One of THE BEST demo's on anything I've come across. Very well explained, not too long on any one setting, too the point critques of the various settings. Thank you as it helped me in buying one of these little guys. Plenty of what I need for home use.
If you are are on a budget or don't want to haul a heavy tube amp to gigs, or the venue stage footprint is a consideration, this is a great choice at 24 lbs. in a small package. The built in effects and amp models make it very versatile with channel switching and a nice channel one clean. This is really an import Fender Deluxe Reverb in a 15 watts RMS and 10" speaker format, but with way more in the effects and amp models. Also, one feature often overlooked is that this amp has a GREAT Line Out for front of house (FOH) amplification to louder levels that works very well. I know, because I used it in a very loud Southern Rock/Classic Rock/New Country band out in Memphis, TN and Arkansas for 29 gigs over 8 months 2009 to 2010. I kept it on a comfortable volume of 4 behind me "back line" on top of my keyboard amp and power supply small rack case, and we blasted it out to the crowd FOH with great tone results. You can't lose with this amp. You can play it at ANY size gig due to its super Line Out, by using the bigger PA that is FOH. Or you can drop a mike on it, but the line out works as good or better than a mike. We had been miking it, but one day needed the extra mike on the drums, so used the line out, heard how great it sounded, and never used the mike again. Even though it does not have a standby switch, it was fine, since it uses low wattage 6V6 power tubes. One AR club we played every month for one weekend, left it on for up to five hours both nights.
Still probably the BEST video presented as you Don go through a thorough explanation of what you are doing, and do a great job of the demo for the various settings you are always calling out to the viewer. Thank for again for the time you took to do this a subsequent video's on the fender Super Champ XD
Hi Don, just checking back in. I bought one of these 10 years ago used based on your review and one other (David Gilmour style). I have been gigging this thing all over and still get compliments on my guitar tone every night. Over the years I did change the tubes and swapped speaker to a Ragin Cajun for about 5db more beef. She is just a great little workhorse. I found she takes either TS9 or OCD really well into Ch1 but Ch2 is best to dial in the voice you want with nothing in front. Voices I use often- Ch1- Blackface Deluxe Reverb- Doobies, SRV, Mayer 3- hi gain Tweed- Brian May, Santana 6- Vox Top Boost- Beatles, U2, Gilmour 8- Plexi- Jimi, Clapton I own several other more expensive amps but this one still goes to most of the local gigs. For large outdoor stages I do bring a Mesa. If the SC got lost, stolen, or caught fire one night, I would find another one. Cheers!
Don...excellent review! Fender should hire you to demo this amp on their web site. You have mastered it. Do us all a favor and post some of your favorite settings!!! Please!
It has been several years since I reviewed this amplifier.... Since the review of this amplifier played many small similar amps that deserves some attention... Guitar Center has agreed to supply me with several of their new small boutique amplifiers for review.... Marshall, Vox, Acoustic, Backstair to name a few. But from what I have heard the fender Super Champ XD model still holds its own with any of the comparison tests. But will see... So stay tuned , check back,.... and I'll give you a fair assessment. Thanks again..... Happy trails
I don't care for the clean channel a single coil guitars. Instead, try using the first tweed voice for clean. Turn the gain all the way up or close to it. It will remain clean but with a bit of hair. That's one of the best clean sounds I've ever heard and a good platform for overdrive pedals, but you have to turn that gain up for it. With a good overdrive pedal in front of it, you can go from a thick jazzy clean to a creamy overdrive all with the guitar's volume control. A lot of people have been changing to a speaker with more bass to try and make that clean channel and the BF voices sound thicker, but they screw up the tweed voices when they do that. In my opinion, it's the tweed voices that make this amp worth having. You can make the amp louder and keep the nice tweed voices by using a Jensen C10Q.
Bill I have recently picked up this amp and still exploring all the settings. I have a Jensen C10Q in another cabinet (which I rate highly) and have plugged this amp into it. It certainly smoothes out the brightness, it will take me some time to decide whether I prefer the C10Q over the stock Fender speaker. The stock speaker may be bright, but that works well for a Fender clean tone.
this is a great demo of this amp, i bought one and was freaked out a little by the digital preamp effects or whatever, i was afraid i wouldnt be happy with the tone. Well i picked one up for $120 bucks and its taking the spot of my VOX AC4TV and my Marshall Class 5. You can litterally get anything from fender cleans all the way to heavy marshal overdriven tones and everything in between. Its amazing how close it nails thats marshall tone, then u can spin a dial and get a clean fender sparkle.
i have had my super champ xd for more than a year now, and i am still diggin it. It has so many flavors, it satisfies all of my cravings. I still love watching Don covering this amp.
