I would take the champ, mainly as it is half the price of the swart and sounds as good, some of them swart amps aree way overpriced and u can pick a vintage fender up much cheaper
Not that Champ...I just got rid of a Swart and got about $750.00...I am now looking to trade my Les Paul Special and cash for a 58 Champ...(cheap compared to others on ebay at $850.00)...but they usually go at around $1000 or so...unless you are talking about later Champs..and even those (except for the XD) are right up there.
But best Fender amp deal right now...Mustang I $99.00
I will agree that in this clip I just felt plain old bad for the Swart...not even close..
@zeroceiling I have a 1974 vibrochamp and it rocks big time, I payed £425 for it and it is all original including the tubes, it is also in mint condition and it sounds amazing, think of princeton reverb without the reverb and u are their, also the silverface ones have the same circuit as the blackface so u are paying for cosmetics really, still it would be nice to have a blackface as well and a tweed
the champs sounds more relaxed and smoother....the notes kinda bounce out of the speaker,the Swart sounds decent ,it's chimier but more stiff sounding.
dunno though...a better comparison would have you use the same tubes and speaker with each amp
I have to agree, the playing is great, and this is how you do a real sound check review on two amps. Many people just play overdriven, and once the distortion is too big, every sound detail just becomes distortion (as Kenny Vaughan put it). Also the sound quality is amazing, and you can really tell. Hats off to you, we need guitar videos like this.
If these amps are stock the Swart uses a ceramic speaker and the Fender an alnico,a perfectly broken in alnico at that...that alone makes a comparison difficult.
It's *possible* too that the vintage Fender has a sweeter sounding output transformer too...at least in my experience the iron in older amps has a smoother and warmer upper mid response.Dunno for sure tho.
For me both sounds great, even with differences. BUT the main problem for my and my pocket is that they both are tooo expensive. Been looking for the second hand option, but find no Swart. Can someone tell me some web to search ? apart from ebay.. (i'm in Spain). By the way I got a Laney VC15, similar sound but too powerful for "bedroom" volume, have to play it a 0,5, but great for more volume -medium-, and way much cheaper.
For me both sounds great, even with differences. BUT the main problem for my and my pocket is that they both are tooo expensive. Been looking for the second hand option, but find no Swart. Can someone tell me some web to search ? apart from ebay.. (i'm in Spain). By the way I got a Laney VC15, similar sound but too powerful for "bedroom" volume, have to play it a 0,5, but great for more volume -medium-, and way much cheaper.
I have to agree: t the Champ sounds much better, fuller, warmer, rounder sounding. If it has the original speaker, that may be part of it, though I also suspect the cab size and shape has something to do with it. When I first looked at Swart amps, I was turned off by the vertical rectangle and the smaller speaker port. Later, a sales staff at Boutique Tone in Montreal told me about the new AST Master, which is in a much larger cab, in a horizontal rectangle in shape. Size does matter in cabs
How bout running both in stereo out of a nice compression pedal... that way both my left ear and my right ear can be in aural nirvana at the same time without having to make a pointless decision about which of these equally amazing amps sounds ...better? Great side by side comparison though, and as in all your videos great playing.
@itsonlyrcknroll Thank you! Great suggestion! I currently don't have a compression pedal. Sold my BJFE Pine Green.... dumb on my part... LOL Put I will say that both amps sounded really good with that compression pedal. Take care, T
@1952Telecaster I'll agree that the Champ comes out a winner in this video. However, cranked it's all Swart! I really need to do a video of these two dimed. Take care, T
Both amp sound great in my opinion. I've been using my tweed Champ for years on sessions and just love it, but i've tried a few Swart and think that they're awesome amps, and the sound is very consistent from one to another which can't be said about the Champ (or any old amps) Some are loud and clean, other distort earlier... They're all good in their own way, but you have to find the one that works for you. Nice job T!!
