For anyone curious, the volume on my amp was on 8, the treble was on zero and the bass was on 10. It's a really bright amp, so I rolled the highs off. I explained all of that on camera and then played some guitar with the treble on 10, but I edited it out of the final. This thing is long enough as it is. UA-cam's compression did a number on the guitar parts and left a bit of distortion here and there. None of that existed on the uploaded video. Live and learn, I guess. Either way, thanks for watching and sharing this with your friends! : )
My amp tech told me the age of mine. I believe there's a serial number on the transformer and it's also sometimes stamped near the power tube socket. If you Google it, there are a few articles about it. I went down the rabbit hole a few years ago, so I'm a bit fuzzy on the details off the top of my head. : )
@@userer4579That's beautiful, Ramas! I've decided I want to get four of them and daisy chain them together like George Harrison did at Concert for Bangladesh. : )
@@otisgibbs My first amp, right there. Bought it brand spanking new in '72 at the old music shop down the street from school. Mom gave me the money, if I worked and paid her back. I did after working a year at an old store in the same neighborhood. Thanks for the memories, brother. :)
I clicked on the video to hear the sound of a champ. What a sweet-sounding small amp. OMG I can totally hear the early Keith tone in that. Thanks for sharing.
Clicked on this video to hear the Champ, but I was really touched by your comments on David's passing (and your comments about his being on stage versus being surrounded by family, etc.). Well said, Mr. Gibbs. I've really been enjoying some of your more recent "interview" content too.
I've heard that people say that the first guitar/amp tone you fall in love with is the one you are always chasing. I find that to be true. I had a' 71 champ in 1987 its natural overdrive is what I've been chasing every since. Love the Champs. There about $1000 now.
Great story teller. About 20 years ago I drove by a yard sale in Seattle and stopped for a guitar on display. It was an unusual hohner semi-solid body electric classical for $75 - “oh and it comes with this little fender amp”. The little fender was a ‘65 black face Champ. Pristine condition. Didn’t really know the value but suspected any tube fender was worth having. My son treasures it now.
1:11 that is the truth. I got a 1969 silver face for $50 in 1982, along with an old MXR overdrive pedal. I hadn't powered the it up for a few years, but one day I pulled it off the shelf in the garage and plugged in a Strat. Magic! I'd been playing regularly through either solid state amps or emulators for a few years but these things are the real deal, the sound is unique, not a Princeton, Not a Deluxe Reverb, but it is its own thing and nothing else does it like this, and certainly the emulators, not even the really good ones come close. 8:10 I had a drummer who really knew how to play the room. He knew how to play with an amp like this. Thanks for the cool history lesson, loved listening, fun and informative.
Thank you for posting this, I was looking into Fender Champs and found this video but now I will check out David’s music. Otis I must say you are a soulful righteous fellow, David was fortunate to have you as a friend.
These little guys had soared in value…when you said 200 I thought I’d buy 10 at that lol…..I just bought a 1969 Champ Amp for 475 usd…which is a steal now….they seem to go for 1000 +….times they are a changin…..great video…
Thank you Otis. Such a touching story. My favourite amp is my 1969 drip edge Vibro Champ. My wife insists that I should never part with it. I’ve played gigs with a drummer using it too. I rigged it up to accommodate an extension cab. The only pedal that I ever use with it is a Boss DM-3. Thanks again, and hope to see you playing in England later this year.
My favorite amp is my 68 drip edge vibro champ too. I’ve had everything big and small expensive to cheap over 40 years. And that little amp is by far the most mojo in a box I’ve ever owned. You can do anything you want with that if you want it bad enough.
Okay mr. Gibbs a month ago I never heard of you but I was scrolling through UA-cam and I said that guy looks a lot like Steve Earle so I checked out one of your videos and I love your storytelling and I love the way you play that guitar very cool. Please keep the stories and playing coming. See you on down the road.
Otis, this video of yours from two years ago inspired an experiment out here at my old place in Reno. I have a 10 year old 15 watt Super Champ X2 that I haven’t played very much. It’s got 2 channels - one clean and the other is loaded with effects and amp modeling, etc. Well, the clean channel I guess is voiced like the old blackfaces and has just a single volume control. I never pushed that channel to breakup until today! Man what a tone! The tubes warm up and it just sounds great! It’s the best thing about this amp. I threw a reverb pedal in front of it and wow - a completely new yet old palette of sounds! So thank you! An amp that was gathering dust is about to get a workout tonight!
Thanks Otis - not a guitar player but a big fan of David (and Sergio) My wife & I host house concerts in Rochester NY and hosted David & Sergio a couple of times. David stayed with us the last time he played in Rochester at a local club. We were ale to go to the tribute show in Nashville. Miss him greatly.
Thanks, Rick. I was just talking to Sergio a couple of days ago about that memorial show. I had planned to drive down from Indianapolis, but life threw a wrench in my plans. 2020 laughs at all of our plans. Sergio's stories about the memorial were beautiful and touching, so I'm glad y'all were able to make it. Maybe I'll get to come visit y'all sometime when this whole mess is past us. : )
Hi Otis. Great segment. I have 2 of these BUT did something cool with one of them (also a '71). The chassis fits a Musicmaster Bass Amp perfectly. I was able to then install a Jupiter (WGS) 12" 4 ohm speaker into the cabinet. Have freakin' mercy! This is the ticket. I have many Fender vintage amps including 2 1954 Wide Panel (5D3) Deluxes, but keep coming back to the MM/Champ. It sounds and feels like a Champ with 15-20 watts. The Jupiter Speaker was an excellent choice for this. I am no longer active in a group setting (70 years old), but would not have hesitated to bring this thing out for every venue from Strip Malls to Festivals. It sounds that good, Otis. Again, great segment. I agree with all of your comments.
I have had '67 blackface for about 30 years. It is a fantastic amp. I have recapped it, replaced the tubes and re-biased and cleaned all of the pots. I recently changed the speaker to a Warehouse G8C. This amp has never sounded better. Sweet break up just past 5. These amps are gems.
