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Average Price: $191

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$300

$701+

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High-end

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Description

Meet the Fender Champion 600, your gateway to vintage vibes and creamy overdrive tones. This tube-driven combo amp is a reissue of the much-coveted 1950s original, delivering the same soulful sound and classic appeal. Designed for simplicity and versatility, it offers a high-gain input for overdrive paradise, as well as a low-gain jack for crisp, clean tones. Whether you're recording, practicing solo, or just jamming, the Champion 600's single 6" speaker delivers the perfect balance of air movement and sonic bliss.

Key Features:

  • Tube-driven combo amp based on the 1950s Fender Champion
  • High-gain input for creamy overdrive tones
  • Low-gain jack for clean, clear sound
  • 6" speaker for balanced air movement and sound
  • Ideal for recording and solo practice
  • Simple volume control for easy operation
  • Vintage design for classic appeal

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Champion 600 5-Watt 1x6" Guitar Combo
Finish Two-Tone Blonde / Brown
Year 2007 - 2012
Made In China
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Color Family Brown, Tan
Electronics Tube
Model Family Fender Champ Amp
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 5
Power Tube Type 6V6
Reverb None
Series Fender Vintage Modified Amp
Speaker Configuration 1x6"

FAQs

What type of music is the Fender Champion 600 best suited for?

The Fender Champion 600 is ideal for blues, classic rock, and jazz due to its warm tube-driven tone and simple design, which produces a classic vintage sound.

Does the Fender Champion 600 work well with pedal effects?

Yes, the Fender Champion 600 takes pedals well, making it a great choice for guitarists who want to use overdrive, distortion, or modulation effects to enhance its natural tube tone.

Is the Fender Champion 600 loud enough for live performances?

The Fender Champion 600, with its 5-watt output, is best suited for practice and small, intimate performances rather than large venues, where higher wattage would be necessary.

What are the input options for the Fender Champion 600?

The Fender Champion 600 features two inputs, offering different levels of gain to accommodate both high-output and low-output pickups.

What kind of tubes does the Fender Champion 600 use?

The Fender Champion 600 uses a 6V6 power tube, which contributes to its warm, classic tube amp sound.

snaskc

snaskc

Stock fender champ 600

Video thumbnail for Stock fender champ 600 by snaskc

Stock fender champ 600

snaskc

snaskc

Video thumbnail for Fender Champ 600 quick demo by Sam Atkins Photographer

Fender Champ 600 quick demo

Sam Atkins Photographer

Sam Atkins Photographer

Video thumbnail for Arrigo Martelli - Fender Champion 600 by Arrigo Martelli

Arrigo Martelli - Fender Champion 600

Arrigo Martelli

Arrigo Martelli

Video thumbnail for Gear Review: Fender Champion 600 by Lucas Arredondo

Gear Review: Fender Champion 600

Lucas Arredondo

Lucas Arredondo

Video thumbnail for What's That Noise? FENDER CHAMPION 600 My 5 Watt Secret! by Drew Tobias

What's That Noise? FENDER CHAMPION 600 My 5 Watt Secret!

Drew Tobias

Drew Tobias

Video thumbnail for Fender Champ 600 Reissue Demo by supersonicmods

Fender Champ 600 Reissue Demo

supersonicmods

supersonicmods

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent for low volume, high-quality tone

  • Great value for the price

  • Becoming collectable, easy to sell

  • Naturally overdrives with humbucking pickups

  • Compatible with effects pedals

  • Portable, ideal for practice and small gigs

  • Offers pure Fender clean sound

  • Versatile sound range from clean to grit

  • Can be loud enough for full band play with right speaker setup

  • Aesthetically pleasing design

CONS

  • Lacks built-in reverb

  • Factory speaker and grill cloth may need upgrading for optimal sound

  • Limited headroom when played at high volumes with a band

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Champion 600 Reissue (2006-2011).

