[pickslide]

What are the opinions out there for a smaller vintage fender amp? Something to use around the house, but can get loud enough to play with some buddies. I might be able to get an early/mid 70's fender champ for around $300, but would that be enough amp for what I want? it only puts out about 6 watts.

What about deluxe reverbs or priceton revers or even the new reissues which are certainly way cheaper.

Thanks

 

[Robboman]

If your jam buddies include drummers, then a Champ wouldn't be enough IMO. A Deluxe or Princeton would do fine..

As for the re-issues, I'd consider spending more and locating a real vintage amp. It will appreciate in value over time, and if it's a stay-at-home amp, it will be safe and remain in good shape if you take care of it. Plus, you get that genuine vintage mojo happening every time you plug in. I bought a nice 64 BF Princeton via this forum for the same purposes. Very nice!

Now, if you're dragging it around to gigs, loading it in and out of truck and leaving it overnight in sketchy, smoky dive bars... that's another story.

 

[torndownunit]

I'd recommend either a Silverface Princeton Reverb, or if lack of reverb isn't a big issue, save money and get a Silverface Princeton. Either are the perfect amp for what you are looking for. Non-reverb Princeton's can be bought for great prices.

With Silverface Fenders, you can still get them cheaper then a lot of new re-issue amps, and they are way better made. In amps like the Princeton and Champ the circuits stayed identical to the Blackface amps well into the 70's too. So the only thing you aren't paying for is the crazy collectors value of a Blackface.

I got my Silverface 1968 Princeton Reverb for $600. A new Princeton Recording Amp is WAY more then that ($1000 USD). Deluxe Reverbs are more expensive, but for what you are describing I think a Princeton Reverb/Princeton would work great. They are twice the wattage of a Champ.

 

[traynor_garnet]

What kind of music do you play? If you don't need much clean headroom you would be surprised how loud a Champ can be running thru a 2x12 or 4x12. It will sound awesome too!

Somebody mentioned Princetons which are cool but beware. The Princeton Reverb and the Princeton (without reverb) are VERY different amps. I owned a nonreverb Princeton and it would not distort using a Les Paul and cranking the amp wide open!!!!

Does it need to be Fender?

TG

 

[pickslide]

Nope...doesnt need to be fender. I thought it would be cool to have a vintage fender, but maybe its not for me considering the price. I currently have an Orange rocer 30 combo, which is a great amp, but not the amp for me. I am selling it by the way......

I like something a bit heavier, but that has some good clean too. I LOVE the sound of Roccaforte amps, and I like using pedals too.

 

[traynor_garnet]

I don't think the Fender will do it for you if the Orange isn't heavy enough for you. Maybe a tweed Fender for some nice raw dirt, but those are $$$$$$.

TG

Nope...doesnt need to be fender. I thought it would be cool to have a vintage fender, but maybe its not for me considering the price. I currently have an Orange rocer 30 combo, which is a great amp, but not the amp for me. I am selling it by the way......

I like something a bit heavier, but that has some good clean too. I LOVE the sound of Roccaforte amps, and I like using pedals too.

 

[Don Doucette]

Do yourself a favor...

Go find a dealer with an Epiphone Valve Junior head in stock. Go there, plug the amp into a nice 4x12 cab and try it out... Not a ton of power but you'll be amazed at just how good it sounds and then when you find out how cheap the amp is you'll buy one.

Mike the thing a gig with it, I dare ya.

Don:rockon2:

 

[torndownunit]

It's not vintage, but a Fender Pro Junior would be a good option too.

 

[Guest]

fender amps

a vintage black face deluxe is a hard one to beat.. I loved my '66 and wish i'd never have sold it...
it was like new...not a mark or issue... got it with a white '61 or 63 sg.. dont recall as the gibby went away next day.
kept the fender for about 6 months then turned it..[doh!]

though not small amp , you may want to look long and hard at a '93-94 fender vibro king... for the money and continual appreciation, along with what they do definately my all time fave fender amp !!!...

though a '61 concert, '65 b.f. super or deluxe are wonderful amps as well...