Tweed Fender Champ 5F1 C-04268

I have photos of another cool little vintage Fender Champ to share today. This one is serial number C-04268.   As you probably know by now, this serial number dates this amp to about mid-1957.  The tube chart code is GD which tells us it was made in April 1957.

This particular amp is owned by Harri Koski, CEO of Mad Professor Amplification in Finland.  That’s him rocking an ES345 in the demo videos (I’ll excuse him for playing a Gibson!). Check them out, they’ve got a pretty cool vibe going with their amps. He tells me that they are working on a new amp inspired  by the Champ that is not a clone.  He says it will feature 1 x 12AX7 and 1 x 6V6 with a solid state rectifier, custom transformers and tone switch that they call Rock/Jazz. I can’t wait to hear all about it when it is ready for the world.

And perhaps the neatest thing about the photos Harri sent me is that gorgeous tele in the background.  According to Harri, that tele was played and autographed by Carl Perkins!

Here’s a little Blue Suede Shoes to help pass the time.  Check out the neck brace on Carl’s brother Jay (rhythm guitar). Presumably this was recorded shortly after “the accident” and Jay was still recovering.  Playing on TV in a neck brace? THAT’s Rock ‘n Roll!  And that footwork by Carl?  Priceless!