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the grill cloth is a common mod to improve sound clarity; a Jensen speaker is also recommended for broader tones.

    Source
  • The tonestack mod alters the amp to a darker, grittier sound with breathier headroom, maintaining cleans in a tweed-like manner.

    Source
  • A variable negative feedback loop mod has been implemented for customization of the amp's response.

    Source
  • Some past owners gutted the amp to install a traditional Tweed-era circuit, highlighting its modding appeal despite a non-Tweed circuit base.

    Source

User experience

  • Cranking the amp can cause undesirable noises when using high volume settings, especially with a Les Paul above 50% volume.

    Source
  • Switching the R19 resistor mod results in a warmer tone with more defined bass and increased volume while using the stock speaker.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the amp's potential when paired with pedals, notably the RAT, enhancing its otherwise modest breakup.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The amp excels with fuzz pedals, delivering satisfying tones when pushed hard with effects like the Fuzz Face.

    Source
  • Using the amp with closed-back PA speakers enhances rock and blues tones without excessive volume, making it suitable for home use.

    Source
  • The amp can be used effectively as a pedal platform if the tonestack mod is done, providing a darker sound suitable for those disliking excessive treble.

    Source
  • The tweed-like tone achieved post-mod is described as suitable for playing styles reminiscent of classic Rolling Stones songs, like “Dead Flowers.”

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The amp has a speaker output, allowing the internal speaker to be unplugged and run through external cabs, preferably 4 ohms.

    Source
  • The Champion 600 lacks adjustable tone controls, with the tone preset using non-adjustable resistors, differing from traditional Tweed circuits.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Champion 600 shares a circuit lineage with the 5C1 but not the 5F1 Tweed Champ, aligning more with '60s/'70s Champs.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Champion 600 Review

justguitaramps.com

The Fender Champion 600 is an excellent choice for practice and small gigs, offering classic tube amp tones in a compact, affordable package. It excels in delivering the natural sound of guitars, making it a joy for purists and recording enthusiasts. While simple with its single volume knob, it shines when paired with overdrive pedals, producing rich, singing tones. Its small size belies the big sound it can produce when cranked. However, the stock tubes are a letdown, prompting an upgrade for optimal performance. Despite this minor flaw, the Champion 600 is a hit for those seeking authentic tube amp sound without the bulk or volume.

positive

Review: Fender® Champion 600 | Guitar Gear

guitargear.org

The Fender Champion 600 is a delightful little amp with vintage charm and impressive sound quality for its modest size and price. Ideal for home practice and recording, it offers a genuine Fender tone without breaking the bank. However, its compact design sacrifices some low-end presence. With a single volume knob, it’s straightforward but lacks tonal flexibility, requiring external pedals for tailored sound shaping. While not suitable for large gigs, it excels in delivering clean, authentic tones, retaining the character of different guitars. A solid choice for those seeking affordable, low-wattage amplification with classic aesthetics.

positive

Review: Fender Champion 600 Post-Mortem | Guitar Gear

guitargear.org

The Fender Champion 600 is a compact powerhouse, delivering beautiful tone that captures the natural sound of your guitar, making it a delight for studio use. Its small size belies its expressive capabilities, though it lacks low-end punch and any built-in effects like reverb or EQ. However, it pairs well with pedals and can shine when connected to a larger speaker. While it might miss some depth in live settings, it performs admirably in low-volume venues. Overall, a charming amp for those who appreciate a straightforward, vintage sound without the frills.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 10 Reviews and 41 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
davo_liver

A small straight up banger

Less is more, this little time-overarching thing is definitely a lot better that expected. Not quite warm, rich, and refined as any other classic small tube amp from Fender. No, not even close. But it has his own raw archaic voice and it owns it.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Ah! There's only one volume knob!

Roles:
esquire75

A Fender Clean Sound

That is literally all it is, one volume two channels, and that's all you need.

john_boley_jr

A beautifully rich 5W 6V6 Class A amp that sould be in your arsenal.

