What do I have and is it worth something?

StootMonster · 10-21-2009, 05:20 PM

OK fellers, I have a small Fender Vibro Champ (Silverface). I don't know what year it is, and I have no idea what it's worth for trade. BUT, what I can say about it: It's a great clean amp with a wonderful tube sound. And it's fricken LOUD. It was given to me about 10 years ago and I've kept it in the closet until about 2 years ago. Now I'm really starting to appreciate it.

I read a little on the internet enough to maybe place it at about 1973 or so(?). The irony is, while I had it in the closet, I also had the original booklet and papers with it. Now that I play it, who knows where they went. Figures.

Here's a few pics:

Jesstaa · 10-21-2009, 06:16 PM

Oo, that's a sexy amp. Great condition.

For some reason I feel cheated that there's no picture without that little plate covering the tubes off, idk why.

StootMonster · 10-22-2009, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jesstaa

Oo, that's a sexy amp. Great condition.

For some reason I feel cheated that there's no picture without that little plate covering the tubes off, idk why.

Pardon my rudeness.

Frankie · 10-22-2009, 02:13 PM

Sir, that amp is very clean! Well, if it's a real Silverface and not a reissue, it's probably worth a few bucks, but nothing crazy since it's still a champ. I could be dead wrong, but I've seen those sell from $500-$1000 on CL from time to time.

Gtrman58 · 10-22-2009, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frankie

Sir, that amp is very clean! Well, if it's a real Silverface and not a reissue, it's probably worth a few bucks, but nothing crazy since it's still a champ. I could be dead wrong, but I've seen those sell from $500-$1000 on CL from time to time.

I think Frankie is pretty much right on. I have seen them go real high & not so high. Yours is very clean.

Jesstaa · 10-22-2009, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StootMonster

Pardon my rudeness.

*pics*

Good man =D

That is seriously crazy clean.

And woah, 5Y3 rectifier, I think I have an old one of them from the 40's =D

StootMonster · 10-23-2009, 01:32 AM

Yeah I really don't have any desire to sell it. I hate selling good musical equipment anyway. I feel like I'm selling a child or something. Plus, I'm really attached to it. I love the sound.

The lady that gave it to me bought it for her son in the 70's. He was mentally challenged, never used it, never played his guitar. So I know it isn't a re-issue. She had it sitting for years and years. SO when I got it, it was in pristine condition.

Wilder Amplification · 10-23-2009, 02:28 AM

I seriously doubt that that's a reissue. Look at the rust and paint drip on the iron core of the power transformer. Also, IIRC I don't believe they ever reissued any silverface amps. Looks like dude got lucky and happened across an amp that after many years finally "came out of the closet".

*sarcasm*

StootMonster · 10-23-2009, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilder Amplification

Looks like dude got lucky and happened across an amp that after many years finally "came out of the closet".

*sarcasm*

*drum hit*

MajorNut1967 · 10-23-2009, 01:45 PM

AW run the bloody thing over and get a Marshall. Just a joke. I reckon you hit a good find there. Congrats!

StootMonster · 10-24-2009, 09:28 AM

Can you guys explain to me what the diffences in tubes and the 5y3 rectifier are as compared to whatever the norm is?

I've always been a player and a sound lover, but have never crossed over into techy land. I think about ready to cross over into the darkside.

Wilder Amplification · 10-24-2009, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StootMonster

Can you guys explain to me what the diffences in tubes and the 5y3 rectifier are as compared to whatever the norm is?

I've always been a player and a sound lover, but have never crossed over into techy land. I think about ready to cross over into the darkside.

The 5Y3 is a "directly heated cathode" type of rectifier valve. This means that the filament performs both the function of the heater and serves as the cathode itself (the cathode is what emits electrons when heated). Due to this, it is a less efficient valve than say a 5AR4, which is an "indirectly heated type", meaning that the cathode is a metal sleeve that is wrapped around the filament. In this type of valve, the filament only serves to heat the cathode. These rectifier valves are more efficient than a 5Y3 or a 5U4.

The 5AR4 can also handle a higher current draw, and will exhibit less of a voltage drop than a 5Y3.

Changing from a 5Y3 to a 5AR4 will give you a tighter sound than it has with the 5Y3, but you'll have to have the amp rebiased as it will also increase your plate voltage some due to it exhibiting a lower voltage drop.

StootMonster · 10-26-2009, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilder Amplification

The 5Y3 is a "directly heated cathode" type of rectifier valve. This means that the filament performs both the function of the heater and serves as the cathode itself (the cathode is what emits electrons when heated). Due to this, it is a less efficient valve than say a 5AR4, which is an "indirectly heated type", meaning that the cathode is a metal sleeve that is wrapped around the filament. In this type of valve, the filament only serves to heat the cathode. These rectifier valves are more efficient than a 5Y3 or a 5U4.