What I love about your 'gear reviews' is that gear is secondary to the stories surrounding it. At the end of the day, it's people and their contribution to the world that's most important, and you clearly get that.
You made me get my Vibro Champ out of the closet. I heard that Jesse Ed Davis liked to record with a Champ. Cheers from the Micronesia Blues Society on the island of Guam.
I have a few friends in Nashville who do a ton of road work and they love those Blues Jr's. These cats are really great guitar players who know their stuff and they say it's a great working class amp.
My favourite you tube channel - love David Olney - women across the river is one of those pieces of perfection that will stop any songwriter in their tracks
I have a 67 Drip Edge Twin. Sounds so good. I saw you were in Corydon Indiana yesterday Otis. That's under 10 miles from me. Love your channel. And your Champ sounds great
Hi Oits Im looking at the champ and looking for some demos and BOOM there you were lol. Thanks as always my friend. I absolutly Love the channel . Always here when I need ya. Thanks for that
Smooth, like a glass of ice tea on a Texas summer day. Thanks friend. Hope all is well and to see you in Houston one of these days. Thanks for the story and keep them coming. - Brent
I always liked the champ but never owned one. I had a princeton that I loved in the 70s I have a 1974 deluxe silverface in excellent shape that is fantastic. but my favorite amp out of collection is a 5e3 fender deluxe that I built from a Weber kit. It is simple like the champ and touch sensitive like the champ. It is my number one go to amp. by the way Weber speakers are awesome.
Just caught this video. Otis I have a Blues Deluxe Reissue and I immediately made changes. Replaced some of the electronics, tubes and then called Weber speakers. They asked me about the amp and what I played. Came back on the phone and said Vintage Ceramic and I bought it. This is a completely different amp. Responsive, not as loud so you can turn it up to 6-8 for breakup and the drive channel is fantastic. Love your channel and love your stories.
I have a warm spot in my heart for Silver face Champs too and Bassman heads, Bandmasters etc.... I've had a bunch on my bench and when they left they sounded o so sweet !!! Being a fellow Hoosier and Weber speaker nut, I can tell you you cant go wrong with either. Thanks for the stories.
I have a 1971 champ as well. It's a great amp. I put a Celestion speaker in it . I like to plug my p90 melody maker straight in, crank everything on the amp , then use the controls on the guitar to get about everything you would want
I was looking for the date of my Champ and found you. I also have a 1970 Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop stock! Couldn’t believe you have both! Sounds great!!!
Hey Otis, love the Champ! You remind me of a good friend of mine from Mississippi. Thanks for the demo, I have one on my radar and I might go pick it up tomorrow.
Thanks for the kind words! I think these old champs are great and one of the last great deals for old tube amps. Also, a Weber alnico speaker will definitely make it come alive!
Great video and story about your Champ. The Silver Face Champ just hit my radar and I'm hoping to get one. I'm trying to get as much info (and demos) as I can find on YT. Yours sounds great. Other than getting them serviced, a speaker upgrade (usually to a Webber) is a good idea.
Man, I hate to hear that David passed away. My dad and I saw him at the Railroad Blues in Alpine, Texas about 10 years ago and we became instant fans. He seemed like a great guy.
Sounds good, Otis! Yeah I let out a huge groan when I read about how David died, he even apologized for stopping mid-song. People thought he was snoozing! The one song of his that stands out is Jerusalem Tomorrow.
Really good, thank you Otis. I got to know David after he played a series my wife and I had in Fort Worth for about 10 years. David played for us often. Treasure(d) our friendship, he was one of the best. I also love your podcasts.
Thanks for the kind words, John and thanks for hosting those gigs. Ten years is a long run. If you're still hosting shows when all of this craziness subsides, I'd love to come visit y'all sometime.
@@otisgibbs I wish we were, but alas.... The venue that worked so well for us changed hands, from one that welcomed us and our shows, to one that appeared to resent both us and the shows. Hard to figure out. We had to shut down in 2008. Actually had about a 12-3 year run, 8-+ shows in toto. We were very fortunate.
I have a Weber and nos American 50's preamp and poweramp tubes in my champ and love it! I use a J. Rockett Squeegee compressor, a J. Rockett Immortal echo set for a slap back delay, a Boss Tremolo that I modified, and if I want to dirty it up a tad, I use an ancient Full tone Full drive 2, with the drive set at 9:00. Hardly enough just to have a little grit if I dig in with my pick/fingers
Hi Otis, I just discovered you and love your music and stories and guitars, amps, etc. I will now glorify your wonders throughout New Zealand and hope that one day you can come and do some gigs here!! Perhaps you already have? I have seen Steve and Justin here a few times. I know Tony Joe White used to come here and have a great time fishing after his gigs if you're into that.
Thank ya kindly, Ricky. I would absolutely love to come play some gigs in New Zealand. Hopefully that'll happen sometime in the not so distant future. : )
Thanks for sharing the Silver Champ story. I've been strumming acoustics for a few years and never had much interest solid body guitars & amps. Watched your last "Fender" video and it brought back memories of my favourite cousin Chris who had a blond Telecaster back when I was a pre-teen (very early 1970's) - I thought he and his guitar were so amazing & he looked so cool. (Thinking back he played the intro the Smoke on the Water mostly... LoL). Anyways - I'm rambling - thanks for bringing back a memory of Chris & his Telecaster - cheers !
Thanks, James! I've been known to turn the car radio up when Smoke On The Water comes on. I hope Chris is still playing that riff wherever he is these days. ; )
Love it. I saw David solo in Winnipeg around 2001. Had never heard him or of him before that night. I was well in to my cups arriving at the show and he literally blew my blown mind back to sober. No exaggeration. Incredible performer with AMAZING songs. If It Wasn’t for the Wind, Jerusalem Tomorrow, God Shaped Hole, Deeper Well, Millionaire etc etc etc. He was a complete craftsman. I went for the CD and autograph after the show and then he let my drunken ass carry his guitar to the taxi for him. I asked him “Can I carry your guitar for you? I don’t think you should be hauling your own gear sir” He said “Alright” asked my name, we chatted a little and then away he and his wife went off into that good night..