Yes, I too enjoy both amps for different reasons. Both have their strong points. I personally prefer the Swart cranked and the Tweed Champ on the cleaner side. Cheers, T
the 1950's Fender Champ has a floating front baffle while the Swart has a fixed front baffle. Try comparing a 1940's Fender Champion 600 with the Swart, you might get similar sounds then.
I would be interested to hear the swart amp plugged into the speaker & cab of the vintage champ to hear the same speaker/cab but with the two different amplifiers.
The Swart cab is a bit small which I think is what makes it sound a bit thinner than the tweedie. Nice collection of gear btw!
I like both amps the same. One sounds better to me one day and the other the next. I put in NOS Mazda(?) rectifier, NOS Brimar 6v6, and RCA 12ax7. The Champ has a 8 inch speaker...A Jenson.
the better the amp the better the tone,,, but you can make the wood of a solid pine cab breath and you can resonate that speaker to lower the resonant peak! cool trick! Im going to do it to my swart!
the Fender rep gave me a cool trick... get a 1/8 to 1/4 cable and play your ipod through your guitar amps while you do what ever . the older amps and any new amp with solid pine cabinet resonate and the wood changes over time.the older amps tend to have a lower resonant frequency because of the ageing process as does the speaker makes a new amp sound a little older! This will help any newer tube amp sound a more vintage. .........
I haven't had a chance to check out the new Champ. I'm interested in hearing it. After puttings some NOS tubes in the Swart, I'm thinking I like it a little more than the Tweed Champ at the moment. Best regards, T
But wait! I just changed the tubes in the Swart for some nice NOS one and I may have to do another video. The new/old tubes are bring out some nice dynamics in the Swart. Thanks for checking it out!
Two of my Gibson's came from a local shop, Kelley's Music, and the R9 and the Jr came from Mark's Guitar Loft. The Swart is the only thing I've gotten from Fat Sound. Take care, T
good God, my eyes already hurt from watching your vids :D great demonstrations. I have some serious interest in that '65 blackface. think I'm gonna buy one soon. I comment very very rarely on youtube but now I just had to say that haha. very nice playing!
The Swart sounds like it "breathes" better with more sparkle while the Tweed sounds like a its "been a smoker" but with more warmth and I'm sure the feel of the amp is great. Those vintage Fenders can't be beat though! Love watching your demos though, look foward to more
That's pretty much the way I hear 'em too. Although, I've found that if I put a BJF Pine Green Compressor in front of the Tweed Champ I get both sparkle and warmth. However, I have to say cranked, the Swart takes it hands down. Thanks and take care, T
Oh yeah, go for it! I have a '65 that at one point was pretty much all I ever played. Fantastic amps! A different vibe from the tweeds, but still sweet sounding! Good luck! T
Great comparison. This is why the Tweed made history. Just listen to that richness in harmonics. Amazing amp. The Swart is not bad at all, but the names says it all: we have a Champ!
I would take the champ, mainly as it is half the price of the swart and sounds as good, some of them swart amps aree way overpriced and u can pick a vintage fender up much cheaper
UKToneKing 2 weeks ago
@UKToneKing
Not that Champ...I just got rid of a Swart and got about $750.00...I am now looking to trade my Les Paul Special and cash for a 58 Champ...(cheap compared to others on ebay at $850.00)...but they usually go at around $1000 or so...unless you are talking about later Champs..and even those (except for the XD) are right up there.
But best Fender amp deal right now...Mustang I $99.00
I will agree that in this clip I just felt plain old bad for the Swart...not even close..
zeroceiling 1 week ago
@zeroceiling I have a 1974 vibrochamp and it rocks big time, I payed £425 for it and it is all original including the tubes, it is also in mint condition and it sounds amazing, think of princeton reverb without the reverb and u are their, also the silverface ones have the same circuit as the blackface so u are paying for cosmetics really, still it would be nice to have a blackface as well and a tweed
UKToneKing 1 week ago
the champs sounds more relaxed and smoother....the notes kinda bounce out of the speaker,the Swart sounds decent ,it's chimier but more stiff sounding.
dunno though...a better comparison would have you use the same tubes and speaker with each amp
spentonmediocrity 4 months ago
I prefer the champ...nice video!
nachodelico 4 months ago
@nachodelico Thanks!!!! : ) Best, T
Noitpure 4 months ago
They both sound fantastic different but both good. Your playing is excellent regardless of amp.
hcgazoo 4 months ago
I Like the swarts but it is a $1800 amp.
