It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 8:30 am

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 8 posts ] 
Author Message
Post subject: Fender FM65R
Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 8:47 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Jul 24, 2013 7:12 pm
Posts: 19
Hi Guys,

I have done a bit of research on the FM65R, some of which maybe now out dated.

I am a beginner, already have a Mustang II amp but saw a used FM65R in what seems like great condition. Cost is for amp only, no switch or other accessories.

I have to check the pots out etc., but was wondering if for a 100 dollars its worth it these days. They have had great reviews but seeking advice if I should proceed.

Though I am a beginner, I am hoping to learn and continue playing for years to come, so just thought of taking the opportunity to get a better amp for the future.

Thanks guys.


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: Fender FM65R
Posted: Sun Sep 15, 2013 6:15 am
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician

Joined: Sat Apr 23, 2011 8:44 am
Posts: 604
Location: Richmond, VA
I have a Frontman 65r (the later version of the FM65r). It's a great amp for the money and has the famous shimmering clean Fender tone. The drive channel is okay, but not the best. A distortion/rock tone sounds better with pedals.

Also the Frontman series of amps have a ton of Chinese parts inside of them and are notorious for their bizarre "volume spike" in the main volume pot. It's the most weirdest thing I have ever seen in an amp...

0 - 0.75: Nice and subtle for playing in an apartment.
1 - 1.5: Loud, but still somewhat okay.
2 - 2.25: Screaming loud, can be heard outside your house.
Anything above 2: Are you out of your mind? The neighbors will call the cops!

In a nutshell: You have to really fiddle around with the volume knob and get it set just right, and then don't touch it after that. The amp is a great cheap priced amp, but seriously... the %&#$@ is INSANE for only being 65 watts!! :shock:


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Fender FM65R
Posted: Sun Sep 15, 2013 8:16 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Jul 24, 2013 7:12 pm
Posts: 19
Hi Butch,

Thanks so much for your reply and feedback. I had given up on my post, I thought it would have never been responded to by now, thanks again.

The information you gave is exactly what I was looking for, some insight to their noted issues and value now, of course the pros are great too.

I am an electronic tech for 25 years so would be happy to trouble shoot and keep her happy. Sometimes it's nice to take a half decent unit like this and make it a project to upgrade the pots and other components to make a good amp even better.

Somewhere on the net I saw the electronic schematic diagram for it, have to look for it and save it.

From what it sounds like its a good amp with some little issues, have a great speaker and cabinet. I will only be using the clean channel for a while since I am just a beginner but learning faster than I expected, I have a professional home tutor.

I have a house with a big carpeted music/study room so not worried about neighbours who are nice people, I already blast my sound system on the main floor lol, but I do not over do it time wise.

I have emailed the seller of the amp quite a few times so hopefully he will respond so I will go and get it.

Thanks so much again Butch and will keep you posted on the amp if I did get it.

Best regards.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Fender FM65R
Posted: Sun Sep 15, 2013 8:23 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Jul 24, 2013 7:12 pm
Posts: 19
Forgot to add Butch that I will be moving to Barbados for a while and some of the guys there who play in bands will help me with my learning and playing.

The power of the amp will be handy since we will be playing outdoors quite a bit. I will try to get a distortion pedal and some other accessories or it. If there is anything you would recommend for it let me know.

My tutor mostly plays acoustic so I prefer to seek advice about the electric stuff here than ask her.

Thanks again.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Fender FM65R
Posted: Sun Sep 15, 2013 9:21 am
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Wed Mar 31, 2010 12:48 am
Posts: 26415
Location: Tombstone Territory
If I were relocating to Barbados I'd bring along an amp that's as reliable as can be, and easily repairable should a problem arise.

But hey, that's just me......

Arjay

_________________
"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Fender FM65R
Posted: Sun Sep 15, 2013 10:41 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Jul 24, 2013 7:12 pm
Posts: 19
Hi Arjay,

I did see your post today regarding the amp being disposible when I did a search here on the 65R.

I know you are a tech too and I respect your technical views as well. Like so many other pieces of electronic equipment made these days most are disposable. We live in a disposable era, labor cost to repair commonly used electronic equipment is not worth it.

Labor cost remains fairly constant while prices of components, equipment and manufacturing costs keeps dropping at a rapid pace.
Does make it better for the consumer especially for the ones who cannot afford the well built and proportionately costly equipment.

A Crate GT65 just was advertised lol. So much available these days, thanks for forums and you guys who give advice.

Thanks Arjay for the reply.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Fender FM65R
Posted: Sun Sep 15, 2013 11:27 am
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Wed Mar 31, 2010 12:48 am
Posts: 26415
Location: Tombstone Territory
You're moving to the proverbial "deserted tropical isle". About the only thing you're likely to have regular access to is scheduled mail service. Forget about having anything repaired locally -- you'd be lucky if you found someone who could even fix a toaster oven. Get yourself the most reliable amp you can afford (hint: it's not likely to be anything made lately). Teach yourself how to perform some routine maintenance and stock up on a few commonly-used parts.

And pray.

:mrgreen:

Arjay

_________________
"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Fender FM65R
Posted: Sun Sep 15, 2013 5:42 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Jul 24, 2013 7:12 pm
Posts: 19
They have some technical people there and since its a developing country, they have good tradesmen since they can't readily purchase stuff.

I am an electronic tech too so not too worried about repairs, some pretty good electronic component stores there too.

Is the Crate GT65 a better model? I know every company has good and entry level cheaper models, any experience in the GT65 line?


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 8 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: TimsAudio and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: