$99 5W Stage Right Amp vs Vintage Silverface Champ.....Fair Match or Slaughter ??
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- There's been a lot of interest lately in extremely inexpensive "Champ-like" tube amplifiers currently appearing on the market. In this video, we'll take a closeup look at a $99 5W Stage Right amp from Monoprice.com. Every detail of its construction will be discussed and then its performance will be compared to a vintage Silverface Fender Champ amplifier, which shares a similar circuit. Regardless of your expectations, I think you'll be surprised and entertained by the outcome.
NOTE: In the next week or so, I'll draw a name from my list of Patreon patrons and send them this brand new Stage Right amp absolutely free. If you would like to become a Patreon patron and help to support our advertising-free channel, please go to this site: / uncledougsvintageamps or make a PayPal donation to dldcam@aol.com. Thanks for watching and subscribing !!
After being advised by a viewer, I checked for a small bar code tag on the perimeter of the speaker magnet.....and found, in microscopic print, "Made in China". Apparently, the "Ipswich, England" on the large, Celestion sticker refers only to the location of the headquarters of the company. A bit misleading, but not misrepresentation.
Deliberate misrepresentation. I like your channel. Perhaps expanding into mods as well as builds. Carvin Champ 12, Blues Senior. From SoCal, Thanks
Try using a better tuner. Champ wins.
Same as my MIC Strauss amps. Strauss' headquarters are in Melbourne, Australia, distributed by Jade inc.
Strauss are inconsistent, but if you find a good one - amazing value for money.
Thanks, Smoggy :)
I'n not certain about all Celestion's being made in China, Patrick.
I've had a Silver face Princeton since I was 12, I'm 55 now. Thanks Dad. I never had a need or a want for a Champ. But in my opinion, what ever that's worth, the Champ obliterates the $99 amp. But you know somebody will buy the $99 amp and be real happy with it, and at the end of the day that's all that really matters. I started playing guitar in 6th grade, 1975. That Christmas my Dad bought me a Blonde Tele with a maple neck a MXR Distortion plus and a Univox amp. My Dad was a guitar player too. I'll never forget when he asked if I liked the new stuff I told him the Tele was amazing and I love the distortion plus. But the Univox sounds like crap! He laughed out loud. A month later I got A Princeton Reverb. R.I.P Dad, thanks for everything.
It sounds like you had a very nice and supportive father, Joe. You're a lucky guy.
@@UncleDoug Yeah, he was a great guy. I was very fortunate. Even when I was a kid I knew he was great guy. R.I.P. Dad
Reading this comment made my day. My dad and I have become closer than ever by his interest and involvement in my music “career”. I’m 35 years old and have been gigging for 10+ years and 3 years ago or so he started coming to shows and helping us lug gear and he went from not knowing how to wrap a mic cord then to being our unofficial 5th member and running our FOH sound at every single show. He is more of a gear-nerd now than I ever was! We have so much fun doing this stuff every weekend and he’s actually become a pretty damn respectable sound guy! Anyway, thanks for sharing this. It reminds me not to take even a minute of this stuff for granted. God bless.
Kali Southpaw I’ll give you 1200 for that Princeton today kali lol
Bless you and your father!!!
"Impress your girlfriend. When she visits you... in your doorm room". I died.
It used to happen back in the old days.....we'd sneak them up the fire escape :)
@@UncleDoug I had a 64 Blackface Twin in my dorm room at my university that taught me all lies.
@@jeffbeck6501.....and it probably taught all the other guys in the dorm how to avoid sleep.
This is for Wembley Stadium 🤣
@@UncleDoug Why would you have to sneak up your amplifier? Was it underage?
Loved the flight and the music. Something beautiful about simple amps, simple guitars and nice people.
Thanks so much, Lazoma. We're glad you enjoyed it :)
Doug, the Champ is clearly the champ. Much fuller tone.
Thanks, Glenn. I tend to agree.
I have the Stage Right. Boy... they really are quite different... I don't think I can get over this. I was looking forward to that surprisingly meaty bottom end too. The Champ sounds really good.
I wonder if those transformers are salvageable....
I found the Champ more pleasant to listen to. Maybe StageRight2 might fill out the tone? But for the price, I imagine a few will buy SR1. The 5W Wembley/1W boudoir option is nice, as is the external speaker outlet.
The fuller tone also has to do with the size of the baffle.
It sounds more Fendery to my ears.
I love these kind of videos - checking out the insides of amps - keep them coming!!
Wow that champ looks absolutely mint. That was the clear winner in every test, by a lot.
The comparison would have been more fair with a Stage Right with at least 10 hours of speaker training ....
Anyway the old Fender champ is a champ , the Stage Right doesn't need any 12" cab , it sounds even better by itself ...But not right of the box , once it opens up it's a different story ...
Its big brother , the 15 watts one , is a Fender blues jr killer ( with the same tubes , EL84 , marshallish ) , and the Blues Jr isn't a bad amp , not at all ..
You can find some comparisons between them here , Stage Right = Monoprice = Harley Benton = i don't remember that one , in Australia i guess ....
