Formerly owned by Martin Barre, this is a really nice example of a narrow panel Champ offering all the warmth, character, and sonic charm that have made these small but mighty amps a favourite among musicians and collectors alike. Originally designed as a student amplifier, the Champ quickly became a revered model for its simplicity, portability, and remarkable tone. This particular example, dating back to 1960, embodies everything that made the Fender Champ an iconic amplifier during the late '50s and early '60s.

Condition wise the tweed covering has aged gracefully with subtle wear that only adds to its character. The circuitry is mostly original, with the notable exception of a changed output transformer making it 240v ready. It has been recapped to keep it working and sounding at its best.

Inside it retains its simple yet highly effective design: a single 6V6 power tube driving a single 8-inch speaker, delivering a tone that is pure, punchy, and surprisingly loud for such a compact amp. With its small footprint, this is the perfect example of "tone in a box." Whether you’re playing clean, dynamic country twang, gritty blues, or pushing the amp into overdrive, the sound of this Champ is full of character. The relatively small wattage means it doesn’t have the overwhelming volume of larger Fender amps, but it still packs a punch, making it a favourite for the studio, and small venue gigs. It’s loud enough to get a rich, saturated sound at lower volumes but remains manageable at higher levels, making it perfect for players who like to crank up their amp and push it into natural overdrive without shaking the walls.

The natural overdrive and warm, chiming tones are perfect for both clean and dirty sounds, offering a dynamic range that makes it extremely versatile despite its simplicity. When driven hard, the Champ produces a sweet, creamy distortion that has become a signature sound for many famous players, particularly in blues and rock music. The tone has a fullness that belies the amp’s small size, with a certain midrange punch that allows notes to cut through the mix while still retaining warmth and definition. 

Whether you’re a vintage Fender enthusiast, a gigging musician, or a home player looking for that elusive “perfect” tone, this 1960 Fender Tweed Champ is an outstanding choice. It remains true to its roots with a sound and aesthetic that will make any player feel like they’re stepping into a piece of Fender history.