Fender Vibro Champ - Service, analysis and a full checkup- sounds gorgeous!

See an in depth look into an all original Silverface Vibro Champ. Another piece of musical history on my workbench. This tiny little amp looks like a Fender and sounds like a Fender.
Also in this video: analysis and evaluation of a vintage tube testing device.

[@GhostfaceGriller-hd7jw]

Those MOD caps look awesome 👍😎

[@jamesincharlotte]

Have a late 64 early 65 vibro champ in collecting condition and a 1971 silver face I've modded the hell out of. LOVE THESE AMPS !!!!!! Lucky I got mine when they were cheap !! Hahha

[@user-ux1bm2br7u]

G'day there The circuit schematic you were referencing to was incorrect for this year of "silver face" Fender Vibro Champ. Fender's initial B+ was 355V on the AA764 circuit in the early 60s (for the "black face" VCs) but raised it to 420V on the late 60s and 70s models using the AB764 circuit. There were also changes to the filtering caps going from 20/20/20uF to 40/20/20uF, which is the capcan you used.

[@ericsfc1ea.16]

Nice work and explanations, always appreciate the minimalist replacement approach.

[@martinstubeampworkbench2299]

Thank you! I appreciate!!!

[@tomterrif8503]

Beautiful example of when Fender didn't yet suck at making amps

[@davidjennings9253]

Heres another miracle - I have a mint 1965 Vibro Champ which is all original except for the same 1K 1W resistor. I only use the amp at home so I have not replaced the electrolytics as it is working just fine. Is this a mistake?? I like the fact that it is all original and I will leave it to my Son when I go. Mine is the AA764 circuit so the can cap is 20,20,20uf which is not easy to find in an original style. ( in the UK ) What would you recommend?? Great video by the way!

[@martinstubeampworkbench2299]

Thank you very much! Well, my customer plays gigs regularly with this little gem, so it needs to be reliable. That’s why I changed the cap can. If you want to replace the electrolytic capacitors some day, there is a company named CE manufacturing. They offer can caps as a drop in replacement that look the same as the old one. You can order them from Tube Amp Doctor or Banzai Music, Berlin. Both suppliers ship international. Have fun with your miracle in black tolex! Greetings from Germany

[@jefffree6990]

Does it have a grounded plug? I'm about to restore a 66 VC ; the US 2 prong plug and the can are the first things to go

[@davidjennings9253]

@@jefffree6990 Mines a European 240v model.