Played the new Fender Machette today

[UberMetalDood]

It's a little bigger than my Raider, but lighter weight. Yeah, it sounds great. Fender has done a great job. I love the way it sounds, but something about the cosmetics doesn't appeal to me. I think it's the control panel. It has Blackface cleans, and I like the clean channel a lot; maybe even more than the Supersonic 22 which I think has excellent cleans. The gain is different than any Fender I've heard before. It's very clear sounding no matter how much gain you use. It's a very open sound and not very compressed.

The controls are uber sensitive and can be a little frustrating at first. The EQ controls are very interactive with the "notch" (mid shift) and dampening (loose, normal, tight). So far I found that it's best to set the EQ at 12:00, adjust the notch control, add or take away EQ, and fine tune the notch control. It's difficult at first to easily find a setting you previously used because the controls are so sensitive that if you're not real careful, you won't be able to dial it in exactly the same. I'm not going to lie, it's very tricky. When you adjust one thing, something else needs adjustment. It takes several hours to get comfortable dialing it in. I'd say it can be as tricky as using a Mesa Boogie. One thing about the control panel layout that I don't like is that there are no lines around the dial so it can be hard to tell where you're dialing it on demand in a gig.

The reverb is digital, but it's surprisingly good. I have no problem with digital reverb on this amp because it doesn't sound digital and not having a reverb tank reduces the weight of the unit. It's lighter than my Engl Raider combo.

It's an unbelievable amp though. Fender really went all out making this one. Funny thing is that it's marketed towards heavy styles, and it can definitely do all of that with the right settings, but it has a great range from pristine clean to dirty blues, classic rock, and 80's rock. The clean channel has a pull boost so you can get a great classic rock tone. Plus, if you put an overdrive in front of the boosted clean channel, you can get all kinds of awesome rhythm and lead tones.

It's expensive, but all Fender amps are starting to get very expensive now. It's made in the USA, has a Celestion Vintage 30, and comes with a footswitch. The manual sucks and doesn't explain how the controls work. It would have been really, really helpful if they made a better manual. However, you now have the review so screw the manual!

 

[Quencho092]

Re: Played the new Fender Machette today

I'm not a fan of the awkward/cumbersome lead brick combo options on the market either. Anything bigger than a Vibrolux should be head and cab IMO.

How would you compare the cleans to a good Deluxe Reverb or Twin?

 

[CTN]

Re: Played the new Fender Machette today

I'm betting the design for this thing comes from or was inspired by the 5150III high-gain channels.


how much is it retailing for anyway?

 

[UberMetalDood]

Re: Played the new Fender Machette today

I'm not a fan of the awkward/cumbersome lead brick combo options on the market either. Anything bigger than a Vibrolux should be head and cab IMO.

How would you compare the cleans to a good Deluxe Reverb or Twin?

Yes the cleans are comparable. The cleans on the Machette are very, very good. One of the best. It's a great sounding amp, but so is my Engl Raider. While the cleans on my Engl are darker, I still get a fantastic clean tone. My Raider has more growl and character in the gain channel so I like it more.

I'm betting the design for this thing comes from or was inspired by the 5150III high-gain channels.


how much is it retailing for anyway?

The price tag was marked above $1900.

 

[CTN]

Re: Played the new Fender Machette today

Here's what I don't get:

a) Fender makes a high gain amp - all the rockers are like "bwa?" because they don't expect it from fender
b) Fender posts a couple of bad sounding demos, and a couple of good sounding ones too, on youtube. People don't know what to make of it.
c) fender charges an arm and a leg for this little combo, and everyone says it's too much.
d) They must realize that they don't necessarily have metal/high gain players wrapped around their finger. It's just not their crowd, even with the 5150 III in the wings. They must realize that most of their customer base that is able to shell out huge amounts on combo amps will not be looking for a super high gain screamer. They must realize that most metal guitarists, if they're gonna be spending 1500+ on an amp, are probably getting either a half stack, or a single awesome head to complement an existing cab.

I don't get it.

This amp and its marketing seems like an exercise in futility. You just know two years down the line, the amp will be discontinued, because Fender will have realized (again) that they shouldn't really be making high gain monsters with Fender badges on the front.

 

[UberMetalDood]

Re: Played the new Fender Machette today

Here's what I don't get:

a) Fender makes a high gain amp - all the rockers are like "bwa?" because they don't expect it from fender
b) Fender posts a couple of bad sounding demos, and a couple of good sounding ones too, on youtube. People don't know what to make of it.
c) fender charges an arm and a leg for this little combo, and everyone says it's too much.
d) They must realize that they don't necessarily have metal/high gain players wrapped around their finger. It's just not their crowd, even with the 5150 III in the wings. They must realize that most of their customer base that is able to shell out huge amounts on combo amps will not be looking for a super high gain screamer. They must realize that most metal guitarists, if they're gonna be spending 1500+ on an amp, are probably getting either a half stack, or a single awesome head to complement an existing cab.