Thanks for updating this. I too have an old XD which I use at home in my small practice studio, and a newer X2 in a second home overseas, which I agree doesn’t sound as good as the original. I mostly just use the “non-modeling” channel with pedals (my current fave is an Okko Diablo Gregor Hilden two channel pedal that gives me that perfect edge of breakup tone). I put a Cannabis Rex in the XD but am not sure I prefer it, since is seems to sound a bit more hairy. Might bring it here and see if it improves the X2.
That little XD is just so perfect for sounding a little lamp, I’ve done the same thing with pedals in the front end, but I like the modeling side as well, it’s just a beautiful little combination of both amps
Great overview Don, thanks for sharing. I viewed both your videos before deciding to buy this amp, and now that I have the amp, I have explored all it's settings and have to say that I am delighted with this Fender amp 👍👍👍
Don - thanks for this. I just got a friend to buy this amp - I bought 2 more today before the price increase!!!. Two things - a Ragin Cajun speaker really give this thing just a little 'more' in terms of tightness in the fuzzy high end. Also, as to your comment about live - I'm betting your playing more gigs than I am, but my next one I'm simply using two of these, set two ways - and switching... Friggin amazing. Many many thanks for your brilliant video!
Still the best demo out there regarding the Super Champ XD as I said awhile ago. Thanks again Don for doing a find job on your video with good explanation and demo.
What an absolutely fabulous review. I'm referring to your method of review, although it would seem, the fabulous adjective would equally apply to the amp. By keeping a pretty stable base to your settings, you gave some real perspective to what each voicing, had to offer, If a listener can't get a feel for what the amp has to offer, it isn't because you didn't show them. Thank you for keeping it simple and understandable.
Hi Don, This remains the best review of the amp voices in this amp. I watch this from time to time to remind me how versatile my amp is. To answer a question from below - this amp is very usable at home and can run from whisper quiet. Thanks again. Mark
Don, again, thanks for the demo. Just got my second SCXD. First one I got from CL with Ragin' Cajun speaker already installed. Came with footswitch, too. $220. Picked up a new one and got footswitch from MF. $299+25. Got a 1x12 cab from a friend w/ Celestion, G12-P80, 100 bucks. Use it with new one @ practice sessions. Picked up a 2x12 Crate cab w/Tone Tubbies for $100 from CL and use that for gigging with the SCXD w/Ragin' Cajun. All I can say is, WOW!
This is easily the best demo of this amp!! I really like your playing and how you play to each voice's strengths. I like how you call out what the settings ARE, ie blackface, marshall, etc. Good radio voice as well! Thanks so much!! You've got me thinkin, and gassin'.
Nice reviews...Congrats! You convinced me into buying this baby again, I had one a year ago and after a long story of selling and buying amps seeking to get the perfect tone for home playing and not to loud gigging I finally came back to the Super Champ XD, I only have one word to describe it "Perfect". I play a lot of rock music and with a Les paul plugged in this thing Rocks better then nay other on the market without making your neighbors wanna kill you. Saludos, amigo.
I just got back from playing one of these at G.C. just a bit ago. Absolutely fantastic sounding amp. I was using a Heritage H-535 thru it. it just sang. I am getting one shortly.
My SCXD sounded nothing like this video. Through Fender forums, I found out the voltage going to my tubes was half what it was supposed to be. The factory routinely sets the tube voltage low to extend tube life and allow people to change tubes without worrying about overdriving them. After adjusting the tube voltage to the correct setting, the amp now sounds like this one. Look up scxd bias adjustment to see how it's done. I also added JJ tubes and a Jensen C10Q and it's a little monster!
Don, I know that it's been a while since you posted this, but I had a question on Voice #3. Do you recall where you had the gain set on the demo of that one? I find that Channel 3 really breaks up even a low gain levels, but I really liked where you had it.
Hey Don, what VOLUME are you using on this demo? Just picked this amp up and your demo is great, but I'd like to achieve similar tones you have by matching the volume you are using. Please let me know. Thanks! Great Demo!
Thx so much for the video, Don, it's been the most useful I've seen in a long time. And special thx for goin' quickly through the metal sounds. I'm sick of amp reviews which just focus on dirty channels who sound derivative and underwhelming. Thank you!
Don, great video. In your opinion overall taking into consideration build quality, sound quality, ability to take pedals, and gigability mic'd, does the Super Champ XD beat the Vox Valvetronix VT30? I'm looking at both. I currently have a Deluxe Reverb RI and looking to downsize a bit. Thanks!
