Stock SF Champ loud enough to take to a basement jam?

[Honga Man]

I suspect the answer is yes, but I'd be interested to hear from Champ owners who use them at practices or even gigs (without a mic). As a bass player who will be playing guitar for the first time with a band this Sunday, I'm wondering how my '79(?) SF Champ will compete with drums, bass, and another guitar. The good news is the other guitar player plays humbuckers and goes for a bluesy rock sound so my Tele should have its own "sonic space" in the mix.

I suppose it's an academic question since I'm not buying a louder amp this weekend but I'm curious what to expect. The amp had a cap job and fresh tubes put in a couple of years ago, so I know the amp itself is healthy but it still has the original 8" speaker. It sounds okay to me, and it seems ear-shatteringly loud in my basement played solo, but I know things change "in the mix".

(Yes, I know I should buy a Weber Sig 8S but I haven't done it yet. Shame on me.)

All info/opinions/snide remarks appreciated.

[Wally]

"ear-shatteringly loud " :D
When we play alone, our ears adjust to what volume levels we choose or are able to play at. After playing for a few minutes, a 5-watt Champ will filll your 'sonic sensibilities' to the point that it is just about the right level. Plug into a 40-100 watt amp and play a while. When you go back to the Champ, the volume level is much less present than it was before the bigger amp allowed your perception to be expanded. Play the Champ for ahwile more, and the sense of full volume will return.....unless the bigger amp was run at what are truly ear-shattering levels. Then, the ringing in your ears will not allow the Champ to be much of a sound at all.
As to your qeustion, ime it edepends on the drummer. If the drummer can keep time and hit the skins lightly with a small stick, then the 3 amplified instruments can control their volumes. If the drummer is electroic, just turnhimm down until everyone can be heard. 8)

[Tim Armstrong]

Yeah, I used to use my Champ at practice. You'll want to get it up on a chair facing everyone, though! Of course, if you want it a whole lot louder, plug it into a bigger 4 ohm speaker! There's a much louder amp hiding behind that little 8-incher!!!

Cheers, Tim

[Tremo]

Originally Posted by Tim Armstrong

Yeah, I used to use my Champ at practice. You'll want to get it up on a chair facing everyone, though! Of course, if you want it a whole lot louder, plug it into a bigger 4 ohm speaker! There's a much louder amp hiding behind that little 8-incher!!!

Cheers, Tim

There's a much louder amp if you put in a good quality 8 incher. Like a Weber 8A100.

[jdfoosh357]

I'd second about everything said here. For band practice in a basement you should be just fine. Like Tim said, put the amp up high on a chair facing you.

I think you would really appreciate a speaker upgrade as well. I had a Champ for about 6 months before putting in a Weber 8A125 and it made a world of difference. I've also got a loaded 2x12", 4 ohm Weber cabinet if your interested. But you should be fine if you're drummer isn't ridiculous.

[ye olde fretmonkey]

Mine will get over a drum set, but barely...and yes, put it up on a chair. Or a shelf!

[Honga Man]

Thanks for the info as always gentlemen.

Played the SF Champ on a stool at the jam today, with a parts-caster Tele I finished yesterday and nothing but a cable in between the two.

Lineup turned out to be drummer, another guitarist, a bass player with a 5-string electric upright bass, keys, and harmonica. We weren't very loud, but even so, the Champ just barely made it turned to 10 and the Tele in series position (4-way switch) with tone and volume knobs maxed.

Like the song says, "That's all there is, there ain't no more." During a break the other guitarist stuck an unused vocal mic on the Champ and it sounded great through the PA.

So the verdict is, the Champ sounds really good but isn't quite loud enough for this sort of use. I think I'll order a new speaker.

For those who've ordered Weber speakers, how did you know which one to pick? Should I just email Ted and tell him what I want? Loud and classic Fender tone is what I'm after.

I know the obvious answer is I need a bigger amp, but I can afford a speaker but not an amp right now...unless someone wants to sell me a SF Deluxe Reverb for $100.

[Tim Armstrong]

Originally Posted by Honga Man

I know the obvious answer is I need a bigger amp, but I can afford a speaker but not an amp right now...unless someone wants to sell me a SF Deluxe Reverb for $100.

Hey, buy the 2x12 cab that jdfoosh357 is selling (that he bought from me!). It'll make a HUGE difference in your volume.

Cheers, Tim

[Marky D.]

Yes - I'd get a larger 4 ohm cab to use w/ the band. A new Weber would probably give you a nicer tone but wouldn't be much louder.

Last week I plugged a tweed champ into the top 2 speakers of a Bassman RI...it was a lot louder an fuller sounding.