I don't get it.

This amp and its marketing seems like an exercise in futility. You just know two years down the line, the amp will be discontinued, because Fender will have realized (again) that they shouldn't really be making high gain monsters with Fender badges on the front.

I can see your point but the Machette does sound awesome. Maybe it's just me, but I think people are starting to accept that Fender is good for a lot more than just blues. People use humbucker strats and Hot Rod Deluxes for great metal sounds. In my opinion, the HRD can sound pretty brutal with high output pickups and a little extra OD.

I agree though in the respect that not many people will want to pay that kind of money for a common brand like Fender. To me, Fender is best for offering a quality stratocaster for a semi-reasonable price. All of their pricey custom shop stuff is nice but not worth the $$$ extra for a pimped up strat.

The fact that the Machette is bulky for a 1x12 and that it has a price tag that rivals Two-Rock or Suhr, makes me believe that you are right. It will be short lived. The Peavey JSX is an incredible sounding amplifier, but the 2x12 combo is built for vikings to carry. Even the JSX head weighs more than any other head I can think of. I took the silver plates off of the one I had so that it would be lighter to carry, but it was still heavy. I just don't see bulky, heavy amps being practical for the modern player.

You could argue that the heavier cabs are able to project a better sound, etc..., but there are a lot of smaller, lighter combos that sound almost like a 4x12 projecting. I think it's good that Fender is branching out but everything they're branching out on is ridiculously expensive.

I played a couple of the new custom shop amps like the Clapton and the twin and I just don't see how they are coming up with the prices. $2000 for a 5w amp? That's just outrageous to me when you can get something like a 15w Greer Underdog for $1200.

It's obvious that Fender is force-feeding Mexican made products on the general public and sticking it to the rest of us for the good stuff. As long as they keep selling American standard strats for $999, I won't complain much.

 

[CTN]

Re: Played the new Fender Machette today

Don't get me wrong, I was totally excited when Fender announced a new high gain amp.

I am absolutely floored by the 5150 III - hearing it in a live full band situation is an experience to behold. SUCH TONE!!!!!

but anyway, I just don't think they've ever been able to handle the high gain thing because they just don't know how to market it to the right people, from a design standpoint and from an actual marketing standpoint too.

From the good sounding demos of the Machete that they posted, I knew that they had a pretty sweet amp on their hands, but they have a core competency as a guitar/amp maker that lies firmly in the lighter side of music. Yngvie and Maiden aside, there are very few if any actual bonafide METAL artists who are well known for using fender instruments, let alone amps.

But Fender doesn't need to cater to metalheads now, because FMIC owns Jackson and Charvel. Strategically, that was a wise move, because it allowed them to bring back the Charvel strat headstocks, as well as gaining an undeniable foothold in the metal world with Jackson - they have history, reputation and are well loved, and to FMIC's credit, they haven't messed with Jackson instruments very much at all.

I think it's great for Fender/FMIC that EVH is working with them for the EVH guitars and the 5150III.

Maybe they should've just created a new brand for these high gain amps instead of branding them Fender. Although they'd have a helluva time getting it off the ground, at least then they wouldn't have any preconceptions and judgements against the brand like Fender does against itself when it comes to high gain.

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Played the new Fender Machette today

I see Fender has released the Machete in a 50 watt head now. List is $2499.99 ouch..

 

[CTN]

Re: Played the new Fender Machette today

See what I mean? At that price, your options are:

fender high gain thing....

or

bogner/soldano/splawn/any number of superbly reputed high gain masterbuilders.

You'd be stupid to pick a fender over those other dudes for high gain.

 

[UberMetalDood]

Re: Played the new Fender Machette today

See what I mean? At that price, your options are:

fender high gain thing....

or

bogner/soldano/splawn/any number of superbly reputed high gain masterbuilders.

You'd be stupid to pick a fender over those other dudes for high gain.

It sounds like have little or no experience with the Machete. It's pretty versatile and has great tone, but moee modern than any other Fender. It's a good option in that price range. Personally, I think that if you can afford it then it would b make a great addition to your rig if you already have a Bogner or any of the aforementioned. It can add a whole different flavor to your rig.

 

[Juanhanglo]

Re: Played the new Fender Machette today

Anderton's in the UK does a great youtube vid on the machete. They loved it.
If i had the cash, i'd have one.

Super clean and uber distorted are but mere fractions of the sonic spectrum. The machete covers the rest as well if not better than most amps.
Distortion can always be flavored with pedals.
You can't get that cleanish semi-breakup sound as easy with a pedal.

My often wrong two cents.

I will have one from the used market when they come available.

Oh, i like the styling too.
Overall, it reminds me of the genz el diablo 60c

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Played the new Fender Machette today

Anderton's in the UK does a great youtube vid on the machete. They loved it.
If i had the cash, i'd have one.

