Fender Vibro Champ XD small modeling guitar amplifier demo review

[@iggystrat]

Found one at a pawn shop last week. What a gem. 12 years old and still sounding great. Nice video, really shows what this amp is all about.

[@johnmcclinton9124]

I hear people try to put this down by saying it's not a pure tube amp. The 12ax7 preamp tube is only using one of the two stages. The effects and sampling replace the first stage of the 12ax7. Note: the effect/sampling portion can be easily bypassed, and with 3 resistors and 2 capacitors the first stage of the 12ax7 can be made operable. You can easily make this switchable. So you can have the best of both worlds. Also I put a 10 inch fender speaker in mine. Althoug this is rated at just 5 watts, it is a class A tube amp. Tube amps produce much more power per watt than solid state. Also, class A tube amps produce more power than class AB tube amps per watt. This is why this little amp with it's mere 5 watts kicks ass!

[@andrabian]

Hi John, would you please provide more details for this switchable bypass mod you recommend, so that I could discuss it with my soldering fingered friend? How far the speaker replacement altered the sound?

[@handmill2]

Little question, can i put pedal on this amp ?

[@artgillespie162]

I have actually gigged with this amp. I run it out into the PA. Amazing sound. Don't let anyone fool you that it is only a practice amp.

[@felipetijuana]

Line out or mic?

[@nealixd.3011]

Forget miking them. They already have a great Line Out on the back for FOH PA sound reinforcement. I used the big brother Fender Super Champ XD on a lot of live gigs with a really loud, big PA Southern Rock, Classic Rock, New Country band in Memphis, TN metro area and over into Arkansas a lot. They rock. People don't know that is the true secret weapon of the modern Champ series. I kept mine backline only on Volume level 4 on both channels and it did fine.

[@leftcoast2681]

I just bought one of these sight-unseen from a friend of mine for $100 (with cover), and came to YT to check it out. Nice video!

[@allrain]

Got this one recently and am blown away by it. The voices you wanna pay attention to are #1 and #4, the Tweed Champ clean amp and the Blackface. Crystal clear!

[@splashfizz]

thanks for the demo. This kind of exposure to the various sounds is really valuable for making an amp purchase decision. Playing it in person is the best way to go, but this allows you to go into the music shop with some idea of what to pester the clerks for to set up for you to check out (and they really don't like you playing every single one to see which one you like.). good work.

[@eyedunno8462]

It's quite possible the best amp ever made for the price, period. Scary good

[@cmkilcullen8176]

I chose to get one of these used rather than the Super Champ XD or X2. It is smaller, I believe with less wattage, but I wanted it that way. I really do like the tones with or without the effects. I find that it is the one I use most often to practice or just messing around and exploring tones. I am very happy with it.

[@GibsonLesPaul2273]

KZbin doesnt do justice to amps and pedals and guitars, I played my les paul through one of these when I sold it, the guy who bought it brought this amp around and it sounded amazing, way better than this video suggests. I wish I could find this guy and buy my les paul back, ive never found one since that looked and sounded as good.

[@allrain]

The fact that your name reads Gibson Les Paul makes your story all the more sad. I feel your pain, dude.

[@HighVybeTribe]

You and millions of us out there wish we still had our old gear !! Oh well , live and learn 🤔😵‍💫👌

[@hanes1952]

It is a great amp, I own it. Here's a tip: I connected my Fender Champ 600 via its recording output and disconnecting the original speaker. The result is incredible!

[@fendergibson200]

Like a head amp??

[@hanes1952]

Sort of. Make sure that you disconnect the built in speaker first, then you connect the Fender Champ 600 via recording output of the Vibro Champ.

[@fendergibson200]

Thanks!!! I will try it someday...!

[@JJF10101957]

Great Demo!I had a vibro champ 40 years ago,My Mother found a way to make it go away.This is a bargain!

[@YogiSizzle]

Actually I think it is a bit more complicated than that, as most cheap L6s don't use and tubes at all, this has a 6v6 and 12AX7 ( Although I hear the 12AX7 is used as a phase inverter ). Although it is not entirely tube it responds and sounds like a pure tube amp, with the warmth and general characteristics. I do agree that it doesn't quite match a twin, but it is a great solution for recording, practice or small gigs

[@OmerAssraf]

You know it's a good amp when there's a smiley face in it's name.

[@smoss469]

You seem to be using the Strat in a lot more demos. Nice to see something other than the SG!