I grew up poor living in Hendersonville tn through 1970 to 80 .My father for Christmas bought me a new 1977 fender vibrio champ I had the best amp in the neighborhood. I played it with a 1963 hagstrum III . I wish I till had both of them today....
Bought mine cbs 1981 still have original valves changed the valves to jj last year and Jensen alnico original was damaged from new. Oh boy sound just went up I’m 62 still got it ❤
Thanks for giving us your musicians insight on David’s passing, I’m not a musician but I do agree that it would be much better to be surrounded by family and friends when I pass.... thanks for playing that great amp and guitar for us, love your style!!!
Thanks for the kind words, Todd. That wasn't the easiest thing to talk about, but it had been on my mind for a while. I'm glad I could get it off my chest without sounding like an asshole.
Otis, this channel is so rad! Man I have a mint 74 Silverface Champ I traded a $400 Tele for and it’s incredible. I had JJ’s put in it and Jupiter Speaker and I’m like you just plug straight in and let it rip! I believe Joe Bonamassa loves these amps as well. I do hear a rattle in mine at time when there is a lot of low end going on but none the less I love it!
Great video, man. Back in the early 70's, my 7th grade band mate had a Champ that we cut in half to make a "head" out of it -- because "heads" and big cabinets were cooler than tiny combo amps lol! Plugged it into a home made cabinet intended for 2-12's, but only had the original 8" speaker installed in it. Went to garage sale maybe 12 years ago, bought a nice Samick SG-450 for $100, went directly to the local Guitar Center to trade it on something I'd rather have, and there was a '69 drip edge Champ-Amp sitting there in all original condition. They took the guitar and $75 for it. Pretty good deal like you.
your great OTIS I love your channel and this story is really wonderful I'm gonna check out mr olney's music he sounded like a great guy as well I have a 65 fender vibro champ and yes these amps are perfect such great tones and so versatile and you remind me of my first and only guitar teach who also was a great guy
Man , I wish I would have known about you years ago. I think so much along your lines and can really relate. Great stories and so much knowledge. Going through a tough solitary time and thinking of Indianapolis and Indiana as a place to find a home because of you. I know this is an old UA-cam whatever you call it but if you get this, just want to let you know that you are really affecting people in the right way. Way to go. Like Robert Henri said, I’m butchering it but something like, “ you pass people on the street, some are for you and some are not, or you can pick up a book and in the first paragraph know that you have met a friend, even if long ago dead.”
That's the best way to play a Les Paul through a champ plug it straight in and turn it up let the tubes create your Overdrive... you put a pedal in front of it it actually takes away from the natural sound of the Les Paul and the champ mixed together in my opinion but I've owned over eight or nine Champs my favorite was a 1965 vibro champ that I got for $500 2002 when I brought I'd been wanting one for so long and I never had enough money on the ride home from Music Go Round Here in a Louisville Kentucky I literally had tears in my eyes for some reason something just came over me I've never really told anyone that I don't know what it was but that was a very special amp and I've never heard another sound the way that one sounded so they are magical instruments just like the Les Paul and the paf pure mystical Magic in my opinion
Thanks Otis. I looked up to see which Ronstadt song that David Olney wrote, and it's "Women Cross the River". Her version is really pretty! Great song, great stories! And "1917" too?? Wow that one is WILD. I prefer Emmylou's voice with some age on it. Also I love your tone with the little Champ. Have a good week.
Hey Otis... that amp does sound good, although I must admit I’m an acoustic guitar fan myself.... I got to know about David Olney after he passed, and just got absolutely blown away by his music. Watched all of his you tube videos from his “You’ll never Know” series, and I can’t say I have a favorite song.... I love his “The Stone” CD. I now have about 8 of his CDs, and love watching his live gigs on you tube with your friend Sergio Webb. Anyway, stay healthy man, love to you and yours ❤️
Sergio is one of my favorite people. I highly recommend you looking up some of his records. He co-wrote some of that stuff with Olney and he plays the hell out of that guitar, George!
@@otisgibbs okay man I’ll check him out... I loved his guitar playing and mandolin playing with David Olney... stay safe man, and keep the videos coming 👍🏻👍🏻
Great Brown Sugar tone Otis. Jimmy Johnson has a great story of the recording of that during the December ‘69 Muscle Shoals sessions. It’s somewhere here on the ‘tube, but Keith was playing a Fender Twin of some kind, turned up to 10, and it was breaking up the board, so Jimmy had to put some kind of limiter in the chain, rather than tell Keith to turn it down. 🤣
great video keep up the good work you doing great with these vids. beautiful Les Paul , guessing it's a 70's Deluxe with mini humbuckers, if you mentioned in video sorry I missed it, Peace !
Such a good story, sir! I'm on my way to check out David Olney's music. I have a friend holding a mid 70's champ he wants me to have, with a pretty good history behind it as well. I can't wait to get my hands on it!
I'm looking at an early 70s SF Champ in immaculate condition - but it's 900 bucks. We don't get cheap vintage gear in Australia but damn if it's gonna sound even 25% as good as yours I'm spending the dough! Dead-set legend, you are. Wonderful tone, playing, and conversational style. Subbed. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of the Champ :) Mr. Olney sounds like a very fine and decent human being. Gonna check out his music, thank you. I do have a cheap, MIC Champ clone (vintage specs, tube rectified, decent Celestion 8" speaker) I use a Maxon TB-09 tube boost, an Australian made germanium Fuzz called a "Neo Fuzz" made here in Sydney, and an MXR Carbon Copy Bright for some Slapback and even a little modulation (the CC Bright has a nice, subtle mod switch). I just got a Vox AC15 and the Champ with the Vox sound amazing together! However, the clone has a sub-par cabinet. It doesn't resonate like the old Fenders. It's a little too small and tends to "choke" the highs. Can't imagine how good that 70s Silverface might sound..have to wait until Monday! It's still there, I checked the window on my way home from work. They open 9.30 Monday am and I'll be waiting at the door with my 335 to test the 70s SF, and a Blackstar amp I don't use for a trade-in if the SF Fender turns out to be a winner. Wish me luck,all. Cheers!
