THE ONES THAT GOT AWAY

FENDER Bronco Amp

NOTE: When this story was on my old blog, it got more views and had more opinionated comments than any other post, which is very surprising. Despite my opinion that you’ll read below, many people absolutely love these amps. So if you’re here for a review or thoughts, my opinion is still that they are what they are, but many people think they are good. I question the taste of those people. Okay, here we go…

This is one amp that would be fine for sitting around in the living room with, but not much else. This is a modern era Fender Bronco amp with rare blonde tolex and ox blood grill. (Most of them are tweed by the way.) I think I got this around the time they came out with the Blues Junior amps, which I highly recommend, and I thought maybe this was a baby version. I didn't really do my homework. I found it in a pawn shop nearby and talked them into a price that I couldn't refuse. In fact, now that I think about it, I wasn't even all that excited about the amp, but I talked them into such a good price I felt obligated to go ahead and buy it.

I got it home and realized it was really just another cheap Fender practice amp wrapped in a pretty package.

I wonder if there are any cool mods for an amp like this out there...anyone? It's definitely a cool lookin', retro styled amp complete with the leather handle and the chicken head knobs. It's got an 8" speaker and puts out 15 watts RMS. Otherwise, pretty basic. I'll keep this story short...cool lookin' amp, not much meat. I would definitely recommend passing on this one for the most part. For not a whole lot more, if you really keep your eye out, you can find a Blues Junior and be much happier. (2024 update: I realize most Blues Juniors are now in the $500 range used, but I saw one for $325 yesterday. If you are patient, you can find a bargain.)

2010 UPDATE: Lots of comments about people liking this amp. I think that's great. I still stand by my personal opinion...the one I had sucked. Yes, I realize there is a price point difference between this and a Blues Junior...what I'm saying is, keep the money you'd spend on this amp in your pocket and wait until you can afford a Blues Junior or a Pro Junior something similar and you'll be happy you did. A MUCH better use of your money. OR, if your budget is low, find one of the Fender Sidekick Reverb 20 or 25 or 30 amps used or especially check out the Fender Sidekick Switcher. This is a small solid state amp with fantastic sounds, footswitch, great distortion and nice reverb. I see them on Craigslist and eBay all the time for as little as $75! My buddy Dave gigs with his sometimes and I plan to find one for myself as well. I would personally recommend these above the Bronco that I had.

Originally posted: JUNE 12, 2008