic soundscape that can go from clean and sparkly to gritty and overdriven with ease. The built-in reverb adds a layer of depth, creating a moody ambiance that evokes the classic sounds of yesteryear.
For those moments when you want to unleash the full potential of this amp, the footswitchable Vaporizer mode allows you to bypass the volume and tone controls, giving you raw, unfiltered access to the amplifier's core tones. This feature is perfect for those who crave a more aggressive, unrestrained sound. With its blend of vintage style and modern functionality, the Fender Vaporizer is not just an amp, but a statement piece for any guitarist who values both style and substance.
Key Features:
- 12 watts powered by EL84 tubes
- Dual 10" Special Design Vaporizer speakers
- Footswitchable Vaporizer mode for unfiltered tone
- Built-in deep reverb for vintage sound depth
- Retro atomic-age inspired design
- Two inputs: Normal and Bright
- Luggage-style handle for easy portability
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Vaporizer Pawn Shop Series 12-Watt 2x10" Guitar Combo |
| Finish | Rocket Red, Slate Blue, Surf Green |
| Year | 2013 - 2014 |
| Made In | China |
| Categories | Guitar Combo Amps |
| Built-In Effects | Built-In Effects |
| Color Family | Blue, Green, Red |
| Electronics | Tube |
| Model Family | Fender Vaporizer |
| Number of Channels | 1 Channel |
| Number of Inputs | 2 Inputs |
| Output Power (Watts) | 12 |
| Power Tube Type | EL84 |
| Reverb | Spring Reverb |
| Series | Fender Pawn Shop Amp |
| Speaker Configuration | 2x10" |
FAQs
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What type of music is the Fender Vaporizer amp best suited for?
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The Fender Vaporizer is ideal for genres that benefit from a gritty, overdriven sound, such as rock, blues, and garage music. Its unique tonal character and built-in reverb make it versatile for various styles.
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How does the Fender Vaporizer handle pedals?
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The Fender Vaporizer handles pedals well, especially those that complement its natural overdrive and reverb. Its tube design and single-channel setup offer a straightforward platform for pedal integration.
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Is the Fender Vaporizer loud enough for live performances?
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With 12 watts of tube power and dual 10" speakers, the Fender Vaporizer is suitable for small venues and practice sessions. However, it may require mic'ing for larger gigs to ensure adequate volume.
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Can the Fender Vaporizer be used with external speaker cabinets?
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Yes, the Fender Vaporizer allows its internal speakers to disconnect, enabling the use of external 8Ω speaker enclosures via its 1/4" output.
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What are the main features of the Fender Vaporizer's reverb?
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The Fender Vaporizer features a spring reverb, which adds a classic, lush ambiance to your sound, enhancing its vintage tonal qualities.
Videos
Rob Chapman
Fender Pawn Shop Vaporizer Amp Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Unique, versatile amp with customizable speaker options
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Apartment-friendly with attenuator for volume control without high-end loss
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Excellent with pedals, providing a classic Fender sound base
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Possesses a distinct 60s surf sound with outstanding reverb
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Touch-sensitive, responds well to different guitar models
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Simple controls (Volume, Tone, Reverb) for easy operation
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Two input jacks (normal and bright) cater to various pickups
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Aesthetically pleasing design that attracts compliments
CONS
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Breaks up quite soon, might not suit all play styles
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Included Vaporizer pedal deemed unnecessary by some
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Requires upgrades (speakers, reverb cord, tubes) for optimal performance
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Heavy, making transport somewhat cumbersome
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Vaporizer.
Use cases and applications
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The amp's lightweight nature makes it practical for rehearsals and small gigs, especially if portability is a priority.
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Seen as a fun and kitschy addition for enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with sound, especially in recording scenarios.
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Described as ideal for Honky Tonk and Outlaw Country due to its natural crunch and ability to handle twangy leads effectively.
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Comparisons
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The Vaporizer is considered by some to have a similar tonal quality to the Fender '65 Princeton Reverb, offering a classic Fender tone.
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Owners often lean towards simpler amps like the Champion 600 for a more reliable and straightforward tube sound.
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One user preferred the Fender Excelsior over the Vaporizer for its sound, noting the Excelsior's popularity in their area.
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User experience
Features and functionality
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The reverb knob controls a 100% wet signal, while the volume knob controls a 100% dry signal, allowing for unique soundscapes even with the volume off.
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The Vaporizer mode bypasses volume, tone, and reverb controls, offering a full 12-watt output controlled only by the guitar's volume knob or a volume pedal.
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Reverb issues are common, with reports of functionality loss despite attempts to fix with contact cleaner.
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The amp distorts quickly, which can be great for those seeking a gritty sound without pedals.
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The "vaporizer" setting causes a significant volume jump, making it challenging to use seamlessly in a live setting.
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The amp's 10-inch speakers are notably bright, but this can be managed via the tone control.
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The reverb is audible even when the volume is off, offering a unique playing experience.
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Value and pricing
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 29 Ratings
178
First valve amp.
Other than it's weight, can't complain about this all! Am not techy and it has 3 knobs; Volume,Treble, and Reverb that do what they say. At home at low levels it's clean and I can use pedals - at rehearsals / gigs I can turn volume up and don't need to use pedals at all - it has lovely natural drive of it's own. Usefully there is also two input jacks; normal and bright - I A/B into them to switch between them depending on wether I'm using guitars with single coils or humbuckers. Never had a gig yet where someone hasn't stopped to comment on how cool it looks either!
93
Valve amp
mine is blue and a little damaged where my daughter knocked a vase of flowers and water over it, some staining on the grille but sounds fine!
Artist usage
Add artist
In the very first frame of this video you can see Billie's seafoam green Fender Vaporizer.
Fender lists the Vaporizer as an item used by Joe Trohman on his artist page.
Alain uploaded this video of him playing with the title: "Ampeg SG GE-500 into Ampeg Scrambler Octave Fuzz into Fender Vaporizer Amp diggin it"
at 8:22, you can see 2 stacked fender vaporizer amps, decked out with painting done by Hannah Hooper, the band's backup singer and wife of Christian Zucconi. They've been using these since around the time they came out. (early 2014).
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 Vaporizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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