I own two of these wonderful little Fender Champion 600 amps now. I just got these a couple of days ago so I'm still exploring their characteristics, but they sound great. I had reservations as, with the exception of my first amp (a Gorilla), I have always had an amplifier with reverb. It is a part of my sound, sometimes heavily drenched, other times a slight shimmer is all that's needed. Even though I would love to reverb with these, it doesn't actually bother me that it's not there. With the volume set at "2," they are about as loud as the guitar itself with no amp. Between "2" and "7" you get that perfect Fender clean sound. Full and lush. Turning the knob to around "8" is when the breakup starts to happen. It's a slight breakup that becomes wonderous and harmonically gritty the closer you get to the magic number "12." Which for those that care, is one louder than "11." Cranked all the way up you can still have a conversation and understand what they are saying, as well as not having to listen to the constant ringing for the rest of the day. My Hot Rod Deville 212...not so much. I bought two of them to be able to unlock the stereo aspect of my effects, and fill out the sound and aural presence during practice. So far I have only played direct (guitar to amp) but I will be hooking up my pedal board soon. I'll then know how they react with my pedals, but my guess is that they will be amazing with them. At 5W of class A sound these things are perfect for practice by yourself, recording, giving lessons, and I suppose maybe even a coffee shop performance, if you want it gritty sounding. \m/ Punk Rock Java Brewtality! \m/ That's mine by the way, I made that.

slypero

The best little tubes amps you can find !

I bought this used as i wanted a good amp that i can bring with me when i go to see my girlfriend, i also wanted a good fender sounds as i just bought a fender stratocaster highway one. And it’s a great ringing Fender sound i end up using it more that my Peavey JSX as i really like the sound.

It takes pedals nicely and you can do great sounds with it.

If you found one of those reissue buy it buy it buy it, for the price of a pedal you’ll have a great little 5 Watts amps that you’ll don’t want to sell.

I have to say i changed the Grill cloth to let the music comes out more for a blond wheat one and it let the sounds comes out much better, i also changed the pre-amp tube for a soviet tung sol and it improved the sounds a lot, i will try JJ tubes later. But with like 50-60 $ investment you will have a really really good tubes amps.

farmertan1

Killer little class A

If you can find one of these, pick it up. Two distinct phenomenal uses.

1st: Stock- as a recording amp- the versatility of sound is pretty wide, sparkling cleans, to full on grit, depending on your pick-ups. If close mic'd, it will not sound small in the mix.

2nd: with a 2x12 or 4x10 -4ohm speaker cab. it needs to be 4 ohms, but if you comply, when dimed it is l oud enough to play with a full rock band. Not as much headroom as a 40watt-plus amp, but just as loud. Insane really.

steve_underhill

Tiny, tubes, and beautiful aesthetics.

Great little tube amp for not a lot of money. I picked it up to practice on and I bring it to any smaller gig when I don't want to lug the Deluxe around. The covering and grille are gorgeous, and its got the pure Fender clean sound you'd expect. You won't regret this purchase, and I doubt you'll ever sell it on.

jimmarchi1

ugh, I got one in a trade once and HATED it.... I saw there was a way to remove the stock fixed-tone stack and make it more like a 5F1 but decided to sell it for 100 bucks instead of performing surgery... I think I spent that 100 bucks on wine and cheese, not sure

steve_underhill

I paid a little less than $100 for mine so you made out OK. Its a tube amp that plays nice with my pedalboard and looks pretty for a hundred bucks so its a winner for me.

jimmarchi1

it is VERY attractive... I think the fixed tonestack is designed to make it pedal friendly.... I never tried it with pedals, I just did what I do with vintage 5 watt combos, which is turn her up and rip, only with the champ600 I was really let down even driving a larger speaker cab

guitandy

[deleted]

jimmarchi1

actually they are kinda muddy and anemic stock, fender hid a blackface toenstack with fixed control settings between the 2 gain stages... a lot of folks remove those caps and resistors and jumper between the two halves of that 12ax7 to make it closer to a 5F1 tweed champ circuit.

