Fender Champ Mod

[telecastermaster]

I have an old 80's Fender Champ that I was considering converting to a '63 Reverb style unit. Anyone here done this? I was thinking this chassis would be great because it has all the right holes drilled (3 knobs, in/out puts, etc.).

[Mr. Bill]

Interesting idea. A couple of thoughts, does the Champ have one or two preamp tubes? And is the case wide enough to fit a reverb tank inside?

[telecastermaster]

I haven't checked the size of the cab yet to check, but based on looks it appears that it would hold a tank. The champ has 1 12ax7 and then a two other larger tubes (I can't remember their numbers offhand). I'm assuming it would be easy to drill another hole for another preamp tube.

[MWaldorf]

Why would you do this? You'd be far better off selling the Champ and buying a Reverb. When possible it's far better not to make permanent modifications to vintage gear.

[zarfnober]

I'm in the process of building 2 correct, hand wired 6g15 reverb units, sprague caps, metal film resistors(quieter) and properly cloned transformers on a Mojo chassis and one of my finger jointed cabs in your choice of covering. PM me if interested.

Your champ probably has a rectifier tube in it and, the voltages aren't correct for a reverb unit, although you could change the PT. Also, a proper large tank needs a 17" wide(I think) cab. You'll also need 2 9 pin sockets, rewire the whole circuit, etc. You'll also need the correct choke and output transformer. But it could be done.

Rocco

[telecastermaster]

I never considered selling the Champ, I didn't think I could get a decent $ that would be worth selling it for. It's a fun little amp, and I was planning on taking the board out and leaving that stuff in place, mostly using the chassis.

[dubtrub]

Check eBay and see what Champs are selling for.