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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

What type of music is the Fender Vaporizer amp best suited for?

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.

How does the Fender Vaporizer handle pedals?

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.

Is the Fender Vaporizer loud enough for live performances?

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.

Can the Fender Vaporizer be used with external speaker cabinets?

Yes, the Fender Vaporizer allows its internal speakers to disconnect, enabling the use of external 8Ω speaker enclosures via its 1/4" output.

What are the main features of the Fender Vaporizer's reverb?

The Fender Vaporizer features a spring reverb, which adds a classic, lush ambiance to your sound, enhancing its vintage tonal qualities.

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Fender Pawn Shop Vaporizer Amp Demo

Video thumbnail for Fender Pawn Shop Vaporizer Amp Demo by Rob Chapman

Fender Pawn Shop Vaporizer Amp Demo

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Video thumbnail for Fender Pawn Shop Vaporizer | Fender by Fender

Fender Pawn Shop Vaporizer | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender Vaporizer by N Stuff Music

Fender Vaporizer

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender Vaporizer Tube Guitar Amps by Musician's Friend

Fender Vaporizer Tube Guitar Amps

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Fender Vaporizer - Pawn Shop Amp review by sonicstate

Fender Vaporizer - Pawn Shop Amp review

sonicstate

sonicstate

Video thumbnail for Fender Vaporizer Guitar Amp Demo | PMT by PMTVUK

Fender Vaporizer Guitar Amp Demo | PMT

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Fender Vaporizer 12 watt tube amp by Coleman's Music

Fender Vaporizer 12 watt tube amp

Coleman's Music

Coleman's Music

Video thumbnail for Fender - Pawn Shop Vaporizer Demo at GAK by GAK

Fender - Pawn Shop Vaporizer Demo at GAK

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for Fender Vaporizer Testing by Martin Müller

Fender Vaporizer Testing

Martin Müller

Martin Müller

Video thumbnail for Fender Vaporizer Combo-Amp im Videotest auf musikmachen.de by musikmachen.de

Fender Vaporizer Combo-Amp im Videotest auf musikmachen.de

musikmachen.de

musikmachen.de

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique, versatile amp with customizable speaker options

  • Apartment-friendly with attenuator for volume control without high-end loss

  • Excellent with pedals, providing a classic Fender sound base

  • Possesses a distinct 60s surf sound with outstanding reverb

  • Touch-sensitive, responds well to different guitar models

  • Simple controls (Volume, Tone, Reverb) for easy operation

  • Two input jacks (normal and bright) cater to various pickups

  • Aesthetically pleasing design that attracts compliments

CONS

  • Breaks up quite soon, might not suit all play styles

  • Included Vaporizer pedal deemed unnecessary by some

  • Requires upgrades (speakers, reverb cord, tubes) for optimal performance

  • 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

  • The amp's lightweight nature makes it practical for rehearsals and small gigs, especially if portability is a priority.

    Source
  • Seen as a fun and kitschy addition for enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with sound, especially in recording scenarios.

    Source
  • Described as ideal for Honky Tonk and Outlaw Country due to its natural crunch and ability to handle twangy leads effectively.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Vaporizer is considered by some to have a similar tonal quality to the Fender '65 Princeton Reverb, offering a classic Fender tone.

    Source
  • Owners often lean towards simpler amps like the Champion 600 for a more reliable and straightforward tube sound.

    Source
  • One user preferred the Fender Excelsior over the Vaporizer for its sound, noting the Excelsior's popularity in their area.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners find the amp's aesthetic appealing, likening it to a Googie style, enhancing its visual attraction in a performance setting.

    Source
  • Aesthetics are polarizing; while some love the retro look, others find it less appealing outside a bedroom setting.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • Reverb issues are common, with reports of functionality loss despite attempts to fix with contact cleaner.

    Source
  • The amp distorts quickly, which can be great for those seeking a gritty sound without pedals.

    Source
  • The "vaporizer" setting causes a significant volume jump, making it challenging to use seamlessly in a live setting.

    Source
  • The amp's 10-inch speakers are notably bright, but this can be managed via the tone control.

    Source
  • The reverb is audible even when the volume is off, offering a unique playing experience.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Historically priced around $300, $250 isn't a "steal" but is the lowest price commonly available.

    Source
  • Guitar Center's "Fair" condition is their lowest acceptable rating, implying functionality despite wear.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners report persistent hum issues, which can be particularly bothersome in quieter environments.

    Source
  • The handle is considered flimsy by multiple owners.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Vaporizer Amp | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

Fender's Vaporizer Amp is a retro-inspired combo that hits all the right notes with its Space Age aesthetics and lively tone. Its 12 watts of power and dual 10" speakers deliver a versatile sound, from clear highs to punchy mids, with a classic tube-driven spring reverb. The unique Vaporizer mode offers a high-gain overdrive, though it can get harsh with single-coils. While it's perfect for gigs, it might be too loud for home use. Overall, it's a stylish, feature-rich amp that blends classic Fender tones with a touch of British bite.

positive

Review: Fender Vaporizer Amplifier - Pawn Shop Special (Video) - Sonic State Amped

sonicstate.com

The Fender Vaporizer packs the retro vibe of 50s garage rock into a quirky 2x10 tube combo amp. Its standout feature is the remarkable spring reverb and the unique 'Vaporizer mode', which cranks the amp into a Hendrix-like experience. While it's not the most versatile amp, its clean tones are rich and expansive, echoing the beloved sounds of Fender's Twin and Princeton models. The overdrive is delightfully gritty, offering a usable garage sound that's hard to find. Ideal for fans of single-channel tube amps seeking character over versatility.

positive

Fender Pawn Shop Special Vaporizer review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 29 Ratings

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adam_laybourn

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!

paul_m_burke

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
See how Billie Joe Armstrong uses Fender Vaporizer

Billie Joe Armstrong

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

...
Verified via Instagram

In the very first frame of this video you can see Billie's seafoam green Fender Vaporizer.

See how Joe Trohman uses Fender Vaporizer

Joe Trohman

Guitarist

Fall Out Boy

...
Verified via Photo

Fender lists the Vaporizer as an item used by Joe Trohman on his artist page.

See how Alain Johannes uses Fender Vaporizer

Alain Johannes

Singer, Guitarist

Queens of the Stone Age

...
Verified via Instagram

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"

See how Jeramy "Rainbow" Gritter uses Fender Vaporizer

Jeramy "Rainbow" Gritter

Guitarist, Composer

The Voidz

...
Verified via Photo

In this May 2, 2019 Instagram video, Jeramy shows his Fender Vaporizer amp.

See how Christian Zucconi uses Fender Vaporizer

Christian Zucconi

Singer, Guitarist

Grouplove

...
Verified via YouTube

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).

See how Michel PT uses Fender Vaporizer

Michel PT

Singer, Guitarist

Tiedraw

...
Verified via Photo

During covid quarantine he uploaded a photo of his rig to the Robbers instagram and you can see this amp as well as a Hot Rod Deville, the black start and his pedalboard

See how Oliver Kanes uses Fender Vaporizer

Oliver Kanes

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

used for "the man on the bench alone"

See how Mich Peregrina uses Fender Vaporizer

Mich Peregrina

Guitarist, Music Producer

Robbers

...
Verified via Photo

on this post from the band´s instagram you can see a Fender vaporizer and a Hot Rod Deville as well as his black stratocaster and his pedalboard

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.

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Community setups

Show yours
neilrichardmurray

neilrichardmurray

Gear IQ 173

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