The 5AR4 can also handle a higher current draw, and will exhibit less of a voltage drop than a 5Y3.

Changing from a 5Y3 to a 5AR4 will give you a tighter sound than it has with the 5Y3, but you'll have to have the amp rebiased as it will also increase your plate voltage some due to it exhibiting a lower voltage drop.

How much does rebiasing cost?

Wilder Amplification · 10-26-2009, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StootMonster

How much does rebiasing cost?

Not sure...every tech has their own hourly bench rate that they charge, but if it's just a rebias they shouldn't charge you for more than an hour of bench time, maybe less depending on the tech. Find a tech in your area and give them a call.

Ken · 10-27-2009, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frankie

Sir, that amp is very clean! Well, if it's a real Silverface and not a reissue, it's probably worth a few bucks, but nothing crazy since it's still a champ. I could be dead wrong, but I've seen those sell from $500-$1000 on CL from time to time.

WHAT????

I have a Fender Champ I bought used in 1978. Looks just like this one except no vibrato. It stopped working a year ago and I just put it away. It's not the fuse but I never looked into it beyond that as it was just a "cheap amp"....

Should I fix it? Sell it "as is"? Anyone want to make me an offer?

Ken

carnada · 10-27-2009, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilder Amplification

dude got lucky and happened across an amp that after many years finally "came out of the closet".

*sarcasm*

haha thats awesome. I think gay jokes are pretty funny haha, its kinda mean tho but whatever...

carnada · 10-27-2009, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StootMonster

Yeah I really don't have any desire to sell it. I hate selling good musical equipment anyway. I feel like I'm selling a child or something.

same man, I feel the same way too. Thats why im never gonna sell my amps lol

Wilder Amplification · 10-27-2009, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken

WHAT????

I have a Fender Champ I bought used in 1978. Looks just like this one except no vibrato. It stopped working a year ago and I just put it away. It's not the fuse but I never looked into it beyond that as it was just a "cheap amp"....

Should I fix it? Sell it "as is"? Anyone want to make me an offer?

Ken

I'd fix it. Those things are pretty fun to jam through at home.

Or you could sell it to a harmonica player. One of the best amps to have with a Shure Green Bullet mic for a harp amp.

Ken · 10-28-2009, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilder Amplification

I'd fix it. Those things are pretty fun to jam through at home.

Or you could sell it to a harmonica player. One of the best amps to have with a Shure Green Bullet mic for a harp amp.

I need to find a local amp guy. It's probably the transformer as everything looks fine but it makes no sound at all.

Can I really get over $500 for it, because I'm not spending $200 just to break even.

Ken

StootMonster · 10-28-2009, 11:41 AM

[QUOTE=Wilder Amplification;69829]I'd fix it. Those things are pretty fun to jam through at home.QUOTE]

It's what I use at home. I have a (lame-o) multi-effects processor. It's a Digitech RP100A. I use it through the Vibro Champ sometimes. I enjoy the dry tube sound of that amp enough that most of the time, I don't use the Digitech. When I'm not practicing at home, I use an MG200 series Marshall Combo. It's alright, but I prefer tube amps. My first real amp was a Peavy Classic tube amp. If you kicked it or bumped into it, it made a loud "BOIIING!!!" because of the springs. So I got spoiled to the tube amps early.

Gtrman58 · 10-29-2009, 06:55 AM

This amp ain't no re-issue. If it is its a darn good one. That tube sticker, hard to make them puppies look that aged....not that I have ever tried...

Yeah, all those old amps/axes/pedals that we had in the 60-70-80 made in the USA, you might want to check them out and see if they still fire up...what it would take to get them up to snuff. Might surprise you what you can get for them, well once the economy comes back.

Grandturk · 10-29-2009, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gtrman58

This amp ain't no re-issue.

OK - like a couple years ago you couldn't pay people to take a silver face Fender home (not to say they're bad amps). I don't think Fender will ever have plans to reissue silver face amps. Their bread is clearly buttered with tweed and black face.

StootMonster · 10-29-2009, 08:27 PM

I just think it's a great little amp. With the right Multi Effects Processor or a nice pedal setup, I would totally play a gig with that amp (a laid back one, of course). I have used it at church, and it fillled the room nicely.

