Fender Champion 600 Guitar Combo Amplifier (5 Watts, 1x6 in.)
Plug into the Fender Champion 600, designed after the 1950 "two-tone" and delight in its overdriven tone. It features a leather strap handle for easy carrying.
Overall User Ratings (based on 14 ratings)
Submitted August 5, 2010 by a customer from gmail.com
"A simple goal: make a Champ 600 reissue that looks and sounds like the classic. Mission accomplished!"
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Glowing reviews are rarely warranted and too often and easily given. However, this sets out to do something simple - recreate the classic Champ 600 - and accomplishes it perfectly. If you're an aficionado who demands hand-craftsmanship then I suppose this isn't for you, since it's built on PCB, but for those of us who don't care what path the electrons take (and, for that matter, the electrons themselves, who don't care whether they're zooming down a conductor on a printed circuit board or on the surface of a traditional wire); for those of us who know exactly what we're looking for in this amp, it's a 10/10.
Sound
10/10 in this context is really easy to give it because it's an incredibly simple circuit put together in a way that I believe will last. You can build a Champ yourself for less money, but putting one in an enclosure and covering it to match would probably cost you more than buying this little guy. It sounds like a Fender Champ 600! They were originally made as practice amps, then got famous thanks to their great, squawking overdrive sound and simplicity. Miking up a Champ 600 couldn't be easier, and they take overdrive and fuzz pedals really well, too. You won't really get convincing BRUTAL DISTORTION out of one, but come on, it's a 5W tube amp. If you run a high-gain pedal through it, turn the bass down or you're likely to flub out the bottom end. And, also, you're doing it wrong. :)
Features
It recreates what was good about the later runs of the Fender Champs back when they were first made. This is the later model of the circuit, and it includes a new somewhat boosted "High" input now (in addition to the regular input) to make it easier to get that rippin' crunch that it can do when you really push it, but it's a more or less faithful recreation of the 12AX7 preamp based Champ 600. There were other preamp tube based Champs, some say they sounded better. Most of those tubes are only available as NOS these days, hardly amenable to mass production, so it makes sense for them to have gone with the 12AX7 type instead. The original didn't have tone controls or anything really fancy, and it would be silly for this to have them. You're not buying this because you want a super duper sophisticated tone machine. The farther it gets from the original, the lower a score it would have here, as far as I'm concerned.
Ease of Use
It has two inputs, one that has a boost. It has an on switch. It has a volume knob. Heck, most PEDALS have more control than this. If you can't figure out how a Fender Champ works, you're probably not ever going to be in a position to read this review.
Just plug and play - and enjoy, because it sounds lovely.
Quality
Well, it is mass produced in China, but I don't know if that's necessarily a mark against it. The outward construction is good, and its innards are also well put together. It's so simple, I don't think there's a lot of room to screw it up, really. This is my second Champ 600 Reissue, and the other one lasted through a lot of moving around. Never gave me the slightest bit of trouble. I expect the same from this... But, I can't say with certainty that it'll last as long as the most robustly constructed amps. Frankly, though, you're not paying as much as you would have to pay to afford that kind of quality. So I'm going to compromise and give this amp an 8/10 on the quality scale, due to good experiences with one I had for a few years but with the knowledge that it is made in a factory where they're mostly concerned with cranking them out as quickly as possible to satisfy demand and sometimes corners get cut.
Value
You can build a Fender Champ 600 circuit for around $60, give or take... But getting a speaker, getting a box to put it in, covering the box in an attractive material (let alone pretty good and visually "period correct" material), you can easily run higher than the purchase price of the amp. Of course, if you especially value your own hand-wiring over a PCB construction amp imported from China, then your idea of its value might be different, but the fact that they are selling them for less than you can make one even though it's a very simple amp speaks well of its value to me.
Manufacturer Support
No experience with Fender beyond buying their products. I guess that's a mark toward reliability in itself, but it does mean I don't have any clue about their support.
The Wow Factor
How many reviews have to mention the stupidity of asking about the, and I quote, "'sex appeal' of the product" before Zzounds re-words this criteria? Sigh.