Hello Otis, nice to see your video and hear you talk about David Olney. Ive seen you both live at the same place but not the same time. Immanuelkyrkan in Halmstad/Sweden. It was a Great show and im a huge fan of your music since then. I have many original songs on my channel, feel free to check them out. Best wishes/PH.
I really liked your video. Nice combo of playing and story. I have a 57 Custom Champ (new) and 1975 Silverface Champ. I jump the inputs and play them together. The tweed has more low mids and bass (which is really surprising given its size) and the silverface has more highs, but together they sound amazing. This is for playing at home.
My ears perked up when you mentioned Townes Lol ! I often wonder if he ever picked up an electric his finger picking was so proficient I can't picture him playing an electric instrument
I had a 1950 ES-150 for a while which was basically the 125 but with a 17” body and LP style inlays. The guitar is gone now but that P90 is still the best guitar pickup I’ve ever played.
Those r a fortune “Down Under” (tyranny of distance). Being a jazzer, I play Lawsuit 355 & Kalamazoo Howard Roberts thru a Fender FM-25R for spanking clean sounds. A mate of mine has a Fender SuperChamp I envy .. the old ones .. no bloody digital modelling .. but I’d like 2 havva a little silver-face like urs. Upd8; bought a 77 Silverface+WarehouseVintage spkr 15-odd mths ago. It was US made 4 the Oz mkt & supposedly serviced. Had certainly been modified but have since had it very expertly checked thru, the correct tubes restored & thoroughly serviced. Noise floor seems lower, more responsive & well .. "dynamic?". Doesn't sound mushy or boxy like the little tweeds .. yeah i really love the feel & sound of my 77 Silverface, my dream small studio tube amp! Only effect pedal? Might occasionally plug in my Mr Black mini-reverb 4 justa touch of ambience .. a little. Btw; I love ur story around David's/ur Champ. I usedta teach some gtr upta when Mom+Pop passed .. my lessons were hit-n-miss but my students loved my stories .. yeah so, feel the love man!
I love champs for small gigs and practices, they're great for church gigs especially because the sound people usually want me to be amplified though the PA, but I explain the champ is quieter than an acoustic guitar and that usually pleases them. Great amp!
Hey Otis Great Video My Old Amp Is A Fender Bronco My Little Brother Got Me At A Flea Market It Needed A Tube And A New Power Cord It Is A Rough Looking Amp For A 1975 Model But Sounds Really Good On 10 With A Mic On It Iam 69 Years Old An Thankful He Thought Of Me To Buy It For $ 20.00
Just recently have seen your channel and subbed, good stuff! I had a 50,s tweed champ and a 75 silverface. Currently have 2 super champ xd,s that I really like one with a 10 and one with a 12.
I have on ...and nice Film! My History is that i buy two new vibro champ and he two dont do what i need...and then i go on a website from a german pickup guru and he have on from 1976. That is my Story. And on question for you. WHat is the name of the speaker factory in Indiana? Thank you and a lot of fun.
I enjoyed this video, Otis. I will offer a a bit of a different perspective on David's death. One of my parents had dementia and died in nursing home. My mom died in hospital during pandemic (though not from SARS Co-V-2) and could have no family with her. And I've spent some time as a hospice volunteer, too. Very few people get to pick the death they would choose, the "good death". So, as a person who makes a little homemade music myself, I'd rather die how Dave Olney did than how either of my folks went. Sending all good wishes and thanks for the videos!
For anyone curious, the volume on my amp was on 8, the treble was on zero and the bass was on 10. It's a really bright amp, so I rolled the highs off. I explained all of that on camera and then played some guitar with the treble on 10, but I edited it out of the final. This thing is long enough as it is. UA-cam's compression did a number on the guitar parts and left a bit of distortion here and there. None of that existed on the uploaded video. Live and learn, I guess. Either way, thanks for watching and sharing this with your friends! : )
How can you tell the age of a Fender Silverface Champ? Is there a serial number chart somewhere?
My amp tech told me the age of mine. I believe there's a serial number on the transformer and it's also sometimes stamped near the power tube socket. If you Google it, there are a few articles about it. I went down the rabbit hole a few years ago, so I'm a bit fuzzy on the details off the top of my head. : )
Cool. I've got a '70 or '71 Fender Champ. Great amp. Mine had an aftermarket speaker installed when I bought it. Still sounds great.
@@userer4579That's beautiful, Ramas! I've decided I want to get four of them and daisy chain them together like George Harrison did at Concert for Bangladesh. : )
@@otisgibbs My first amp, right there. Bought it brand spanking new in '72 at the old music shop down the street from school. Mom gave me the money, if I worked and paid her back. I did after working a year at an old store in the same neighborhood. Thanks for the memories, brother. :)
I just purchased a 71 Champ. This video is fantastic.
I clicked on the video to hear the sound of a champ. What a sweet-sounding small amp. OMG I can totally hear the early Keith tone in that. Thanks for sharing.
Clicked on this video to hear the Champ, but I was really touched by your comments on David's passing (and your comments about his being on stage versus being surrounded by family, etc.). Well said, Mr. Gibbs. I've really been enjoying some of your more recent "interview" content too.
I've heard that people say that the first guitar/amp tone you fall in love with is the one you are always chasing. I find that to be true. I had a' 71 champ in 1987 its natural overdrive is what I've been chasing every since. Love the Champs. There about $1000 now.
A Champ demo and some personal stories and life lessons thrown in, from a guy that clearly has a warm heart. Best amp demo ever.
Thank ya kindly! : )
Great story teller. About 20 years ago I drove by a yard sale in Seattle and stopped for a guitar on display. It was an unusual hohner semi-solid body electric classical for $75 - “oh and it comes with this little fender amp”. The little fender was a ‘65 black face Champ. Pristine condition. Didn’t really know the value but suspected any tube fender was worth having. My son treasures it now.
