Fender Champion 600 £139
A true and toneful tribute to a classic Fender amp, complete with several modern-day improvements
The MusicRadar Team, Wed 2 Jan, 10:09 am GMT
The original Fender Champ 600, released initially in 1949, predates even the Esquire guitar, and this modern tribute apes the classic two-tone livery to perfection.
Construction
The sides are of brown vinyl with the remainder of the chassis covered in cream, and the material protecting the custom-designed six-inch speaker is of a lovely sandy-coloured faux horse skin.
Rated at just five watts RMS, the tone is warmed up with a modern higher gain circuit that drives single 12AX7 (replacing the original's 6SJ7) and 6V6 tubes, and the rear-facing control panel boasts a single volume pot that goes up to 12: Tufnel, eat your heart out.
A pair of inputs offers high- and low-gain options, plus there's the provision to link a bigger speaker too. A red jewel light tops everything off nicely.
In use
The cabinet has a central rear port, which helps this small box and driver sound much bigger than you'd expect.
You can turn the amp all the way up for an authentic tube tone that's loud enough to drown out the neighbours' complaints.
The overdrive is subtle yet warm and the clean tones clear and sparkling, and putting a good boost in front gives even more possibilities with the level of bottom-end quite staggering for such a small amp.
Verdict
At this price, everyone should own one of these amps; it really is that good. A champion indeed.
MusicRadar rating:
User comments (4)
-
This is the perfect home practice/recording amp for the money. The single ended 6V6 has a sweet singing overdrive that blooms when up crank this little guy up and then cleans up very nicely when you turn down the guitar volume. It isn't too loud to destroy relationships with your family or neighborhood friends and is just right for at home recording with a decent mic in front. (Shure 57) If you desire more head room, you can plug in a larger speaker or cab. Any guitar or pedal you use will sound just right through the Champ. Basic no nonsense (fiddling with preset patches or digital noise makers) guitar playing fun. A single volume knob and 2 input jacks (Hi/Low). It makes a Strat sound like a Strat, a 335 sound like a 335 and an acoustic (with on board pre-amp) sound warm and full like an acoustic should. Great fun in an affordable and adorable little little box. Everyone should have one !!!! -- Colin (comfortablynumb56)
-
Fun amp to own, sounds decent plugged straight into amp but add a good effects pedal such as the electro harmonix holy stain and man what a beast !
Everyone that hears this combination is blown away by the tone this little amp can produce, and it's loud !
Gordon, check out a site called mercurymagnetics.com in the states for a complete upgrade for this amp.
Take Care,
Rob/ USA -
This is a nice, cheap, simple little valve amp, but contrary to the review it does tend to break up when pushed. I hear that it can sound significantly better by changing the speaker. Does anyone have any recommendations about the speaker to change it for, or any other modifications?
Thanks,
Gordon
You need to be logged in to post a comment. Login or Register to post a comment.
MusicRadar rating
Pros
The tone, the vibe, the price...
Cons
The mains lead can be awkward to access
The bottom line
At this price, everyone should own one of these amps; it really is that good. A champion indeed.
Review Policy
All MusicRadar’s reviews are by independent product specialists, who are not aligned to any gear manufacturer or retailer. Our experts also write for renowned magazines such as Guitarist, Total Guitar, Computer Music, Future Music and Rhythm. All are part of Future PLC, the biggest publisher of music making magazines in the world.
User rating
Specification Show
Champion 600
- Price:
- £139
- Device Type:
- Tube Amplifier
- Weight:
- 7.00
- Audio Output Power:
- 5.00
- Available Controls:
- Volume
- Depth:
- 190.00
- Description:
- Brown and blonde vinyl covering; vintage-correct 1950 "two-tone" cosmetics.
- Height (mm):
- 280.00
- Loudspeaker Size:
- 6.00
- Width (mm):
- 310
Related Profiles
Related Tutorials
-
Guitar basics: How to use your amp
MusicRadar shows you how to get the most...
Related Links
Blogs
Subscribe Today
Save up to 45%
- Free CD or DVD with every issue
- Delivery to your door every month free of charge
- 60 day money-back guarantee
So whether you're a guitarist, music producer or drummer we've got a magazine to ignite your passion!
For more information and to order click here
MusicRadar Network
Join the MusicRadar Network
Create a profile, showcase your music, your pictures and your gear and talk to other musicians.
ReviewFinder
Click to find gear in the following categories:
- Guitars (2792)
- Amplification (718)
- Computers & Software (972)
- Recording (269)
- Keys & Synths (103)
- Drums (577)
- DJing (12)
- Publications (34)
ComfortablyNumb56
6 weeks ago.
User rating 5 of 5