1978 Fender Vibro Champ

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this 1978 Fender Vibro Champ—a classic small-format Fender combo from the silverface era. Revered for its studio-friendly output and rich, harmonically complex voice, the Vibro Champ delivers everything players love about the Fender sound in a compact, expressive package. With its lush, bias-modulated tremolo and dynamic response, it remains a favorite among recording artists and tone-conscious players alike.

This example has clearly been played and enjoyed over the years, yet it remains a strong, honest, and seemingly original amp. The Tolex shows visible wear, including areas of bubbling along one side and the bottom of the cabinet—purely cosmetic signs of age and use that speak to a life well spent making music. Importantly, the amp functions exactly as it should and sounds excellent, delivering articulate cleans, smooth breakup when pushed, and the unmistakable shimmer of Fender tremolo.

Internally, the amp appears to be largely original, retaining the core components that define the character of Vibro Champs. The notable exception is the 8" speaker, which is a JBL D208. The tubes are all high quality, including Tung Sol.

Altogether, this is a musically inspiring, player-grade 1978 Vibro Champ—not a case queen, but a genuine vintage Fender that rewards use. For guitarists seeking authentic Fender tone in a compact, studio-ready format, this amp offers character, history, and great sound in equal measure.

Important Note-This amp was owned and built by Doug Phillips (RIP) who restored and maintained guitars and amps for over 50 years. 

Specifications

Model & Year

• Model: Fender Vibro Champ Amp

• Year of Manufacture: 1978

• Serial Number: A608544

Chassis & Electronics

• Circuit: AA764 

• Output Power: Approx. 5 watts

• Controls: Volume, Treble, Bass, Speed, Intensity

Speaker & Cabinet

• Speaker: JBL D208

• Cabinet / Covering: Original black Tolex with silver grille cloth

• Power Cord: Non-original 3-prong with missing ground pin

Cosmetic & Functional Condition

• Overall Condition: Good, player-grade; visible Tolex wear including bubbling on one side and the bottom

• Functionality: Fully functional; sounds excellent