This is a review of the fender champion 600.
Who said enormous sounds couldn’t be contained in a small package?
The Fender Champion 600 guitar amplifier has a long and illustrious history. This current tribute to the traditional two-tone livery mimics the classic two-tone design to perfection. It was first released in 1949, predating even the Esquire guitar.
The Champ was a longtime favorite choice among guitarists, particularly in the recording studio, thanks to its ultra-simple construction and low-wattage architecture, which enabled the amplifier to be blasted without inducing eardrum bursts.
Coming to the main question : So how does it sound? I had high expectations for this amplifier. Its forerunner was a legend in its own right. Continue reading to learn more about this product in this article, which includes a full review.
Overview of the Product
The Fender Champ is a superb illustration of how tremendous tone can come in small sizes. It’s easy to use and much easier on the wallet because it’s simple and straightforward. It’s not designed for gigging (though an extra cabinet may easily be added), but it’s a terrific amp for practice and for home studio recording artists seeking a low-wattage alternative.
The Fender Champion 600 is a good practice and mini gig tube amp that lets you experiment with the lovely notes of a boosted tube amp without damaging your hearing or breaking your spine. Everyone should possess one of these amps at this price; they’re that fantastic. Indeed, it is a champion.
Specifications
The Fender Champion 600 is a five-watt combo amplifier with a sixteen-inch speaker. It has a 12AX7A preamp tube and a 6V6 rectifier tube. It also features a single volume control and dual high and low instrument inputs. The amp is 15 pounds in weight.
Construction
To be honest, I’m a huge lover of vintage-style amplifiers, and the Fender Champ 600 immediately drew my attention. Brown vinyl covers the sides, with cream covering the rest of the chassis, and a gorgeous sandy-colored imitation horse skin protects the custom-designed six-inch speaker.
The Champ is a well-built machine that isn’t going to break down on you any time soon. It’s like a miniature television! The leather handle is also a great addition, though I’d be careful not to overstretch it. The single volume knob is a little strange, but it only goes to show that this is a no-frills amplifier.
The amp’s outside shell is made of two-tone tolex, which is substantially more durable than standard tolex, and the front faceplate is made of metal. As a result, this amp can withstand a lot of abuse. The faux-suede grill fabric is the only visible flaw, and it feels like it could tear if not handled gently.
A pair of inputs provide high- and low-gain settings, as well as the ability to connect a larger speaker. A red light finishes the look perfectly.
Sound
The sound produced by the Champ 600 is extremely fantastic, especially considering its $200 price tag and small size. Due to its compact size, I can use it on small venues by easily positioning the amp on top of a piano or tilt it up for additional sound dispersion. In the studio, I also used the amp’s speaker output, which allows an external speaker casing to be connected.
The clean tones are clear and rich, with a depth that is extremely uncommon for amps in this cost range. From around the 8-9 mark, the amp also splits up beautifully, and the distortion is lovely and genuine.
When it comes to distortion, the Champ is comparable to the Fender Deluxe. It’s not silky smooth, but neither is it rough – however it does get pretty nasty at high volumes, owing to speaker distortion, which is never pleasant. The Champ, on the other hand, when tuned in just right, provides a very delicate breakdown that is both ringy and pleasant.
The amount of breakup varies on the pickups on the guitar, but the Champ 600 occasionally goes further than a classic rock rumble reminiscent of the 1960s. If you want a higher gain sound, you may always connect it to a basic overdrive pedal. When used in conjunction with this amp, effects pedals are put to excellent use in the studio.
Performance
The ability to push the amp to its full five watts also brought out the best in it. Hard rock aficionados are unlikely to be pleased, but the sound “sings” when turned up. I was especially happy with the amp’s “pedal friendliness.” This amp can truly play the blues and even rock a little when coupled with a decent overdrive pedal.
I experimented with several microphones to see what type of audio recordings I could produce, and I was really happy with the results. The recorded sound is significantly more powerful than the amp’s compact chassis suggests.
Alternatives
Listed below are the alternatives of the Champion 600:
Fender Champion 20
The Fender Champion 20 is an excellent beginner’s amplifier. This amplifier is ideal for individuals who wish to practice a lot. Despite its modest price, it has the look of a vintage Fender Blackface, which will appeal to musicians who wish to look the part.
It has the appearance of a small Fender Champ, a classic Fender model, which adds to its attractiveness. The control face is black, the vinyl is black, and the grille mesh is silver.
AC4TV Vox
If you like the fender champion 600, you’ll appreciate the vox ac4tv. They’re both really similar. If you’re looking for a terrific sounding, portable tube amp that’s also affordable, the Vox AC4TV – which is based on the original Vox AC4 from the 1960s – might just suit the bill.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- For a low price, you get vintage appearance as well as superb sound and quality.
Cons:
- You give up a little low-end for the small size.
Where Can I Buy The Amplifier?
The Champion 600’s low price doesn’t hurt. It appears to have been discontinued, and they currently retail for more than they did when new, with prices starting about $200.
However, be cautious, as these are famous amps to modify, and you may not realize what you’re getting yourself into. It’s difficult to get your hands on, but you can look for it on eBay or Reverb!
Final Thoughts
The Champ 600’s greatest strength is its ability to deliver both a rich and clean tone and a beautiful crunchy overdrive at home-friendly sound levels, in addition to its cute appearance, handy size, and durable build. To be honest, you’d be unlikely to find another amp at this price that provides as much value.
The Fender Champion 600 doesn’t try to be everything to all players, but it excels at what it does.