[@KrankySourPants]

I agree with you on the 12ax7 not being used as a phase inverter. I don't know why some people on forums are saying it's a PI tube when this amp is class A.

[@rodwyr]

@alapunk13 I use several pedals in front of my Super Champ and I think it handles my pedals just fine. But, yes, channel one is all tube. I don't use the 2nd channel really at all. The only effect I really use on the amp is a little reverb (there are like 4 different depths of reverb...I like a more subtle reverb). But, take your gear to a music store and try your effects in front of the amp and let your ears tell you if it's good or not. Hope that helps.

[@SuperHyphy420]

just got one of these the other day because of this review. this amp is a steal at 200 bucks

[@mmike189o]

@Tomcsek84 It depends on what you want. Fender Champ 600 only has a low and high gain input, no effects, but it $50 cheaper than the vibro champ. The 600 is prized mostly for its simplicity. The vibro champ has effects and voices, but is $200. Both have a 5 watt output. I would personally recommend the vibro champ.

[@HairyScaryMark]

@hiphopsucks96 I play a Fender Stratocastor (MIM Players 60s strat) into the larger Super Champ XD and I am very impressed indeed. I originally tried out the Vibro Champ in a shop and was fairly convinced I had to buy it until I discovered there was a larger model with 2 channels, 3 valves and 10" speaker. The VIbro Champ is a very good amp, none the less.

[@Dpelv1n]

love how you can see him playing in the reflection on the nobs

[@chirpybee]

I think this is my favourite reviewer on KZbin. Thanks for the demo.

[@parosite]

I have one its got some magic >i tried the super champ xd thinking it was going to be better but it lacked the mojo the smaller vibro has for some reason

[@jonasjar]

that's a real nice demo! Im considering this to my 13 year old daughter, I already have a super champ xd and would like to have another one but cheaper. I'm not so fond of the distorted voices though, most of them seem to produce various degrees of buzzing.

[@Caaarrl94]

I've got one, absolutely love it, can nail that warm vintage hendrix strat tone

[@leftcoast2681]

Settings?

[@garymeinecke]

Channel #4 is my favorite for clean sound. Love this amp! Great at home and even on stage for beginners.

[@PF1964]

better than the Blues Junior III? I'm getting convinced!

[@rodwyr]

Pretty much the only thing that's not tube on this amp is the modeling. I have the big brother to this amp, the Super Champ XD. Vibro is 5w; Super is 15w. I bought mine off of eBay, and the guy I bought it from was reluctant to sell it, but had to. I can see...er, hear...why he didn't want to sell it. Great amp, and it does everything I need. I really don't use Ch. 2 (modeling); I just run my guitar and pedals through Ch. 1 (all tube). I would recommend either amp.

[@melorogerio]

Fender specs states that overdrive and distortion are SS (solid state). There's a 12AX7 valve in preamp It's all-tube or not??

[@hutchfromba]

Thanks for the reply ! Yes , I am into Chicago Blues , Santana , Clapton . I also like the Beatles , James Taylor , John Mayor . I'm just looking for what you think would be the best for me . I'm not sure if the Vox 4W Head with a 12" Cab will be able to handle my pedals . They are all Boss , A "C/S3 , BD2 , CE5 , Boss FRV-1 and a DD-3" . What do you think ? Thanks again for the reply . Jerry AKA HUTCHfromBA

[@Chris_Mann_2020]

Mr Black. The videos are better now that the amp isnt bleeding into voice mic but it could still be better. A couple solutions: 1)A wireless lapel mic with a mute switch. 2) A gate on the voice mic. 3) just have two open mics, but mute the voice mic out in your computer software when youre not talking. (Probably the best result, but most work) 4) The amp in another room. I suspect #1 might suit you best. Youcould even just run the voice mic through a little mixer.

[@coldironhands1]

I just got one today jackblack, it sounds amazing with my LP Junior. I love your vids keep up the work.

[@redneckrollercoast1]

you should review the super champ xd its pretty good.

[@trolden9520]

@RickenVoxster There's a line out on the back of it :) With a normal Jack-minijack-adaptor, you can just plug in you headset :) An adaptor is like 5 bucks or something, so that's really nothing :)

[@syntheticskull]

@dieandgoaway Its not that loud and has, in my opinion, not enought gain built in for metal. So only if youre going to use distortion pedals and even then the volume is borderline loud enough.