MOJONIXION 5 months ago
@MOJONIXION
no..it is not...it is a $700-$800 amp and about $1200 with a reverb tank.
Remember they are comparing two 5 watt amps...so those are the prices...I just sold mine...I should know..
zeroceiling 1 week ago
I hear a speaker wich is loose and responsive and another speaker that is new and still somewhat stiff.
Your playing is great.
The Swart amp is sounding great, the speaker could use 24 hours of testtone so it looses up somewhat. A week of gigging should take care of this too.
Muziekschuur01 6 months ago
Bitches sound the same to me.
gizzygee 6 months ago
I have to agree, the playing is great, and this is how you do a real sound check review on two amps. Many people just play overdriven, and once the distortion is too big, every sound detail just becomes distortion (as Kenny Vaughan put it). Also the sound quality is amazing, and you can really tell. Hats off to you, we need guitar videos like this.
Johi2410 7 months ago
Nice demo. IMO most small 6 watt amps based on the 5F1 sound alike, or very similar.
pleximanic1 7 months ago
If these amps are stock the Swart uses a ceramic speaker and the Fender an alnico,a perfectly broken in alnico at that...that alone makes a comparison difficult.
It's *possible* too that the vintage Fender has a sweeter sounding output transformer too...at least in my experience the iron in older amps has a smoother and warmer upper mid response.Dunno for sure tho.
bootlegapples 8 months ago
Considering that that Swart is near new, compared to a 50 year old worn in classic, I think it held up better than could be expected.
veitchy88 10 months ago
Really liked your playing!
Evyanaf 10 months ago
@Evyanaf Thank you! : )
Noitpure 10 months ago
Gotta give it to the Champ...but if you let the Swart speaker age for 50 years it will probably sound better
superskwrl 10 months ago
Champ by a mile. Your playing rules them all however.
TheRealRayJ 11 months ago 2
@TheRealRayJ I blush...Thank you! : )
Noitpure 11 months ago
after hearing your demos, I am in Swart heaven!!!!!
Mr76lespaul 1 year ago
in 50 years the swart will probley sound exacly like the champ
BLStyrackt71 1 year ago
For me both sounds great, even with differences. BUT the main problem for my and my pocket is that they both are tooo expensive. Been looking for the second hand option, but find no Swart. Can someone tell me some web to search ? apart from ebay.. (i'm in Spain). By the way I got a Laney VC15, similar sound but too powerful for "bedroom" volume, have to play it a 0,5, but great for more volume -medium-, and way much cheaper.
franziskore 1 year ago
For me both sounds great, even with differences. BUT the main problem for my and my pocket is that they both are tooo expensive. Been looking for the second hand option, but find no Swart. Can someone tell me some web to search ? apart from ebay.. (i'm in Spain). By the way I got a Laney VC15, similar sound but too powerful for "bedroom" volume, have to play it a 0,5, but great for more volume -medium-, and way much cheaper.
franziskore 1 year ago
I have to agree: t the Champ sounds much better, fuller, warmer, rounder sounding. If it has the original speaker, that may be part of it, though I also suspect the cab size and shape has something to do with it. When I first looked at Swart amps, I was turned off by the vertical rectangle and the smaller speaker port. Later, a sales staff at Boutique Tone in Montreal told me about the new AST Master, which is in a much larger cab, in a horizontal rectangle in shape. Size does matter in cabs
jjtenhole 1 year ago
don't know why exactly but i'm leaning towards the Champ. anyone else?
userboy6 1 year ago
i see roanoke in that sign u live in roanoke?i lived there 20 yrs.