@WormOfTheWorld thanks for the comment....this amp is mostly a pre-production amp for practice or recording...live is not quite enough volume but a very careful monitor mix might get it . You got it...it has a very warm ....smooth break-up with a pretty nice clean thing as well...perfect for low volume reproduction ..great for BR
Don, Thanks for this video. Very informative. I was wondering if you're familiar with the Blues Jr.? If so what's your opinion of it and how it compares to the Super Champ XD? Thanks
Dear Don, Great sound ,feeling and tone. But i think it isn't the amp only. For exemple nr. 15 this is a very sweet tone with sustain. I can't get this sound with my amp. Tthe other setting give's in your demo much more drive. Did you use in the demo always the screamer or something like that ??? greatings from Holland Hans
Hey great review, some questions, does it have a headphone jack and in a small gig situation can keep up with the drums plus do you reccomend it for kinda hard rock stuff etc Many thanks, great sound :D
Really liked your review. Now I'm really eyeballing this amp for xmas. Sounds like I'll be able to play some excellent blues out of this amp as well as a number of other sounds.
Good review but did you skip over the hot rod series tones, 10-12? I just picked this up used but excellent for under 2. What a full sounding amp with incredible versatility.
Hey Don, I am currently working as a single act ..guitar and vocal w/midi back up. I use a Strat.. single coil. I use a POD 2.0. it sounds a little ICY running thru my mains. I'm looking at the modeling amp approach but as a combo like this one. I play typical "tourist music", oldies r&r and country. But I use some overdriven/sustain leads. I work
great playing and great tone. i bought the vibro champ, the 5 watt version of the super champ for those late night bedroom practice session. cant wait for it to arrive.
Don: I share your opinion on the SCXD, and this (plus the other parts) are a fantastic review. However, whatever system you're using to master the audio for these videos, you're getting lots of clipping (there's constant popping in the audio) It needs to be recorded at a lower volume.
So Don, since you posted your review on the XD (excellent by the way) did you experience any issues with it. I know they stopped production but heard there was a propensity for the amp to fail with no repair capabilities. This was some of the reviews I read. Would you recommend still. Thanks
Great, thanks. Fender never did explain any of the voices on the amp models that I remember. Got two of these, appreciate your perspective. Also, this amp has a GREAT line out for FOH PA, you can use it on ANY size gig. I used it on 27 gigs with a very loud band, and I only had both channels on volume 4 for backline, with line out to the PA. I did have it up on top of my Carvin AG100 and 4U rack case power supply, which brought it better to my ear level. It can cut ANY gig, I know. We were very loud and had a massive PA and played some medium size clubs in AR and TN. It did fine.
Hallo Don. I've watched all your videos, they are really great. I like this amp very much and I am thinking about to buy this amp. But I have still one question about the super champ. How often do you have to chance the tubes of this amp? Greetings, Rob from Holland
Thanks man, i've been looking into the fender super champ lately, because I want a cheap good sounding tube combo (in addition to my egnater renegade with 212 cab) that is easy to take with me when I play elsewhere then my home.. this amp seems to be the excellent solution! Awesome tone and playing by the way, I was glad when I finally found a video of a good bluesy guitarplayer with this amp and a fender strat, thanks!
Thanks for the demo Don, it was huge in making my decision to purchase it. I am really happy with it. Tons of fun and really hard to get bored with all the different sounds to play with. I find myself using #7 voice, what tube amp would you say is close to this? Anyway thanks!
Quite a few people asking how does this amp take pedals so I will answer that here. Pedals are not really necessary because CH 1 and CH 2 provide lots of options (clean, overdrive, distortion, reverb, delay etc) at comfortable volume levels. However, I have now tried a number of modulation type pedals on CH 1 (effects that are not available on the amp). They work very well indeed: Boss CS-2 Compressor >EHX Big Muff Pie (Tone/Wicker)>Dunlop GC-95 Wah>Boss BF-3 Flanger>Boss RC-1 Looper. I have the pedal levels set for 1:1 input/output so not to overload the amp input. The modulation pedals also work on CH 2 but are less effective, gain pedals (Fuzz or OD) tend to screw up the amp voices on CH 2 so I do not use those. I have tried two OD pedals on CH 1 (Boss OD-3 and EHX Soul Food), but was not impressed by them, much prefer the overdriven tube amp sounds on CH 2.
