Fender EC Vibro-Champ Eric Clapton signature guitar amplifier

General

Blues legend Eric Clapton recorded many of his hit songs while using a small Tweed Champ guitar amplifier. What's more, he still uses them to this day. This is why Fender thought it was high time to make the guitarist a signature model, resulting in the Fender EC Vibro-Champ, a 1x 8-inch tube combo with 5 watts of power, hand-made in Corona California. The amplifier was based on a '50s Champ but modified to suit Clapton's specifications such as a switchable tube-driven tremolo effect.

Fender EC Vibro-Champ: straightforward tube sound

Basically, the Fender Eric Clapton VibroChamp is a single-channel combo that, in addition to a low and high output, has a single volume control and a speed knob for adjusting the speed of the tremolo effect. This effect can also be switched on and off with the optional foot switch. The bigger the volume, the more distortion you'll have. The Fender EC Vibro-Champ is equipped with a Power Attenuator to reduce the speaker's output somewhat, allowing you to turn up the volume and really set the tubes to work.

Construction and components

This amplifier is made with first-class components. It features Schumacher transformers in the power stage and an 8-inch Weber speaker, equipped with AlNiCo magnet to produce a dynamic, extra sensitive, vintage sound. The heart of the Fender EC Vibro-Champ consists of two 12AX7 preamp tubes, one 6V6GC power amp Groove Tube and a 5Y3GT rectifier tube. All of this is neatly tucked away in a finger-joined solid-pine housing for a warm, resonant tone. Of course, the combo was adorned with a traditional lacquered tweed finish with brown detailing.

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