What is the best solid state Fender amp? (top two choices)
The Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb or Mustang LT 25
For more restrictive budgets and amp modeling/effects processing, go with the Mustang LT 25 (or higher wattage versions). If you want something closer to the Fender tube amps, on a higher quality tier, go with the Tone Master Deluxe Reverb. Both are great options with a solid state circuit.
Fender is not known for solid state amps, but they've still made their fair share.
For starters, I don't like the Champion series.
They just feel cheap and juvenile.
And they're a freaking dime o' dozen on the used markets. Don't go that direction. Instead, focus on the Tone Master and Mustang series.
If you opt for the Mustang, there are two lines to pick from:
- Mustang LT
- Mustang GTX
It's a safe bet. Not gonna blow the doors off of anything, but the LT 25 is a reliable, solid state indoor practice amp.
And within each of those models, you have different wattage variations. Note that wattage going up or down in amplifiers will change the price pretty significantly. Aim for 25 or 50 watts here, depending on how loud you'll need/want your amp to be.
I've used the LT 25 but haven't touched the Tone Master. Take what I have to say with a grain of salt. It might even be better to just ignore me completely. - Bobby
The Tone Master series, specifically the Deluxe Reverb, is closer to a copy of the Fender tube amp design.
Here's what you should know:
- It costs more
- It sounds more like an honest tube amp
Read more: Best Fender amps overall
The Fender modeling amps are fine, good for beginners and simpler situations, but the Tone Master is a more legit amplifier. You might say it's for "big kids."
Both are good for different situations.
If you want to compare a few options, use the table below.
Compare Popular Fender Solid State Amps
Amp | Name | Rate | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb | n/a | |
 | Fender Mustang LT 50 | n/a | |
 | Fender Mustang GTX 100 | n/a | |
 | Fender Champion 20 | n/a |
Compare More Amps
We have a database of amplifiers from Fender and other popular brands. You can search for them here and add them to the compare bar below. We don't have everything, but we have a lot.
Don't overthink this stuff
I don't see much need to pour over a ton of amp features, so we'll just cover the basics in the paragraph below. You can click through to the Sweetwater product page for all the specs and technical details.
We won't rehash that here, because I think we tend to overcomplicate this process.
I'll try and make it even simpler (yet more helpful) than a spec review.
The LT 25 and Tone Master fit the following requirements:
- Reputable brand (quality assurance)
- Both are solid state (satisfy the feature in question)
- Popular and widely bought/used (social proof)
Also, I've used the LT 25 but haven't touched the Tone Master, so take what I have to say with a grain of salt.
A more conventional Fender amp design. Still solid state, though.
Features that Matter
The feature breakdown is really simple, based on what you prioritize. Here are the buyer profiles for each amp:
- LT 25: Lower budgets, indoor practice, beginners, and effects/amp modeling
- Tone Master: Intermediate level, more like a real tube amp, performing
In short, one is better for tinkering around with and no significant professional aspirations, while the other is more of an intermediate-level amp with a higher quality ceiling.
Again, they're both solid state.
Conclusion
Remember, this recommendation is opinion.
I've tried to identify the best solid state Fender amp for the largest number of people. Even still, you could strike out with the LT 25 and the Tone Master. They may just not be good fits for you.
If so, you have other options. Check the GTX and maybe even the Champion series.
I don't like either of them as much, but that's just me.
For questions, jump into the comments section below. I answer every comment and will help out as much as I can.
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