In your opinion would you take this over a Bugera V22?Cause I was gonna go for that but your vid has changed my opinion.One more question,can you plug this in too like a small stack or something if it's not loud enough on its own?
Great a,ps. I’ve owned it twice.I have gigged it many times and is loud enough my rock band at parties and a decent sized bar. Much louder than a champion 20 fender I had. That one wasn’t for gigs and I sold it.
Hi don great review , i have one of these amps and wondered if you have the same problem i have in that i can`t keep the same volume all the way through when i`m trying out the diiferent voices i have to raise the volume up quite high in some cases
Pedals? With this amp, forget the troublesome pedals. Scxd has beautiful distortions and is not necessary to have to use pedals. This amp will be a clasic.
Is it a sensible choice for bedroom playing, or too loud? I'm thinking of this versus a Roland Cube 30x. I'm after good Marshall Plexi type tones. Bluesy classic rock
hey don.... i have a pro reverb 74' and a music man half stack... due to a recent back injury. these amps will stay homebound... do you feel this amp can cut thru drums for jamming/practice sessions? the weight is definitely appealing.
Hi!Great amp demo. Your opinion JTM-50 or Super Champ XD? :) I love the sound of modern / vintage tone like YJMalmsteen, EVH, etc. .. but I need and super clean .. and the studio and for gigs (gigs for more:)) Thanks in advance:) Greetings from Serbia (Subotica) Timer Sale
Oh 1 question by the way, how does this amp handle a tubescreamer or an overdrive pedal of some sort on top of the clean channel and on top of the distortion voicings of the second channel? Thanks in advance
Hi Don, great great review! I'm looking to buy my first tube amp, and the xd is my favourite so far. havent tried any pedals on it yet, dont have much time to go to the musicstore. Just as a guideline, could you say this amp could do pretty well for playing some metal, NEXT to offcourse the obvious jazz blues and classic rock genre? i would love to rock out with some emg;s on it too..
@pindaro depends on your monitor system ..I don't think it's loud enough to cut through a drummer & bass player at "club level" so bringing it back up thru the monitors would be the answer
Hey don I was wondering if this amp would be good for practicing/jamming with a drummer? I'm either going tog buy this amp or the Fender Mustang II so I was looking for some advice...thanks
Thanks much for the review Don. I have a friend who owns one of these and he echos your praises of this little gem. Have you ever compared it to the Vox VT 30? I'm curious how the match up. Speaking of Vox, have you checked out their latest axe, the Virage? Pretty sweet rig. (~;
I just purchased a Fender VibroChamp XD, seems like it's the precursor to the SuperChamp. I totally love the tube amp, have now figured out how to play the electric guitar / amp together. Previously I've always gone back to my acoustic 'cause I couldn't get an electric to 'sound right'. Now I can hear that I need to 'play the amp'. Can I still use my Digitech BluesScreamer pedal with a modeling amp?? any special way to plug in?
Great video, great playing and very informative, I'm in the UK and looking for that Fender sound on a budget, I think I have just found it! Now I just have to sell my Peavey Windsor Studio;-) Thanks.
Just special ordered the blonde version at GC and am currently waiting for it to be delivered. I think I am going to replace the factory speaker with a Ragin' Cajun. I have a Roland Ready strat that I am rebuilding from the ground up and along with the Roland GR-33 sound module this amp will give me countless sound color choices for home recording. Can't wait to put it all together. BTW the Strat rebuild includes, Lace Hot Gold pickups with the hot bridge and a babics full contact tremelo system
I like to roll the bass off to about 4 when using channel 16. That gives it a nice, bright acoustic sound. I find that anything higher than that sounds muddy.
I have an XD and an X2. I find the XD to be a far superior amp. The X2 was supposed to be an improvement but I think they spoiled it. Another thing, wish the XD had a 12inch speaker in.
Edwin Martinez I also have a VT40+, it is a good amp, very versatile. Today I did an A v B comparison of it's clean tone (Cali Clean Amp, Orange setting, but reduced the gain to 11 o'clock) and it was surprisingly close to the clean channel of the Super Champ XD. My VT40+ is fitted with Jensen C10Q speaker to help give it that Fender tone. The SCXD has a warmer to tone and more presence, and I like the simplicity of it's controls and ability to easily get to a clean, mild or heavy overdriven tone.
I just ordered one of these used and it has an Eminence Ragin' Cajun installed. It sounds fantastic, however I have one problem. There is an annoying rattle with certain frequencies. I've gone through and tightened everything, so it's not that. Have you encountered this? If so, how can I fix it?
