Fender Champion 20 vs 40 Review: 4 Things YOU Need to Know Before YOU Buy!

In this video (Fender Champion 20 vs 40 Review: 4 Things YOU Need to Know Before YOU Buy!) I do a head-to-head comparison of these two great amps.
Click here TO BUY the Fender Champion 20: amzn.to/2CreGoK
Click here TO BUY the Fender Champion 40: amzn.to/2ZWD8Xc
If you want the ultimate guide to unlocking your Fender Champion 20's potential, then get the Fender Champion 20 Tone Course: 5-minute-music1.teachable.com...
I used the bridge pickup in both samples (3:40) and both amps used this setting: Channel 2 (for the Champion 40), Gain: 10, Volume: 4, Voice: British (Yellow indicator light), Treble: 6, Bass: 6, FX Level: 3, FX Select: Reverb+Ch (Green indicator light).
The Fender Champion 20 is a 20 watt amp (with an 8” speaker) that is perfect for practicing at your home. It sounds great at low volumes and it has a headphone jack!
The different sounds (voices) are phenomenal, ranging from Tweed, Blackface, British and Metal. In addition, the gain and volume knobs can be dialed in to explore each voice.
The treble and bass knobs let you color the sound, while the FX options are fantastic for such an affordable amp. These include reverb+chorus, chorus, flange, delay+reverb, wah, vibrato, and tremolo. A tap button is also included to customize the speed of your vibrato or tremolo.
To give you peace of mind, this amp includes Fender's 2-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY.
The Fender Champion 40 is a 2-channel, 40 watt amp with a 12” speaker. This amp shares all of the features of the Champion 20, but also has the first channel which is a dedicated clean channel (think Fender Twin Reverb), while the second channel offers the same voices as the Champion 20: Tweed, Blackface, British and Metal.
This amp also includes Fender's 2-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@5MinuteMusic]

Question of the Day: What other features of the Fender Champion 20 or 40 would you like to know more about?

[@asparuh681]

Can you play master of puppets on the champion 20

[@ScousersinSpain]

Can it play Layla? :)

[@MrTallguyC]

Would be nice if either of these had built in tracks!

[@aishoukry]

I like to play clean sound with little gain will I get a higher volume with the 40?

[@eichisama]

What about using with a Bass? Would the 40 with the 12" speaker be a better fit or does it not matter so much?

[@magnetodan]

I received the 20 last Christmas, primarily for bedroom use. The variety of amplifier types and special effects give you a great tonal palette to work with, anywhere from early '50s rock 'n roll up through the heavy metal gods of the '70s.

[@EricCPOP]

I actually found the 20 tone more balanced actually in this video. I'm a long time guitar player but I can't get enough of the 20s for every beginner. As a bedroom guitarist, having two channels isn't necessary on an amplified especially when you can have pedals to create channels.

[@5MinuteMusic]

Great observation! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@noahDnewport]

Just got my 20 today. I bought it specifically to be a “bedroom amp,” so I guess it works out.

[@5MinuteMusic]

Have you been happy with it? Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@noahDnewport]

I’m loving it. Nothing too fancy but exactly what I was needing for a practice amp.

[@jamesbaker2203]

This video was so clear to me! I now know which one is best for me. This helped so much thanks. 👍🏻

[@chrishunter9472]

Excellent video, very well done...I'm buying a Champ 40 and this really helped! Great job!!

[@jmmusicstudio522]

Loving your videos👍🏻 Now I definitely know which one I want 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@ScousersinSpain]

Just baught the fender 20 and I love it great sounds love it , keep videos coming awesome reviews 😀

[@5MinuteMusic]

Very cool! Thanks! Will do! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@AB-ge6ne]

Great review! I liked and subscribed, picking up my 20 today :)

[@5MinuteMusic]

Thank you for liking and subscribing! I hope you enjoy your amp!

[@Jorgestrat]

Great videos! i love all the explanation! Thank you!

[@peterk9818]

Excellent review! Thank you.

[@5MinuteMusic]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@joe_seppi]

Great review, thanks mate. Looking at getting a 40 for my son for Christmas. Keep up the good work! Subscribed!!

[@5MinuteMusic]

Thanks Joe! I recommend getting the foot switch too. It is about $20 (USD). That will make it easy to go from the clean first channel to the second channel.

[@joe_seppi]

@@5MinuteMusic yeah think I will. I don't have an amp at the moment so I'll be using it when he's not. Had a blues Jr which I loved but this looks like a great little amp 👍🏻

[@5MinuteMusic]

@@joe_seppi I would love to get a Blues Jr. to review for my channel. The mark !V looks like a really amazing amp!

[@johningram2153]

Nice video. Thanks. Shopping for my daughter's first amp. I'm a musician, but not a guitarist, so this is helpful.

[@5MinuteMusic]

Thank you so much and my pleasure! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@agcacustoms2852]

I was thinking of buying either of these since my cousin has the champion 20 and I really like it.

[@danieltrickey9285]

I have the 20 and used it on stage at a fair. Put a mic in front, huge sound through the PA.

[@oiswarya]

I love ur videos 🤩 how about the modelling thing! Is the the 40s clean channel a modelling circuit or is it analogue. And the amp voices on the 40, do they sound plastic by any means. Also if i can get a locally made cheap tube amp for same the price, which should i consider

[@brettrobbins]

Thanks for your helpful videos. I have the rumbler 40 for my bass. Would you say I need a champion 40 for guitar or can I use the rumbler for guitar as well? Thanks!

[@jonnymac8113]

Was gonna buy the 20 but you sold me on the 40 since I already have the frontman 10w practice amp!

[@hectikmgj]

I would love to see how the 40 compares to the 50xl.

[@loupascarelli]

WOW ! THANKS FOR THE ADDED INFO .. A GAME CHANGER , FOR SURE ..

[@clarenzlarka]

Great presentation. Say, can you record direct from the headphone out and get good tone in your daw?

[@gennacomite1513]

Great video, congratulations was just what I wanted to know. Just tell me one more thing, please, for recording without a microphone can I use the signal coming out of phones? makes it good? What is your experience on this. Greetings from Italy

[@carlosdna]

great way to compare products!!

[@darkhorse1985]

really good review

[@dawoud8013]

Hello ! thank you for the details ! Another question please...? if i play low volume but a fan of cleeeeaarrr sound, is it always better to go for the 40 ? Thank you again !

[@henrymarocchi7844]

Tried a few out today and and gonna pick up the 40 tomorrow. Can't wait to really dig into it. I'm a beginner guitar player I've only been playing about a week and a half but it's not my first instrument so I'm not too terrible. I will say the whole go to store and try and amp with other people around was weird. I'm used to wind instruments where you get a practice room and can really test stuff without bothering others but maybe that's just me.

[@mr.d.572]

Ha! I'm an intermediate player and I also hate playing at a store. First, I can't concentrate because others around me are cranking up their amps and playing this non-stop noodling and down-tuned 90's metal riffs. Second, I can barely hear what I'm playing unless I be rude and crank it up to drown out the others. I agree there should be a separate room(s) for testing amps. Matt Umanov Guitars in the West Village had that feature, but sadly their retail store is no more.

[@MrHamit64]

Hi again Deric. Ah Billy Idol's Waist Land is another sound I'd love to gett out of my Champ 40. Have you done a vid going threw all the voices and what the 3 collors represent in each?

[@mw5150g]

Thank you for your help buddy :) Subscribed

[@5MinuteMusic]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching and subscribing!

[@fgbtv3803]

i just got a used fender champion 40 from a pawn shop (looks barely used) for $100. this amp is astonishing for the price!

[@markstacey2906]

Thanks for that... I like the idea of the two channels of the 40...But only need a home bedroom amp and maybe it might be a little over the top for house use...

[@5MinuteMusic]

That is a tough one. Depending on how quiet you have to be, it still sounds pretty good at lower volumes and you can use the headphone jack if needed. But, the Champion 20 is a solid amp that sounds good at lower volumes as well. I guess it comes down to how bad you want the 2 channels. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@markstacey2906]

@@5MinuteMusic Very kind of you to reply...Thanks very much for your advice...

[@DenisMorissetteJFK]

I will have my 100 Watt Champ at my friend’s house solely for practicing and for outdoor gigs as well. I will then need one at home and gigs in small venues like restaurants where they have open mic evenings. I think I may as well put some more money and get the 40 instead of the 20.

[@f.i.l.o5301]

Dude u rlly know how to explain this things :)!!!thx

[@5MinuteMusic]

No problem! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@creativitycell]

Just collected My fender 20 after UPS screwed up delivery, again! Gonna compare it to my Vox 10 which I love. In a smallish one bedroom apartment, furniture and Amps have to be of relative size! I'm only a beginner anyway, and I want to see if it makes my Fender Telecaster sound better than my vox being fender n all! I'm doubtful but I'll have fun with additional dials n sounds! 🤣🙏😎

[@TruongNguyen-hq6ed]

What kind of foot switch should I get the Champion 40? Thank you.

