72 Fender Champ, worth fixing?

David M · Newbie Alert Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 3

This little amp has done yoeman's service, but it has developed a problem and if it is going to cost its replacement to fix, well maybe its time for retirement. Here's what it does regularly: Switch on, warmup, plays fine for ten minutes, cuts out clean. At this point if I strum a dead chord and switch it off, I hear the fade out just as I would normally as it cools down. (In my mind I'm hearing the Twighlight Zone theme Wink

) Any suggestions welcome.

GrampaTbird · Tadpole Joined: 27 Mar 2007 Posts: 27

Sure these old tube amps are worth repairing and for good reason, TONE
you cant get it from a solid state amp, nothing compares to the warmth of a tube amp. Have the tubes tested, but if thats not the problem its time for a cap job which will breath new life into an old champ for another 20-30 yrs or so. Take it to a good amp tech they can generally help you out.
I'm sure peeps here would love to get their hands on an old champ if you
just want to be rid of it.
Bottom line is they are worth keeping alive, they keep their value and are going up all the time.

Sounds like from your description that it may need the caps changed.
Good Luck let us know what the outcome is.

David M · Newbie Alert Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 3

GT, Thanks for the insight. Its a three hour drive to the nearest amp man so it will have to wait until the time is right. DM

owwdatune · Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2007 9:14 am Post subject:

good answer Grampa.......DEFINATELY worth keeping Exclamation

.......or better yet, Cool

selling to me Wink

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jeff in west va · Not So Newbie Joined: 21 Aug 2007 Posts: 6

i thought there was a law against throwing away old amps... Laughing

MikeM · Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2007 7:02 am Post subject:

There is! I think it goes like....

Tube amps shall not be disposed of unless the cabinet and/or chassis becomes so worn it cannot support itself. At which time all parts contained herein shall be examined for serviceability and recycled/re-used appropriately. Very Happy

David M · Newbie Alert Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 3

I'd just like to clarify that by "retirement" I didn't mean tossing it into a dumpster, I'm not that much of a Philostine. But if the cost of repair was more than replacement perhaps I might put it aside and get a new amp- tube or otherwise. D.