Fender Champ 5D1 Tube Amplifier (1955)
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Item # 9655
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Fender Champ 5D1 Model Tube Amplifier (1955), made in Fullerton, California, serial # 8982, tweed fabric covering finish.
Height is 10 7/8 in. (27.6 cm.), 12 in. (30.5 cm.) width, and 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm.) in depth at deepest point.
The classic "home" amp in any configuration, the early Fender Champ is as simple as it gets but still one of the all-time great amplifier designs. This 5D1 iteration represents the last of the older style Champs with the back-mounted control panel equipped with just a single volume knob. While generally not as loud or heavily saturated as later '50's examples the 5D1s are famous for being equally toneful.
This example has a tube chart code of "EE" designating assembly in May, 1955, not long before the design was superseded by the larger "narrow panel" Champ. This one has moderate wear for its age, notably to the rather fragile earlier-style lacquered tweed covering. There is some scuffing and minor wear to the corners, but overall an attractive patina. The faceplate has a couple very minor dings but nearly all the stenciled graphics remain intact. The original handle has been replaced with a high quality repro leather handle. This Champ was lovingly wired up by Lily, and bears her handwritten signature on a piece of masking tape inside the chassis.
Electrically, this little Champ is fully original. The speaker is the original Permaflux 6L-1A and dated to the 12th week of 1955 (395-512) and has recently been professionally reconed and sounds fantastic. Both the output and power transformers are original; the power transformer bears the Triad stamp, marked 8140. 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 happily away. Excellent - Condition.
Height is 10 7/8 in. (27.6 cm.), 12 in. (30.5 cm.) width, and 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm.) in depth at deepest point.
The classic "home" amp in any configuration, the early Fender Champ is as simple as it gets but still one of the all-time great amplifier designs. This 5D1 iteration represents the last of the older style Champs with the back-mounted control panel equipped with just a single volume knob. While generally not as loud or heavily saturated as later '50's examples the 5D1s are famous for being equally toneful.
This example has a tube chart code of "EE" designating assembly in May, 1955, not long before the design was superseded by the larger "narrow panel" Champ. This one has moderate wear for its age, notably to the rather fragile earlier-style lacquered tweed covering. There is some scuffing and minor wear to the corners, but overall an attractive patina. The faceplate has a couple very minor dings but nearly all the stenciled graphics remain intact. The original handle has been replaced with a high quality repro leather handle. This Champ was lovingly wired up by Lily, and bears her handwritten signature on a piece of masking tape inside the chassis.
Electrically, this little Champ is fully original. The speaker is the original Permaflux 6L-1A and dated to the 12th week of 1955 (395-512) and has recently been professionally reconed and sounds fantastic. Both the output and power transformers are original; the power transformer bears the Triad stamp, marked 8140. 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 happily away. Excellent - Condition.