To the point, though, it is a good looking little amp, very vintage vibe and sound. It's simple, easy to use, fun to use. I don't know if, uh, amp fetishists rank it against other amps in terms of how much it excites them, as the question seems to imply, but from an ordinary perspective I think it looks great!
Musical Background:
Active Musician and Recording Engineer
Musical Style:
Various
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Submitted November 20, 2007 by a customer from msn.com
"Nice big sound, small price/package"
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This is NOT the only amp you'll ever need by a long shot. At some point, you will need something bigger and with more features to fully explore the sounds your guitar can make.
That being said, this is a great supplement amp if you've already got some big guns and you want a fantastic little amp, and a tube amp at that, to tool around with.
Sound
High input sounds great, low is a bit mild but still very good for clean sounds. Obviously, this amp makes one kind of sound. Just one, so don't go looking for variety here, and definitely play one before you buy it to see if you like that sound. I sure do though.
This would be a pointless amp for anyone who wants to play metal or hard rock. Its more suited for jazz and blues. Although I have a grilled cheese danelectro pedal which sounds great on it.
Features
Obviously it only has a volume knob. But the sound is so well balanced I don't feel the need for more.
Would have been nice to include gain and reverb, but thats just not the point of this amp.
On the nice side, the internal jack for use on a bigger cabinet is a great idea. And the faux-sued screen really helps the sound.
To get a ten, this amp would need gain, reverb, and a power cable that seperates from the unit.
Ease of Use
How hard can it be? switch it on, turn it up. Takes a second to warm up, the price you pay for great tube sound.
Oh yeah, don't forget to plug it in I guess.
Quality
So far so good for me. Never had a problem. Fender didn't cut corners to save themselves money on this one, they just made it tiny to save you money.
Value
Amazing price for a tube amp. But I saw the Epiphone blues junior thing for 40 bucks less. Haven't gotten a chance to try it out but I usually like epiphones.
Manufacturer Support
The best support is not needing any.
The Wow Factor
I love the look. Took points off because I don't get why the volume and input are on the backside of it, maybe so you can point it towards others. It makes it look weird to me.
Musical Background:
Guitar Enthusiast and Musician
Musical Style:
Rock, Blues, Jazz
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Submitted April 16, 2012 by John Culp in Bristol, TN
"Fender Champion 600"
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Zzounds has absolutely the best price on the market for this amp! And they very quickly shipped it at no extra charge. I highly recommend Zzounds.
Sound
I'm a big fan of one-knob amps, with the tone clean at lower volumes and progressively "dirtying" up with stronger signal. In the middle where it's on the verge of breakup, this gives tremendous dynamic control over the tone. This one does it perfectly, and while some people think it's a one-trick pony, good just for playing at full volume and distortion, that's not so! I love its sound over the whole range from quiet and clean to wide open and crunchy! It also has two inputs, a "Normal" and a "bright" one, for even greater sonic versatility. This amp actually has a version of the common three knob Fender tone stack in its circuit, just implemented with fixed resistors where the Fender amp experts thought the most people would like it. In my opinion they got it right. It has a very pleasing, somewhat "scooped" tone, with overall a remarkably bassy, mellow tone for such a little box with a 6" speaker. It sounds like a much bigger amp! You absolutely can't beat this sweet little amp for entertaining yourself at home without getting the cops called (in an apartment, you might), for recording, and it would even do for certain kinds of gigs where huge volume isn't needed.
Features
It's got exactly the features I want, no more, no less. It's true to the spirit of the original, though its circuitry is modernized a bit.
Ease of Use
As I've already said, it sounds good at every volume. You can't go wrong. I suggest turning the volume all the way up, or as high as you'd ever want it, and then control it from your guitar with the volume and tone knobs.
Quality
I was very pleasantly surprised by how nice it looks! And I didn't expect the nice smell of leather from its carrying strap. Gives the illusion that the cabinet is upholstered in leather. (It's vinyl.) It feels sturdy. It uses only two tubes, a 12AX7 and a 6V6-GT, both common, inexpensive and widely available. The voltages on the 6V6 aren't too high. Even the Russian ones with a reputation for electrical fragility should last reasonably well. You don't need a tech to change them, and there's no biasing to worry about.
