Frontman 25R club

[Blind Owl]

I picked up one of these a couple days ago, and discovered I really like the tone. Sounds much better than the Mustang LT25 anyway. It was pretty rough though, so I got another one in better shape. Turns out the rough one has better electronics, so I combined them to make one nicer one, and one I will sell. One thing I notice, is I get little pops of static every so often when playing either one. I hadn't noticed this on my other amp. It is dry here now, maybe that's it.

 

[Blackmore Fan]

While I was not thrilled (and never used) the dirt side, the clean channel was great and took pedals very well.

The clean channel is where its at! I just run great distortion/overdrive pedals thru the clean side and never turn the dirt side on!

 

[Blackmore Fan]

Picked up my 2d 25r yesterday...this time in Texas Red. I have been watching online for a few years for one in great shape at a reasonable price. One popped up at a local GC on Friday for $59, and I jumped on it.

With either my DemonFx SSS or MXR EQ, I can really get this amp sounding good. But always wanting to wring every ounce of potential out of my gear, I ordered a replacement speaker. In my other 25r, I installed the Eminence Rajin Cajun and am very happy with it. Thought I would try something a little different in "Red" and will be trying a Celestion G10 Vintage. The G10 will be delivered tomorrow from Amazon. I'll report back after I've had time to play through it for awhile.

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Congrats! The red version of this amp looks amazing--I had one that I foolishly sold because I already had a mint black one.

 

[JayFreddy]

It's cool that these are getting some love here. Back in the early 00's I taught at a music store that had a 1st edition closed back/metal grill/flat logo in the studio I was renting. I never thought much about it but it was able to get usable clean and overdrive tones at reasonable practice volumes.

I've since purchased several of these, but I always end up selling them to a friend who knows someone just starting out... And then missing it later!

I think the grill cloth version is the one that sounds best, but the metal grill version still sounds decent.

This year, the day after Christmas, I found an original first edition on Craigslist for $25. It was part of a church music program but no one ever used it, so they finally decided to sell it.

The SN dates it to 1995.

The input jack is a little funky, but the pots are surprisingly clean for a 28 year old amp.

I might see if I can replace the input jack by myself... I will try not to sell this one!

 

[zetapreamp]

Looking for some experienced modders in the group!
I have the experience to solder, etc, but need some info...

Has anyone modified any of the Frontman Series amps so that you can use a dual footswitch? I'd like to mod my 25R & 65R so that they can also switch the reverb via a 2button footswitch (one button for the channel select & one button for the reverb off/on).
I'm guessing since i'd be using a standard on/off type pushbutton footswitch, I'd have to replace the existing panel FS jack on the panel with probably a "stereo" type jack.

Anyone done it or can point me in the right direction for the info? I suppose the mod would be the same on any Frontman 25R, 65R, 212R that already has the existing channel select FS...

Any progress on this since 2009? A bandmate has a 25R that I'm looking to switch the channel select out for the reverb entirely. I've done enough mods to attempt it am still novice enough that anyone's notes would be of great help lol

 

[AlanJammin]

After following this forum and getting interested in these great smaller amps, I tracked one down and bought it. It's the earlier
version FM25R (PR225). The Fender badge is missing, reverb not working, other than that it sounds great, not as shrill or trebly
as I was expecting. I like the clean channel and have managed, with low-ish gain, to get ok tones from the overdrive channel.
Anyhow I'm hoping to get the reverb unit working or replaced. Happy to be amongst fellow admirers.

 

[Leonardocoate]

After following this forum and getting interested in these great smaller amps, I tracked one down and bought it. It's the earlier
version FM25R (PR225). The Fender badge is missing, reverb not working, other than that it sounds great, not as shrill or trebly
as I was expecting. I like the clean channel and have managed, with low-ish gain, to get ok tones from the overdrive channel.
Anyhow I'm hoping to get the reverb unit working or replaced. Happy to be amongst fellow admirers.

