Fender

Having started out as a modest “student” amplifier, the 5 watt Champ has, over the years, gained legendary status as a practice/studio/small gig amp. It’s delicious, low-wattage, all-tube tone has never gone out of style, at any time, since the first tweed versions were rolled out in the 1950s. In 1964 Fender introduced the “Black Panel” Vibro Champ, adding a tube driven tremolo effect, mistakenly referred to as Vibrato (Fender often reversed the two definitions). Oddly enough, there was still no reverb. In ’68, the electronics in the popular amplifier remained mostly unchanged, but Fender made a cosmetic move from the “Black Panel” style, to what we now call “Silverface”, and the Vibro Champ followed suit. The amp continued in that format until it was discontinued in 1982. Over the applicable years, an extremely popular “practice amp” appeared on a lot of records, rising high in status, above its humble beginnings! Without a shadow of a doubt, It simply sounded fabulous…..

This vintage amplifier is in great condition for its age. A few small tears in the Tolex are present on the bottom corners. There are minor scuffs on the rest of the cover. There is rust present on the metal reinforcement panels on the top sides and the grille cloth has a nice, “vintagey” darkening. The tube chart in the back is yellowed with age, but still perfectly readable. 1 of the screws in the back baffle is missing. Having said all of this, we would not change a thing, cosmetically! To clean or alter anything would diminish the too-cool vintage vibe of this classic piece of history. Oh, I almost forgot. It sounds incredible too!

• Made in the original Fender Fullerton, California Plant in 1978
• 5 watts output power
• Single channel with (2) ¼” inputs
• Silver control panel with black text, blue logo and blue jewel light
• On/Off slide switch, Volume, Treble, Bass, Speed and Intensity control knobs
• (1) 6V6GT (1) 5Y3GT and (2) 12AX7 tubes
• Fender Special Design 8” speaker
• Marine particle board open-back cabinet construction
• Black Tolex cover and top-mounted handle
• Silver Grille cloth with 70s Fender badge
• Heavy duty power cord with grounded plug replaces the original un-grounded one