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Description

The Fender Silverface Champ is a vintage combo amplifier that has become a beloved staple for both budding guitarists and seasoned pros alike. Simple yet powerful, this amp channels the iconic sounds of the late '60s and '70s, offering a sonic palette rich with the classic Fender sparkle and warmth. Its compact size and straightforward controls make it an ideal companion for both stage and studio settings, allowing musicians to effortlessly dial in their preferred tones.

With its 8-inch speaker, this amp delivers a surprisingly robust output that belies its small footprint. The Champ is prized for its ability to produce clean tones that are both clear and detailed, as well as its natural overdrive that emerges when pushed to higher volumes. The minimalistic control layout, featuring a single volume knob and bass/treble EQ, ensures that nothing stands between you and your perfect sound. This amp's simplicity and renowned tonal quality make it a favorite among players looking for authentic vintage vibes without the fuss.

Whether you're recording in the studio, practicing at home, or performing live, the Fender Silverface Champ offers versatility and a storied legacy in one compact package.

Key Features:

  • Vintage design with classic Fender aesthetics
  • 8-inch speaker for powerful sound in a compact size
  • Straightforward controls: volume, bass, and treble
  • Ideal for studio recording and small live performances
  • Renowned for its clean tones and natural overdrive

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Champ 6-Watt 1x8" Guitar Combo
Finish Silverface
Year 1970 - 1981
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Color Family Black
Direct Output No Direct Output
Electronics Tube
Model Family Fender Champ Amp
Model Sub-Family Fender Champ Amp
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 6
Power Tube Type 6V6
Reverb None
Series Fender Vintage Silverface Amps
Speaker Configuration 1x8"

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Fender 'Silverface' Champ (1970-1981)?

The Fender 'Silverface' Champ is known for its warm, clean tones at lower volumes and smooth, classic overdrive when cranked. Its simple design and tube-driven circuitry make it ideal for blues and rock styles.

Is the Fender 'Silverface' Champ suitable for home practice?

Yes, the Fender 'Silverface' Champ's 6-watt output makes it perfect for home practice. It delivers great sound without excessive volume, making it ideal for small spaces.

Does the Fender 'Silverface' Champ take pedals well?

The Fender 'Silverface' Champ is known for handling pedals effectively, especially overdrive and distortion pedals, thanks to its straightforward tube circuitry which complements external effects.

What type of power tubes does the Fender 'Silverface' Champ use?

The Fender 'Silverface' Champ uses a 6V6 power tube, contributing to its distinctive warm and smooth sound profile.

How many inputs does the Fender 'Silverface' Champ have?

The Fender 'Silverface' Champ features two inputs, allowing for different gain levels or connecting two instruments simultaneously.

Uncle Doug

Uncle Doug

A True 'Time Capsule' Amp: 1979 Fender Silverface Champ

Video thumbnail for A True 'Time Capsule' Amp:  1979 Fender Silverface Champ by Uncle Doug

A True 'Time Capsule' Amp: 1979 Fender Silverface Champ

Uncle Doug

Uncle Doug

Video thumbnail for Vintage Fender Champ Tone - 1971 Fender Champ Amp @ Sunflower and Friends! by Sunflower and Friends

Vintage Fender Champ Tone - 1971 Fender Champ Amp @ Sunflower and Friends!

Sunflower and Friends

Sunflower and Friends

Video thumbnail for Fender Champ 1977 Silverface Tube Combo Amplifier Vintage Serviced & Ready by Sam Lease

Fender Champ 1977 Silverface Tube Combo Amplifier Vintage Serviced & Ready

Sam Lease

Sam Lease

Video thumbnail for 1975 Fender Silverface Champ by Lucas Arredondo

1975 Fender Silverface Champ

Lucas Arredondo

Lucas Arredondo

Video thumbnail for Fender 1979 Silverface Champ - Is this the Best Home Amp? by John Nathan Cordy

Fender 1979 Silverface Champ - Is this the Best Home Amp?

John Nathan Cordy

John Nathan Cordy

Video thumbnail for Amp Demo 1981 Fender Silverface Champ Part 1 by gringopig

Amp Demo 1981 Fender Silverface Champ Part 1

gringopig

gringopig

Reviews

PROS

  • Natural distortion ideal for Garage Rock/Punk

  • Compact and simple design

  • High quality and sturdy build

  • Produces warm tones

  • Easy to adjust settings

CONS

  • May produce unwanted noise when turned on

  • Prone to unexpected power cutoffs

  • Tone not unique enough for top rating

Critic Reviews

The Champ—Get the Most from Fender’s Little Bruiser Amp - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Fender Silverface Champ is an iconic, pint-sized powerhouse, cherished for its portability and vintage charm. Delivering just 6 watts, it maintains a clean tone even when cranked, though some might find its bass response lacking and speaker distortion tinny. The Champ excels with humbuckers, offering clean single notes and gritty chords. Mod enthusiasts can enhance its volume and bass with speaker swaps and rectifier tweaks, while purists might appreciate its unaltered, scooped tone. Despite its limitations in power and breakup, the Champ remains a beloved classic for those seeking authentic Fender sound in a compact package.

Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 12 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jayashtray

Perfect for Lo-Fi, Nightmare for Hi-Fi...

