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Fender
57 Custom Champ Amplifier
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One of the most popular amplifiers of all time lives again in the '57 Custom Champ. Renown for its flexibility, ease-of-use and knockout tone, this is the classic sound heard on thousands of recordings. A wide variety of playable tones inhabit this hand-wired performer - from crisp, classic cleans to naturally compressed overdrive that responds remarkably to guitar volume and picking dynamic changes.
The Fender 5F1 circuit used in the '57 Custom Champ has become legendary for its heightened dynamic response and sweet sounding tube overdrive when pushed. A 12AY7 preamp tube matched to a classic 6V6 power amp tube and 5Y3GT rectifier tube work together to generate this in-demand overdrive. When the volume is cranked, this little wonder sings with the natural compression and rich even-order harmonics of a power tube working at peak output in Class A topology. The 8" 4-ohm Weber Special Design alnico speaker stays true to the classic Champ sound, compressing to create fat tone at higher levels while more than ably reproducing the raunchy tones found at the top of the amps volume knob. The hand-wired circuit includes newly sourced yellow coupling capacitors chosen for their authentically vintage Fender tone - sparkly cleans and creamy overdrive with smooth top end and round mids.
Of course this amp sounds great; it also retains classic Champ visual appeal - lacquered tweed, chickenhead knob, leather handle and 1/4" inputs for low or high output instruments are all here. In the studio, the 5-watt design means you'll be able to explore the full range of available tones without overloading sensitive microphones (or your ears). Updated components, hand-wired craftsmanship and a classic circuit design all combine to create the '57 Custom Champ, a style-spanning performer. Includes a protective cover.
Specs
Model Name: 57 Custom Champ, 120V
Model Number: 8160500100
Series: Custom
Amplifier Type: Tube
Color: Lacquered Tweed
Electronics
Inputs: Two - (1/4", Normal and Bright)
Channels: One
Rectifier: Tube (1 x 5Y3)
Voltage: 120V
Wattage: 5 Watts
Hardware
Cabinet Material: Finger-Joined Solid Pine
Handle: Vintage-Style Leather with Nickel Mounting Hardware
Control Knobs: Chicken-Head Style Pointer
Tubes
Pre Amp Tubes: 1 x 12AY7
Power Tubes: 1 x 6V6
The Fender 5F1 circuit used in the '57 Custom Champ has become legendary for its heightened dynamic response and sweet sounding tube overdrive when pushed. A 12AY7 preamp tube matched to a classic 6V6 power amp tube and 5Y3GT rectifier tube work together to generate this in-demand overdrive. When the volume is cranked, this little wonder sings with the natural compression and rich even-order harmonics of a power tube working at peak output in Class A topology. The 8" 4-ohm Weber Special Design alnico speaker stays true to the classic Champ sound, compressing to create fat tone at higher levels while more than ably reproducing the raunchy tones found at the top of the amps volume knob. The hand-wired circuit includes newly sourced yellow coupling capacitors chosen for their authentically vintage Fender tone - sparkly cleans and creamy overdrive with smooth top end and round mids.
Of course this amp sounds great; it also retains classic Champ visual appeal - lacquered tweed, chickenhead knob, leather handle and 1/4" inputs for low or high output instruments are all here. In the studio, the 5-watt design means you'll be able to explore the full range of available tones without overloading sensitive microphones (or your ears). Updated components, hand-wired craftsmanship and a classic circuit design all combine to create the '57 Custom Champ, a style-spanning performer. Includes a protective cover.
Specs
Model Name: 57 Custom Champ, 120V
Model Number: 8160500100
Series: Custom
Amplifier Type: Tube
Color: Lacquered Tweed
Electronics
Inputs: Two - (1/4", Normal and Bright)
Channels: One
Rectifier: Tube (1 x 5Y3)
Voltage: 120V
Wattage: 5 Watts
Hardware
Cabinet Material: Finger-Joined Solid Pine
Handle: Vintage-Style Leather with Nickel Mounting Hardware
Control Knobs: Chicken-Head Style Pointer
Tubes
Pre Amp Tubes: 1 x 12AY7
Power Tubes: 1 x 6V6
Reviews
44.201.72.250
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Class A 6V6 tone 5 of 5 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Toronto (Bloor St.), Ontario
The build quality is very good. The amps tone is warm and not boxy. When playing a Strat, the amp is responsive. Setting the volume to wherever you want for the natural tube compression sag to set in. The Hand Wired Champ plays great with a guitar plugged straight in. Put the amp on a chair to project the sound. Find the sweet spot and ride that sound for several songs. Try a delay pedal or compression pedal. Class A means the 6V6 power tube is running full on all the time. So don't leave amp on if you are not playing it. There is no standby switch. Volume, On/Off, that's it.
Posted by Retired Schmuck on Mar 6, 2021
?57 Custom Champ rocks ! 6 of 6 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Toronto (Bloor St.), Ontario
I’ve been eyeballing this little beast for some time, reading specs and reviews, finally picking one up a few months ago.
