57 Custom Champ... not nearly enough high end

[archetype]

ditto!

So... what are the circuit differences between a '57 Champ and an EC Champ? It's brighter for a reason.

 

[Dan_Pomykalski]

Trying to decide if this is my ears or actually a possible issue. Got a used 57 Custom Champ and it only sounds right to me if I run an EQ pedal with a fair amount of high end added... according to the pedal it looks like at least 5db around 3k with a fairly wide bandwidth. If I plug the same signal into any of my other amps with their tone controls neutral it's way too bright. The Champ sounds great like this but it seems like it shouldn't be necessary. Is this just the way it is, or is there a possible tube or component issue that I should look at? I have the day at home today and would love to chase this down if anyone can give me advice on where to look.

If it hasn’t been mentioned already, adding a bright cap would be easy and makes a big difference until you begin to crank the volume. I also find turning the amp up and rolling back the volume on the guitar brightens things up.

Edit: Oh damn… I just realized this is an old post…

 

[Dan_Pomykalski]

You might think this is crazy but just snip the cathode bypass capacitor.

Fixed!

Fender themselves left it out on the original Champs.

Will solve your problems and if you want to sell it, just solder it back.
.

I don’t think removing the bypass cap would solve anything unless the OP wants less volume/breakup though. The 25uF cap will boost all of the frequencies, so removing it will just result in all of the frequencies, including the highs, to be amplified less. If anything a lower value cap maybe, but I don’t know about removing it completely.

I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure the earlier Champs came without a bypass cap, but the 5F1 came with it.

Edit: Oh damn… I just realized this is an old post…

 

[Dan_Pomykalski]

Hi David,

I have the same problem with mine.
Did you find a solution that worked for you?
Thx.

You can try adding a bright cap.