I have a Epiphone 15watt with a 8" Bose and it sounds better than either...But it is not even stock. For personal or home bedroom Rocking,,
I like both.
I agree, Dave.
"Tuning up for your recording session at Daryl's place..." Love it! :-)
I'm glad someone caught on, Bert. Thanks :)
Glad you took the time to check them both out I'm kind of partial to the fenders it was cleaner on the dirty side Fuller as well so that is my choice thank you
I've got the most recent 15w 1x12" Stage Right combo amp from Monoprice that's a copy of the Laney Cub 12R. Monoprice is/started as an American-based company who sources their stuff from overseas. Based out of Cali. They're not like Wish or the other places as most people think they are.
For $219, it's absolutely INCREDIBLE! I'm glad they do the "box in a box" trick. It ensures that my amp is protected well and makes it to me unscathed.
Supposedly, Joe B likes to use the Celestion 70/80 speakers that are used in the 15w. That's the word around the internet. He likes stuff that's easy to source from anywhere. The 70/80 falls directly into that category.
Thanks for all the info, JC.
BONUS POINTS FOR "OLD BATS ON THE VIEW." You are my kinda dude!
So agree!
I so agree!
I know Chinese workers get paid more than a bowl of rice each day but....the purchasing department must be a really sharp group of buyers on parts to offer this including freight to get this to market for $99.00(plus the governors tax)!!
I have one of those and it sounds great! Changed the preamp tube for a JJ and it sounds great!!! Break in the speaker and it is good for even gigs! Mic of course!!!
Thanks, Ruben. I believe you.
Uncle Doug, you are Hilarious! Love your channel and all your guitar amp wisdom. Keep it going
Thanks, Scott. We will :)
Many moons of appreciation for Uncle Doug.
Thanks, Astro. We appreciate it :)
I just gained a deeper appreciation for the Champ amp. I wonder if Stage Right makes a Champ-style amp? Thanks Love your videos!!!
15w
Thanks for your nice comparision! This was a eye opening experience . I think the speaker makes the biggest difference for the silverface to sound better to my ears, but for 99$ plus a extra speaker that would do nicely. I actually have a couple of old P12Q Jensens (25w) in a Bell&Howell case to which that amp unit would fix nicely! Wonder if I get that in Europe!
A speaker cabinet containing two 12" Jensen Alnico speakers would make just about any amp, including the Stage Right, sound great :)
@@UncleDoug well as a matter of a fact: I have three, one solo and two inone cab!!!
@@JuusoHoo Sounds like a win....win to me, JH.
My uncle's name was Doug also. From my altec Lansing speakers the champ sounds fuller but for the cost it sounds good enough for practicing with.
I agree, Matthew. The Stage Right amp definitely has a valid purpose for those with limited funds
wow uncle Doug your playing is getting better! pulling some old Nugent and Zeppelin out of the trick bag
Ollie & Jack have been quite helpful in this regard :)
This was an unusually thorough and very competent review. Uncle Doug has a tongue-and-cheek, very funny sense of humor that makes the review's more dry electrical information much more palatable to those of us who don't have a clue what it all means- electronically. I'll be back for more.
Thanks so much for your positive review, WPG. You are always welcome :)
I'd love comparison where each amp was played through the same speaker. And I build amps myself, and there is no way in hell I could build a champ clone for $100 even using the cheapest parts. I'm thinking about getting one as a modding platform as I have some vintage Shoemacher output transformers I'd like to try out.
Amen, GR. The parts alone are worth more than $99.....especially the cabinet and speaker. It would be a great basis for modification.
Genius
Got mine for 20% off! With speaker out and 5or1W, I love it. Just right for my dorm room.
That's good to hear, JD. I hope you continue to enjoy it.
So this was almost 4 years ago and I think like a lot of commenters the 15 watt version would have made a better showing against the Champ, better yet the 50 watt combo. Not sure what to compare it to though, still grateful that you did the video, looking forward to more. New subscriber and big fan,
Don't you think an apples to apples comparison is more appropriate, Kent. Both the Champ and the SR are 5W, single-ended amps.
@@UncleDoug For some reason I thought the champ was a 15 watt. In that case I give the win to the Champ hands down, Much better tone for sure.
@@kentjackson3830 Thanks for your input, Kent.
I now have two of these Stage Right 5 watt amps and I paid $119 each. One in December 2021 and the second in January 2022. They sound good and I consider them to be the best value anywhere on our planet! - Peter age 71
Two days ago they ran a sale $110 for this amp. I wanted a third, however we have bills to pay so I passed. on that deal.
BTW when run through two Marshall 16 ohm 412 speaker cabs the tone and sound is glorious. Having a 8/16 ohm speaker output jack is great.
Thanks for the helpful input, PD.
If you like harsh brittle and nasty then the cheap Chinese amp wins. The champ is legendary for a reason. Steve.
