Champion 800 5B1

Fender Electric Instrument Co.; Fullerton (CA)

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  • Year
  • 1948
  • Category
  • Audio Amplifier or -mixer
  • Radiomuseum.org ID
  • 356585

 Technical Specifications

  • Number of Tubes
  • 3
  • Number of Transistors
  • 3
  • Semiconductors
  • Main principle
  • Audio-Amplification
  • Wave bands
  • - without
  • Details
  • Guitar Amplifier
  • Power type and voltage
  • Alternating Current supply (AC) / 50-60 Hz, 110 Volt
  • Loudspeaker
  • Permanent Magnet Dynamic (PDyn) Loudspeaker (moving coil) / Ø 8 inch = 20.3 cm
  • Power out
  • 4 W (unknown quality)
  • Material
  • Leather / canvas / plastic - over other material
  • from Radiomuseum.org
  • Model: Champion 800 5B1 - Fender Electric Instrument Co.
  • Shape
  • Tablemodel, high profile (upright - NOT Cathedral nor decorative).
  • Notes

  • The Champion 800: Birth of a Legend

    The Champion 800 was introduced in 1948 as Fender's first entry into the small amplifier market. This model began what would eventually become the iconic Fender Champ series.

    Key Specifications

    • Power Output: 4 watts
    • Speaker: 8-inch
    • Circuit: 5B1 design
    • Cabinet: "TV-front" style
    • Covering: Greenish tweed linen

    Design and Features

    The Champion 800 featured a simple design with:

    • Three tubes
    • An angled rear control panel
    • Two inputs
    • A single volume control

    Short-Lived but Influential

    The Champion 800 had a brief production run, lasting only until 1949. Despite its short lifespan, it laid the groundwork for the Champ series.

    Transition to Champion 600

    In mid-1949, Fender replaced the Champion 800 with the Champion 600. The new model retained the same circuitry but featured:

    • A smaller 6-inch speaker
    • Two-tone brown and white textured vinyl covering

    The 5B1 Circuit

    The 5B1 circuit was the original design used in the Champion 800, Fender's first entry into the small amplifier market in 1948. This circuit laid the foundation for the entire Champ series that followed.

    Key Characteristics

    • Power Output: Approximately 3-4 watts
    • Tube Complement:
      • One 6SJ7 pentode (preamp)
      • One 6V6 beam power tetrode (power amp)
      • One 5Y3 rectifier tube

    Controls

    • Volume: Single volume control, which also functioned as the on/off switch
    • No Tone Controls: The circuit did not include any tone-shaping controls

    Speaker

    The Champion 800 using the 5B1 circuit featured an 8-inch speaker, which contributed to its name.

    Legacy

    While the Champion 800 was quickly superseded, it established the basic concept of a small, portable Fender amplifier. This concept would evolve through various iterations, eventually leading to the development of the highly regarded 5F1 Champ in 1956. The Champion 800's legacy lives on in the DNA of all subsequent Champ models, which have become legendary for their simplicity, portability, and distinctive tone.

  • Author
  • Model page created by Gary Cowans. See "Data change" for further contributors.

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