Is Fender Princeton Chorus a good amp?

viccp073 · April 18th, 2008, 09:19 PM

I'm an absolute beginner in this area. I got my tele several days ago and have just started learning to play. Now having had the guitar, I'm shopping for an amp.

A local music store has a Princeton Chorus for $275. It seems to be in good shape although I will ask for more details. The store owner told me it's probably about 10 years old.

Do you think this is a good practice amp and is the pricing right?

If not, what other amps might be good options?

morroben · April 18th, 2008, 09:30 PM

Most of us around here are tube amp guys, and the Princeton Chorus is a solid state. Despite being solid state, I used to have one and really enjoyed it. Nice sounding amp and easy to dial in a usable tone.
Have you tried it out? Does it sound good to you?
That price seems a bit high but you could probably talk the guy down a bit.
If you wanted something else in a similar price range, I'd say a Blues Jr or Pro Jr used. These are both tube amps.
Even an Epiphone Valve Jr might be a good option, although I haven't owned one myself.
I'm sure you'll get many more responses from folks that are smarter than me. Good luck in your search.

Axis29 · April 18th, 2008, 09:37 PM

I loved my old Princeton Chorus, but I think 275 is too much for an old used solid state amp.... even if the chorus sounds so good. I love that chorus, actually, very lush! They are decent amps. I really regret having sold mine... though I don't know if I'd still love it as much today as I remember.

I've watched them on ebay from time to time and I've seen them going closer to 200 (if I recall correctly). Just did a quick search and sure enough, they're going for under 2 bills on ebay (but they aren't right in front of you to try out, of course)

If it were my 275 clams, I'd stick it into a Vibrochamp XD at 249... or add another 20 or so and pick up a Super Champ XD at 299. I think you'll get more usable sounds out of these amps.

viccp073 · April 18th, 2008, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morroben

Most of us around here are tube amp guys, and the Princeton Chorus is a solid state. Despite being solid state, I used to have one and really enjoyed it. Nice sounding amp and easy to dial in a usable tone.
Have you tried it out? Does it sound good to you?
That price seems a bit high but you could probably talk the guy down a bit.
If you wanted something else in a similar price range, I'd say a Blues Jr or Pro Jr used. These are both tube amps.
Even an Epiphone Valve Jr might be a good option, although I haven't owned one myself.
I'm sure you'll get many more responses from folks that are smarter than me. Good luck in your search.

Thank you for responding. I did have the guy try it out for me and it didn't sound too bad although the non existence of my experience means that I had nothing to compare it with.

pchilson · April 18th, 2008, 09:40 PM

viccp073, I've been looking around at a few Princeton Chourus amps recently for a drag around and I have been seeing plenty in good to excellent shape from $100 to $200 or a little above. I think, like morroben stated, $275 is too high. You can get into used tube range at that price. Probably because of it being in a Music Store. Try to find one on Craigslist. Good luck!

viccp073 · April 18th, 2008, 09:49 PM

Just out of curiosity, I did a search on ebay and you guys were right. $275 is a bit much for it. I'm seriously considering other options...

pchilson · April 18th, 2008, 09:53 PM

Axis29 hit it with the Vibro Champ XD for $249. You didn't state what you are looking to spend. Super Champ XD for $299.

viccp073 · April 18th, 2008, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pchilson

Axis29 hit it with the Vibro Champ XD for $249. You didn't state what you are looking to spend. Super Champ XD for $299.

Sorry, should have mentioned that I would like to keep it under $300. I'd rather practice on a cheaper amp and find out what my preferences are than commit to something of a sizable spending.

morroben · April 18th, 2008, 10:14 PM

Well, you're not without options in the under $300 range. Here's a musiciansfriend search for $200-$300 amps...
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navig...38499+9&page=2
plenty to choose from, including the VibroChamp and SuperChamp if I remember correctly.
There's a Peavey Classic 20 in the classifieds that would fit your budget as well as a Crate V15. Those are both nice amps.

lostpick · April 18th, 2008, 10:15 PM

$200 tops
IMHO one of Fender's Best Solid State Amps
50 watts thru two tens
Great chorus
ok Reverb
usable and tweakable distortion
I had one
Shoulda kept it

Tdot · April 19th, 2008, 01:34 AM

Watch Craigslist and you may spot something like this $185 Princeton, or this Princeton.

petebradt · April 19th, 2008, 08:07 AM

viccp073 · April 19th, 2008, 10:49 AM

I think the general response I have received so far is that this is an ok amp but certainly not worth the money it's going for. And as some of you have pointed out, it's a solid state amp, which is not seen as a plus either.

