Guitar amplifiers play a crucial role in shaping the tone and sound of your instrument. With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this article, we will be comparing two popular choices, the Fender Champion 20 and the Orange Crush 20, to help you make an informed decision. Both amps are designed for practice and small gigs, but they bring different features and tonal characteristics to the table. Let’s dive into the details and see which one suits your needs.
Design and Build Quality:
Starting with the Fender Champion 20, it sports a classic Fender look with a black “Bronco” vinyl covering and silver grille cloth. The control panel is laid out in an intuitive manner, featuring dedicated knobs for gain, volume, treble, bass, and more. The amp’s construction is solid, as one would expect from Fender, making it durable for regular use.
On the other hand, the Orange Crush 20 showcases Orange’s iconic and vibrant design. With its bright orange Tolex covering and woven grille cloth, it stands out visually. The control panel offers a simpler layout, consisting of gain, overdrive, volume, bass, and treble controls. The build quality of the Orange Crush 20 is also excellent, ensuring reliability.
Tonal Versatility:
The Fender Champion 20 provides a wide range of tonal options, making it a versatile choice for different music genres. It features a single 8-inch Special Design speaker and offers 12 amp models, including clean, tweed, and modern amp simulations. Additionally, it incorporates a collection of built-in effects, such as reverb, delay, chorus, and tremolo. This versatility allows guitarists to experiment and dial in their desired sound.
In comparison, the Orange Crush 20 focuses more on delivering a distinctive Orange tone. Equipped with an 8-inch Voice of the World speaker, it excels in producing that warm, British crunch. While it doesn’t offer as many amp models or built-in effects as the Fender Champion 20, its simplicity can be appealing to guitarists seeking a straightforward setup with a specific sonic character.
Power and Performance:
When it comes to power, both amps are evenly matched, providing 20 watts of output. The Fender Champion 20 incorporates Fender’s innovative ‘Voice’ button, which allows you to further shape your sound by selecting different amp voicings and styles. This feature, combined with the built-in effects, enhances its overall performance, ensuring that you can adapt to various playing situations.
The Orange Crush 20, on the other hand, excels in delivering a punchy, driven sound. Its analog solid-state circuitry provides a dynamic response, with a natural compression that enhances the playing experience. The overdrive control allows you to push the amp into distortion territory, offering a gritty tone reminiscent of vintage Orange amplifiers.
Portability and Practice Features:
Both the Fender Champion 20 and the Orange Crush 20 are designed with portability in mind. They are compact, lightweight, and easy to carry, making them suitable for practice sessions and small gigs. Additionally, they both come with headphone outputs, allowing you to practice silently without disturbing others.
The Fender Champion 20 takes it a step further with its auxiliary input, enabling you to connect external devices like smartphones or MP3 players, expanding your practice possibilities. It also features a USB port for easy recording and firmware updates.
Conclusion:
In the battle of the amps, the Fender Champion 20 and the Orange Crush 20 each bring their unique strengths to the table. The Fender Champion 20 offers tonal versatility, with a wide range of amp models and built-in effects, making it suitable for guitarists who enjoy exploring different genres and experimenting with various sounds. Its solid construction and intuitive control panel also contribute to its appeal.
On the other hand, the Orange Crush 20 focuses on delivering the iconic Orange tone, perfect for those who crave that distinct British crunch and vintage-inspired sound. Its simplicity, analog circuitry, and dynamic response make it a great choice for guitarists who prioritize a straightforward setup and a specific sonic character.
Ultimately, the choice between the Fender Champion 20 and the Orange Crush 20 depends on your personal preferences and musical style. If you value versatility, a wide range of tonal options, and built-in effects, the Fender Champion 20 is a strong contender. On the other hand, if you seek that classic Orange tone and prefer a simpler control layout, the Orange Crush 20 might be the amp for you.
It’s worth mentioning that both amps provide excellent portability and practice features, making them convenient options for home practice, rehearsals, and small gigs. The headphone outputs ensure that you can practice silently, and the compact size allows for easy transportation.
To make the final decision, consider trying out both amps if possible. Visit a local music store or attend a guitar gear expo to experience firsthand how they sound and feel under your fingers. Remember to bring your own guitar to get a true representation of how each amp interacts with your instrument.
