Fender Champ/Vibro Champ questions..

[appar111]

I'm thinking about downsizing my amp and going with a much smaller setup. I don't gig out except for the very rare occasion with a friend at a local pub, and most of the time it's only a 2 person gig (him on acoustic, and me w/ a tele, an OD pedal and an amp).

Right now I'm using a '59 Bassman RI, and while it's a great amp, it's a bear to haul out to these occasional gigs, and it's really loud in the house. It's about 90% underutilized, which is a shame.

I'm thinking of getting something like a Silverface Champ or Vibrochamp, and going w/ a much smaller, lighter rig. If I really needed more volume (which would be rare, since I'm not doing any big gigs), I'd probably just get a used 2x12 cab to plug into.

My questions regarding the Champ/Vibro Champ:

1. Would it be loud enought plugged into a 2x12 cab for those gigs where I need more volume? I like the idea of a small amp really pushed. It would be for classic rock, so it would be ok if I didn't have much headroom, as I would just back off the volume to clean things up.

2. I'd probably want to get a new speaker for it, and keep the stock 8" speaker tucked away in case I ever sell the amp. What good 8 inch speakers are out there?

3. What overdrive & distortion pedals work well with the Silverface Champs/Vibro Champs? I have a DS-1 that seems to always be my go-to, despite it's obvious deficiencies.

thanks!
J.

[Tim Armstrong]

Originally Posted by appar111

My questions regarding the Champ/Vibro Champ:

1. Would it be loud enought plugged into a 2x12 cab for those gigs where I need more volume? I like the idea of a small amp really pushed. It would be for classic rock, so it would be ok if I didn't have much headroom, as I would just back off the volume to clean things up.

Yep, just make sure it's a 4-ohm cab.

Originally Posted by appar111

2. I'd probably want to get a new speaker for it, and keep the stock 8" speaker tucked away in case I ever sell the amp. What good 8 inch speakers are out there?

Lots of folks dig the Weber Signature Series speakers for that purpose.

Originally Posted by appar111

3. What overdrive & distortion pedals work well with the Silverface Champs/Vibro Champs? I have a DS-1 that seems to always be my go-to, despite it's obvious deficiencies.

I never needed an overdrive when I used my Champ that way! I just dimed the amp and used my guitar volume knob.

Cheers, Tim

[Wally]

1. IT depends on the drummer and your bandmates...how much more volume???
AS Tim is fond of saying....mic it.
2. +1
3. +1

[backline]

1. Don't waste your money on a new 8" speaker.
2. It is easy to take out the old RCA jack and install a 1/4" Switchcraft without doing any damage to your chassis.
3. From here the possibilities are endless... 1x12, 2x12, 2x10. Ted Weber makes excellent four ohm 12" speakers.
4. Only you know if it will be "loud enough" for other events. Will there be a drummer, a bass player, PA support... You know the drill. The VC is a great amp that should have been available as a head with a bigger out tranny IMO.
Good Luck with your quest.

[Singin' Dave]

1. Even into a really efficient 2x12, I've found that unless your band plays VERY light on stage, you'll be wanting for volume from the Champ in a gig environement, particularly if you need any clean tone at all. Mic it and it works great.

2. +1 on the Weber Sig. I have a Sig8s in my VC and it's great. Original is tucked nicely in the box it arrrived in. Hard to go wrong for $30 there.

3. Most all pedals play way nice with these and most old Fender amps. But I also agree with Tim that a Champ cranked has a beautiful power tube distortion I wouldn't necessarily want to alter with a pedal (unless you going to a metal tone or something)

[wnorcott]

I would not dream of changing the speaker on my 1968 Vibro Champ.

Funny you mention pedals I never use pedals with that one except occasionally the AMZ MOSFET Boost which is a totally transparent clean boost. I have 5 amps and use pedals with the other 4 but not with the Vibro Champ.

Not loud enough to gig with by itself in my opinion. To get a gig-able amp we are starting at 20 watts RMS threshold. For example my 92 Crate Vintage Club 20 is plenty loud enough to gig with and sound great. However if you mike it these have really great tone with the stock 8" speaker.

[Singin' Dave]

Originally Posted by wnorcott

I would not dream of changing the speaker on my 1968 Vibro Champ.

The stock speaker in my '68 blackline Champ does indeed sound great and I kept it in. My '69 VC I bought last year for $200 with the original speaker pretty much shot. Swapped it out for the $30 Weber and have been very pleased. Here they are:

[Tim Armstrong]

Originally Posted by wnorcott

Not loud enough to gig with by itself in my opinion. To get a gig-able amp we are starting at 20 watts RMS threshold. For example my 92 Crate Vintage Club 20 is plenty loud enough to gig with and sound great. However if you mike it these have really great tone with the stock 8" speaker.

I'm guessing that you haven't heard a Champ through a couple of 12" speakers! It's remarkably louder than a Champ through a single 8" speaker!

Watts ain't decibels!



Cheers, Tim