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Average Price: $635
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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
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What are the tonal characteristics of the Fender 'Silverface' Champ (1970-1981)?
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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.
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Is the Fender 'Silverface' Champ suitable for home practice?
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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.
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Does the Fender 'Silverface' Champ take pedals well?
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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.
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What type of power tubes does the Fender 'Silverface' Champ use?
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The Fender 'Silverface' Champ uses a 6V6 power tube, contributing to its distinctive warm and smooth sound profile.
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How many inputs does the Fender 'Silverface' Champ have?
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The Fender 'Silverface' Champ features two inputs, allowing for different gain levels or connecting two instruments simultaneously.
Videos
Uncle Doug
A True 'Time Capsule' Amp: 1979 Fender Silverface Champ
Reviews
PROS
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Natural distortion ideal for Garage Rock/Punk
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Compact and simple design
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High quality and sturdy build
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Produces warm tones
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Easy to adjust settings
CONS
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May produce unwanted noise when turned on
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Prone to unexpected power cutoffs
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Tone not unique enough for top rating
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 12 Ratings
372
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.
194
Artist usage
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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.
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.
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.
At 11:40 in Frampton's Rig Rundown, he mentions the 1955 Fender Champ he bought with his red Strat.
"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."
Robbie Robertson is listed as using the Fender Silverface Champ (Vintage Combo) amplifier, according to his gear list on Robbie-Robertson.com.
"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".
"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.'
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.
In a November 2018 Instagram post, Mdou Moctar is seen using a Fender Silverface Champ (Vintage Combo) amplifier.
Album Usage
The Fender 'Silverface' Champ (1970-1981) 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 'Silverface' Champ (1970-1981), it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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