In my experience, this amp has a natural distortion to it. It's tone sounds quite good for Garage Rock / Garage Punk. It's a very simple amp. Very compact. The only flaw that I've noticed with it is that it makes quite a lot of sound when turned on sometimes and the power tends to just turn off the amp unexpectedly. (Could be just an issue with mine but buyer beware) Otherwise, this is a great simple vintage amp that could be used for many different Lo-Fi sounds.

regan_dreher

Great practice and recording amplifier!! 100% Perfect!!

I bought two of these at the same time!! I love the simplicity and high quality sturdiness of this amp!! Great sound and easy to adjust!!

daonlybg

Classic Fender Sound, Nice Breakup

Sounds pretty good, nice warm tones. Not unique enough to warrant 5 stars.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kurt Cobain uses Fender 'Silverface' Champ (1970-1981)

Kurt Cobain

Singer, Guitarist

Nirvana

...
Verified via guitarworld

According to Azerrad, Cobain's amp during this period was a tiny Fender Champ. Also around this time, Cobain acquired a Univox Superfuzz, but it was stolen from his rehearsal space.

See how George Harrison uses Fender 'Silverface' Champ (1970-1981)

George Harrison

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Time

In picture 3 of the slideshow you can see George standing in front of four silverface Champs during Bob Dylan's set at the Concert for Bangladesh. The fact that these are Champs is backed up by the top comment on this youtube video demoing a Silverface Champ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAXQKAE8Tbc].

To quote Youtube user JJ Slyde "George Harrison used that amp x 4 for the concert for Bangladesh. For the two weeks prior to concert, I set them up at the rehearsal warehouse in NYC. My sister ran publicity for Apple at the time. 4 silver face champ amps hooked together."

Admittedly it's difficult to verify the validity of this story, but it's the first I've heard mention of George using this particular amp and the photo does corroborate the story.

See how Robert Fripp uses Fender 'Silverface' Champ (1970-1981)

Robert Fripp

Guitarist, Keyboardist

King Crimson

...
Verified via Guitarcraftguitars

Fender Champ serial # A32016 (1971-72)

Used for the solo of EVENING STAR (Fripp & Eno), the speaker was blown during this session (after all it was a very hot solo!) and later replaced by Tony Arnold of Arny's Shack Studio. One tube was also replaced, by Bev Strike of Don Strike's Instruments. It's in top condition. It was also RF's backstage and practice amp during KC/FF/SOATW tours.

See how Peter Frampton uses Fender 'Silverface' Champ (1970-1981)

Peter Frampton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

At 11:40 in Frampton's Rig Rundown, he mentions the 1955 Fender Champ he bought with his red Strat.

See how Molly Rankin uses Fender 'Silverface' Champ (1970-1981)

Molly Rankin

Singer, Guitarist

Alvvays

...
Verified via The Guitar Magazine

"on the record, we used almost exclusively the Fender Champ, which I also use live. I stick it on top of my Deluxe Reverb and it’s nice, it’s just a tight little recording amp."

See how Robbie Robertson uses Fender 'Silverface' Champ (1970-1981)

Robbie Robertson

Guitarist

The Band

...
Verified via Robbie-robertson

Robbie Robertson is listed as using the Fender Silverface Champ (Vintage Combo) amplifier, according to his gear list on Robbie-Robertson.com.

See how Alec O'Hanley uses Fender 'Silverface' Champ (1970-1981)

Alec O'Hanley

Guitarist

Alvvays

...
Verified via The Guitar Magazine

"On the record, we used almost exclusively the Fender Champ, which I also use live. I stick it on top of my Deluxe Reverb and it’s nice, it’s just a tight little recording amp".

See how Ben McLeod uses Fender 'Silverface' Champ (1970-1981)

Ben McLeod

Guitarist, Audio Engineer

All Them Witches

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"I added the electric guitar part as well as a 12-string acoustic part, and the super fuzzed-out riff that comes through feeding back at the end of the song is me again driving that Fulltone ’69 through a silverface Fender Champ, which turned out to be the perfect sound." (Referencing 'Open Passageways.'

See how Rostam Batmanglij uses Fender 'Silverface' Champ (1970-1981)

Rostam Batmanglij

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Dirty Projectors

...
Verified via Photo

In this Rostam's Instagram account Q&A while in his own studio, a Silverface Champ from the 1970s can be seen in the background and such is confirmed when he answers with a close shot and and the name of the amp.

See how Mdou Moctar uses Fender 'Silverface' Champ (1970-1981)

Mdou Moctar

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via Photo

In a November 2018 Instagram post, Mdou Moctar is seen using a Fender Silverface Champ (Vintage Combo) amplifier.

See how Thomas A. Doyle uses Fender 'Silverface' Champ (1970-1981)

Thomas A. Doyle

Singer, Guitarist

Tad

...
Verified via YouTube

Amp used on TAD's first single

"at the time i was using this old fender champ amp"- Thomas A. Doyle

See how Margaret Glaspy uses Fender 'Silverface' Champ (1970-1981)

Margaret Glaspy

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"On tour, I’ve been playing a lot through a Champ. I’ve graduated up to bigger amps as of late—similar to the Vibrolux vibe. The live show is pretty representative; it’s similar guitar sounds to those on the record."

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender 'Silverface' Champ (1970-1981), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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