Fender Champ (Silverface) or similar

kylinder · Post by **kylinder** » Thu May 05, 2011 8:13 am

I'm moving into a flat soon and I'm concious of not p*ssing off my neighbours so I'm considering different small amps I could get.

At the moment I have an Orange Dual Terror and a Selmer Zodiac 30.

I've listened to a few clips on youtube and like the sound of the old champ and they seem to go qutie cheap.

What are people's opinions on them or any advice on what to avoid etc.

Also if you could give me any suggestions for similar amps it would be great.

The Vox lil Night Train also looks good and it has the ability to take headphones. I'll have to try one out.

Post by **Mike** » Thu May 05, 2011 8:32 am

I have a 70s SF Champ for the exact same reason, I live in a 1-bed flat in a Converted Victorian Terrace in Hackney - anything louder would just be unpleasant for everyone else.

It sounds beautiful and crystal clean up to around 8 on the dial with single coils when it starts to break up in a garagey sort of way - don't expect warm tube breakup or Tweedy meltdown, you'll get high frequency content and spikiness.

However obviously that's not what you're after. Set to 3 it's a beautiful practise amp and takes pedals delightfully. I love mine.

The only other thing you might want to look into is some form of Pod based solution, or maybe a Fender Mustang I amp - they sound fantastic.

George · Post by **George** » Thu May 05, 2011 8:35 am

I haven't got the money for an SF Champ, but what's better between a Mustang or Super/Vibro Champ XD?

kylinder · Post by **kylinder** » Thu May 05, 2011 9:05 am

Mike wrote:I have a 70s SF Champ for the exact same reason, I live in a 1-bed flat in a Converted Victorian Terrace in Hackney - anything louder would just be unpleasant for everyone else.

It sounds beautiful and crystal clean up to around 8 on the dial with single coils when it starts to break up in a garagey sort of way - don't expect warm tube breakup or Tweedy meltdown, you'll get high frequency content and spikiness.

However obviously that's not what you're after. Set to 3 it's a beautiful practise amp and takes pedals delightfully. I love mine.

The only other thing you might want to look into is some form of Pod based solution, or maybe a Fender Mustang I amp - they sound fantastic.

Brilliant, thanks for that. It sounds like it will suit my needs. What sort of price do you think I should be aiming for?

I've never heard of the Mustang I amp, i'll have to look into it

Post by **Mike** » Thu May 05, 2011 9:07 am

Fender Mustang I (20W SS) - Â£90
Fender Vibro Champ XD (5W) - Â£218
Fender Super Champ XD (15W)- Â£272

If you're practising at home you would be a mug to get one of the XDs.

Post by **Mike** » Thu May 05, 2011 9:08 am

kylinder wrote:Brilliant, thanks for that. It sounds like it will suit my needs. What sort of price do you think I should be aiming for?

If you're in the US you should be able to get them for < $300 all day long.
The the UK/Europe they're a little more rare and Â£250 would be a great price, I spent Â£300 on mine delivered.

You also might need a Â£15 stepdown transformer for 240V/110V conversion.

kylinder · Post by **kylinder** » Thu May 05, 2011 9:36 am

Ok Cheers Mike, I'm in East London too.

I saw one go on ebay the other day for Â£297. I'll keep a look out