[@yomommaahotoo264]

For less than half the price of the 40 Champ you can get the Monoprice 40, which is a good clean platform for pedals and includes spring reverb and an effects loop. Picked mine up on sale for less than $70 on sale and it gets played more than all my tube amps (the price of power tubes).

[@gabrielcontreras9545]

Should I get the Mustang 25LT or the Champion 40?

[@omairsh8]

You're a real "champion" for these Fender amps :D. I'm a newbie guitarist and I was recommended the Champion 20 for my apartment use. I was looking at the Boss Katana Mini but the 20 is a more powerful amp I believe

[@trainerrrss]

Yes, more importantly the Watts difference & again with thekatana mini you'll need to buy a pcb adapter

[@CharlieTyler]

Witch is better for a small home studio?

[@richardmerriam7044]

I bought the Champion 40 online for $149.99 (no tax). Also got the footswitch for $35.00 (#007-135-9000). It came in yesterday and I haven't tried it out yet. May swap the stock driver for a Jensen P12N. Overkill, but just imagine what that will sound like!

[@lannycox4931]

How about some info /tips for the 100 watt champion?thank you

[@poopyjoe7883]

are they able to produce guitar feedback? i know a lot of modeling amps aren’t able to produce feedback, which is why i’m asking

[@kelalamusic9258]

First of all, the problem with ordering these amps from Amazon is that there are "No Returns." Buyer be aware on this. I got stuck with a bum Fender Mustang GTX 40 amp. A lot of electronic issues. Just over $400, including tax, for an amp I can't return. My fault, actually, because I didn't read through the description thoroughly. If you read the details, it clearly mentions, "This item is non-returnable," and that applies to the Champion 20 and 40 as well. I'm willing to pay the extra $$ for the warmer thicker sound of the 40. My only issue with these amps is the affects. As much as they are great, I can't mix them the way I want. In other words, I can't use chorus, tremolo and reverb together, or even chorus and tremolo together. It would be a winner amp if it had that kind of versatility. Your videos are great. Much mahalo.

[@a-1151]

Thank you this was so useful 😃

[@5MinuteMusic]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@a-1151]

5 Minute Music if you don’t mind me asking how big is the amp for the width and height in cm? Thanks 😊

[@a-1151]

5 Minute Music and how comes it has two inputs?

[@izhanarif1542]

Great review! Btw are these valve amps? I have 65r frontman and looking to get a champion 40. Since champion 100 is an overkill for me. Thanks

[@5MinuteMusic]

Thank you! They are both solid state amps. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@shirabraun]

Hi😅..Can i plug both mic and guitar/electronic drums.. only to 2 channels amp?(and play at the same time as singing for example)

[@fredlay9233]

I have the Champion 40 and while I think the amp is good I wish I did more research on the sound that I wanted. I want a dirty sound, Nirvana type guitar sound but I can't get good distortion from this amp. Anyone play with the settings on this amp and get a good distortion sound? I recently bought the Boss DS1 pedal and it doesn't seem to help but I could have the settings wrong.

[@duaneulman9915]

Thank you

[@patrick_ita00]

will they sound the same through headphones or will there also be the same difference?

[@ECO20222]

This was amazing! Thanks Derek! You give exactly the right amount of info. No overload! :)

[@5MinuteMusic]

My pleasure! What did you find most interesting about these amps?

[@FinPhysio]

Do you know how the champion 20 compares to mustang 1 v2?

[@alienvolt7741]

i'd like to buy the champ 40 to maybe gig with small venue also mic'd probably and still practice in my room i dont have too much issues with volume so i could play loud. would the 40 watt be a good choice?

[@44scoots]

Yes

[@nickysassiano5473]

Anybody know if these accept pedals? Preferably boss?

[@benjiholiday]

When wil you do a champ 40 course on your website?

[@michel20088986]

Can you get the Van Halen sound out of the champ 40?

[@efrain513]

I'm more into recording stuff in my room, through a mic placed in front of the amp. Is the Champion 40 still a better option for me?

[@stephenpayton3953]

I would say so honestly. I have a fender champ 20 and the 8 inch speaker just doesn’t cut for me. Sound wise. It’s not too bad sounding and has served me well! But I think the 40 just sounds a lot better in my opinion. I play mostly clean and on the British setting!

[@efrain513]

@@stephenpayton3953 I already bought a 40. I'm already recording with it, and it's AWESOME.