Value
I don't think there's a better deal anywhere for a small practice amp. Might not be the first choice of a metal player, but it's good for about anything else, and it responds very well to stompboxes of all sorts.
Manufacturer Support
Fender has a good reputation for standing behind their products.
The Wow Factor
I am a sucker for old-fashioned gear. It's got the looks and character of a little 1950 amp, just brand new with all-modern parts and a warranty! :-D
Musical Background:
I've been playing guitar for 11 years.
Musical Style:
I play slide guitar and lap steel, mainly blues and similar styles. I mostly play at home for my own enjoyment. Sometimes play a
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Submitted May 4, 2007 by a customer from hawaii.edu
"This amp is not a toy!"
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It looks and sounds great. The fact that this amp is so quiet (no hum) means it will make an excellent studio recording amp.
Sound
This little amp gives nice smooth overdriven tones and also produces an awesome clean tone with virtually no hum or noise. This 5-watt class A tube amp is very loud for its size.
Features
Not a lot of features here. This is a simple amp that does an excellent job.
Ease of Use
Can't get any easier, just plug in, hook up the guitar, turn it on and play.
Quality
Very nicely put together. Looks like it is built to last. It seems heavy for its size. Dosn't feel cheap.
Value
$199.00 is an reasonable price for an amp of this quality.
Manufacturer Support
I've owned several Fender guitars, basses and amps over the past 30+ years and never needed to call Fender support. Their website provides many resources.
The Wow Factor
I own it.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
rock & blues
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Submitted March 18, 2012 by Todd Dowell in Port Orchard, WA
"Good On It's Own or Modded"
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I bought this amp with the specific intent of modifying it. I added a Fargen Hot Mod with Mercury Magnetics Transformers, mustard caps, a two way gain switch, Weber Signature Speaker, and switched out the cheap Chinese tubes with Tung Sol replacements. I can't describe how incredible this thing sounds. If you have a chance to get this hot modded, you should do it. Expensive, but worth every penny.
But I will have to say that I own a few different low watt tube amps and I would highly recommend this on its own without the modifications. The circuit is quality and the stock electronics are not bad at all. I still recommend the buyer switch the tubes out for a higher quality tube like Tung Sol or JJ, but overall this is one of the best amps in it's category. And it is the best amp when you consider price and value. You will not find a better tube amp for a cheaper price brand new. Highly recommended!
Musical Background:
Amateur guitaris for 30+ years.
Musical Style:
Mainly hard rock, acoustic, etc.
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Submitted February 14, 2012 by Todd Dowell in Port Orchard, WA
"Great Practice or Studio Amp"
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This is a great entry level tube amp that is fine for pratice or studio play. Don't let the low watts fool you, The amp is pretty loud when cranked, which is when the tonality gets interesting. For the price you simply can't beat this amp. Given the choice between this all tube class A tube amp and some solid state modeling amp in the same price range, I would always choose the tube amp hands down. Want an effect? Buy a pedal. Using only the volume, you get many tonal qualities and nice distortion when cranked. The Champion 600 is also a fantastic platform for modding. I love mine.
Musical Background:
Amature guitarist for 30 years.
Musical Style:
Rock, blues, acoustic, etc.
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Submitted November 27, 2014 by a customer from hotmail.com
"XLNT Combo for the Price Point"
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The key to this amp is to make sure you plug into the low input when using humbuckers. Single coils into the high input usually work OK. I'm using an American Standard Telecaster in the high input and it works quite well. I'm using a Boss ME-50 with a Les Paul through the low input and it is a PERFECT late night practice amp with a sound that is MUCH bigger than its physical size. There are no mods done to this amp except for a JJ 12AX7 tube replacing the stock preamp tube. Let the stock speaker "break in" before contemplating replacing it. The stock speaker sounds awesome now it has been "seasoned". It has a low frequency resonation point to make up for its small size. The stock speaker works well at lower volumes and mic'd, rather than pushed beyond its physical limits.I've seen folks complain that the amp is cheaply made. Well, it's a CHEAP AMP to manufacture, and a cheap amp to buy. Fender didn't intend this amp to be used on a world tour, but to sit in your home for personal practice, or in a studio and have a mic placed in front of it. Maybe I got lucky because there are absolutely no rattles or buzzing noises coming from this little gem, and seems to be built like a rock. Make sure to use a short-plate 12AX7 preamp tube to keep noise to a minimum. A JJ ECC83 or Groove Tubes 12AX7C works very well in this amp. This small 15 lb. all-tube combo is a solid amp at a price point where one can have a 100% tube amp and 100% tube sound in a convenient and inexpensive package. And for those who want to tinker in circuit modifications, this amp will fit the bill.