Given the fact that I know so little about amps, I will take you guys' advice and invest my interest in something else. Super Champ XD seems like a good choice so I am leaning toward this one a bit.

Sincerely thank you all for helping out! I hope to be a regular member of this forum.

pchilson · April 19th, 2008, 07:40 PM

You certainly won't dislike the SCXD. Good amp. Have fun.

Axis29 · April 20th, 2008, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viccp073

I hope to be a regular member of this forum.

We hope so too!

MartyGrant · April 20th, 2008, 12:11 PM

A Super Champ XD would be a terrific first amp for you, IMO; nice sound, tube enhanced, light weight, not real expensive (saw a blem for $260...missed it), lots of sounds/effects to play around with...tune your ear, find "your tone(s)" and discover what your "next" amp should do for you. This is probably all the amp you will need for a few years and I believe will be a lot of fun for you. You will probably keep that amp forever...

brown meadows · May 5th, 2008, 06:07 AM

I used one of these about 15 years ago, and I recall it being a decent amp...very versatile. If I were you I'd offer the guy 200 or 225 tops. It is great for someone starting out. Tube amps would be more appreciated after you've been playing a while...or at least it was in my case. Heck, starting out a Vox Pathfinder 15R would suffice.

FirstBassman · May 5th, 2008, 09:05 AM

The quote was:

Quote:

I'd rather practice on a cheaper amp and find out what my
preferences are than commit to something of a sizable spending.

So I think we're mixing apples and oranges here maybe.

If you're interested in a beginner practice amp for the bedroom you can get a very decent sounding brand new solid state amp for less than $120!

Here would be my recommendations:

Peavey TransTube Rage 158
Crate FW15R
Fender Frontman 15R

Many others also like the Vox Pathfinder 15R. However, I, and others , have had "reliability" issues with it.

CJohnson · May 5th, 2008, 11:30 AM

I've played through a Princton Chorus for around five years. I borrowed one from my cousin for about three years than when he wanted it back, I played through several amplifiers and ended up buying another one off ebay. Mine has black knobs rather than red, but I love the amp. I think it has a great clean tone and good chorus and reverb. I think I paid around $200.00 plus shipping for mine.

red57strat · May 5th, 2008, 11:59 AM

A friend had one and I was very disappointed with it's tone (lack of tone?) but that's compared to my tube amps.

It was reliable and got the job done. It's more amp than you need to practice at home. I wouldn't pay more than $200.

You can find a lot of smaller and better sounding solid state amps for less money.

riolux · May 7th, 2008, 03:16 AM

Even if you're getting another amp, I can add my two cents for future thread readers- I have one, US made. I bought it because of it's super clean tone ad it's alledged reliability. I use it in our small rehersal room. I got it when my tube amp started to break down and I havn't fixed that one yet! I think it's from the nineties but it looks brand new. I don't use the dirty channel a lot, but you have a lot of setting possibilities with the limiter and presence knob. I don't think I would use it in a recording, since it lacks that "tubiness" ('cause it's a SS of course) but in our noicy rehersal room it does the job and manages to pierce through with chime. I really like it, but I think paid a bit much for it :-|

Deaf Eddie · May 8th, 2008, 02:09 PM

I gigged with two of them slaved together last year - mostly. GREAT tone, for my money. One was wonderful for practice and rehearsals, just not quite enough volume against a drummer on stage. I replaced the speakers in both with Eminence Patriot Rajun Cajuns and Redcoat Ramrods (one in each amp), which helped a little, but I wound up playing bigger gigs using one of them as the master and hitting a custom-made cabinet with 2x100 WRMS amp hitting two 12" speakers (kept it stereo). Cool rig!

I eBayed both of them, I paid about $200 shipped for the traditional Fender silver grill-cloth model with black knobs, and $150 shipped for a dark grill-cloth model with red knobs. I'd buy them again in a heartbeat. Be sure you get the correct two-button footswitch, it's not a normal footswitch.

PJ · May 8th, 2008, 02:41 PM

I loved my Princeton Chorus. Great digital FX. But, it's underpowered to gig with or cut through drums. I went on to an Ultimate Chorus. As an old Fender tube-amp-guy, I love the Fender solid state stuff - Dynasonics, Stage 100 & 160, etc. I grabbed my Ultimate slightly used for $275, with wheels and a cover in mint shape, so they're around for not a lot of $$. But, I know lots of guys here aren;t big fans. But the Fender solid states work just fine with Teles - and that's about all I use.