10-21-2009, 05:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
StootMonster Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Clover, SC Posts: 38	What do I have and is it worth something? OK fellers, I have a small Fender Vibro Champ (Silverface). I don't know what year it is, and I have no idea what it's worth for trade. BUT, what I can say about it: It's a great clean amp with a wonderful tube sound. And it's fricken LOUD. It was given to me about 10 years ago and I've kept it in the closet until about 2 years ago. Now I'm really starting to appreciate it. I read a little on the internet enough to maybe place it at about 1973 or so(?). The irony is, while I had it in the closet, I also had the original booklet and papers with it. Now that I play it, who knows where they went. Figures. Here's a few pics:

10-21-2009, 06:16 PM	#2 (permalink)
Jesstaa Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Gippsland, Vic, Australia. Posts: 799	Re: What do I have and is it worth something? Oo, that's a sexy amp. Great condition. For some reason I feel cheated that there's no picture without that little plate covering the tubes off, idk why. __________________ GEAR LIST Marshall JCM900 4100 (6L6) (1995) Marshall Valvestate 1965A cab (????) Cort VX-2V (2008) TUBES/SPEAKERS Power: Groove Tube 6L6GCB Phase Inverter: Sovtek 7025 Pre: V1 - N.O.S Mullard ECC83. V2 National 12AX7A Speakers: Celestion G10L-35 Marshall forever My tube amp & Real Music appreciation forum

10-22-2009, 02:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
Frankie Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 362	Re: What do I have and is it worth something? Sir, that amp is very clean! Well, if it's a real Silverface and not a reissue, it's probably worth a few bucks, but nothing crazy since it's still a champ. I could be dead wrong, but I've seen those sell from $500-$1000 on CL from time to time. __________________ w w w . c o w b o y m a f i a . n e t Myspace.com \| YouTube \| Facebook

10-23-2009, 01:32 AM	#7 (permalink)
StootMonster Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Clover, SC Posts: 38	Re: What do I have and is it worth something? Yeah I really don't have any desire to sell it. I hate selling good musical equipment anyway. I feel like I'm selling a child or something. Plus, I'm really attached to it. I love the sound. The lady that gave it to me bought it for her son in the 70's. He was mentally challenged, never used it, never played his guitar. So I know it isn't a re-issue. She had it sitting for years and years. SO when I got it, it was in pristine condition.

10-23-2009, 01:45 PM	#10 (permalink)
MajorNut1967 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South Pacific Posts: 710	Re: What do I have and is it worth something? AW run the bloody thing over and get a Marshall. Just a joke. I reckon you hit a good find there. Congrats! __________________ MJN1967 aka BA (Bad Attitude) 1968 model 1987 50watt. A Baby Major (Half-Power) I built from the ground up. JTM 45 Clone combo Ground up build. JCM 800 Clone Ground up build. Custom Built Warmoth Strat 75' Fender Tele-Deluxe '70 style strat custom build w/Custom Shop 69's PU's

10-24-2009, 09:28 AM	#11 (permalink)
StootMonster Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Clover, SC Posts: 38	Re: What do I have and is it worth something? Can you guys explain to me what the diffences in tubes and the 5y3 rectifier are as compared to whatever the norm is? I've always been a player and a sound lover, but have never crossed over into techy land. I think about ready to cross over into the darkside.

10-28-2009, 11:41 AM	#20 (permalink)
StootMonster Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Clover, SC Posts: 38	Re: What do I have and is it worth something? [QUOTE=Wilder Amplification;69829]I'd fix it. Those things are pretty fun to jam through at home.QUOTE] It's what I use at home. I have a (lame-o) multi-effects processor. It's a Digitech RP100A. I use it through the Vibro Champ sometimes. I enjoy the dry tube sound of that amp enough that most of the time, I don't use the Digitech. When I'm not practicing at home, I use an MG200 series Marshall Combo. It's alright, but I prefer tube amps. My first real amp was a Peavy Classic tube amp. If you kicked it or bumped into it, it made a loud "BOIIING!!!" because of the springs. So I got spoiled to the tube amps early.

10-29-2009, 06:55 AM	#21 (permalink)
Gtrman58 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: St. Louis, Mo. Posts: 148	Re: What do I have and is it worth something? This amp ain't no re-issue. If it is its a darn good one. That tube sticker, hard to make them puppies look that aged....not that I have ever tried... Yeah, all those old amps/axes/pedals that we had in the 60-70-80 made in the USA, you might want to check them out and see if they still fire up...what it would take to get them up to snuff. Might surprise you what you can get for them, well once the economy comes back. __________________ 2009 JCM 2000 Dsl 100 MLB MC412A 1951 Fender Deluxe 2006 Hot Rod Deluxe 1995 Blues Junior 1994 Blues Deville Vox Path Finder 1982 Legend A 30 1980 Gibson Herritage Cherry Sunburst Standard 1980 Explorer White with gold HW 2000 52 Telecaster USA RI 1983 57 Strat LH USA RI 2003 57 Strat USA RI 1960 Silvertone Danelectro 1994 Fender P-bass 68 RI Acoustic guitars....not enough space to list !!!!!

10-29-2009, 08:27 PM	#23 (permalink)
StootMonster Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Clover, SC Posts: 38	Re: What do I have and is it worth something? I just think it's a great little amp. With the right Multi Effects Processor or a nice pedal setup, I would totally play a gig with that amp (a laid back one, of course). I have used it at church, and it fillled the room nicely. __________________ LIBERATING A COUNTRY NEAR YOU!

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