I have a Frontman of that vintage but without the reverb or foot switch. When I play it through a good speaker it sounds so good...I am wondering if the new Frontman 20 uses the the same circuitry. They should put better speakers on these little guys

 

[Chiogtr4x]

I have a Frontman of that vintage but without the reverb or foot switch. When I play it through a good speaker it sounds so good...I am wondering if the new Frontman 20 uses the the same circuitry. They should put better speakers on these little guys

I bought this one in 2020 off CL, $50

Put in an Eminence Legend 1058 speaker ( 10"/ 75 watts) and actually run it most of them time with the Lead Channel ON (Gain @ '2'-'3') for a bold Clean tone with a little breakup. Then add a fave OD for a lead boost as needed
perfect gig amp for me these days

 

[Dadzmad]

After following this forum and getting interested in these great smaller amps, I tracked one down and bought it. It's the earlier
version FM25R (PR225). The Fender badge is missing, reverb not working, other than that it sounds great, not as shrill or trebly
as I was expecting. I like the clean channel and have managed, with low-ish gain, to get ok tones from the overdrive channel.
Anyhow I'm hoping to get the reverb unit working or replaced. Happy to be amongst fellow admirers.

if you need info on replacing the reverb tank - here you go (from one of my older posts)

Changed out the paper tube spring reverb with a 3 spring MOD tank that I mounted to the bottom of the cab. This unit costs about $25 and is a MOD - 8BB2A1B -short 3 spring tank 9.25" x3.38"x1.5" - Medium Decay 1.75 to 3.0 s, Input: 190 Ω Output: 2,575 Ω - Item# 131014339613. I mainly posted this so someone could see which one works in this amp. (I found a note to self about it this morning while deleting old files on my garage computer)

my amp is a Champion 110 that is an older version of the Frontman 25 but this should work.
I also did a speaker swap with a new WGS Veteran 10" - sounds great and my son seems to have borrowed it for good

 

[AlanJammin]

if you need info on replacing the reverb tank - here you go (from one of my older posts)

Changed out the paper tube spring reverb with a 3 spring MOD tank that I mounted to the bottom of the cab. This unit costs about $25 and is a MOD - 8BB2A1B -short 3 spring tank 9.25" x3.38"x1.5" - Medium Decay 1.75 to 3.0 s, Input: 190 Ω Output: 2,575 Ω - Item# 131014339613. I mainly posted this so someone could see which one works in this amp. (I found a note to self about it this morning while deleting old files on my garage computer)

my amp is a Champion 110 that is an older version of the Frontman 25 but this should work.
I also did a speaker swap with a new WGS Veteran 10" - sounds great and my son seems to have borrowed it for good

A big thanks Dadzmad. The spring reverb is indeed the type housed in a cardboard housing. I've been using a reverb from
my Digitech RP360 (in stomp mode) just for now, but I will want to repair or replace it sooner or later as I do like a touch of
reverb on everything. Thanks for the info. Oh, and good luck with getting your amp back lol.

 

[AlanJammin]

if you need info on replacing the reverb tank - here you go (from one of my older posts)

Dadzmad, I saw this one too, which I've yet to check to see if it will be a suitable replacement. Seems pretty cheap.

Accutronics Mini Reverb Tank - Etsy UK

This Electronics & Accessories item by PulpLogic has 78 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from United States. Listed on 14 May, 2023

www.etsy.com

 

[Chiogtr4x]

Not a done deal yet ( still waiting to hear back from CL seller), but I may be getting a 2nd Frontman 25R!

CL poster has one for sale, with Ragin' Cajun speaker, $85- so I'm kinda psyched! ( mine has an Eminence Legend 1058, sounds great)

I use either a Frontman or Vox Pathfinder for gigs ( all moderate volume R&R/blues, and I'm the only guitar), and swore I would jump on a good deal on a 2nd one, if I came across...

So hopefully #2 on Monday, hoping

 

[Treynor]

Not a done deal yet ( still waiting to hear back from CL seller), but I may be getting a 2nd Frontman 25R!

CL poster has one for sale, with Ragin' Cajun speaker, $85- so I'm kinda psyched! ( mine has an Eminence Legend 1058, sounds great)

I use either a Frontman or Vox Pathfinder for gigs ( all moderate volume R&R/blues, and I'm the only guitar), and swore I would jump on a good deal on a 2nd one, if I came across...