[@Goldenguy330]

Do you know if there is an amp that has the same price range and qualities as the Champion 20 but also has two channels? Having two channels is probably gunna be the deciding factor for me on what amp to get.

[@5MinuteMusic]

Check this one out: Orange Crush 20 1x8" 20-watt Combo Amp It usually sells for around $139. I love Orange Amps and I want to review this one when I can get one!

[@chrisullery3386]

Boss katana 50w $229.00 2 channels and can play at .05w 25w or 50w.

[@rollymargs6000]

gosh your voice sounds great on that amp..

[@briancornelius711]

can you please review the champion 50xl for comparison 🙏

[@5MinuteMusic]

That is one of the next amps on my list to review! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@pjcanada4763]

I have the 20 now for 5 years And love the sound and 95 % i play With headphones But if i use speaker it is very loud For sure and the neighbours here me Just fine 😮 Love all effects and i do mix it With a irig ipad and midi app To just mix in any instruments With the amp effects ir clean.

[@graemeoddy2600]

The 40 has proper muting. On the 20 there is a loud popping sound when turning off. In order mute the 20 plug a 3.5mm stereo plug in the headphone jack before powering off. Also I have found the 20 doesn't like (overdrive) pedals.

[@genustinca5565]

Can the effects of the 40 be engaged also for channel one? Or just for channel two?

[@mistermark75]

both channels

[@bonsummers2657]

Why do they sound so different? Different knob positions?

[@niannjei1218]

just a question im new with guitar why does the amplifier have an open back?

[@QbertTehKiller]

I can answer this not as a guitar amp expert but as someone who knows speakers in general. With speakers a lot of what's happening is air moving around, so you can have a closed back amplifier and it'll have a more controlled tone depending on design, or you can have open air behind that speaker which makes it sound a little more natural as it can pull naturally from the air around it to vibrate and create sound. I'm way oversimplifying ofc You will generally want an open back amp since it's going to just sound better in general. You'll find it is a more powerful sound even at lower volumes and open air amps will sound better loud as well

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

50 vox Cambridge I can make it sound like my champion 20 just louder, pretty mouth both on the same amp just one’s bigger

[@charlesbulsara981]

Do you think that if I choose the 40 to play in my room for now it can harm me since not being able to turn up the volume too much (by the neighbors) I would not get the sound to open as you say?

[@5MinuteMusic]

If you can't turn it up, use the headphone jack (it will sound great!) And, it does not sound bad at lower volumes, I just like how it opens up around 4 on some of the voices.

[@5MinuteMusic]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@arihammond6372]

which would be better for a band practice?

[@5MinuteMusic]

It depends on the size and loudness of your band, and if you practice with in-ear monitors. That being said, I would lean towards the Champion 40 because it has 2 channels and can be switched with a foot switch (and has a little more power). Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@duncans1490]

How the amps take pedals please

[@5MinuteMusic]

I have heard that it takes pedals very well! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@marciopaivaRS]

for bedroom uses, would the champion 20 be better? or the bigger speaker on the 40 would be better overall?

[@santimarro]

i recieved my fender champion 20 3 days ago, and with the volume in 2 its enough . But if you think champion 40 will be used in the future for mini concerts , then buy it.

[@marciopaivaRS]

@@santimarro it will be used 95% on my bedroom. Doesn't the 12 inch speaker on the champion 40 makes it sound better? It can sound good as the champion 20 on low volumes?

[@santimarro]

@@marciopaivaRS i think you will have better sound with a 12 inch speaker

[@marciopaivaRS]

@@santimarro thank you.

[@marciopaivaRS]

anymore suggestions? Would the champion 40 sound as good the 20 on low volumes?

[@OneAfdhal]

what is the best voice for slash guitar sound? cheers

[@5MinuteMusic]

Great question! Can you name a song that has the exact sound you are looking for? Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@OneAfdhal]

@@5MinuteMusic it's november rain and sweet child o mine solo

[@crispycoconut77]

@@OneAfdhal prob 40

[@michel20088986]

Champ 20 vs 40 for same price….which should I buy?

[@adamwolf2376]

For the champion 40 does it get its power from just being plugged into the wall socket?

[@5MinuteMusic]

Yes. It does not run off of batteries. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@adamwolf2376]

@@5MinuteMusic ok, I live in Ireland so I use the standard British socket. So I'm wondering will i need to buy and adapter cable for it if it comes with the American plug on the cable

[@SF_Curious]

Your mic 🎤 is connected directly to your camera? Or where?