[@HairyScaryMark]

@letterbekmen It really depends on the situation. It wouldn't be enough to be used without a PA in a typical rock setting - but mic'd up with a full PA, anything is potentially loud enough. Also consider that you need 10 times as many W to get twice as many dB.

[@86tjfender]

Are you playing with a US Strat? I just bought the same amp and can't seem to get the same tone out of it. I'm playing with a Mexican Strat, is there that much of a difference. Your sound is much brighter and seems to get a lot more out of the overdrive. I love the sound you're getting out of it.

[@MitchelYoung]

Tim Urbanski I love my vibro champ xd for late night practice and recording, I now use it instead of my line 6 spider valve at night, spider sounds much better but on three it's louder than the vibro-c on eight. I notice that it's very sensitive to the type and gauge of strings to give it that umph. On strats I use 11-52 NYXL D,Addario or Ernie ball cobalt not even slinkies. Other amps (my box Ac 30 comes to mind , sound better with 8's or may chrome 9's. Other amps like my supersonic twin, Marshall 602, and Rivera r30/12 don't seem to be as effected by string type/ gauges. For what it's worth. YMMV

[@joelhitchcock2012]

I love the sound of this amp, along with other small combo amps. I just don't know what I would do when I needed to change the tubes. I live in a small city and there is no real good guitar store that could change them for me or anything. Anyone have any suggestions?

[@taterlysaladman9377]

5 years later I doubt they would need changed yet. And if they do, you buy new tubes online at thetubestore.com and carefully avoid places that seem to sell nothing but JJ tubes. They fit into the sockets only one way, just don't force anything and nobody gets hurt. Tubes typically last a long time unless you have a Mesa LOL.

[@cmrcs]

Good sounds for a good price. Nice to see some love for a "cheap" non boutique amp.

[@diceman220]

Nice job. I would like to see how you are playing the guitar. Some nice tones. Thanks

[@hutchfromba]

I love and want Great tube tones but I have a real problem . I live in a attached house with many close neighbors . I desire a tube amp with good tone when it's played at very low volumes . Money is less of an issue . Any sugestions other than moving ? Thxs , Jerry .

[@slaytallimaiden]

i dont get it why is it with the superchamp that you need a button for the voices and not with the amp? is voice 1 all tube? cuz with the superchamp the channel without any voice is all tube. im confused :(

[@7thvenom]

QUESTION ?? So this has no clean channel what does that mean ? and if u dont want effects do u need to have a clean channel ? please someone help me i'm trying to get a amp monday ? i have a fender telecaster 62 reissue but i'm a begginer thanx

[@alexgoodbourn]

@lordkram why yes it is good sir! feel free to use it!

[@coldironhands1]

Great amp review Bruce Willis, I love the compression in your tone.

[@RickBehm]

Does a footswitch exists for all of these mods?

[@racerfreed]

can this be turned down to play at low bedroom volume and still sound good?

[@edjunqueira]

@jeTTa002 Don't know the song title, but it's from a band called Bodeco.

[@MarkNakib]

@patch9894 there are plenty of Tube modeling amps out there...

[@dokjohnny1]

I just bought mine 2 days ago and I love it! No regreets!

[@spanky2964]

as far as versatility goes thats probably the best sounding amp for the money!

[@kulahau]

Que ondas, te saluda Carlos. Tengo una pregunta, estpy interesado en comprar uno de estos, pero tengo duda de que si es posible usarlo para conciertos pequeños, en bares, y microfoneandolo. Espero tu respuesta, saludos desde Mexico, de parte de un Salvadoreño!

[@Tomcsek84]

Hi, I'm looking for a small tube amplifier just in my bedroom mostly for blues/classic rock. Which one do you suggest: the Fender Champion 600 or the Vobro-Champ XD? Thanks for the help.

[@richardbartolo2890]

John McClinton: I just got my hands on this fender Vibro Champ X D , Can you tell me what kind of 10 inch speaker you installed into it ? and what were the specs on the speaker ? Thanks, that sounds like a great Idea, I'm running this Fender Vibro Champ X D amp with a RP50 Digi-Tech processor in front of it programed to a Vox A C 30, I would imagine a 10 inch speaker would really up the ante on the tone of this amp, thanks for the heads up on that reply back if you can

[@Zoso7227]

few questions..would it sound better than a blues jr? I know its a bit cheaper than one, but I'm looking for a small amp to get blues from that has tubes in stock. Let me know if you can thanks

[@coolcustomer31]