Hands down, The Fender Champ all the way... Although, I'm probably biased (properly biased) as I've had a '67 blackfaced VibroChamp for 50 years, & a silverfaced Champ for 42 years... NOTHING is gonna replace Mr. Fender's little darling's... Great amps!
I picked one up these up recently and felt it benefitted a lot from replacing the 12ax7 with a 12at7 to add more clean head more and a bit more low end over all. It really shines through a 12" cab though.
Thanks for the helpful input, Mike.
I remember reading elsewhere that the 5W Stage Right is a clone of a 5W Laney Cub. Could that be the case?
Yes, several viewers have stated that it is.
I love your video and your personality. Thanks for this comparison.
Thanks so much, NCM. Glad you enjoyed it.
Uncle Doug please try some name brand tubes in the Stage Right the Chinese no name tubes sound micro-phonic to me. That's how Stage Right may have cheapened out the cost.
It's the same exact tubes that's in my 15 watt version and I assure you they're not microphonic you can tap on the tube with a pencil and there is no noise whatsoever. The amps from Monoprice actually sound a lot better in person versus over UA-cam with all the compression not to mention Uncle Doug is just recording with the camcorder microphone
You have bad hearing and can't hear the high frequency noise it's there on both models. The 15 watt has EL84 power tubes
@@jamesschroeder3313 do you own both amps? I do and there is nothing noisy about them granted maybe the one that Uncle Doug has has one bad tube but as a whole for Chinese tubes they actually work quite well I did not insult you no reason for you to say I have bad hearing good day sir
Yes I have the 15 watt model. Yes I'm referring to Doug's unit
A Tung Sol and JJ would do it wonders. Hell! You could even go on the cheap and toss some Sovtek/Ehx's in it and I'm sure it would be better. I threw some Sovteks in my Peavey Ranger combo, and it was a vast improvement over the shit Ruby's it came with. I'm betting those SR tubes are from the Ruby factory.
Cool comparison video. I own both stage right amps, the 5 watt and the 15 watt. I have replaced the speaker with a Jensen c8r and keep rolling different tubes in it but keep coming back to the jj ecc803s and electro harmonics 6v6gt or a nos rca black plate 6v6gt and tung-sol 12ax7. It's a pretty good little amp especially for $100. The 15 watt is a very good amp, I replaced the tubes with jj el84's and a sovtek 5751 in v1 and jj ecc83s for v2 and 3. The celestion 70/80 is a good all around speaker. I have been thinking about changing the el84's for something else like mullard or sovtek. Good job on the ZZ Top riff.
Thanks for all the info and nice comments, Stephen. I'll tell Ollie and Jack that you enjoyed their performance :)
I did replace the jj el84's with mullard and I am very happy with the Mullards. The jj's seem to be darker than the Mullards. I also have some 1959 sylvania long plate 12ax7 that I put in v2 and v3 and they sound fantastic. Just wanted to post an update. I also accidentally cracked the ecc803s and put a 1959 Raytheon long black plate 12ax7 in the 5 watt that sounds really good.
I just discovered the channel and I've thoroughly enjoyed going through the archive of your videos. Your dry sense of humor has elicited quite a few guffaws.... Subscribed and will keep an eye out for new videos...do work brother, excellent stuff!
Thanks so much, WST. Welcome to our channel. We look forward to hearing from you again.
Absolutely the Champ is much better sound 🤘
I have the Champion 600. Great little Blues amp. Yes probably Circuit board. Not point to point. Appreciate this video. Very well done. This little Stage right amp is ok on the inside Tone stack wise. The Cab is too small. That's where they messed up. I'm not impressed with the small cab. It sounds too thin. The Vintage Fender Champ sounds much better do to the bigger Cab. There is more bottom to the tone. I used to own a 73' Fender Champ. Great amp. the Champ in this video wins by comparison.
Thanks for your detailed and accurate analysis, Greg.
Great Review, I just bought the 15-Watt version and I'm totally tonally happy with it.. Messing around with different tubes though just for fun...
Thanks, Sherman. I'm glad to hear of your purchase and satisfaction.
Hey, Thank You for your videos.
Partly based on this one, I went for one of these, build date 9/21.
Inside it is not the same build at all.
It looks neat, clean and well done again, but the guts are half the size!
The NFL resistor is the size of a flea.
I had planned to add a switch, any way, not change it.
My black cat Lokie, liked it, he liked it more when it quit.
He prefers an acoustic 12 string.This unit's 6V6 fell apart. the tube separated at the base.
It didn't even have a beer spilled in there.
A venerable old Sylvania brought it back to life.
It seemed to be more like 3 watts than 5.
The 1 watt setting was just as powerful, but tighter.
The honey moon was over.
Next morning it hummed on start up and quit all together. Drat.
It is on it's way back, to the vender.
If it where the board in the unit you examined , I would try again.
Of note, using the external speaker jack by passes the internal speaker.
So, for me it is back to a BF Champ.
Ruffle you cat's feathers from time to time, they need it. Thanks Chris
Sorry to hear of your disappointment, Chris.
Gee, thanks Doug.
I figured this old thread was quiet.