April 18th, 2008, 09:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
viccp073 TDPRI Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Missouri USA/Melbourne Aus Posts: 12	Is Fender Princeton Chorus a good amp? I'm an absolute beginner in this area. I got my tele several days ago and have just started learning to play. Now having had the guitar, I'm shopping for an amp. A local music store has a Princeton Chorus for $275. It seems to be in good shape although I will ask for more details. The store owner told me it's probably about 10 years old. Do you think this is a good practice amp and is the pricing right? If not, what other amps might be good options?

April 18th, 2008, 09:37 PM	#3 (permalink)
Axis29 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Virginia, USA Age: 40 Posts: 1,046 1 Photos	I loved my old Princeton Chorus, but I think 275 is too much for an old used solid state amp.... even if the chorus sounds so good. I love that chorus, actually, very lush! They are decent amps. I really regret having sold mine... though I don't know if I'd still love it as much today as I remember. I've watched them on ebay from time to time and I've seen them going closer to 200 (if I recall correctly). Just did a quick search and sure enough, they're going for under 2 bills on ebay (but they aren't right in front of you to try out, of course) If it were my 275 clams, I'd stick it into a Vibrochamp XD at 249... or add another 20 or so and pick up a Super Champ XD at 299. I think you'll get more usable sounds out of these amps. __________________ John F. TDPRI # 1764

April 19th, 2008, 01:34 AM	#11 (permalink)
Tdot Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Back of the Wasatch, UT Posts: 3,376 58 Photos	Watch Craigslist and you may spot something like this $185 Princeton, or this Princeton. __________________ And now for some feedback: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

April 19th, 2008, 08:07 AM	#12 (permalink)
petebradt Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Niner Country Posts: 3,329 12 Photos	No.

April 20th, 2008, 12:11 PM	#16 (permalink)
MartyGrant TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Deserts of New Mexico Age: 57 Posts: 25	A Super Champ XD would be a terrific first amp for you, IMO; nice sound, tube enhanced, light weight, not real expensive (saw a blem for $260...missed it), lots of sounds/effects to play around with...tune your ear, find "your tone(s)" and discover what your "next" amp should do for you. This is probably all the amp you will need for a few years and I believe will be a lot of fun for you. You will probably keep that amp forever... __________________ If I only had a decent amp for my air guitar...

April 18th, 2008, 09:30 PM	#2 (permalink)
morroben Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: california Age: 31 Posts: 1,708 18 Photos	Most of us around here are tube amp guys, and the Princeton Chorus is a solid state. Despite being solid state, I used to have one and really enjoyed it. Nice sounding amp and easy to dial in a usable tone. Have you tried it out? Does it sound good to you? That price seems a bit high but you could probably talk the guy down a bit. If you wanted something else in a similar price range, I'd say a Blues Jr or Pro Jr used. These are both tube amps. Even an Epiphone Valve Jr might be a good option, although I haven't owned one myself. I'm sure you'll get many more responses from folks that are smarter than me. Good luck in your search.

April 18th, 2008, 09:40 PM	#5 (permalink)
pchilson Tele-Holic Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Loveland, Colorado Age: 50 Posts: 652	viccp073, I've been looking around at a few Princeton Chourus amps recently for a drag around and I have been seeing plenty in good to excellent shape from $100 to $200 or a little above. I think, like morroben stated, $275 is too high. You can get into used tube range at that price. Probably because of it being in a Music Store. Try to find one on Craigslist. Good luck!

April 18th, 2008, 09:49 PM	#6 (permalink)
viccp073 TDPRI Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Missouri USA/Melbourne Aus Posts: 12	Just out of curiosity, I did a search on ebay and you guys were right. $275 is a bit much for it. I'm seriously considering other options...

April 18th, 2008, 09:53 PM	#7 (permalink)
pchilson Tele-Holic Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Loveland, Colorado Age: 50 Posts: 652	Axis29 hit it with the Vibro Champ XD for $249. You didn't state what you are looking to spend. Super Champ XD for $299.

April 18th, 2008, 10:14 PM	#9 (permalink)
morroben Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: california Age: 31 Posts: 1,708 18 Photos	Well, you're not without options in the under $300 range. Here's a musiciansfriend search for $200-$300 amps... http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navig...38499+9&page=2 plenty to choose from, including the VibroChamp and SuperChamp if I remember correctly. There's a Peavey Classic 20 in the classifieds that would fit your budget as well as a Crate V15. Those are both nice amps.