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Submitted February 11, 2012 by Hans V
"All you need."
I never owned an expensive tube amp. Now now I bought this little amp. The way to describe the experience is by saying that this amp is a musical instrument by itself, the sound is totally honest and crystal clear, also when cranked up. Tone control is not needed at all, your Strat will do it by choosing the pickup or using its tone control. I wish I bought this 20 years before. My Vox VT30 sounds very poor now.
Musical Style:
Blues, folk, rock
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Submitted January 5, 2008 by a customer from hotmail.com
"CAN'T STOP PLAYING IT!"
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If you want true vintage tube tone without spending an enormous amount of cash, get one.
Sound
It's a reissue or tribute of a vintage product and does that vintage sound perfectly. Although it is not hand wired, it has hotter tubes to allow it to be overdriven more. My other amps and effects are gathering dust.
Features
It has everything the original had and more.
Ease of Use
You can get an amazing variety of sounds from it by varying inputs, volume knobs on the amp and guitar and your guitars tone knob(s). Beginners would do well to learn how to control their tone with these rather than relying on pedals, buttons, and knobs. Learn to create your tone with your fingers. You can always recognize the greats regardless of what they are playing.
Quality
It's a Fender and I expect to keep it for many years.
Value
There's a few small tube amps out there now. Some people might prefer a particular sound over this one, but this is the coolest, smallest, and it's a Fender.
Manufacturer Support
I've owned several Fender products and never needed support. That's the way I like it!
The Wow Factor
I bought it after quite a bit of research.
Musical Background:
Active Musician, Sound Engineer, 40+ Years
Musical Style:
Blues, Gospel, Country, Rock
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Submitted January 9, 2010 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Too much hum"
Sound
Considerable hum even with the no input connected, level at zero, and tubes warmed up -- useless for recording. Tone is not that great -- rather muddy. Possibly I just got a bad one.
Features
No features, really. I can live without tone controls but it needs a standby switch to protect the tube life.
Ease of Use
Not much to it, just a level control.
Quality
Okay for the money.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't tried Fender Support.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Rock
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Submitted January 1, 2008 by a customer from gmail.com
"Shop before you buy.. there are other way better amps in this price range! Look at the much maligned Crates"
Sound
Has one sound... Bad! I expected so much more! This is one Fender that let me down!
Features
Very limited
Ease of Use
Two knobs... how hard can it be
Quality
Built nice...Looks great... Just let me down
Value
Better amps for less out there
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Blues Rock a little Jazz
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Submitted May 10, 2007
"Wow - very nice"
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The sound quality of this tiny amp is surprising. It has a smooth breakup with my Les Pauls in the high-gain input jack. The 6" speaker kind of limits the throatiness/growl of the sound, but if the stock speaker isn't your thing, the amp can drive external speakers. (That's a nice added feature -- the external speaker jack.) It's loud, warm, and perfect for practice or recording. Great little amp.
Sound
Wow - nice sound from a little 6" speaker. No tone controls, but it's nicely balanced straight up the middle. Surprisingly warm; gives great "Fender cleans" with my '56 Les Paul Junior.
Features
It gets a "10" here because it does its one job -- being a sweet little tube amp -- so well.
If you're looking for a lot of controls, effects, models, etc., this amp is not for you.
Ease of Use
(1) Plug in guitar. (2) Turn on amp. (3) Adjust the one knob (volume).
Quality
Feels very solid. Although it's not American-made, like my other Fender tube amps, it's sturdy and very attractively finished. I've never had a problem with any of my other Fender amps, and I doubt I will with this one.
Value
$200 for a Fender tube amp.
The Wow Factor
Nice vintage vibe, great tone.
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