Fargen Amps Hot Mods / Modified Fender Champion 600

[music2me23]

I have a Ben Fargen modified champ 600. It has some of the sweetest tones. This video does not do justice to the tones this amp is capable of after the Fargen mod. I have left instructions to be buried with my Fargen champ 600 and Fender 59 Strat. As I plan on playing the blues until the devil lets me out of hell.

[bluesintheblood]

what's with all the mods on these small amps, why not just buy a bigger amp?

[PooPooOnMyNewShoe]

@bluesintheblood Bigger's does NOT = better by any means. Those of us that have been into sound for many years have learned that many times "good things come in small packages" cab dimensions, wood types, shapes etc all work to produce ones sought after sound. Sometimes that small amp can be "tweeked" to ones taste however. Many greats have recorded classic tracks from small amps that were mic'ed and tweeked to PERFECTION. ;)

[senna01]

how much did the mod cost?

[genrlgadget]

Sounds great! I want one!

[arypma]

If you're changing so much, why not make your own amp? Modding a perfectly good amp like this is called 'Cursing in the church' in my country.

[pegasomarcelo]

Watch this: youtube.com/watch?v=YHfoON7ukS­c

[pleximanic1]

Nice. I like the thin bright sound of those amps.

[jimibob68]

i spent about $100 on my 600 champ and i think it sounds better than this but cant be sure without a side by side comparison i point to point wired it with the original transformers and kept the ss rectifier so i can run a 6l6 or 6v6 put a weber 8 in speaker and new grill cloth all hi quality parts pots switch jack im wondering what some quality transformers and a choke would do looking for some more clean volume and headroom ? also put vintage rca 6v6gt and ge 12ax7 7025

[jimibob68]

i spent about $100 on my 600 champ and i think it sounds better than this but cant be sure without a side by side comparison i point to point wired it with the original transformers and kept the ss rectifier so i can run a 6l6 or 6v6 put a weber 8 in speaker and new grill cloth all hi quality parts pots switch jack im wondering what some quality transformers and a choke would do looking for some more clean volume and headroom ?

[Fender1976uk]

This amp is great and I did some mods that eliminated the hum you get if you use one here in the UK :) there is a power issue which can be corrected . anyway, its worth changing the speaker, that don't cost much to do :) love the clean tones this amp has and it loves your effects pedals! its good pals with a tubescreamer :)

[GreatSoundingGuy]

Now all it needs is an effects loop & a footswitch option. Not that isn't not a bad ass lil amp after the mods as it is, I'm planning on getting one and getting these mods. I just wish there was a full featured compact amp available.. Oh wait there is, the Blackstar HT-5. Any upgrades for it?

[goldenhopper]

I replaced the tubes in mine with a 1955 NOS Raytheon 6V6 and 60's NOS RCA 12ax7. I then cut the speaker frame and installed a vintage Jensen 8" alnico speaker. The amp smokes now and it cost me a little over a $100.00 for the parts.

[stratwhore]

How I wish my champ sounded like that! :P

[goldenhopper]

I bash a lot of entry-level amp mods on youtube as I feel they're not worth the investment. However, this one sounds excellent!!! WOW! Have you considered stuffing an 8” alnico in the cab?

[actionwood1]

I just got a Vox AC4 modded by Ben and it is phenomenal. The guy is a genius. Super nice guy. Great customer service. Personally replied to my emails very quickly. Highly recommend him.

[TheJeffhuff]

I just bought a mercury ot + choke on ebay from you. thanks for the great deal

[dalraida]

The stock 600 sounds great using single coils not humbuckers, now there is a surprise.

[joaokorb]

Is this really worth it ? The cost of a Blues Junior, But I cant afford a 15W in my apartment. So I think a Fargen Champion 600 along with a Cabinet 1x12 Weber Vintage Speaker.

[jammers5]

nicest mod i have heard on this amp! the clarity is improved a lot and the overdrive is way less harsh!

[mattacuk]

shame im in the uk, id have liked some mods!

[birdmankustomz666]

Sounds awesome, when I get one I'll definetely be considering your mods. How much does this setup cost? Or should I email you for that?

[gibsonguitars22]

Where can i get this done and how much would it cost!!!

[bondman00794]

Where can I get my modded at?!

[bluesbreaker1]

@bondman00794

please email me directly through the Fargen web site

thx!

Benjamin Fargen

[Supplanter64]

The stock amp sounds really good if you know how and what to play on it. Yes, this amp sounds better and it is more versatile... but we're also hearing some tasty guitar playing that matches the new sound for this amp really well.

[LedZeppelinisgod100]

WHOA! that is absolutely tasty tone. reminiscent of early Jimmy Page. slightly.

but i need to get one of these things. not too expensive!

[samguitarmurphy]

of course you need to keep in mind that this is a killer mod. and the stock one doesn't sound that killer

[LedZeppelinisgod100]

true, true. i'd probably buy a stock one, and get some info on these mods, or a treble booster or tonbender reissue/copy

[meatbundle]

I have one not modded yet....but very convincing....might do this instead of buy an expensive new amp.

[bluestudio67]

I love it. Love a pushed amp better than one overdriven by pedal.... just sounds right to me.

[shrylock]

Is the gain switch just 3 different values of plate resistor?

[relicsun]

Weber signature 6" speaker has three kinds,early, medium,and late breakup.Which one is the best?I heard the early is the most popular one but I am leaning towards the later breakup,let me know what you think guys.

[AceOnTheBass100]

You said you changed the capacitors and resistors - same values or what did you increase them to? PIO caps or mylar?

[MrAlfredocolon]

damn these things are dirt cheap. gonna pick one up asap

[wentle1985]

I went to your web site but there was nothing mentioning the cost of a kit for this mod or a price for you to do the upgrade. You should really offer a kit. Many of us might be able to afford a kit with good instructions where as we wouldn't be able to afford to have a boutique amp builder upgrade it for us. That being said, this is the best I have heard a modded Champ sound as of yet, great work!

[qu1cks1lver56]

wow, now i really want this amp and i want these mods, that thing sounds great.

[lbm323]

how much are these mods i just got my champ 600 it sounds awsome but this surpassess all. I cannot belive the tones that are coming out of the little amp. how much are these i want mine to sound like that

[dqami]

That grill cloth should have been replaced. As good as it sounds, it would be even better if you had swapped it as it's like putting a coat over the amp.

[dvcamshooter2]

@dqami I put vox replica grill cloth. much thinner and takes away the boxiness.

The amp mods sound awesome.

[Seventhsword]

Sounds awesome! Could you post a video with the same amp playing through a Strat? Thinking of sending you mine to mod.

[JVStratocasters]

love that amp!

[ccc8008]

Regarding the Weber...smooth cone, partially ribbed, or fully ribbed?

[Omiewise65]

The best tone comes off it , if you roll back the volume of the guitar at 5:20 !! It sounds terrific ! Great job ! I'll try it with the Jensen P8R ( 4 Ohm) speaker , a 12AX7 EH gold ( ECC83 ) Electro Harmonix preamp tube and a 6V6GT (6P6S ) , a russian pentode .

I can't change the caps and the resistors . If someone could post an example how to do this job , without destroying this wonderful amp , i'd be very thankful .cheers

[NextSlash69]

What is the price for a such a modification?

[raunchy123]

Ben could make a box of corn flakes sound like god!

[DStreur]

you sure the sound won't be too "flakey"? :P

[raunchy123]

only if you wire it in "Cereal"!

[fallingmanjutsu]

We're not worthy.....lol