@kdavis0660 you'll be fine. it will sound alittle different cause the guitar is different, but the amp will still work the same

[@zolidudas6380]

Yes! I trust you. It's a cool amp. Today I bought one. Used one. Almost new. It's a cool amp. Really cool. Picit zavar a zajzár, amit nem tudok kikapcsolni. A hangja nem csöves sajnos. Nem eléggé. Az effektek egy kezdőt esetleg elszórakoztatnak. Nem paraméterezhető egyik sem. Egy "TAP TEMPO" például jót tenne az erősítő használhatóságának. Szerintem effekt nélkül szép a hangja valamennyire, valószínűleg úgy fogom használni. Ki fogom majd próbálni úgy is, hogy elékötök egy jó előfokot. Egy dolog miatt van igazad: ár/érték-arányt tekintve nem rossz. Kezdőknek ideális. Már nem gyártják egyébként. Ki fogom egyszer majd próbálni az utódját (Fender Super-Champ X2) is.

[@tjnugent62]

Old video, but this little guy sounds great...

[@sirchuckypoo]

sounds great, being in the same room how would you compare it to a blues junior or pro junior? does it take pedals well? thanks man!

[@passion_flora]

Can this make, say, a fender starcaster sound good? I really need a new amp, but I don't want to waste my money for my guitar to sound the same...

[@PF1964]

Voice 15 is the most interesting for Jazzy sounds imo Is this amp a full tube amp?

[@Chris_Mann_2020]

I'm not sure what he's doing now. Seems like he's doing an intro as usual, and then editing in the actual demo, but the voice isnt so good. The amp sound is much better than early demos. If the small problem with the voice mic was handled the awesomness would be 100%. Right now it's maybe at 85%

[@stevoe1000]

Hey GMD do you know if this and the super champ are basically the same but with a larger speaker...or are there other differences apart from the wattage

[@MusicDionysos]

does this amp take pedals easily without too much hum?

[@FloyDZeD]

@MusicDionysos On the Super Champ XD pedals work perfectly on the first channel. On the modeling section (which is all the Vibro Champ has) pedals hum a LOT. Especially fuzz pedals.

[@bhxxbtx]

@stevoe1000 yes, it does to me also. I had a Vibro Champ XD, thought it was great, so I sold it and bought the Super Champ XD. It wasn't as nice sounding, but alot louder. I think it is the single ended output stage. They have the same effects and amp models, and the Super just has one clean channel, and then one modeling channel. I like the ability of the Super to channel switch and effects switch with the footswitch, or I would have went back to the Vibro.

[@letterbekmen]

is 5W enough for gigging? I mean overall the amp

[@Beermaker2000]

@tuboflard3000 The SC has two channels, one that bypasses the digital voiceings, and the other one is like the VC.

[@jujoboha]

u should have gotten the scxD i love that sob

[@PF1964]

Voice 15 is the most interesting for Jazzy sounds imoIs this amp a full tube amp?

[@edwardevans652]

Voice 15 also can be used for GNR’s “Paradise City.” Great, versatile amp.

[@knd_simba]

That was a really impressive little box; great for making a new sound :) Sounded great :)

[@tuboflard3000]

hey does anyone know if this is the same thing as the superchamp xd, only a lower wattage?

[@DougHinVA]

I play a '74 Princeton Reverb.... but lit it up with a good Celestion speaker (8"). Likely this XD can be improved a lot with a very good speaker at about $40

[@stevoe1000]

sounds quite amazing, I think it's good what they're doing with emulating the tube amps...but ...well I don't know....

[@journeyquest1]

Do the effects work with the different amp models or just clean?

[@MrApint4me]

The only thing lacking is the speaker size give it a 10"' and its perfect!

[@TheHog107]

This is a simple class A amplifier with one 12ax7 and one 6V6. The 12ax7 is used for a pre-amp circuit, not a phase inverter. None is require in class A as there is no push pull going on. Having said that it sounds like alot of solid state stuff built into the circuit. Not my cup of tea.

[@jeanlucquionquion]

is thier a effect where u can make your guitar whale(cry) cuz i need a amp that can do that for some of the songs that i play.

[@Chris_Mann_2020]

Hey man, I wasnt knocking him. The videos are invaluable. However, the sound on the earlier ones was not so good. He's made some improvements. I'm just suggesting how he could increase the level of awesomeness to a new realm. A new realm of awesomeness. It doesnt take much to run the voice mic through a little mixer and slide the volume down when youre not talking so you dont get the room sound like most demos on youtube.