The board in my two tranister radio in the '50s had a bigger board and components.
That is the news.
Really the resistors are so small it is hard to believe. The circle band codes are gone.
Almost as nice as a Highwatt inside.
The Champ is real enough, but it belongs home safe.
I miss my 62 Blond Tremolux , Bottom, and Tank. This Blond thing was way cool.
Love your content, including when the cats wail on guitars. Chris
@@christophergallagher531 Thanks for your comments, Chris.
I would be all about these things if they could just get the reliability down. It's easily the best dirt cheap version of a champ, but that's not much use if you can't put any play time on it
@@andrewgarcia3136 As far as I know, Andrew, the SR amps offer excellent reliability. Let's face it, there is not a lot to go wrong with them.
The amp does need some tweaking, but I've got a Hotone running into a Randall mini cab with an 8" blue Jensen, the total cost for me since the amp was a Christmas gift, is under $90. Very portable & the amp has an effects loop. Very versatile, simple, clean, and loud as you need at home, just use any effects you like to get an unbelievable sound. My main amp is a hand wired 40 watt boutique amp but I really enjoy the Hotone
Thanks for the info, GM :)
I haven't heard such dry humour in a long while. An enjoyable watch.
Glad you enjoyed it, FP. Thanks !!
I have to ask, did you purchase that Fender Champ new? It looks absolutely in pristine condition. Great video.
The purchase was covered in a video made several years ago, Mr. T. It was about 50 years old when we got it.
@@UncleDoug I will definitely check that video out Uncle D. Looks to me you acquired quite a gem.
Indeed, Mr. T. Every once in a while we get lucky ;)@@mr.techjedi1507
Good review. I have the 15 watt version and I replaced the speaker with a Tone Tubby Alnico Blue and upgraded the Reverb tank. Killer little practice amp that will hang with a drummer, bass and another guitarist. Very good quality, I've not had any problems with it yet. Only issue I have with it is it isn't a clean amp, not great with pedals but I don't care for what I use it for. I got mine for $179 shipped so you can't beat it. Blues Junior Killer
Thanks for your helpful input, Kevin
For all those with opinions I actually have this Monoprice amp and for the money it's a GREAT buy and sounds pretty damn good. Let's get people into tube amps and playing guitar. This is great for a newer player or for parents to buy their kids. It does sound good man, you can't knock it for $100.
I agree with you, YAC. It definitely serves a good purpose. Those who view it as lacking in tone or quality are overlooking the fact that no one is advocating it as a wonderful amplifier for experienced players. It is simply a good, affordable amp for beginners and those with limited funds.
Great video! Love your sense of humor. I’ve been looking at used Silverface Champs online for $499 when I saw this video. For a brief moment, I thought there might be a cheaper solution. Clearly, the Champ is still the King of the 5 watt space. Thanks for posting!
Don't sell the SR amp short, David. With a few fairly-inexpensive modifications, it can hold its own against the Champ.....or close to it. See some of the viewer-recommended modifications in this comment section
Uncle Doug, would you be willing to do a video on the modifications? I think this would something many people would be interested in.
My God Doug!! You crack me up!!!! Love youre reviews!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Tim :)
Nice demo. I should add that if kept stock you need to roll the tone back on the Monoprice. For whatever reason they are a bit shrill if you do not do so. A tube swap helps it drastically right off the bat. PM power tube and EHX preamp makes a difference. Then, if still not happy pop in a Warehouse Speaker..
Thanks for the tips, Ralph :)
I have the 15w 1x12 that I found on craigslist for $100.
It's the best deal I've ever found. -3 band EQ plus tone knob
-Actual spring reverb
-Same speaker out as the 5w in video
-IT HAS AN FX LOOP
-Sounds great
-EL84
-Laney Cub clone?
-15/1w but the 1w sounds more like 5w, which I'm fine with
My only complaint is the Celestion 70/80 speaker, but for what they sell for new that's actually not bad. I plan on putting in a V30.
I highly recommend the 15w version to anyone looking for a 15w amp. It's the only combo with an FX loop under 1k, and it sounds great.
I can't wait to retube and change the speaker.
Many viewers agree with you, Sean. In fact, I have not heard a single negative comment about the 15W version.
...yes, this was worth missing that high-brow entertainment. Thanks, Uncle Doug!
Good news, PC. Glad you enjoyed it :)
“Jaws of death holding with such ferocity... unscrew the bear trap” LOL
Late to the video party, but loved Jack in the box! He's a real smart kid..."Nope, not me in here...can't even see my tail anymore!" Ha ha. Wife and I have several rescue cats. They are our smart kids and they're all interested in guitars, amps and boxes too. Nice vid...I'm a subscriber now!
Gonna have to open my 72 Vibro Champ now to see how it compares.
Thanks for the very nice comments and for subscribing, Ted. Best wishes to all your furry pals.
no comprison, champ ten times better...
Thanks, Tony.
yep
Brake in the stage right speaker first or use external cab to be fair, I have this SR amp and it comes alive when hooked to a 112 cab, I have the 15W stage right also and I love it
Tim Russell but do you have a Champ ?