April 18th, 2008, 10:15 PM	#10 (permalink)
lostpick Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Staten Island, NYC Posts: 947	$200 tops IMHO one of Fender's Best Solid State Amps 50 watts thru two tens Great chorus ok Reverb usable and tweakable distortion I had one Shoulda kept it

April 19th, 2008, 10:49 AM	#13 (permalink)
viccp073 TDPRI Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Missouri USA/Melbourne Aus Posts: 12	I think the general response I have received so far is that this is an ok amp but certainly not worth the money it's going for. And as some of you have pointed out, it's a solid state amp, which is not seen as a plus either. Given the fact that I know so little about amps, I will take you guys' advice and invest my interest in something else. Super Champ XD seems like a good choice so I am leaning toward this one a bit. Sincerely thank you all for helping out! I hope to be a regular member of this forum.

April 19th, 2008, 07:40 PM	#14 (permalink)
pchilson Tele-Holic Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Loveland, Colorado Age: 50 Posts: 652	You certainly won't dislike the SCXD. Good amp. Have fun.

May 5th, 2008, 06:07 AM	#17 (permalink)
brown meadows TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Oak Island Posts: 91	I used one of these about 15 years ago, and I recall it being a decent amp...very versatile. If I were you I'd offer the guy 200 or 225 tops. It is great for someone starting out. Tube amps would be more appreciated after you've been playing a while...or at least it was in my case. Heck, starting out a Vox Pathfinder 15R would suffice. __________________ http://www.myspace.com/azureself58

May 5th, 2008, 11:30 AM	#19 (permalink)
CJohnson Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Owasso, Oklahoma Age: 39 Posts: 142	I've played through a Princton Chorus for around five years. I borrowed one from my cousin for about three years than when he wanted it back, I played through several amplifiers and ended up buying another one off ebay. Mine has black knobs rather than red, but I love the amp. I think it has a great clean tone and good chorus and reverb. I think I paid around $200.00 plus shipping for mine.

May 5th, 2008, 11:59 AM	#20 (permalink)
red57strat Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,100	A friend had one and I was very disappointed with it's tone (lack of tone?) but that's compared to my tube amps. It was reliable and got the job done. It's more amp than you need to practice at home. I wouldn't pay more than $200. You can find a lot of smaller and better sounding solid state amps for less money. __________________ Don

May 7th, 2008, 03:16 AM	#21 (permalink)
riolux Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Age: 29 Posts: 171 6 Photos	Even if you're getting another amp, I can add my two cents for future thread readers- I have one, US made. I bought it because of it's super clean tone ad it's alledged reliability. I use it in our small rehersal room. I got it when my tube amp started to break down and I havn't fixed that one yet! I think it's from the nineties but it looks brand new. I don't use the dirty channel a lot, but you have a lot of setting possibilities with the limiter and presence knob. I don't think I would use it in a recording, since it lacks that "tubiness" ('cause it's a SS of course) but in our noicy rehersal room it does the job and manages to pierce through with chime. I really like it, but I think paid a bit much for it :-\|

May 8th, 2008, 02:09 PM	#22 (permalink)
Deaf Eddie Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sunny San Diego, CA Posts: 1,163 14 Photos	I gigged with two of them slaved together last year - mostly. GREAT tone, for my money. One was wonderful for practice and rehearsals, just not quite enough volume against a drummer on stage. I replaced the speakers in both with Eminence Patriot Rajun Cajuns and Redcoat Ramrods (one in each amp), which helped a little, but I wound up playing bigger gigs using one of them as the master and hitting a custom-made cabinet with 2x100 WRMS amp hitting two 12" speakers (kept it stereo). Cool rig! I eBayed both of them, I paid about $200 shipped for the traditional Fender silver grill-cloth model with black knobs, and $150 shipped for a dark grill-cloth model with red knobs. I'd buy them again in a heartbeat. Be sure you get the correct two-button footswitch, it's not a normal footswitch. __________________ YMMV - I been wrong before...

May 8th, 2008, 02:41 PM	#23 (permalink)
PJ Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 1,787 4 Photos	I loved my Princeton Chorus. Great digital FX. But, it's underpowered to gig with or cut through drums. I went on to an Ultimate Chorus. As an old Fender tube-amp-guy, I love the Fender solid state stuff - Dynasonics, Stage 100 & 160, etc. I grabbed my Ultimate slightly used for $275, with wheels and a cover in mint shape, so they're around for not a lot of $$. But, I know lots of guys here aren;t big fans. But the Fender solid states work just fine with Teles - and that's about all I use. __________________ PJ "I don't know if it's art, but I like it."