Great demo - thanks! It really highlighted the different sounds, in my opinion. What was the average volume setting you recorded at? Compared to the Vox VT20+ and VT40+ the SuperChamp sounds a heck of a lot better and more of that smooth tube sound'n'crunch. But, I'm really looking for something that can also be used as a bedroom practice amp. Don't want to shake the rest of the house out of bed when practicing late at night. Will this reproduce the same sounds well at low volume/high gain?
If you had done this review with a classic vibe Stratocaster would it have sounded noticeably worse, I have this amp plus a classic vibe and I can't get tones this nice , what pickups should I get ?
I've only had my Super Champ XD for a few days, but I'm diggin' it a LOT! I'm a rhythm player. It's sounding really cool and 'tubey' with my Ric 12 string.
Just picked up what they call the special addition blonde version of the Super Champ xd. Got the amp brand new, the footswitch, an elivated amp stand, fender amp cover, ragin cajun speaker upgrade and a fender amp jewel in amber all for about $348 not including tax. I think I got a lot for my money but who knows. My Roland Ready is still being rebuilt so I am still chomping at the bit to get up on it.
I just sold a Line 6 spider 3 75wts. I know I hear all of the bad stuff about Line 6 but , I sold it because I just want to get into some tubes amps. My only concern is the available volume level. Will this amp hold its own against any 75 watts solid state amp. Please respond back Don. I just ordered a Crate V18 212 amp for $220.00 the amp has tubes any advice on this amp. It is on back order til 3/31 so, I can still cancel the order if I want.
The best demo of a affordable amp! Someone who can really, make a good sound and great play!
Wow, wonderful Strat sounds.
Not sure why I'm surprised but man you got soul when you play... Amazing tone!!!
One of THE BEST demo's on anything I've come across. Very well explained, not too long on any one setting, too the point critques of the various settings. Thank you as it helped me in buying one of these little guys. Plenty of what I need for home use.
Good grief! Such licks! Nice demo, sir.
If you are are on a budget or don't want to haul a heavy tube amp to gigs, or the venue stage footprint is a consideration, this is a great choice at 24 lbs. in a small package. The built in effects and amp models make it very versatile with channel switching and a nice channel one clean. This is really an import Fender Deluxe Reverb in a 15 watts RMS and 10" speaker format, but with way more in the effects and amp models.
Also, one feature often overlooked is that this amp has a GREAT Line Out for front of house (FOH) amplification to louder levels that works very well. I know, because I used it in a very loud Southern Rock/Classic Rock/New Country band out in Memphis, TN and Arkansas for 29 gigs over 8 months 2009 to 2010. I kept it on a comfortable volume of 4 behind me "back line" on top of my keyboard amp and power supply small rack case, and we blasted it out to the crowd FOH with great tone results. You can't lose with this amp. You can play it at ANY size gig due to its super Line Out, by using the bigger PA that is FOH. Or you can drop a mike on it, but the line out works as good or better than a mike. We had been miking it, but one day needed the extra mike on the drums, so used the line out, heard how great it sounded, and never used the mike again.
Even though it does not have a standby switch, it was fine, since it uses low wattage 6V6 power tubes. One AR club we played every month for one weekend, left it on for up to five hours both nights.
Still probably the BEST video presented as you Don go through a thorough explanation of what you are doing, and do a great job of the demo for the various settings you are always calling out to the viewer. Thank for again for the time you took to do this a subsequent video's on the fender Super Champ XD
good job Don! Nice review, i use mine for lap steel...sounds great!
Best review of this amp I've found on youtube. PLUS you rock!!
Hi Don, just checking back in. I bought one of these 10 years ago used based on your review and one other (David Gilmour style). I have been gigging this thing all over and still get compliments on my guitar tone every night. Over the years I did change the tubes and swapped speaker to a Ragin Cajun for about 5db more beef. She is just a great little workhorse. I found she takes either TS9 or OCD really well into Ch1 but Ch2 is best to dial in the voice you want with nothing in front.
Voices I use often-
Ch1- Blackface Deluxe Reverb- Doobies, SRV, Mayer
3- hi gain Tweed- Brian May, Santana
6- Vox Top Boost- Beatles, U2, Gilmour
8- Plexi- Jimi, Clapton
I own several other more expensive amps but this one still goes to most of the local gigs. For large outdoor stages I do bring a Mesa. If the SC got lost, stolen, or caught fire one night, I would find another one.
Cheers!
Don...excellent review! Fender should hire you to demo this amp on their web site. You have mastered it. Do us all a favor and post some of your favorite settings!!! Please!