@@josephtomasello3112 I don't have a champ, my other amps are Marshall dsl40, line6 and crate acoustic amp
Thank you uncle Doug, I really enjoy watching your videos, very entertaining and educational.😉👍
You're welcome, Χωρίς. Glad you enjoyed it.
Another fun vid UD, thanks. Those guys are up to $160 in 2022 and $225 up here in Canada but still nice bang for buck. The fender did sound better but as said, speakers mean so much. I've run my little Epi Valve Junior thru my 4x10 Fender cab and it's obviously night and day vs the 8".
BTW, coulda listened to that low key surf jam up Crazy Cat Mtn all day, nice playing whoever that was.
Glad you enjoyed the video and the tune at the end, P3. That's yours truly making it up as it goes along :)
@@UncleDoug Very nice
Your cats are very cool. They have a guitar style much like mine. I have ordered the 15 watt version of this amp. Thanks for the videos!
You're welcome, Ray. Best of luck with your purchase.
An 8inch speaker can do well if it is in the correctly ported cab. I got a quite useful sound from a 50watt Yorkville bass cab that was about the same size. I'd did power it with an Orange GR0-50. Sounded absolutely killer for two gigs until the coil burned out.
Maybe a 100watt 8inch Celestion would help?
It's true that there are some high-quality 8" speakers that do sound great in proper enclosures, TRB......but, as you know, the cost is much greater than the price of this little amp, which sort of defeats the purpose.
@@UncleDoug yeah
This speaker 50watt bass amplifier cab combo only cost $50 brand new. I used for bass practice until the amp gave when I loaned it to a buddy. The cab was saved though.
I guess what I learned was it doesn't matter what Brand, if it sounds good and handles the power one intends.bit is goodm
Hey Jack, are you in the box? Where else can you get a 'Jack In The Box', those cats can play, old bats & Russian pole dancers all done to an amp review? Not just any amp, but one that’s gonna "Wow your girlfriend"? I don’t know about YOUR girlfriend, but that’s not going to elicit much but a, "plug that into the amp that cost $1500, you get what you pay for. Okay...I understand now". I know, and believe, that someone sent you the Stage Right because-as you hinted at-your amp is worth more...a LOT more. Very fair review and astounding that they can assemble, ship, and sell that for a retail price of $100! That you pay it forward to your loyal supporters is a classy move, Uncle Doug. This is the first one of your videos that I’ve seen, and, I see two thumbs up in front of me, (“I don’t know what to do with my arms!").👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks so much, BF. I hope you continue to enjoy the rest of our videos.
FWIW, the Champion 600 is fairly equal in construction and build quality (yes...PCB) but with fewer features (no Tone, spkr out, attenuation).
I worked on one that died before it ever left the store. The large filter cap looked like it had been run over by a forklift, picked up off the floor, and soldered in. Yes...electrolytic with a crushed shell and half the outer wrap missing.
For the money, I'd go with the SR and mod it.
That sounds like a reasonable plan, TZ :)
FYI the 70/80- is a "flat response' speaker ... for a pedal platform or amp sims... common in newer cabinets for obvious reasons... this amp needs a jenson 10... etc.
Thanks for your input, Sean.
Great video Uncle Doug. Been working on low cost guitars lately (Firefly Semi-Hollow and Harley Benton Dynamic-HSH), so now it's time for a great low cost amp. Everyone seems to love this Stage Right Amp. Time to open the wallet. Thanks.
You're welcome, Anthony. Let us know what you think of the SR amp after you get one.
@@UncleDoug What precautions do I need to be aware of with this tube amp? I've read they can still retain an electrical charge once it is off; you have to let them warm up and cool down gradually, etc. Is it this same for this little amp?
Unless you plan on doing some electrical work on the circuit, Anthony, you have no worries at all. I would only suggest that you protect it from harsh impact that might damage the internal components of the tubes.
The Stage Right sounds like a Pig Nose. Very 'boxey', shrill, terrible. The Champ sounds similar to a Princeton, maybe even a BlackFace Deluxe at low volume. I have played smaller venues with my Silver Face Champ (for the first set, only). Set everything on 10, and use the guitar volume knob. They are bulletproof, and sound like heaven with a delay pedal. This Stage Right is worth maybe $99.00. Sounded 1000% better with your 12" Alnico. The supposed 'British Made' Celestion sounds absolutely horrible. Think about it. A quality 8" Celestion made in GB is worth more than this entire mess of an amp. Stay with the vintage gear, guys.
Much of what you say makes good sense, Pete. Thanks for your input.
it seems the first amp has only a tone controle, while the Champ is a silverface model with a EQ wich attenuates a lot the signal before it hits the second triode of the 12AX7... this would provide preamp distortion that you hear.
that put, one should compare this little amp not with a black or silverface but with a tweed one like the 5f1 tweed champ, or even with princeton 5f2a.
and yet, some of these little amps do not have a NFB loop, wich would flatten the response creating a better bottom end as there is in the silverface champ.