So hopefully #2 on Monday, hoping

Hope you get it! I have two 25R's that I sometimes use paired in stereo or otherwise. One of mine has the Rajin' Cajun, the other a G10 Celestion Vintage. I really like the RC!

 

[Chiogtr4x]

Hope you get it! I have two 25R's that I sometimes use paired in stereo or otherwise. One of mine has the Rajin' Cajun, the other a G10 Celestion Vintage. I really like the RC!

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Well, the CL seller has yet to respond back to me ( listing is still up on CL & FB), which is weird as I know I have done biz with this guy before ( just local meet-up). I bought a pedal from him, and he once got on from me!

No big deal if this doesn't happen, but it is a good deal, Ha!

I do love these amps, though. Perfect in size and sound for my gigs. Hell of a value.

Edit: meeting Monday at NOON, cool!

 

[yegbert]

I had posted a pic of this one in an earlier state of readiness. It now has burlap speaker cloth and it’s now my Squier Frontman. It has a 15” AlNiCo I got out of an old console stereo cabinet that was abandoned on the street.

 

[fredroad772]

Hi all!

I've been working on upgrading my little Frontman 25r. I found a Weber California speaker for $40 and figured I'd see how it sounds. What an upgrade!!!

Now I plan on putting on seafoam green tolex to match my tele

 

[Leonardocoate]

Here is my newest acquisition...I'm getting conflicting info on determining it's age...serial number search comes up empty and there is no quality assurance label with dates. Can anyone help? I would love to know the history of these little gems. I will be swapping out the speaker. Either Ragin Cagin or Lil Buddy

 

[Chiogtr4x]

Here is my newest acquisition...I'm getting conflicting info on determining it's age...serial number search comes up empty and there is no quality assurance label with dates. Can anyone help? I would love to know the history of these little gems. I will be swapping out the speaker. Either Ragin Cagin or Lil Buddy

Just did a '70's R&B/funk gig with mine last night ( backing 4 great girls-lead/background vocals)

I used a Wah, Tremolo into the Lead channel at low Gain, and Tele Thinline. ( no OD pedal)

- this one has Eminence 1058 Legend,
and I just picked up another one ( on CL) has a Ragin' Cajun.

Great sound and plenty of volume- sounds like Fenders!

 

[Leonardocoate]

Just did a '70's R&B/funk gig with mine last night ( backing 4 great girls-lead/background vocals)

I used a Wah, Tremolo into the Lead channel at low Gain, and Tele Thinline. ( no OD pedal)

- this one has Eminence 1058 Legend,
and I just picked up another one ( on CL) has a Ragin' Cajun.

Great sound and plenty of volume- sounds like Fenders!

Those Ragin Cajuns get a lot of love. My son had Frontman DSP that he thought was garbage. I stuck my RC in it and now I can't get that amp back from him. Technically it's his amp my speaker. Maybe I will get another RC for my 25R. Would you rather have the Legend or the RC?

 

[Chiogtr4x]

Those Ragin Cajuns get a lot of love. My son had Frontman DSP that he thought was garbage. I stuck my RC in it and now I can't get that amp back from him. Technically it's his amp my speaker. Maybe I will get another RC for my 25R. Would you rather have the Legend or the RC?

I will have to do a few gigs with the Ragin Cajun, to hear things.
But honestly with my small/moderate size gigs- either is fine.

I jumped on the FM25R w/ RC ( CL buy), because the guy was selling the amp for LESS $$ than the cost of the speaker alone! ( and I always promised myself if I had the $$, to get a 2nd Frontman or Pathfinder if I came across either)

The Cajun sounds like it would definitely be louder.
Both are 75 Watts, but the Cajun magnet is 30 oz., and a whopping 101 dB.
The Legend 1058, is 16 oz. Magnet, and 96-97 dB.

* the main reason I bought the Legend for my 1st FM was I read good reviews, and it was cheaper.
Both are great for this amp- I think!