Re: Fender Super Champ (2007)

ugly casanova · Post by **ugly casanova** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 5:16 pm

what do you think of the new ones? i'm thinking of getting one because it seems to be a valuable practice but also small gigs tube amp. and thats what i am looking for.
i wont use the effects nor the high gain settings. i just want blackface/tweed clean/slightly overdriven (real tube!) sounds from a light amp, because i am a weak man

for now i had a ad50 valvetronix which is 1. way too heavy and too big, tube emulation, 2. too many settings, i only play the fender setting on it and 3. uber-ugly.

i guess you are going to start recommending to get myself a used one from the 70s but i would prefer getting real advice about the latest models.

Maggieo · Post by **Maggieo** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 5:21 pm

Honestly, if you're not interested in the onboard effects and hi-gain amp models (which is really the whole point of the XD), you'd be better off with a Silverface Bronco Amp or Vibro Champ. Or look for a Super Champ from the 1980's. All of those amps are fantastic!

I played around with an XD at the store here in town and it sounded better than most of the modeling and EFX type amps. The tubes really helped the tone. But the effects and the hi-gain really seemed to be what the amp was about.

RumorsOFsurF · Post by **RumorsOFsurF** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 5:34 pm

I'd try to find a Pro Jr on Craigslist. I've seen many used for around $200. Great little amps for the money.

ugly casanova · Post by **ugly casanova** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 5:39 pm

to be honest its too much work for me try getting one of those silverface amps. they dont show up on ebay.de as much as they might show up on ebay.com, i wouldnt have a warranty/guarantee and apart from that they will definatly be more expensive on ebay than the new models.
if the new champ sounds as good as the old ones or at least way better than my valvetronix modeler than it would be okay for me.
problem about the vibro champ XD: only 5 watts, no seperated clean channel and 8" speaker.. thats why i thought the 15w, 10" super champ might be the better way to go.

i really apprecciate your opinion and help, maggieo. i'm just not the right one for seeking used amps and all that mojo.

edit: to be fair - i just looked up some offers for 80s champs. they go for around 600 Euro and more here in germany.
so if i ask about an amp for about 350,- new, thats definatly not what i am looking for, right?

Maggieo · Post by **Maggieo** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 6:02 pm

It sounds like the Super Champ XD might be a pretty good solution. The Pro Jr. sounds pretty good, too, if you can live without onboard reverb.

ugly casanova · Post by **ugly casanova** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 6:07 pm

yeah i saw that one too, but i believe i cannot get the money for it, as i am a student. i think i will go for the super champ xd. thanks for your help, although i've been a little picky and difficult..

øøøøøøø · Post by **øøøøøøø** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 6:22 pm

my only thought about them is that I wish they had chosen another name, to leave the venerable old Super Champ's reputation unsullied!

I've never tried one of the new ones.

mjet · Post by **mjet** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 11:35 am

øøøøøøø wrote: my only thought about them is that I wish they had chosen another name, to leave the venerable old Super Champ's reputation unsullied! ;D

Agreed. It's pretty low of Fender to just slap the name on a totally different amp just to confuse people and sell a few units.

Of course don't get me started on the whole "Starcaster" cheapie guitar series...

BrendanP · Post by **BrendanP** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 7:05 pm

There were some reports of those amps dying shortly after purchase. Fender's warranty is good, but Fender doesn't consider it a repairable amp for the most part. If you bring it back under warranty, and it's not a fuse or tube issue, they just give you a new one. That's not a bad deal, but if you plan on owning it past the warranty period, it's something to keep in mind.