.
btw,
that Fender 600 is a huge "lie", because if one pay attention to the circuit will notice that there is a blackface style EQ inside of it, but with fixed values (no EQ controls on the panel)!!! and also have negative feedback as well as the later model Champs!!!
so, that one is built to sound "60ish", tho it looks like an cute early 50s style amp.
Fender knew the tone would sell better.
Yes Ivon, they DO take pedals really well. Very underrated amps, IMO.
Awesome comparison and exploratory surgery! Can I suggest a better mic or better video/audio compression settings? I hear high frequency artifacts. Still, the SR's mids and highs seemed harsher than the FC and the former could have benefited from some EQ.
Thanks. We're working on optimizing our audio recording methods, S.
From 'Get Smart', "The old box in the box trick. Second time I fell for it this month".
It gets me every time, Fred :)
I’m an avid a mature guitarist. I have no idea what you’re talking about but I like your side comments.
I went for the Stage Right 15 amp based on the reviews. It seemed okay but some reviewers thought a tube change would help. I thought the amp wasn't in the Fender Blues Jr category at all, didn't even do a side by side. That being said I did do a side by side against my 74 Princeton Reverb. Wow what a shocker that was. It was a slaughter. The stage Right really needs help. I wasted $200.00 bucks. It's good enough for knockin around but not in Fender's class in my estimation. By the way I'm a Buck Owens {Don Rich} style guitarist so they can bury with a Fender amp. You could probably make that Stage Right sound good, you might want to put that on your bucket list. I enjoy your reviews.
Thanks for your comments, Mr. W.
Uncle Doug you are a hoot! I love your humorous comments, especially when you were describing the "White" covering of the Stage amp -- Priceless! LOL!!
Glad you enjoyed it, Joey.
Just for laughs and giggles, put in a vintage 12AX7 and 6V6 into the SR amp and see how it plays... I bet it will sound a little different, even with the stock speaker. There's just something about vintage tubes... Perhaps you could do the tube swap and do another video?
Thanks, E13. I'll keep your suggestion in mind.
I have one of the old Silverface Champs from the late 60s but it didn't come with a three-prong plug or a keyed plug (one wide and one narrow blade), which hadn't been invented or at least mainstreamed yet. I seem to remember stage performers sometimes getting shocked by their amps because, depending on the way the plug went, the chassis could be 'hot'.
That's unusual, John, because most SF Champs I have seen have 3-wire cords. If yours doesn't, then you need to install one.
speaker was also made in China, it's just the corporate headquarters that is in Ipswich England - also, how are you coming to the conclusion that these are "fairly good quality capacitors"? - these are the cheapest Chinese crap-caps there are - I am not sure how the cap quality could be worse? - unless there are some from India?
The cheap caps of today are fine quality, especially when compared to the designs used back in the 50s and 60s, which deteriorate far quicker than any poly cap. Country of origin doesn't matter. They can make items of terrible quality or amazing quality.
Capacitors honestly don't really matter a ton - decent film caps are cheap as chips and are often made in China. Honestly, nice to see film caps in general in such a cheap amp.
In general it's just the electrolytics you have to worry about in cheap gear. Cheap electrolytics (like Lelon) are bad news if you want the thing to last a few years. Film and ceramics seem to be made okay even at the lowest price point. Although some (most) ceramics are inappropriate for audio use.
@@misterhat5823 agreed. Cheap electrolytics are a reliability nightmare.
Ceramic caps are weird... They're about the only reasonably priced option for many values but they're microphonic.
Thank you for your eloquent, diplomatic viewpoint, Burrito Rustler. I tend to agree more with the other commenters, but do appreciate your input.
I just purchased one of these L'il Beats for $111 delivered to my door. Do you think that replacing the tubes with Mullard tubes would make any discernible difference in the tone? Thanks for your work and review.
Viewers have made all sorts of recommendations for improvement of the tone, Michael. My advice is to listen to the amp, determine if any issues exist (in your personal opinion) and then address them. You may be quite happy with the amp as-is.
Well for $99 the Stage Right sounds ok, but the Camps sound pretty darn good. I saw Joe Bonamasa playing a Champ in his motel room, with a 59" Les Paul - sounded amazing. So I had to get one... I paid $350 for it at a Guitar Center in Dallas, TX. It needed some work, so I fixed it up , and found an old blown out Fender 65' alnico speaker on eBay . I got it re-coned... so I have about $500 in it total, but its correct. Its one of my favorite amps.
I think most amps would sound good when played through by Joe Bonamassa with a '59 LP, Z22 :) It sounds like you really fixed up your Champ.
forget about the great review , love your sense of humor (just like mine!!) congratulations
Thanks, Sergio. Great minds think alike :)
Looks like The Hayden Petite Blonde control panel, similar white chicken head knobs the 1 watt 5 watt is a channel switcher Normal/Gain on the Hayden and the panel is on the back and slanted.The trouble with mine is that even at TWO watts it's TOO LOUD.