1:11 that is the truth. I got a 1969 silver face for $50 in 1982, along with an old MXR overdrive pedal. I hadn't powered the it up for a few years, but one day I pulled it off the shelf in the garage and plugged in a Strat. Magic! I'd been playing regularly through either solid state amps or emulators for a few years but these things are the real deal, the sound is unique, not a Princeton, Not a Deluxe Reverb, but it is its own thing and nothing else does it like this, and certainly the emulators, not even the really good ones come close.
8:10 I had a drummer who really knew how to play the room. He knew how to play with an amp like this.
Thanks for the cool history lesson, loved listening, fun and informative.
Thank you for posting this, I was looking into Fender Champs and found this video but now I will check out David’s music. Otis I must say you are a soulful righteous fellow, David was fortunate to have you as a friend.
Can't like this twice and I'm mad as hell about it!
These little guys had soared in value…when you said 200 I thought I’d buy 10 at that lol…..I just bought a 1969 Champ Amp for 475 usd…which is a steal now….they seem to go for 1000 +….times they are a changin…..great video…
Thank you Otis. Such a touching story.
My favourite amp is my 1969 drip edge Vibro Champ. My wife insists that I should never part with it. I’ve played gigs with a drummer using it too. I rigged it up to accommodate an extension cab. The only pedal that I ever use with it is a Boss DM-3.
Thanks again, and hope to see you playing in England later this year.
My favorite amp is my 68 drip edge vibro champ too. I’ve had everything big and small expensive to cheap over 40 years. And that little amp is by far the most mojo in a box I’ve ever owned. You can do anything you want with that if you want it bad enough.
This is a great little video. Thanks for this.
Okay mr. Gibbs a month ago I never heard of you but I was scrolling through UA-cam and I said that guy looks a lot like Steve Earle so I checked out one of your videos and I love your storytelling and I love the way you play that guitar very cool. Please keep the stories and playing coming. See you on down the road.
I'll do my best, Marty! Much love to ya. : )
Otis, this video of yours from two years ago inspired an experiment out here at my old place in Reno.
I have a 10 year old 15 watt Super Champ X2 that I haven’t played very much. It’s got 2 channels - one clean and the other is loaded with effects and amp modeling, etc. Well, the clean channel I guess is voiced like the old blackfaces and has just a single volume control.
I never pushed that channel to breakup until today! Man what a tone! The tubes warm up and it just sounds great! It’s the best thing about this amp. I threw a reverb pedal in front of it and wow - a completely new yet old palette of sounds!
So thank you! An amp that was gathering dust is about to get a workout tonight!
Thanks Otis - not a guitar player but a big fan of David (and Sergio) My wife & I host house concerts in Rochester NY and hosted David & Sergio a couple of times. David stayed with us the last time he played in Rochester at a local club. We were ale to go to the tribute show in Nashville. Miss him greatly.
Thanks, Rick. I was just talking to Sergio a couple of days ago about that memorial show. I had planned to drive down from Indianapolis, but life threw a wrench in my plans. 2020 laughs at all of our plans. Sergio's stories about the memorial were beautiful and touching, so I'm glad y'all were able to make it. Maybe I'll get to come visit y'all sometime when this whole mess is past us. : )
Hi Otis. Great segment. I have 2 of these BUT did something cool with one of them (also a '71). The chassis fits a Musicmaster Bass Amp perfectly. I was able to then install a Jupiter (WGS) 12" 4 ohm speaker into the cabinet. Have freakin' mercy! This is the ticket. I have many Fender vintage amps including 2 1954 Wide Panel (5D3) Deluxes, but keep coming back to the MM/Champ. It sounds and feels like a Champ with 15-20 watts. The Jupiter Speaker was
an excellent choice for this. I am no longer active in a group setting (70 years old), but would not have hesitated to bring this thing out for every venue from Strip Malls to Festivals. It sounds that good, Otis. Again, great segment. I agree with all of your comments.
Shoot Otis, I remember that amp. Hell yeah! Townes gigged with that amp a few times.
Thank you, Buzz!
I’ve always loved this ’65 black face champ I have. It’s hard like you said to really hear it on gigs but I love to just play it. Thanks for video
Oh man, I'll bet that thing sounds great! : )
Otis Gibbs if you ever get to portland come on by and you can sit down in the studio and play it all you want. Doors always open
Haha! Sounds like a pretty good afternoon? : )
Otis Gibbs indeed. 😎🎸
Aww man.. I hadn’t heard about his passing. “If my eyes were blind” and “Jerusalem Tomorrow” were my favorite Olney songs.
I have had '67 blackface for about 30 years. It is a fantastic amp. I have recapped it, replaced the tubes and re-biased and cleaned all of the pots. I recently changed the speaker to a Warehouse G8C. This amp has never sounded better. Sweet break up just past 5. These amps are gems.
What I love about your 'gear reviews' is that gear is secondary to the stories surrounding it. At the end of the day, it's people and their contribution to the world that's most important, and you clearly get that.
Thanks for picking up on that, Brad. That's definitely the vibe I'm hoping to throw out into the world!
You made me get my Vibro Champ out of the closet.
I heard that Jesse Ed Davis liked to record with a Champ.
Cheers from the Micronesia Blues Society on the island of Guam.
Those little Fenders sound amazing! Lately, I started using a tweed blues Jr, and love it.
I have a few friends in Nashville who do a ton of road work and they love those Blues Jr's. These cats are really great guitar players who know their stuff and they say it's a great working class amp.
Good story 👍
Great people involved.
Weber speakers 👍👍
The champ and your playing sound awesome!
My favourite you tube channel - love David Olney - women across the river is one of those pieces of perfection that will stop any songwriter in their tracks
Thanks, Wayne! David was a great one for sure. : )
Yeah, got a '71 Vibro Champ with a Weber speaker.
Guitar and cord is all it needs.
Thanx for everything Otis...keep on keeping on...
Wow what a great story behind that amp and about Dave Olney. Came here for the amp, stayed for the story!
Thanks for the kind words, James! : )
Hey great vid and thank you for sharing 👍
Thank ya kindly, Pete! : )
Thank you Otis.
