I found it on gbase listed as a 1953 because the dealer dated it wrong. The serial number reads 'C 11***' and my guess is the dealer read the 'C' as if it were the year 1953 in the date code. Luckily it was also $200 cheaper than all the other late '50s Champs listed so I went for it.
It got delivered to my work just as my shift ended, so I was able to basically take off as soon as I got it. I double checked my theory and the date code reads 'IK' - November 1959, and the volume pot is dated 5930.
I plugged it in (original two-prong cord) and fired it up. Nothing, at first, until I turned it up a little more to around three. *NICE* sound!!! 4-5watts is LOUD too! Turning it up to 6 and I'm in the piss-off-the-neighbours range of volume! I tried it through my 2x10 cab but I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. To muffled and low, I get more mids and crunch with the Champ's own speaker.
I'm very pleased with the little guy, worth the $950USD I paid, only complaint is the pilot light has no bulb, any lead on to the type and were to get one?
It got delivered to my work just as my shift ended, so I was able to basically take off as soon as I got it. I double checked my theory and the date code reads 'IK' - November 1959, and the volume pot is dated 5930.
I plugged it in (original two-prong cord) and fired it up. Nothing, at first, until I turned it up a little more to around three. *NICE* sound!!! 4-5watts is LOUD too! Turning it up to 6 and I'm in the piss-off-the-neighbours range of volume! I tried it through my 2x10 cab but I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. To muffled and low, I get more mids and crunch with the Champ's own speaker.
I'm very pleased with the little guy, worth the $950USD I paid, only complaint is the pilot light has no bulb, any lead on to the type and were to get one?