MrGodam29 1 year ago
@MrGodam29 My but you have good eyes! Hi from the Star City! : ) Best, T
Noitpure 1 year ago
Swart seems a nice fingerpickin' amp. Nice and twangy!
rasselbock 1 year ago
@rasselbock Yes, it is! Love the Swart amps!
Noitpure 1 year ago
Does Dave Mustaine plays with this pedal?
0001sergioX 1 year ago
How bout running both in stereo out of a nice compression pedal... that way both my left ear and my right ear can be in aural nirvana at the same time without having to make a pointless decision about which of these equally amazing amps sounds ...better? Great side by side comparison though, and as in all your videos great playing.
itsonlyrcknroll 1 year ago 3
@itsonlyrcknroll Thank you! Great suggestion! I currently don't have a compression pedal. Sold my BJFE Pine Green.... dumb on my part... LOL Put I will say that both amps sounded really good with that compression pedal. Take care, T
Noitpure 1 year ago
one sounds quite a bit better than the other....
yep the tweed 5F1 Champ wins again!
1952Telecaster 1 year ago
@1952Telecaster I'll agree that the Champ comes out a winner in this video. However, cranked it's all Swart! I really need to do a video of these two dimed. Take care, T
Noitpure 1 year ago
Tragically Hip songs in demos get 5 stars from me. :)
Stringprodigy 2 years ago
Both amp sound great in my opinion. I've been using my tweed Champ for years on sessions and just love it, but i've tried a few Swart and think that they're awesome amps, and the sound is very consistent from one to another which can't be said about the Champ (or any old amps) Some are loud and clean, other distort earlier... They're all good in their own way, but you have to find the one that works for you. Nice job T!!
Rob
robertgroove66 2 years ago 2
I'd happily spend weeks playing through either.When I hear 2 things that sound different but both sweet, I can never decide 'best'.Lol
..and I do realise this wasn't presented as a 'good and better' video
fendermac 2 years ago
Yes, I too enjoy both amps for different reasons. Both have their strong points. I personally prefer the Swart cranked and the Tweed Champ on the cleaner side. Cheers, T
Noitpure 2 years ago
the 1950's Fender Champ has a floating front baffle while the Swart has a fixed front baffle. Try comparing a 1940's Fender Champion 600 with the Swart, you might get similar sounds then.
1952Telecaster 2 years ago
the swart is totally and utterly destroyed by the champ in your clip. the champ sounds way fatter and a shedload more organic in my opinion.
Windbreaker9 2 years ago 14
I totally agree on that!
RiffRaf1981 2 years ago
The champ probably sounds fatter due to the larger cabinet size.
The 'organic' part is just less high treble which is normal with older amps.
skurtix 2 years ago
You really gotta do the part two of this comparison now that Swart has new tubes. I'm sure many of us would love to hear it.
MySongman 2 years ago
You are absolutely right! I've been a little pre-occupied with work, but will do one of these videos soon! Best wishes, T
Noitpure 2 years ago
I would be interested to hear the swart amp plugged into the speaker & cab of the vintage champ to hear the same speaker/cab but with the two different amplifiers.
The Swart cab is a bit small which I think is what makes it sound a bit thinner than the tweedie. Nice collection of gear btw!
skurtix 2 years ago
So what NOS tubes did you put in your Swart?
Still like the Swart better?
What size speakers are in the Tweed champ?
Thanks!
MySongman 2 years ago
I like both amps the same. One sounds better to me one day and the other the next. I put in NOS Mazda(?) rectifier, NOS Brimar 6v6, and RCA 12ax7. The Champ has a 8 inch speaker...A Jenson.
