Fender Champion 600 Model 5B1 Tube Amplifier (1953)
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Fender Champion 600 Model 5B1 Model Tube Amplifier (1953), made in Fullerton, California, serial # 5071, tweed fabric covering finish.
The classic "home" amp in any configuration, the Fender Champ is as simple as it gets but still remains one of the all-time great amplifier designs. The 5B1 model is still the earlier iteration of the circuit also found on the smaller "TV Front" style Champions. This newer "wide-panel" design still features the original back-mounted control panel, equipped with just a single volume knob. While generally they are not as loud or over saturated as later '50's and early 60's examples, the 5B1's are famous for being equally toneful at a lower level.
Height is 11 in. (27.9 cm.), 12 in. (30.5 cm.) width, and 7 1/2 in. (19 cm.) deep.
This example has a tube chart with serial number #5071, indicating assembly in 1953. It has a medium amount of wear for its age mostly to the rather fragile earlier lightly lacquered tweed covering. This shows some scuffing and minor wear mostly to the corners, but overall retains a very attractive dark amber patina. The faceplate has a couple minor dings but nearly all the stenciled graphics remain intact. The original handle is also in very good shape and has many years of use ahead.
Electrically, this little Champ is nicely original. The speaker appears is original or at least period (though shows no visible stamped code). It still retains its original cone and sounds fantastic. Both the output and power transformers are original and marked 70189 and 6500, respectively. It was wired by Esper whose masking tape signature marker is still stuck to the chassis. The amp has had routine maintenance performed, including a new grounded 3-prong power cord, cleaning of all pots, sockets and jacks, replacement of all electrolytic caps and biased to spec.
This lovely little amp is fine sounding and very tasteful until cranked, then it snarls away. This is a nice example overall, with some use but no abuse or ill-fated alteration. Very Good + Condition.
The classic "home" amp in any configuration, the Fender Champ is as simple as it gets but still remains one of the all-time great amplifier designs. The 5B1 model is still the earlier iteration of the circuit also found on the smaller "TV Front" style Champions. This newer "wide-panel" design still features the original back-mounted control panel, equipped with just a single volume knob. While generally they are not as loud or over saturated as later '50's and early 60's examples, the 5B1's are famous for being equally toneful at a lower level.
Height is 11 in. (27.9 cm.), 12 in. (30.5 cm.) width, and 7 1/2 in. (19 cm.) deep.
This example has a tube chart with serial number #5071, indicating assembly in 1953. It has a medium amount of wear for its age mostly to the rather fragile earlier lightly lacquered tweed covering. This shows some scuffing and minor wear mostly to the corners, but overall retains a very attractive dark amber patina. The faceplate has a couple minor dings but nearly all the stenciled graphics remain intact. The original handle is also in very good shape and has many years of use ahead.
Electrically, this little Champ is nicely original. The speaker appears is original or at least period (though shows no visible stamped code). It still retains its original cone and sounds fantastic. Both the output and power transformers are original and marked 70189 and 6500, respectively. It was wired by Esper whose masking tape signature marker is still stuck to the chassis. The amp has had routine maintenance performed, including a new grounded 3-prong power cord, cleaning of all pots, sockets and jacks, replacement of all electrolytic caps and biased to spec.
This lovely little amp is fine sounding and very tasteful until cranked, then it snarls away. This is a nice example overall, with some use but no abuse or ill-fated alteration. Very Good + Condition.