It has been several years since I reviewed this amplifier.... Since the review of this amplifier played many small similar amps that deserves some attention... Guitar Center has agreed to supply me with several of their new small boutique amplifiers for review.... Marshall, Vox, Acoustic, Backstair to name a few. But from what I have heard the fender Super Champ XD model still holds its own with any of the comparison tests. But will see... So stay tuned , check back,.... and I'll give you a fair assessment.
Thanks again..... Happy trails
I don't care for the clean channel a single coil guitars. Instead, try using the first tweed voice for clean. Turn the gain all the way up or close to it. It will remain clean but with a bit of hair. That's one of the best clean sounds I've ever heard and a good platform for overdrive pedals, but you have to turn that gain up for it. With a good overdrive pedal in front of it, you can go from a thick jazzy clean to a creamy overdrive all with the guitar's volume control. A lot of people have been changing to a speaker with more bass to try and make that clean channel and the BF voices sound thicker, but they screw up the tweed voices when they do that. In my opinion, it's the tweed voices that make this amp worth having. You can make the amp louder and keep the nice tweed voices by using a Jensen C10Q.
Bill I have recently picked up this amp and still exploring all the settings. I have a Jensen C10Q in another cabinet (which I rate highly) and have plugged this amp into it. It certainly smoothes out the brightness, it will take me some time to decide whether I prefer the C10Q over the stock Fender speaker. The stock speaker may be bright, but that works well for a Fender clean tone.
great choice...same thing that I do...screamer gives such a great pop in any setting on the amp....god bless the screamer!!!....Don
Don! That was an awesome demo! Mine is on the way and I CANT BLOODY WAIT!!!! No seriously, I CANT WAIT!
this is a great demo of this amp, i bought one and was freaked out a little by the digital preamp effects or whatever, i was afraid i wouldnt be happy with the tone. Well i picked one up for $120 bucks and its taking the spot of my VOX AC4TV and my Marshall Class 5. You can litterally get anything from fender cleans all the way to heavy marshal overdriven tones and everything in between. Its amazing how close it nails thats marshall tone, then u can spin a dial and get a clean fender sparkle.
i have had my super champ xd for more than a year now, and i am still diggin it. It has so many flavors, it satisfies all of my cravings. I still love watching Don covering this amp.
Thanks for updating this. I too have an old XD which I use at home in my small practice studio, and a newer X2 in a second home overseas, which I agree doesn’t sound as good as the original. I mostly just use the “non-modeling” channel with pedals (my current fave is an Okko Diablo Gregor Hilden two channel pedal that gives me that perfect edge of breakup tone). I put a Cannabis Rex in the XD but am not sure I prefer it, since is seems to sound a bit more hairy. Might bring it here and see if it improves the X2.
That little XD is just so perfect for sounding a little lamp, I’ve done the same thing with pedals in the front end, but I like the modeling side as well, it’s just a beautiful little combination of both amps
Great Hogweed11, you'll love it...something special about that Tube warmth, and the digital modeling...it's a winner.
Great overview Don, thanks for sharing. I viewed both your videos before deciding to buy this amp, and now that I have the amp, I have explored all it's settings and have to say that I am delighted with this Fender amp 👍👍👍
Don - thanks for this. I just got a friend to buy this amp - I bought 2 more today before the price increase!!!. Two things - a Ragin Cajun speaker really give this thing just a little 'more' in terms of tightness in the fuzzy high end. Also, as to your comment about live - I'm betting your playing more gigs than I am, but my next one I'm simply using two of these, set two ways - and switching... Friggin amazing. Many many thanks for your brilliant video!
Don, thanks for the excellent review....best I've seen on youtube or ANYWHERE.
Still the best demo out there regarding the Super Champ XD as I said awhile ago. Thanks again Don for doing a find job on your video with good explanation and demo.
You are much like my first guitar teacher. Articulate, soft spoken, clean-cut, short hair, friendly and could just smoke on guitar.
Great review just pulled mine from my garage (decided to play electric again after 3 years). It's super heavy @22lbs for a small amp
What an absolutely fabulous review. I'm referring to your method of review, although it would seem, the fabulous adjective would equally apply to the amp. By keeping a pretty stable base to your settings, you gave some real perspective to what each voicing, had to offer, If a listener can't get a feel for what the amp has to offer, it isn't because you didn't show them. Thank you for keeping it simple and understandable.
Great demo with great playing!
I just ordered one myself after seeing this. Fender owes you a commission check!
Keep up the great work!
