Champ-Amp 5F1

Fender Electric Instrument Co.; Fullerton (CA)

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  • Year
  • 1956 ?
  • Category
  • Audio Amplifier or -mixer
  • Radiomuseum.org ID
  • 356686

Click on the schematic thumbnail to request the schematic as a free document.

 Technical Specifications

  • Number of Tubes
  • 3
  • Number of Transistors
  • 3
  • Semiconductors
  • Main principle
  • Audio-Amplification
  • Wave bands
  • - without
  • Details
  • Guitar Amplifier
  • Power type and voltage
  • Alternating Current supply (AC) / 60 Hz, 110 Volt
  • Loudspeaker
  • Permanent Magnet Dynamic (PDyn) Loudspeaker (moving coil) / Ø 8 inch = 20.3 cm
  • Power out
  • 5 W (unknown quality)
  • Material
  • Leather / canvas / plastic - over other material
  • from Radiomuseum.org
  • Model: Champ-Amp 5F1 - Fender Electric Instrument Co.
  • Shape
  • Tablemodel, high profile (upright - NOT Cathedral nor decorative).
  • Notes

  • The Fender Champ-Amp 5F1 is a classic guitar amplifier with a rich history and distinctive specifications.

    The Fender Champ series began in 1948 with the Champion 800, a 4-watt amp featuring an 8-inch speaker. In 1955, Fender redesigned the amp and officially renamed it the "Champ" with the 5E1 circuit. The 5F1 circuit, introduced in 1956, marked a significant improvement and remained in production until 1964 when Fender transitioned to the "Blackface" design.

    Specifications

    The Fender Champ-Amp 5F1 had the following key characteristics:

    • Power Output: 5 watts
    • Speaker: 8-inch (introduced in 1958, replacing the previous 6-inch speaker)
    • Tubes:
      • 1x 12AX7 (preamp)
      • 1x 6V6GT (power output tube)
      • 1x 5Y3 (rectifier)
    • Circuit: Class A, single-ended
    • Controls: Single volume control (doubling as an on/off switch)
    • Cabinet: "Narrow Panel" tweed-covered design
    • Grille Cloth: Oxblood colour

    Notable Features

    • Simplicity: The Champ had the simplest circuit of all Fender tube amps, contributing to its distinctive tone.
    • Recording Favorite: Its low power output and simple, toneful circuit made it a popular choice in recording studios.
    • Tonal Characteristics: When cranked up, it produced a fuzzy and distinctive overdrive, famously heard on tracks like Eric Clapton's "Layla".

    Production Period

    The 5F1 Champ was produced from 1956 to 1964. It was part of the "Narrow Panel" tweed era of Fender amplifiers.

    The Fender Champ-Amp 5F1 remains highly regarded for its simplicity, portability, and iconic tone, making it a sought-after vintage amplifier among collectors and recording artists.

  • Mentioned in
  • -- Original prospect or advert (The First 50 Years by John Teagle and John Sprung, Page 67)
  • Author
  • Model page created by Gary Cowans. See "Data change" for further contributors.

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