[@5MinuteMusic]

I plug it into a MOTU 1248, and that plugs into my laptop. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@ss_whole]

A few years ago when I started guitar I bought the Fender Mustang ll, 40 watts, big mistake, I can't even use the thing, I play in my bedroom and it'll blow my eardrums out.

[@brodied5168]

Does the champion 40 amp use tubes or a transistor? I legit don’t know and can’t find anything about it online.

[@5MinuteMusic]

The Champion 40 is a solid state amp (no tubes). Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@hepgeoff]

Great comparison! So if the Champ 40 is two channel, can my grandson and I jam together using the same amp?

[@TheStrataminor]

Um no!

[@aishoukry]

I own the champion 20 and I like to play clean sound with gain almost zero and I find the volume is too low for me. If I upgrade to the 40 will I get a higher volume clean sound?

[@5MinuteMusic]

I have never compared the loudness of the clean sounds. I will try to check that out very soon! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@mr.d.572]

That is a great question, I'd like to know too.

[@Zongshenfurshur]

put a mic in front of it and it'll work for any venue

[@JPSardinha]

the fender champion 20 works with a foot switch?

[@lasmcds]

No

[@5MinuteMusic]

No, but the Champion 40 does work with a foot switch. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@dagoldigol]

@@5MinuteMusic how about the effects footswitch direct to the input Jack.

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

Fender 50 xl

[@MaskeJ]

Day 23: I bought a 40 for bedroom use! My neighbours haven't shot me yet. Keep you posted

[@5MinuteMusic]

Ha! That is great news! Please let us know what you think! I am actually working on a video now comparing the Champion 20 and 40 at low volumes! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@utilizadoinvalido]

I regret just now to see this videos :(. This is an old amp, but still a good gear for a middle age guy playing at home. But does it takes pedals? In the clean channel?

[@Anthony-ky6ht]

I bought a 20 and this thing can get pretty loud for being so little.

[@5MinuteMusic]

It sure can get loud! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@BHAKTIBROPHY]

"Bedroom Amp" hahaha! You're definitely not from the '70s or early '80s...my second amp, my bedroom amp, was an early 1960s Fender Bandmaster with a 6x10 cab! That was also my main amp for club and auditorium gigs. My practice amp was a 100 watt amp, but that wasn't loud enough nor did it have the tone nor range to allow me to play guitar, bass, and keys. I used to carry the Bandmaster head and amp up and down the stairs every weekend (female guitarist, started playing at afte 7). Between these two amps, the 40 is a no brainer. I so wish I didn't sell that Bandmaster in the early '90s Nothing like a sweet, old, Fender tube amp. From the videos I've seen, the 40 seems like a nice bedroom amp. At least there are two channels and more tune choices. (I had a Fender Princeton solid state reissue that was junk. From all the reviews I've watched, the Champoin 40 sounds better than that amp. 10 EHX humbebuggers couldn't make the Princeton reissue sound good, certainly noy with p90s, but not with Les Paul humbuckers or Ibanez single coil and humbuckers). Thanks for the review. For the price, I might go for the 40. (Btw, laughing at myself in the beginning. But that Bandmaster was so sweet, no way I was leaving it in our practice space all week. Maybe that's why I have spinal diseases? Actually was hit by a car... but dang, that cab was heavy!)

[@bonsummers2657]

You can play more than a coffee shop with the 20W

[@mikehurley5052]

Bought the 40 today, i have a big bedroom, haha.

[@5MinuteMusic]

Ha! Awesome! I hope you enjoy the amp! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@contactusece7769]

Disagree 20watt is a waste of money get the 40 watt you can practice, jam with friends in the garage. But gigging big venues you would need the Champion 100 watt Fender 40 sound fuller

[@Dragon_rls]

You remind me of the Groob.

[@ericnelson966]

Champion 100

[@armando-mx5db]

nagado met saom...awan met demom

[@omerfarukbeygo83]

i want to cry because champion-40 is 410 dollar with taxes in my country :( but i guess, i will but it because i don't know what will happen tomorrow

[@davidbaise5137]

That was 6 min 30 secs. And I never heard the amp.

[@5MinuteMusic]

The demo starts at 3:40 Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@TheStrataminor]

Open your ears before whinging...

[@user-dm3ee6qc7s]

You can’t talk about cars better people wanna here you play through it and see how play u must not really play

[@guitarwolf1000]

i like your reviews but please stop looking off camera..

[@5MinuteMusic]

You are right! I am working on that! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@BAND-MAID-USA]

There’s no way this dudes played guitar for 25 years lol. Unless he means once a year.