[@stevoe1000]

Is it me or does this vibro champ sound better than the super champ xd....seems to be something about this one...

[@johnsguitarmusicanddemos]

*Great work with the demo! I’m looking forward to buying a compact decent modeling amp. ⚔️🛡️ Something I could plug strain into my mixer for silent recording with my guitar.*

[@Ramones1234100]

What kind of mic is that?

[@rosskutzler]

these are 150 branny new on Amazon right now (free shipping; sold thru Sam Ash).

[@williamrehm1313]

I’ve had one for over five years. The clean warm fender sound is nice. The modeling is so so. The reverb is crap Only wish it had a headphone jack or a 1/2 watt option 5w can get pretty loud 😀

[@Maxharddrive64]

Damn Fender should just name this amp 'Toney'...Tone Tone and more tone! Impressive...TY Gearman! Another great vid..

[@BenWGray]

@locohellraiser In fact wtf you talking about you can get any tone out of a strat, thats the beauty of them...

[@lordkram]

@alexgoodbourn ////// is that the new queens english?

[@jchavins]

I bought a second one as a backup. I use one for a recording amp..I would love to have the newer Super Champ X2 just not enough to pay the money...!!!

[@coppulor6500]

Seriously? the Super champ X2 is unreal. I can't believe how good these amps sound. blow my mind. I own the super champ X2. the one thing that makes me insane - no pedal board to control these. If I could control it with a pedal board that gave me maybe even just 5 presets, I would be in absolute heaven. I would pay big bucks for a controller that would give me 10-20 presets. sigh.............

[@jchavins]

Since I no longer play live I can't justify the Super Champ. When I used to play live, the amp was almost never in arms length to make changes. The pedal that comes with no readout. In a live scenerio stomp boxes are much easier to switch on and off especially when you're playing lead and singing lead at the same time. The real benefit in the Super Champ is its ability to utilize the software to edit the control knob enabling the player to set it up however he wants it and not having it change. And by the way, I bought the Vibro Cahmp D's before the new Super Champ came out. The old one didn't use the Fuse software....

[@nestorg84]

I owned this amp I had to get rid of it cause I needed money, but it was and is one of my favorite practice amps, I even used it live once I just mic'ed it, its an awesome little amp, I might get another one soon hopefully.

[@BreadandFaxes]

Same, I sold mine years ago to cover bills and I have a chance to grab one at $250 this weekend so I'm gonna grab it

[@LearningandDevelopement]

Another sweet review GMD...Keep it up

[@coldironhands1]

Does the reverb sound the same as on a superchamp xd??

[@dtotheatothevtothee]

You could make any guitar with a Bullet coily cable plugged into a turd sound good. Great vids...love them & they've helped me find some great pedals. Just picked up a silverface Vibro-Champ which led me to this video.

[@UrbanZo]

What's the intro song title?

[@KrankySourPants]

The same thing happend to me. People with the Super are all hyped about mods and trying other speakers. The Vibro Champ puts out great tones as is. I love mine.

[@cmkilcullen8176]

Right....I agree. I had this amp. I gota larger amp Big mistake. After about a year, was able and lucky enough to get another one in good shape. The person I sold the first one to loved it and declined to sell it back to me. It is a really great apartment amp plus.

[@jdj62464]

What 10" speaker sounds best with the Vibro Champ XD? Does anyone know if a 10" speaker will fit in it or do you need to use a extension cabinet? Can you use a 2x12 16ohm extension cabinet with it?

[@geoffwhitemusic]

I know this response is a few years late, but here goes: It’s JUST big enough to fit a 10” speaker in it. Any external cabinet will work as long as the resistance is at or above 4 ohms. So yes, a 16 ohm cab will work fine.

[@marc1kim]

This amp sounds great!

[@patch9894]

are there really?? i just assumed modeling amp with solid state

[@zolidudas6380]

Ha annyira jó, vajon miért álltak le a gyártásával? It isn't available to buy it in shop. Why?

[@BerndThomasSchuller]

the "super champ x2" seems to be the follow-up model

[@zolidudas6380]

Bernd Schuller - Yes. You're right. I will try it.

[@Pvasconcellosm]

how many watts does it have ?

[@passion_flora]

@tuboflard3000 yeah, exactly that. i have it and I really like it. and it gets pretty loud too. especially in a big auditorium. and it stills sounds good in small spaces