Noitpure 2 years ago
the better the amp the better the tone,,, but you can make the wood of a solid pine cab breath and you can resonate that speaker to lower the resonant peak! cool trick! Im going to do it to my swart!
therepenter 2 years ago
the Fender rep gave me a cool trick... get a 1/8 to 1/4 cable and play your ipod through your guitar amps while you do what ever . the older amps and any new amp with solid pine cabinet resonate and the wood changes over time.the older amps tend to have a lower resonant frequency because of the ageing process as does the speaker makes a new amp sound a little older! This will help any newer tube amp sound a more vintage. .........
therepenter 2 years ago
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therepenter 2 years ago
Comment removed
therepenter 2 years ago
More importantly, what about a NEW Fender amp compared to the Swart Space Tone? I think the 65 Fender sounds better in this video.
odh202 2 years ago 2
I haven't had a chance to check out the new Champ. I'm interested in hearing it. After puttings some NOS tubes in the Swart, I'm thinking I like it a little more than the Tweed Champ at the moment. Best regards, T
Noitpure 2 years ago
champ for the win
wrathfully 2 years ago
But wait! I just changed the tubes in the Swart for some nice NOS one and I may have to do another video. The new/old tubes are bring out some nice dynamics in the Swart. Thanks for checking it out!
Noitpure 2 years ago
i lke the champ better..
AMERICANBUS 2 years ago
where did you buy your stuff from
i saw you say fat sound guitars which is where i go now.
im just wondering where you get the gibsons, im waiting for them to have used ones, because there not gibson dealers
ktmdean2006 2 years ago
Two of my Gibson's came from a local shop, Kelley's Music, and the R9 and the Jr came from Mark's Guitar Loft. The Swart is the only thing I've gotten from Fat Sound. Take care, T
Noitpure 2 years ago
good God, my eyes already hurt from watching your vids :D great demonstrations. I have some serious interest in that '65 blackface. think I'm gonna buy one soon. I comment very very rarely on youtube but now I just had to say that haha. very nice playing!
goran
gotzz84 2 years ago
Thank you for the kind words! You should check out a BF Champ. Excellent sounding around the house amp. Best wishes, T : )
Noitpure 2 years ago
The Swart sounds like it "breathes" better with more sparkle while the Tweed sounds like a its "been a smoker" but with more warmth and I'm sure the feel of the amp is great. Those vintage Fenders can't be beat though! Love watching your demos though, look foward to more
Th3Lemon 2 years ago
That's pretty much the way I hear 'em too. Although, I've found that if I put a BJF Pine Green Compressor in front of the Tweed Champ I get both sparkle and warmth. However, I have to say cranked, the Swart takes it hands down. Thanks and take care, T
Noitpure 2 years ago
"Great ears hear alike" :] I'm thinking of picking up a Blackface Champ on a local craiglist, think I should go for it? It's pretty cheap, and a '66.
Th3Lemon 2 years ago
Oh yeah, go for it! I have a '65 that at one point was pretty much all I ever played. Fantastic amps! A different vibe from the tweeds, but still sweet sounding! Good luck! T
Noitpure 2 years ago
THanks for the Demo! You gotta love side by side Demo's I would love to listen to a Bogner Duende next to a Rivera Venus 5!
Gretschster6120 2 years ago
Thank you! I'd love to try a Duende. Cheers!
Noitpure 2 years ago
The champ seems to sound a little better; more complex an more "bassy"... but the Swart costs near the half price...
Maybe if you turn up the bass into the Swart possibly it could sound more closer...
Anyway thanks for the review... you've got an amazing gear! : )
alvaritooooooooo 3 years ago
god you have some good gear. i just ordered the 5w swart :)
SweetUpDown40 3 years ago
thank you! I hope you like the baby Swart half as much as I like mine! : )
Noitpure 3 years ago
Comment removed
newpixeldude 3 years ago
Great comparison. This is why the Tweed made history. Just listen to that richness in harmonics. Amazing amp. The Swart is not bad at all, but the names says it all: we have a Champ!
newpixeldude 3 years ago
Great demo as always.
For me it's no contest - Fender Tweed all the way!!
JohnnyFriendly 3 years ago
I like em both! ;-)
crossroader 3 years ago
Both sound good, but different...
adpwolfpack 3 years ago