This is one spectacular little amplifier! The build quality is very good. The Champ responds wonderfully and the sound is textured by the style of your playing. The amps tone is warm and boxy, but in such a pleasing way.
When playing a Strat, the ‘quack’ is pronounced and extremely responsive.
It’s slightly pricey, but if it sold for $800, Fender wouldn’t be able to make them fast enough.
It’s much louder than I expected. Pushing the volume to 5-6 for the natural tube compression OD to set in, will summon noise complaints in your home. The 5F1 circuitry cannot be beat. The Champ takes pedals nicely, but pedals do remove some of the compression interaction as you would expect and darkens the tone slightly. A treble booster pedal is a nice solution for this.
If Fender had included a small “Tilt” leg, that would have been a nice plus, (but I guess that wouldn’t be authentic).
The Champ does generate an ever so subtle 60 cycle hum and the lack of space in back to stuff the AC cord would be my only small complaints.
If you plan on playing guitar for life, this is a ‘must have’ piece. You will keep this Champ
until the sustain of your last power chord drifts away.
Nice job Fender and a quick nod to L&M’s continued excellent service.
This is one spectacular little amplifier! The build quality is very good. The Champ responds wonderfully and the sound is textured by the style of your playing. The amps tone is warm and boxy, but in such a pleasing way.
When playing a Strat, the ‘quack’ is pronounced and extremely responsive.
It’s slightly pricey, but if it sold for $800, Fender wouldn’t be able to make them fast enough.
It’s much louder than I expected. Pushing the volume to 5-6 for the natural tube compression OD to set in, will summon noise complaints in your home. The 5F1 circuitry cannot be beat. The Champ takes pedals nicely, but pedals do remove some of the compression interaction as you would expect and darkens the tone slightly. A treble booster pedal is a nice solution for this.
If Fender had included a small “Tilt” leg, that would have been a nice plus, (but I guess that wouldn’t be authentic).
The Champ does generate an ever so subtle 60 cycle hum and the lack of space in back to stuff the AC cord would be my only small complaints.
If you plan on playing guitar for life, this is a ‘must have’ piece. You will keep this Champ
until the sustain of your last power chord drifts away.
Nice job Fender and a quick nod to L&M’s continued excellent service.
Posted by Gord on Oct 11, 2020
N/A 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Kingston, Ontario
This is pure fun. Get one. The hype is true.
Posted by Tim on Aug 18, 2020
Loud With Satisfying Tone 3 of 4 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Toronto (Bloor St.), Ontario
Overall: Once the tubes are warmed up, this amp sounds like a dream. I play an ES345, a Strat and even a Rickenbacker 12string through it. All sound divine.
Features: One knob, can't be any simpler but an array of tone. The speaker can be disconnected.
Quality: It's hand wired and the speaker is superb what can I say. Can rattle after it sets in, but easy enough to fix. Also there's a 120Hz hum that is audible - possibly due to period correct design, I'm told is expected for a class A amp. It's too loud for midnight bedroom playing anyway.
Value: It will hold it's value, a very desirable amp with an excellent speaker.
Features: One knob, can't be any simpler but an array of tone. The speaker can be disconnected.
Quality: It's hand wired and the speaker is superb what can I say. Can rattle after it sets in, but easy enough to fix. Also there's a 120Hz hum that is audible - possibly due to period correct design, I'm told is expected for a class A amp. It's too loud for midnight bedroom playing anyway.
Value: It will hold it's value, a very desirable amp with an excellent speaker.
Posted by Gavin on Oct 9, 2019
Tons of Tone 2 of 2 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store London North, Ontario
I haven't played many vintage amps but I have owned quite a few reissues and I have to say this one doesn't disappoint. The touch dynamics are fantastic better than the 59 Bassman I had. The cleans are vintage tweed but can compete with the 65 DRRI for clarity and chime. There is no doubt this amp is a little pricey but it is hand wired and competes with many of the boutique amps, but it is an actual Fender. If I ever had part with it the badge will help with its resell, although it sounds so good I can't see ever parting with it. Definitely worth it for me!
Posted by anonymous on Aug 2, 2017
A tonal wonder 9 of 10 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Vancouver, British Columbia
I was sceptical about the sound of a small 8 inch speaker in a small cabinet combined with the huge price. I have a tele a strat and a ES335 and they all sound amazing. If you can accept the price and want an excellent small amp I don't think you would regret it. If you listen to other small amps and then plug into this I really think you will see why a small hand wired custom shop amp is worth the extra money. I guess there is a reason this amp has been used in so many recordings over the years the tone and dynamic quality is far above anything else I have tried. There may be cheaper ways to get an amp like this but I feel that the "Fender" custom badge is what assures me of quality and lasting value. I could be wrong but I doubt it.
Posted by anonymous on Mar 3, 2017
Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
Great Additions
Reserve in Store
| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| 57 Custom Champ Amplifier | 483768 |
