I had only played through a Frontman noodling around at GC previously, and that was limited to the 40 watt Champion, which is basically the updated version of the Frontman (from what I've read) which includes digital shtuff/settings.
I've messed around with it for a couple of days, and my impression so far is:
- It's loud. Like PV Bandit loud. The clean channel volume knob is silly sensitive and goes from 0-100 at about 3 on the dial. You can play it at bedroom volume, but you have to fiddle with it some.
- The clean channel is...very very good. Pure Fender, is pretty much the best description. Sounds absolutely great with a Strat or Tele, and frankly, an LP as well. It's a little hissy, but not terrible, and I've heard worse (Vox AD series, and even the vaunted Pathfinder for example). Strong, scooped Fender tone.
- I had heard nothing but horrible reviews of the drive channel on the internet, and was prepared to hate it. Surprise--it's usable to a point. Up to about 4 on the gain, it sounds pretty damn good for classic rock/blues stuff. Beyond that, yeah, it gets fizzy/blatty, and not my thing. But it's got good tone to about halfway up, and it's definitely usable.
- Spring reverb is a bit disappointing. A little anemic, but again, usable. Prefer a HOF or something here.
- Pretty well-built. Not to the level of the old PV stuff, but the cab is MDF, and hardware is pretty solid. Knobs and pots are a bit flimsy though.