It could be, SF. Thanks for the input.
the monoprice has none of the mid/low mid muscle of the Fender. In a mix the little mono price would have a really tough time. I expected it to sound a little better. it seems as if it almost has no quality tonal character at all...just thin, harsh, and a bit ratty sounding. over the years i've owned several old tweed champs, blackface and vibro champ models. i always prefered the vibro champs because they sound bigger, more full spounding.....but when it comes tp 1x8" combos, I much prefer the late 50's and early 60's supro models. I was tempted to try one of these monoprice amps but this video hs changed my mind. Thanks for your effort.
Thanks for your input. I probably could have made the SR amp sound better with careful manipulation of the tone and volume controls.
I got one of these amps a couple of weeks ago. First, it sounds much better after you break it in with some 5 hours of playing. Second, they must have put a lower powered 12ax7 tube because mine has much more head room than yours. It's still plenty loud, and breaks up nicely when you turn it up. But if you add some delay, you can get a really nice sound. I like it with my P90 equipped Epiphone LP special. I think it works better with single coil pups. Tube amps may or may not sound any better than a decent SS, but the feel and responsiveness of the guitar changes. It's much better, more fun to play. Tube amps have a touch of natural compression which allows single notes to stand out more. I highly recommend the amp, especially if you are playing through a SS and want to see what a tube amp can do.
Thanks for your input, Tom. I agree that there is much more headroom with single coils.
I got a Blackstar 1 watt tube head with reverb... sounds great with headphones.
That's good, James.
Love that Champ ! The complexity, that fuzzy shimmer , WOW .
Thanks, Gary.
I would have to agree with the others that the Champ is the better sounding amp. People have mentioned that the small cab size of the Stage Right amp negatively affected the tone. Perhaps, if someone is handy, they could put the Stage Right components into a larger cabinet for a more fuller sound?
That would be an interesting experiment, Z.
Your video on this great amp is 1,000,000 x better than mine. Gotta spread the love for this amp!
Thanks, Martin. I think they are excellent amps, especially for the price.
"Jack in the box" another great video Doug
He's a scamp :) Thanks, Rick.
Rick Williamson I like that one, too. 👍🏼
I have a silver face vibrochamp and it’s my favorite amp ever
They're a fine amp indeed, Fenix.
I like the monoprice amp, but that Champ sounds tons better for me. I do wonder how the monoprice cleans up. I have the Gretsch version of the Champ 400, and enjoy it. I did swap the speaker and tubes. Not a bunch of clean, but some.
Apparently the MP, once the speaker breaks in and with a tube change, can sound much better.
I bought my son one of these and he really likes it .
I would have loved one when I was a kid. It's a great, economical way to start off.
Hey Uncle Doug hope you're keeping well. I quite liked the stage right until it got more distorted, but i think the main differentiator is the presence of the rudimentary tone stack in the champ pulling away some of those nasal mid frequencies with the preset mid resistor. Perhaps if someone wanted to appropriate that tone on the cheap the stage right with the right pedal eq in front would get a good shot at it? All the very best.
The tone of the SR amp could be easily improved with some better tubes and careful balance of the tone and volume controls on both the amp and guitar.
Thanks Uncle Doug. Great comparison and great amp for the price. The original champ wins the tone battle with a much fuller sound. Maybe because of the larger cabinet?
Lots of things contributed to the Champ's superior tone, JR.....tubes, speaker, components, transformers, and cabinet.
This SR amp would be great in a bigger cabinet with a 12" speaker and some JJ tubes. Toss an EQ and EP Booster in front of it and your favorite dirt pedal, and you'd be in tone heaven.
No doubt, NG......and it would not cost a great deal to do this.
You could build the cab yourself or buy one of those $75 Siesmic 1x12 cabinets from Amazon, find a used 12" speaker of your choosing, and the entire project might run you another $125.
I think you misread my comment, NG. I'm on your side.
It appears you are correct. I did misread your comment.
Love the tangerine in ur video
Thanks, NM.
Certainly has way more to offer than a hundred bucks is worth. No doubt it's sound is inferior in this comparison but 100 bucks???!!!! Great bargain positioned in the category it belongs! Great video!
Thanks, Robert :)
I like that the 4 corners have protectors
I think it's actually all 8 corners that have protectors, Pablo.....even better :)
Your Siverface champ is probably running the b+ over 400vdc. That and the bigger cab (Champ) British speaker (Monprice) explains the sound differences. I bet with better tubes and a Weber speaker the Monoprice would sound like a tweed champ running at spec B+. I own a 1957 Tweed Champ. If I run it at spec B+ 360Vdc it breaks up a lot.
Yes, the Champ does run with a relatively high PV and PD, Paul, as they came from the factory. The SR amp could easily be "tuned up" to sound a whole lot better.