Hi Don, fantastic review walk-through and playing in this video!! Cheers from Stockholm, Sweden. All the best / Jonas
Hi Don, This remains the best review of the amp voices in this amp. I watch this from time to time to remind me how versatile my amp is.
To answer a question from below - this amp is very usable at home and can run from whisper quiet.
Thanks again. Mark
Don, you are the man. I can't stop digging this amp too. Hardly play my other amps anymore. Thanks for the awesome chops.
rolijen
Don, again, thanks for the demo. Just got my second SCXD. First one I got from CL with Ragin' Cajun speaker already installed. Came with footswitch, too. $220. Picked up a new one and got footswitch from MF. $299+25. Got a 1x12 cab from a friend w/ Celestion, G12-P80, 100 bucks. Use it with new one @ practice sessions. Picked up a 2x12 Crate cab w/Tone Tubbies for $100 from CL and use that for gigging with the SCXD w/Ragin' Cajun. All I can say is, WOW!
This is easily the best demo of this amp!!
I really like your playing and how you play to each voice's strengths. I like how you call out what the settings ARE, ie blackface, marshall, etc.
Good radio voice as well!
Thanks so much!! You've got me thinkin, and gassin'.
Nice reviews...Congrats! You convinced me into buying this baby again, I had one a year ago and after a long story of selling and buying amps seeking to get the perfect tone for home playing and not to loud gigging I finally came back to the Super Champ XD, I only have one word to describe it "Perfect". I play a lot of rock music and with a Les paul plugged in this thing Rocks better then nay other on the market without making your neighbors wanna kill you. Saludos, amigo.
I just got back from playing one of these at G.C. just a bit ago. Absolutely fantastic sounding amp. I was using a Heritage H-535 thru it. it just sang. I am getting one shortly.
My SCXD sounded nothing like this video. Through Fender forums, I found out the voltage going to my tubes was half what it was supposed to be. The factory routinely sets the tube voltage low to extend tube life and allow people to change tubes without worrying about overdriving them. After adjusting the tube voltage to the correct setting, the amp now sounds like this one. Look up scxd bias adjustment to see how it's done. I also added JJ tubes and a Jensen C10Q and it's a little monster!
I shall look into that voltage issue. Mine has JJ tubes and stock speaker. I can plug into an Ext cabinet to try out a Jensen C10Q.
Don, I know that it's been a while since you posted this, but I had a question on Voice #3. Do you recall where you had the gain set on the demo of that one? I find that Channel 3 really breaks up even a low gain levels, but I really liked where you had it.
Hey Don, what VOLUME are you using on this demo? Just picked this amp up and your demo is great, but I'd like to achieve similar tones you have by matching the volume you are using. Please let me know. Thanks! Great Demo!
Thx so much for the video, Don, it's been the most useful I've seen in a long time. And special thx for goin' quickly through the metal sounds. I'm sick of amp reviews which just focus on dirty channels who sound derivative and underwhelming.
Thank you!
Don, great video. In your opinion overall taking into consideration build quality, sound quality, ability to take pedals, and gigability mic'd, does the Super Champ XD beat the Vox Valvetronix VT30? I'm looking at both. I currently have a Deluxe Reverb RI and looking to downsize a bit. Thanks!
@WormOfTheWorld thanks for the comment....this amp is mostly a pre-production amp for practice or recording...live is not quite enough volume but a very careful monitor mix might get it . You got it...it has a very warm ....smooth break-up with a pretty nice clean thing as well...perfect for low volume reproduction ..great for BR
Don, Thanks for this video. Very informative. I was wondering if you're familiar with the Blues Jr.? If so what's your opinion of it and how it compares to the Super Champ XD?
Thanks
Dear Don,
Great sound ,feeling and tone. But i think it isn't the amp only. For exemple nr. 15 this is a very sweet tone with sustain. I can't get this sound with my amp. Tthe other setting give's in your demo much more drive. Did you use in the demo always the screamer or something like that ???
greatings from Holland
Hans
Hey great review, some questions, does it have a headphone jack and in a small gig situation can keep up with the drums plus do you reccomend it for kinda hard rock stuff etc Many thanks, great sound :D
Great video and great playing !!!! I'm really blown away by this amp. Thanks bro!
Really liked your review. Now I'm really eyeballing this amp for xmas. Sounds like I'll be able to play some excellent blues out of this amp as well as a number of other sounds.
Good review but did you skip over the hot rod series tones, 10-12? I just picked this up used but excellent for under 2. What a full sounding amp with incredible versatility.