Super clean and uber distorted are but mere fractions of the sonic spectrum. The machete covers the rest as well if not better than most amps.
Distortion can always be flavored with pedals.
You can't get that cleanish semi-breakup sound as easy with a pedal.

My often wrong two cents.

I will have one from the used market when they come available.

Oh, i like the styling too.
Overall, it reminds me of the genz el diablo 60c

thanks! Ill check the vid! I like my gain from the amp tho with the exception of a tube screamer for boost.
i love my Splawn and have a bad bogner XTC itch...

 

[Orbis_Mortis]

Re: Played the new Fender Machette today

I can see your point but the Machette does sound awesome. Maybe it's just me, but I think people are starting to accept that Fender is good for a lot more than just blues. People use humbucker strats and Hot Rod Deluxes for great metal sounds. In my opinion, the HRD can sound pretty brutal with high output pickups and a little extra OD.

I agree though in the respect that not many people will want to pay that kind of money for a common brand like Fender. To me, Fender is best for offering a quality stratocaster for a semi-reasonable price. All of their pricey custom shop stuff is nice but not worth the $$$ extra for a pimped up strat.

The fact that the Machette is bulky for a 1x12 and that it has a price tag that rivals Two-Rock or Suhr, makes me believe that you are right. It will be short lived. The Peavey JSX is an incredible sounding amplifier, but the 2x12 combo is built for vikings to carry. Even the JSX head weighs more than any other head I can think of. I took the silver plates off of the one I had so that it would be lighter to carry, but it was still heavy. I just don't see bulky, heavy amps being practical for the modern player.

You could argue that the heavier cabs are able to project a better sound, etc..., but there are a lot of smaller, lighter combos that sound almost like a 4x12 projecting. I think it's good that Fender is branching out but everything they're branching out on is ridiculously expensive.

I played a couple of the new custom shop amps like the Clapton and the twin and I just don't see how they are coming up with the prices. $2000 for a 5w amp? That's just outrageous to me when you can get something like a 15w Greer Underdog for $1200.

It's obvious that Fender is force-feeding Mexican made products on the general public and sticking it to the rest of us for the good stuff. As long as they keep selling American standard strats for $999, I won't complain much.

I may be a little out of touch here because I had one of the first Hot Rod Deluxes. That thing was a piece of ****. The drive channel was utter fail and couldn't even get close to a good rock sound much less metal. The clean channel was the only thing halfway decent on it. To top it off, it was very poorly/cheaply put together.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Played the new Fender Machette today

None of the Fender amps have a clean tone or high-gain tone that would make me give up any of my Mesa amps. They've been trying to build a high-gain amp since the early-1980's, and can't even make a decent COPY of a Boogie.

And don't even get me started on build quality.

Bill

 

[UberMetalDood]

Re: Played the new Fender Machette today

I may be a little out of touch here because I had one of the first Hot Rod Deluxes. That thing was a piece of ****. The drive channel was utter fail and couldn't even get close to a good rock sound much less metal. The clean channel was the only thing halfway decent on it. To top it off, it was very poorly/cheaply put together.

Those are not in the same league. They're made in Mexico and are budget amps for Guitar Center customers and musicians who need a good tone cheap. However, the Machete and Super-Sonics (not the SS22 though) are made in USA. I have played both the Machete and Super-Sonic 100 and they are outstanding. They are probably Fender's best offerings to date in terms of tone and build. I say that even though I'm not a Fender fan boy.

 

[Agileguy_101]

Re: Played the new Fender Machette today

60's Fender>Anything Fender has done since

 

[Orbis_Mortis]

Re: Played the new Fender Machette today

Those are not in the same league. They're made in Mexico and are budget amps for Guitar Center customers and musicians who need a good tone cheap. However, the Machete and Super-Sonics (not the SS22 though) are made in USA. I have played both the Machete and Super-Sonic 100 and they are outstanding. They are probably Fender's best offerings to date in terms of tone and build. I say that even though I'm not a Fender fan boy.

Yeah, I don't know anything about the Machete. I was just referring to your comment about the Hot Rod Deluxe, lol. But if I was going to get a Fender made amp for hard rock or metal, it would definitely be the 5150 III. They are awesome amps. I had the 50 watt but had to sell it :17:

 

[UberMetalDood]

Re: Played the new Fender Machette today

Yeah, I don't know anything about the Machete. I was just referring to your comment about the Hot Rod Deluxe, lol. But if I was going to get a Fender made amp for hard rock or metal, it would definitely be the 5150 III. They are awesome amps. I had the 50 watt but had to sell it :17:

I tried the 50w head but didn't have the instant infatuation that I did with the original 100w. I tried several times to trade up for a 5150 III but nothing ever really came through. I'm happy now with Bogners, but I still think they're awesome. They're probably the best amps made in Mexico... ever.