I have a 67 Drip Edge Twin. Sounds so good. I saw you were in Corydon Indiana yesterday Otis. That's under 10 miles from me. Love your channel. And your Champ sounds great
Huge props for using a '71 Deluxe to demo the '71 champ. 🥰
You are a fine man. Love the stories from the heart. And the music!
Hi Oits Im looking at the champ and looking for some demos and BOOM there you were lol. Thanks as always my friend. I absolutly Love the channel . Always here when I need ya. Thanks for that
Smooth, like a glass of ice tea on a Texas summer day. Thanks friend. Hope all is well and to see you in Houston one of these days. Thanks for the story and keep them coming. - Brent
Thanks, Brent! I can't wait to get back to Houston when things finally calm down. : )
Aren’t the great? I love mine. Sounds great and never lets me down. Thanks for the vid 🤙
I always liked the champ but never owned one. I had a princeton that I loved in the 70s I have a 1974 deluxe silverface in excellent shape that is fantastic. but my favorite amp out of collection is a 5e3 fender deluxe that I built from a Weber kit. It is simple like the champ and touch sensitive like the champ. It is my number one go to amp. by the way Weber speakers are awesome.
Just caught this video. Otis I have a Blues Deluxe Reissue and I immediately made changes. Replaced some of the electronics, tubes and then called Weber speakers. They asked me about the amp and what I played. Came back on the phone and said Vintage Ceramic and I bought it. This is a completely different amp. Responsive, not as loud so you can turn it up to 6-8 for breakup and the drive channel is fantastic. Love your channel and love your stories.
I just bought a 1964 Vibro Champ last week. I love it. Great video. You and the amp sound great.
Wow ! This was a treat ... I came to see the amp... and stayed for Otis rocking out on his LP. Awesome !!!!
I have a warm spot in my heart for Silver face Champs too and Bassman heads, Bandmasters etc....
I've had a bunch on my bench and when they left they sounded o so sweet !!!
Being a fellow Hoosier and Weber speaker nut, I can tell you you cant go wrong with either.
Thanks for the stories.
Thank you!
I have a 1971 champ as well. It's a great amp. I put a Celestion speaker in it . I like to plug my p90 melody maker straight in, crank everything on the amp , then use the controls on the guitar to get about everything you would want
I grew up around Kokomo...haven’t thought about Weber’s in a long time.... Thanks for the memory....nice Champ sounds great and a amazing story
Thanks, Randy!
I was looking for the date of my Champ and found you. I also have a 1970 Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop stock! Couldn’t believe you have both! Sounds great!!!
That Champ sounds great! 🔊🏆
On point and sounds amazing!
Hey Otis, love the Champ! You remind me of a good friend of mine from Mississippi. Thanks for the demo, I have one on my radar and I might go pick it up tomorrow.
Thanks for the kind words! I think these old champs are great and one of the last great deals for old tube amps. Also, a Weber alnico speaker will definitely make it come alive!
Great video and story about your Champ. The Silver Face Champ just hit my radar and I'm hoping to get one. I'm trying to get as much info (and demos) as I can find on YT. Yours sounds great. Other than getting them serviced, a speaker upgrade (usually to a Webber) is a good idea.
Man, I hate to hear that David passed away. My dad and I saw him at the Railroad Blues in Alpine, Texas about 10 years ago and we became instant fans. He seemed like a great guy.
Great tribute to David Olney and lovely playing on his old Champ. Great that you could take it and continue making music with it.
Sounds good, Otis!
Yeah I let out a huge groan when I read about how David died, he even apologized for stopping mid-song.
People thought he was snoozing!
The one song of his that stands out is Jerusalem Tomorrow.
Really good, thank you Otis. I got to know David after he played a series my wife and I had in Fort Worth for about 10 years. David played for us often. Treasure(d) our friendship, he was one of the best. I also love your podcasts.
Thanks for the kind words, John and thanks for hosting those gigs. Ten years is a long run. If you're still hosting shows when all of this craziness subsides, I'd love to come visit y'all sometime.
@@otisgibbs I wish we were, but alas.... The venue that worked so well for us changed hands, from one that welcomed us and our shows, to one that appeared to resent both us and the shows. Hard to figure out. We had to shut down in 2008. Actually had about a 12-3 year run, 8-+ shows in toto. We were very fortunate.
Oh man, that's terrible when you have a good thing going and then someone cuts it off for no good reason. Here's to better days!
I have a Weber and nos American 50's preamp and poweramp tubes in my champ and love it! I use a J. Rockett Squeegee compressor, a J. Rockett Immortal echo set for a slap back delay, a Boss Tremolo that I modified, and if I want to dirty it up a tad, I use an ancient Full tone Full drive 2, with the drive set at 9:00. Hardly enough just to have a little grit if I dig in with my pick/fingers
I'm originally from Kokomo Indiana was born there awesome channel
Hi Otis, I just discovered you and love your music and stories and guitars, amps, etc. I will now glorify your wonders throughout New Zealand and hope that one day you can come and do some gigs here!! Perhaps you already have? I have seen Steve and Justin here a few times. I know Tony Joe White used to come here and have a great time fishing after his gigs if you're into that.
Thank ya kindly, Ricky. I would absolutely love to come play some gigs in New Zealand. Hopefully that'll happen sometime in the not so distant future. : )
Thanks for sharing the Silver Champ story. I've been strumming acoustics for a few years and never had much interest solid body guitars & amps. Watched your last "Fender" video and it brought back memories of my favourite cousin Chris who had a blond Telecaster back when I was a pre-teen (very early 1970's) - I thought he and his guitar were so amazing & he looked so cool. (Thinking back he played the intro the Smoke on the Water mostly... LoL). Anyways - I'm rambling - thanks for bringing back a memory of Chris & his Telecaster - cheers !
