1960 Fender Champ (5F1) — All Original Tweed Combo

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this 1960 Fender Champ (5F1) — an exceptional example from the late tweed era of small-format Fender combos. Prized by the likes of Eric Clapton, Duane Allman, Keith Richards, and more recently Julian Lage, the tweed Champ delivers a naturally overtone-rich, highly touch-sensitive playing experience. Clean, it offers a direct and articulate voice; pushed, it blooms with harmonic complexity and a compelling bite. Whether mic’d in a studio or set in a small club, these little tweeds consistently exceed expectations.

This 1960 example embodies everything a collector or tone-seeker hopes to find. After 65 years, only the tubes and a few screws have been replaced. Its chassis retains the original Minimite and yellow Astron capacitors, along with the factory 8" speaker—untouched, unmodified, and still singing with the full character of the 5F1 circuit.

The tweed covering is likewise original, showing only the kind of honest, age-appropriate wear that enthusiasts love. Frayed seams and light scuffs lend it a dignified patina, with no significant tears or structural issues. Inside the cabinet, the “Champ-Amp” tube chart remains fully intact and legible. Opposite it, a penciled “194” marks the baffle assembly code, and on the speaker magnet a City of Los Angeles approval sticker adds a charming historical footnote.

Alogether, this is a remarkably well-preserved, musically inspiring piece of Fender history—the kind that seldom surfaces in such original condition. For collectors, serious musicians, and dedicated tone-searchers alike, this Champ offers not just vintage authenticity but the unmistakable magic of a great 5F1. We invite you to experience it.

Specifications

Model & Year

• Model: Fender Champ Amp 5F1

• Year of Manufacture: 1960

• Serial Number: C 15447

Chassis & Electronics

• Circuitry: Fender's 5F1 is a low-power (around 5 watts) single-ended circuit

• Tubes

  • Preamp: 12AX7

  • Power: 6V6

  • Rectifier: 5Y3

• Controls: Power switch combined with Volume

Speaker & Cabinet

• Speaker: Original 8" Jensen

• Cabinet / Covering: Original lacquered tweed

• Power Cord: 2-prong

Cosmetic Condition

• Overall: Excellent—clean and attractive for display or regular use; light tweed wear appropriate for age

Playability & Tone

• Tone: Warm cleans with harmonically rich break-up when pushed

• Responsiveness: Very touch sensitive—responds well to dynamics and pick/finger attack.