The normal tube compliment is one 12ax7 and one 6V6... I don't think there's enough voltage in the power supply to put a larger octal-based tube in one of these with good results and the voltage is probably too high for smaller beam tetrodes like the 6K6 to run safely. I suppose you could try popping in a 6L6/KT66/5881/7027A in place of the 6V6 but it will be really underpowered and the little bit of additional wattage would probably be a bit much for the tiny little output transformer. Also, you would want to double the impedance load as 6V6 and 6L6 tubes have a different impedance relationship with the output transformer when used in the same circuit... if there is a 6L6 type tube in there and not a 6V6 I would strongly suggest you open her up and if the circuit board is unmolested and the output transformer is the stock fender one and not an upgrade you should switch back to a 6V6 to avoid damaging the output transformer.

people do a lot of stupid things to amps without bothering to investigate the electrical consequences and a lot of it will work for a while and may even sound kinda cool, but is putting a lot of stress on components thata re being run at the edge of their design parameters.

pkrul
pkrul

1064

Fun amp, good sound, a little too low on watts.

Fun amp, good sound. Falls a little short on power for band practice, but great for playing at home.

batdevis

Valve amp, 5w, A class.

Plug the telecaster on it and you'll hear the real sound of your guitar.

jeffersonweber

Retro goodness!

Reissue 600 is great. Smooth tone. Also looks great!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Taylor Swift uses Fender Champion 600 Reissue (2006-2011)

Taylor Swift

Singer, Guitarist

Jack Leopards & The Dolphin Club

...
Verified via TikTok

In a TikTok post by Taylor Swift from October 6, 2022, a Fender Champion 600 amplifier is visible. The post is captioned:

Episode 8… been excited to announce this one 😆🌌 #TSmidnighTS #SwiftTok #MidnightsMayhemWithMe

providing clear evidence of her use of this specific amp. Here's a screenshot as backup.

See how Mac Miller uses Fender Champion 600 Reissue (2006-2011)

Mac Miller

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

At about 2:42 you can see a Fender Champion 600 mic’d up while Mac is playing a cream white Fender Stratocaster.

See how Barrie Cadogan uses Fender Champion 600 Reissue (2006-2011)

Barrie Cadogan

Guitarist

Primal Scream

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video, Barrie Cadogan is playing a 2022 Squier 40th Anniversary Jazzmaster through a Fender Champion 600 reissue amp.

See how Hugh Harris uses Fender Champion 600 Reissue (2006-2011)

Hugh Harris

Guitarist

The Kooks

...
Verified via Photo

From the EMusician article "Fuzzy Logic-How the Kooks Mangled their Guitar Tones," Todd Burke (engineer) says Hugh Harris used a Fender Champion 600 for the recording of their album Konk:

Burke says the band also opted to leave their amp stacks at home. Harris’ go-to setup was a ’60s Fender Twin Reverb paired with either a WEM/Watkins Clubman or a Fender Champion 600.

See how Julia Jacklin uses Fender Champion 600 Reissue (2006-2011)

Julia Jacklin

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Can be seen using it in this live performance at 0:19

See how Paul Epworth uses Fender Champion 600 Reissue (2006-2011)

Paul Epworth

Keyboardist

Band Aid 30

...
Verified via Miloco

According to the "equipment list" found on Church Studios, owned by Epworth, one of the things listed is the Fender Champ 600.

Album Usage

The Fender Champion 600 Reissue (2006-2011) has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Champion 600 Reissue (2006-2011), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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ludwik_jahn

ludwik_jahn

Gear IQ 630

ludwik_jahn

ludwik_jahn

Gear IQ 630

davey_zandbergen

davey_zandbergen

Gear IQ 255

1 alternative for Fender Champion 600 Reissue (2006-2011), curated by the Equipboard community.

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