Thanks, James! I've been known to turn the car radio up when Smoke On The Water comes on. I hope Chris is still playing that riff wherever he is these days. ; )
Love it. I saw David solo in Winnipeg around 2001. Had never heard him or of him before that night. I was well in to my cups arriving at the show and he literally blew my blown mind back to sober. No exaggeration. Incredible performer with AMAZING songs. If It Wasn’t for the Wind, Jerusalem Tomorrow, God Shaped Hole, Deeper Well, Millionaire etc etc etc. He was a complete craftsman. I went for the CD and autograph after the show and then he let my drunken ass carry his guitar to the taxi for him. I asked him “Can I carry your guitar for you? I don’t think you should be hauling your own gear sir” He said “Alright” asked my name, we chatted a little and then away he and his wife went off into that good night..
Thanks for sharing this! : )
I grew up poor living in Hendersonville tn through 1970 to 80 .My father for Christmas bought me a new 1977 fender vibrio champ
I had the best amp in the neighborhood. I played it with a 1963 hagstrum III . I wish I till had both of them today....
Wow that sounds good!
Your the man!
Bought mine cbs 1981 still have original valves changed the valves to jj last year and Jensen alnico original was damaged from new. Oh boy sound just went up I’m 62 still got it ❤
Thanks for giving us your musicians insight on David’s passing, I’m not a musician but I do agree that it would be much better to be surrounded by family and friends when I pass.... thanks for playing that great amp and guitar for us, love your style!!!
Thanks for the kind words, Todd. That wasn't the easiest thing to talk about, but it had been on my mind for a while. I'm glad I could get it off my chest without sounding like an asshole.
Sounding Great Otis
So very Cool. Thankyou.
Otis, this channel is so rad! Man I have a mint 74 Silverface Champ I traded a $400 Tele for and it’s incredible. I had JJ’s put in it and Jupiter Speaker and I’m like you just plug straight in and let it rip! I believe Joe Bonamassa loves these amps as well. I do hear a rattle in mine at time when there is a lot of low end going on but none the less I love it!
That's great, Harley! They are definitely hard to beat. : )
Great video, man. Back in the early 70's, my 7th grade band mate had a Champ that we cut in half to make a "head" out of it -- because "heads" and big cabinets were cooler than tiny combo amps lol! Plugged it into a home made cabinet intended for 2-12's, but only had the original 8" speaker installed in it.
Went to garage sale maybe 12 years ago, bought a nice Samick SG-450 for $100, went directly to the local Guitar Center to trade it on something I'd rather have, and there was a '69 drip edge Champ-Amp sitting there in all original condition. They took the guitar and $75 for it. Pretty good deal like you.
Thank you, Bill! : )
The more I've matured as a picker, the fewer watts I've needed. 5w really is where the magic lies.
These are wise words! : )
I agree. It’s the sweet spot. Need one for different speaker sizes.
Just found this channel and felt the vibe vintage guitar...Never clicked subscribee so hard. Ccheers!
Haha! Thank ya kindly, Roy! : )
Sounds great! I have a 68 drip edge, great amp!
your great OTIS I love your channel and this story is really wonderful I'm gonna check out mr olney's music he sounded like a great guy as well
I have a 65 fender vibro champ and yes these amps are perfect such great tones and so versatile and you remind me of my first and only guitar teach who also was a great guy
Thank you!
Man , I wish I would have known about you years ago. I think so much along your lines and can really relate. Great stories and so much knowledge. Going through a tough solitary time and thinking of Indianapolis and Indiana as a place to find a home because of you. I know this is an old UA-cam whatever you call it but if you get this, just want to let you know that you are really affecting people in the right way. Way to go. Like Robert Henri said, I’m butchering it but something like, “ you pass people on the street, some are for you and some are not, or you can pick up a book and in the first paragraph know that you have met a friend, even if long ago dead.”
Wow! That is really swampy!
great amp demo and great stories. I may have a chance to grab one of these this weekend. This helped me make up my mind.
Mad love on fender amps
I had a 79 that got the best Hendrix tone....I was always surprised by that
I'd love to have heard that! : )
That's the best way to play a Les Paul through a champ plug it straight in and turn it up let the tubes create your Overdrive... you put a pedal in front of it it actually takes away from the natural sound of the Les Paul and the champ mixed together in my opinion but I've owned over eight or nine Champs my favorite was a 1965 vibro champ that I got for $500 2002 when I brought I'd been wanting one for so long and I never had enough money on the ride home from Music Go Round Here in a Louisville Kentucky I literally had tears in my eyes for some reason something just came over me I've never really told anyone that I don't know what it was but that was a very special amp and I've never heard another sound the way that one sounded so they are magical instruments just like the Les Paul and the paf pure mystical Magic in my opinion
Well said! : )
Thanks Otis. I looked up to see which Ronstadt song that David Olney wrote, and it's "Women Cross the River". Her version is really pretty! Great song, great stories! And "1917" too?? Wow that one is WILD. I prefer Emmylou's voice with some age on it.
Also I love your tone with the little Champ. Have a good week.
man brother, could not agree with you more..I also have had friends pass away on stage....to me, perhaps the most lonely way to go...
Had one. First amp and a red Sterling SG bolt on. Use to run an Electro Harmonic LPB-2 through it.
Hey Otis... that amp does sound good, although I must admit I’m an acoustic guitar fan myself.... I got to know about David Olney after he passed, and just got absolutely blown away by his music. Watched all of his you tube videos from his “You’ll never Know” series, and I can’t say I have a favorite song.... I love his “The Stone” CD. I now have about 8 of his CDs, and love watching his live gigs on you tube with your friend Sergio Webb. Anyway, stay healthy man, love to you and yours ❤️
Sergio is one of my favorite people. I highly recommend you looking up some of his records. He co-wrote some of that stuff with Olney and he plays the hell out of that guitar, George!
@@otisgibbs okay man I’ll check him out... I loved his guitar playing and mandolin playing with David Olney... stay safe man, and keep the videos coming 👍🏻👍🏻
Great Brown Sugar tone Otis. Jimmy Johnson has a great story of the recording of that during the December ‘69 Muscle Shoals sessions. It’s somewhere here on the ‘tube, but Keith was playing a Fender Twin of some kind, turned up to 10, and it was breaking up the board, so Jimmy had to put some kind of limiter in the chain, rather than tell Keith to turn it down. 🤣
great video keep up the good work you doing great with these vids. beautiful Les Paul , guessing it's a 70's Deluxe with mini humbuckers, if you mentioned in video sorry I missed it, Peace !