Of course most of the time you get what you pay for, but to me the little amp was a little hollow and brasher and more in your face and the distortion was not as smooth. That said, I couldn't help but wonder if taking a bit of the treble off the little amp wouldn't smooth it out a bit. But for 99 bucks? Really? Would be a great little practice amp. By the way, I notice you are a cat lover. I adopted a cat from the wild near my Mt. cabin about 7 years ago and so fell in love with her I wrote her a song.
ua-cam.com/video/ipzVNypt1Ic/v-deo.html
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the little SR amp, Bird.....and for the video link. I loved the tune. It was beautifully done and nicely describes the discovery of a furry new pal. Merry Christmas to you and Bella :)
@@UncleDoug And Merry Christmas to you my friend!
I think the Vintage amp sounds better more Fuller hello Uncle Doug I'm enjoying your videos only make about ten bucks an hour can afford to do much but pay my bills and that barely with the help of my a relative like living with but I'd like to express thank you very much for your informative and educational videos you're a godsend just don't care if you're an atheist you're just a blessing so thanks again Dwight
Thanks so much, Dwight. All our best to you.
The price of a hand-wired amp that utilizes eyelet board construction jumps big time. The "Champ" will always be repairable.
Yes, it will, Wally.
Between the Wembley Stadium attenuation switch and the "Ankle Porn" I think I am sold!! lmao!! Nice video!
Sometimes I combine the two: flashing ankles at Wembley Stadium :)
Doug I had problems with my Monoprice Stage Right 15-watt amp. Tried replacing the preamp tubes but the problem persisted.
So when I crank it up I can hear not so 'Good Vibrations' thru the speakers or something else is vibrating.
I removed the back heat screen panel and played some bass notes and tried to locate the defect.
Turns out these amps have wire tube hold downs on all the tubes - 3 12ax7's and 2 EL34's.
The factory installed the hold downs with the metal wire in direct contact on the sides of the tubes.
When the right tones get going and the cab starts to vibrate the wire hold downs transfer their vibrations into the amps circuit.
So all i did was bend out the hold down connections at the tubes base so the hold downs do not contact the sides of the tubes.
Problem resolved no more not so 'Good Vibrations'
Excellent detective work and repair, James. Thanks for sharing this with us.
@@UncleDoug Dude has a demo of the amp.
He's using humbuckers; you should hear it with a single coil old school Tele style guitar.
ua-cam.com/video/6sokYbprJ7c/v-deo.html
@@UncleDoug Also this dude replaces tubes in this video.
You ac clearing see the hold downs up against the tubes.
ua-cam.com/video/CEylCAlxnfY/v-deo.html
The Stega Right sounds quite boxy and mid-heavy compared to the Champ. I wonder how much of that is down to the cabinet though?
Those little Celestions can sound good if in a decent enclosure with enough baffle area.
Agreed, Gerry.
I agree with the guys below Doug. Compared with the Fender, the Stage Right sounds like a table-radio.
Thanks for your input, Dwight :)
where is that drone flying? El Paso, Tx. or possibly Arizona? I doesn't quite look like the desert in Arizona where i live near Phoenix although terrain looks similar to El Paso area
You have a good eye, Ben. My drone videos were made in the El Paso/Southern NM area.
Ali vs Urkel. The silver face is fantastic. The Stage Right sounds better with an external speaker but the Silverface sounds iconic.
Clever comparison, John :) Thanks !!
What year was it, Uncle D? Nothing really definitive on the whorl wide web as to when they started using them
When they started using what, Robert ??
I would have like to hear you play with the tone and volume control to see the difference they make. But thank you for the great and humorous video.
You're welcome, Ronald. I should have experimented with the controls, as you suggest.
A very good reviews uncle Doug I got a two questions, What does mean 8-16 ohms, drives both impedance speakers? it could be able to fit an 10 inch speaker instead 8" thanks a lot for your kindness answer greetings
Thanks, Hugo. Yes, apparently the output transformer has a winding for both 8 and 16 ohm speakers. I'm not sure if a 10" speaker would fit in the cabinet.
@@UncleDoug appreciate your kindness Doug you great man a treasure thanks a lot
@@hugomejia593 Thanks so much, Hugo :)
Sadly the little Chinese amp is so far below that Fender Champ in tonality that there is very good justification for the prices of both items. I wonder what decent valves in addition to a decent speaker can do for our little Chinese friend? I had those Chinese valves turn up in Marshall and Vox amps - and they can wipe the shine off anything with their harsh and brittle sound. I have at least 19 ECC83s that I obtained like that and wouldn't wish any of them upon anyone. JJs are the current production valves that I use... But I also have my sneaky stash! And as I'm in the UK... That stash consists mainly of Mullards. Oh yeah!
I think the addition of better tubes and some time for the speaker to break in would really help the tone of the SR amp, H.
Sounds like a good bang for your buck to get started to see if the interest hold's but you do work your way up for better sound!!!...I started off with a transistor something or other about that size Then a Fender Champ XD to a Marshall JMD:1 50w and just lately got a Fender Hot Rod De-Ville IV 60 watt with 2 Celestion speakers!!! What a sound this puppy has....now if I could only play???? Still have them all thou....love to play and collect!!! Off topic I guess but got a kick out of the comparison!!! :)
Not off topic at all, Roger. Thanks for your input.