It’s not for everyone, but I would sure not spend the $1K on it when I can build it for less than half. That’s just me, though.

Or I could spend 20 hours building it, if I get it right I may
only mess with it another 10 hours? How much money could
I make in 30 hours? about 1,500 hundred.
I think that covers the extra cash for the fender amp.

That said, I’ve played one – actually a few times – and they are sweet amps, there’s no doubt about it.

The examples you include are probably all great amps – though the last one is a Champ 600 – not the same thing. I’m certainly aware of the vintage mythology associated with musical equipment but this is one example where I don’t buy it. These are exact copies of the originals, down to the tube rectifier (rarely found in clones). I can’t see spending that kind of money on an amp that I can’t try first – likely to have dead caps, blown speakers or any other of a myriad of potential problems.

New models can easily be had for $900 out the door at the big box stores and I’d pay that any day before trying the waters on one of those on eBay.

I’m not trying to be argumentative. I’m just saying that there are those of us who see the value in these ‘new’ amps. You may think the price is out of line, but I don’t believe it is and judging by the reviews I’ve read elsewhere, there are loads of folks who agree with me.

Greg

http://cgi.ebay.com/1954-Fender-Tweed-Champ-5D1-Tube-Guitar-Amplifier-/330591046620?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cf8c30bdc http://cgi.ebay.com/Fender-Tweed-vintage-late-1950s-Champ-amplifier-/250862099482?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a688bdc1a http://cgi.ebay.com/1952-Fender-Tweed-Champ-600-Deluxe-Tube-Amp-Sounds-Good-/230647010337?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35b3a21421

You seem to believe that his isn’t a very versatile amp – and your right. However, it’s not designed to be. It’s designed to make one sound and make it better than anything else and in my opinion it succeeds. Yes there are more powerful amps in this price range – even from Fender. The last thing most people (who are interested in this amp) want is more power. At 5 watts this amp can be dimed for recording without blowing the headphones off an engineers head and pealing the paint. If this isn’t something you need – don’t buy it.

There are lots of excellent small wattage amps out now and some that are very reasonably priced. I have yet to hear one that sounds like a Tweed Champ. Not saying they sound worse – just different. If $1000 is more than you’re willing to pay for this, then so be it, but I think you’re venting frustration about the price is misguided.

Greg

Any amp that Fender releases will be built in quantities far exceeding any ‘small’ builder. That means that they enjoy the benefit of ‘economies of scale’ – buying parts in huge quantities relative to a small builder and therefore reducing their relative cost substantially.

I don’t know where this particular amp is manufactured, but if it is Mexico or Asia then Fender’s labor cost relative to a US or Canadian based small builder is substantially lower. Even if it is made in the US, it is highly likely that Fender build this amp on a production line or semi-production line where the time to build is much less than hand building/wiring one amp at a time on a single bench.

Combine those two factors and the cost of this Champ reissue is almost certainly much less than what a small builder must invest in each amp.

If that’s even partially true, the profit margin on this amp must be VERY high even when you consider the substantial cut that storefront dealers take on every sale. Fender is a business – a big one – and they are driven to make as much profit as possible. It appears that their strategy with this and other similar products is to take full advantage of their low cost manufacturing capabilities and charge a premium price that can be justified – to some – on their brand name and history.

That gets to the early points made here about the fact that regardless of the price there are lots of people willing to pay what Fender is asking for this amp. That’s a personal choice.

However, what if you don’t want to play that game? There are amps out there that are hand made in North America that don’t carry traditional ’boutique’ prices. It is possible to get the tone and hand built quality without paying ’boutique’ prices.

Don Mackrill

I’ll agree with you on certain things but disagree on other things. Are these amps over inflated in terms of cost. Yes, absolutely, which I find amazing since Fender like any other company buys in bulk which lowers their cost further.
Part of the problem is that Fender sees this as a business and not what they should see themselves which is a equipment leader. If it wasn’t for Fender, amp companies like Gibson and Marshall, to name a couple, would not be where they are. The original Marshalls were made since the cost of importing the Fender Bassman was too high.
Having said this I do disagree that it would be crazy not to buy one. If you buy one amp that is perfect for both studio and for practicing then that amp would be it. The problem is is that Fender has way too many products and needs to scale back a bit. This is the reason why “Boutique Amps” are doing well. I would also argue that the other three companies out of the big four (i.e. Marshall, Peavey, Vox) don’t understand that and keep churning out either a reissue themselves or are making their new product so digital that it doesn’t even come close to being musical equipment. It is just that it is more associated with computer equipment with the only caveat is that once that stuff breaks it can’t be fixed. The old stuff will outlast you and if maintained you can pass it on down to anyone and they will enjoy it. I’m planning on learning electronics and building my own as you are correct the parts can be purchased for far less than what the reissues are going for.

Dennis

I just scored a vintage ’58 Champ for $750 with all original parts, except a replacement speaker. Spent another $250 to have my amp tech check it over and upgrade the old speaker (mind you, I bought it to be a player). So for the same amount of money, I’ve got an original.

Like you, I’ve wanted a real Fender Champ for a long time, but I was always interested in the original. I’ve played the re-issue amp, and it’s great, but there really is something about the original that I’ve always loved. The cool thing is that I still totally dig my Champ 600, but it has a completely different sound!

In any case, if you’re considering getting a Champ, you might consider getting a vintage one. They can be had for around the same price. Mind you, the ones in pristine condition go for about $1500. LMK, if you want more information on the vintage ones. There are things to look for before you pull the trigger.

Before you buy the $ 1000.00 Champ go check out the Black Heart Little Giant 5 watt Head and Cab, It might change your mind and save you a lot of money. About $ 700.00 worth of savings.
I do own a Fender Blues Jr NOS in Tweed and also the Blackheart so I understand…But I also have a hard time trying to decide which one to play. They both sound fabulous to my untrained ear…..Good Luck either way.