Such a good story, sir! I'm on my way to check out David Olney's music. I have a friend holding a mid 70's champ he wants me to have, with a pretty good history behind it as well. I can't wait to get my hands on it!
I'm looking at an early 70s SF Champ in immaculate condition - but it's 900 bucks. We don't get cheap vintage gear in Australia but damn if it's gonna sound even 25% as good as yours I'm spending the dough!
Dead-set legend, you are. Wonderful tone, playing, and conversational style. Subbed. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of the Champ :)
Mr. Olney sounds like a very fine and decent human being. Gonna check out his music, thank you.
I do have a cheap, MIC Champ clone (vintage specs, tube rectified, decent Celestion 8" speaker) I use a Maxon TB-09 tube boost, an Australian made germanium Fuzz called a "Neo Fuzz" made here in Sydney, and an MXR Carbon Copy Bright for some Slapback and even a little modulation (the CC Bright has a nice, subtle mod switch). I just got a Vox AC15 and the Champ with the Vox sound amazing together!
However, the clone has a sub-par cabinet. It doesn't resonate like the old Fenders. It's a little too small and tends to "choke" the highs.
Can't imagine how good that 70s Silverface might sound..have to wait until Monday! It's still there, I checked the window on my way home from work. They open 9.30 Monday am and I'll be waiting at the door with my 335 to test the 70s SF, and a Blackstar amp I don't use for a trade-in if the SF Fender turns out to be a winner.
Wish me luck,all. Cheers!
i had an amp just like this and pawned it for a pesky dope habit i had...what a great amp to play harmonica through!
I hope you're in a better place these days, Matthew!
@@otisgibbs thank you otis..ive been off dope for 21 yrs..very lucky!! i love your stories...thank you
@@bluesdoggmusicrediker4614 That's beautiful, Matthew! : )
Hello Otis, nice to see your video and hear you talk about David Olney. Ive seen you both live at the same place but not the same time. Immanuelkyrkan in Halmstad/Sweden. It was a Great show and im a huge fan of your music since then. I have many original songs on my channel, feel free to check them out. Best wishes/PH.
Much love to ya and hopefully I'll see you sometime soon in Halmstad! : )
I really liked your video. Nice combo of playing and story. I have a 57 Custom Champ (new) and 1975 Silverface Champ. I jump the inputs and play them together. The tweed has more low mids and bass (which is really surprising given its size) and the silverface has more highs, but together they sound amazing. This is for playing at home.
That's a great amp set up ya got there, Craiger! : )
My ears perked up when you mentioned Townes Lol ! I often wonder if he ever picked up an electric his finger picking was so proficient I can't picture him playing an electric instrument
Thanks, Brian! : )
I had a 1950 ES-150 for a while which was basically the 125 but with a 17” body and LP style inlays. The guitar is gone now but that P90 is still the best guitar pickup I’ve ever played.
Those r a fortune “Down Under” (tyranny of distance). Being a jazzer, I play Lawsuit 355 & Kalamazoo Howard Roberts thru a Fender FM-25R for spanking clean sounds. A mate of mine has a Fender SuperChamp I envy .. the old ones .. no bloody digital modelling .. but I’d like 2 havva a little silver-face like urs. Upd8; bought a 77 Silverface+WarehouseVintage spkr 15-odd mths ago. It was US made 4 the Oz mkt & supposedly serviced. Had certainly been modified but have since had it very expertly checked thru, the correct tubes restored & thoroughly serviced. Noise floor seems lower, more responsive & well .. "dynamic?". Doesn't sound mushy or boxy like the little tweeds .. yeah i really love the feel & sound of my 77 Silverface, my dream small studio tube amp! Only effect pedal? Might occasionally plug in my Mr Black mini-reverb 4 justa touch of ambience .. a little. Btw; I love ur story around David's/ur Champ. I usedta teach some gtr upta when Mom+Pop passed .. my lessons were hit-n-miss but my students loved my stories .. yeah so, feel the love man!
I love champs for small gigs and practices, they're great for church gigs especially because the sound people usually want me to be amplified though the PA, but I explain the champ is quieter than an acoustic guitar and that usually pleases them. Great amp!
Hey Otis Great Video My Old Amp Is A Fender Bronco My Little Brother Got Me At A Flea Market It Needed A Tube And A New Power Cord It Is A Rough Looking Amp For A 1975 Model But Sounds Really Good On 10 With A Mic On It Iam 69 Years Old An Thankful He Thought Of Me To Buy It For $ 20.00
That's a great amp, Ronnie!
Great amp. Also love the 'goof hider' Deluxe :)
Had me the tweed version of the same Champ. Pawned it for change.
Mini's with that amp sound great!
Just recently have seen your channel and subbed, good stuff!
I had a 50,s tweed champ and a 75 silverface. Currently have 2 super champ xd,s that I really like one with a 10 and one with a 12.
Thanks, John!
I have on ...and nice Film! My History is that i buy two new vibro champ and he two dont do what i need...and then i go on a website from a german pickup guru and he have on from 1976. That is my Story. And on question for you. WHat is the name of the speaker factory in Indiana?
Thank you and a lot of fun.
I bought a 70 vibrochamp and a 55 les paul jr amp for 70 bucks still have them my 72 deluxe sounds just great through them
I enjoyed this video, Otis. I will offer a a bit of a different perspective on David's death. One of my parents had dementia and died in nursing home. My mom died in hospital during pandemic (though not from SARS Co-V-2) and could have no family with her. And I've spent some time as a hospice volunteer, too. Very few people get to pick the death they would choose, the "good death". So, as a person who makes a little homemade music myself, I'd rather die how Dave Olney did than how either of my folks went. Sending all good wishes and thanks for the videos!
Thank you, Robin!