Hey Don, I am currently working as a single act ..guitar and vocal w/midi back up. I use a Strat.. single coil. I use a POD 2.0. it sounds a little ICY running thru my mains. I'm looking at the modeling amp approach but as a combo like this one. I play typical "tourist music", oldies r&r and country. But I use some
overdriven/sustain leads. I work
love your review , wonder how a highway one strat would sound with that great amp
great playing and great tone.
i bought the vibro champ, the 5 watt version of the super champ for those late night bedroom practice session. cant wait for it to arrive.
Good review. Are you playing an American strat or a MIM strat?
Don: I share your opinion on the SCXD, and this (plus the other parts) are a fantastic review. However, whatever system you're using to master the audio for these videos, you're getting lots of clipping (there's constant popping in the audio) It needs to be recorded at a lower volume.
So Don, since you posted your review on the XD (excellent by the way) did you experience any issues with it. I know they stopped production but heard there was a propensity for the amp to fail with no repair capabilities. This was some of the reviews I read. Would you recommend still. Thanks
Great, thanks. Fender never did explain any of the voices on the amp models that I remember. Got two of these, appreciate your perspective. Also, this amp has a GREAT line out for FOH PA, you can use it on ANY size gig. I used it on 27 gigs with a very loud band, and I only had both channels on volume 4 for backline, with line out to the PA. I did have it up on top of my Carvin AG100 and 4U rack case power supply, which brought it better to my ear level. It can cut ANY gig, I know. We were very loud and had a massive PA and played some medium size clubs in AR and TN. It did fine.
Hallo Don. I've watched all your videos, they are really great. I like this amp very much and I am thinking about to buy this amp. But I have still one question about the super champ. How often do you have to chance the tubes of this amp?
Greetings, Rob from Holland
Thanks man, i've been looking into the fender super champ lately, because I want a cheap good sounding tube combo (in addition to my egnater renegade with 212 cab) that is easy to take with me when I play elsewhere then my home.. this amp seems to be the excellent solution!
Awesome tone and playing by the way, I was glad when I finally found a video of a good bluesy guitarplayer with this amp and a fender strat, thanks!
Hi Don, thanks for your excellents reviews and I like your playing, I´m going to buy this amp right now
Thanks for the demo Don, it was huge in making my decision to purchase it. I am really happy with it. Tons of fun and really hard to get bored with all the different sounds to play with. I find myself using #7 voice, what tube amp would you say is close to this? Anyway thanks!
Quite a few people asking how does this amp take pedals so I will answer that here. Pedals are not really necessary because CH 1 and CH 2 provide lots of options (clean, overdrive, distortion, reverb, delay etc) at comfortable volume levels. However, I have now tried a number of modulation type pedals on CH 1 (effects that are not available on the amp). They work very well indeed: Boss CS-2 Compressor >EHX Big Muff Pie (Tone/Wicker)>Dunlop GC-95 Wah>Boss BF-3 Flanger>Boss RC-1 Looper. I have the pedal levels set for 1:1 input/output so not to overload the amp input. The modulation pedals also work on CH 2 but are less effective, gain pedals (Fuzz or OD) tend to screw up the amp voices on CH 2 so I do not use those. I have tried two OD pedals on CH 1 (Boss OD-3 and EHX Soul Food), but was not impressed by them, much prefer the overdriven tube amp sounds on CH 2.
In your opinion would you take this over a Bugera V22?Cause I was gonna go for that but your vid has changed my opinion.One more question,can you plug this in too like a small stack or something if it's not loud enough on its own?
Very helpful review. After hearing this I'm going to buy one. Thank you.
i run it with a 2x12 cab and it really comes alive!! have you tried this yet? really makes it possible to use for a gig type situation...
Don,
Have you ever heard the Marshall MD30DFX Amp? If so what do you think of it compared to the Fender Champ 15?
Great a,ps. I’ve owned it twice.I have gigged it many times and is loud enough my rock band at parties and a decent sized bar. Much louder than a champion 20 fender I had. That one wasn’t for gigs and I sold it.
Hi don great review , i have one of these amps and wondered if you have the same problem i have in that i can`t keep the same volume all the way through when i`m trying out the diiferent voices i have to raise the volume up quite high in some cases
Pedals? With this amp, forget the troublesome pedals. Scxd has beautiful distortions and is not necessary to have to use pedals. This amp will be a clasic.
Is it a sensible choice for bedroom playing, or too loud? I'm thinking of this versus a Roland Cube 30x. I'm after good Marshall Plexi type tones. Bluesy classic rock
hey don.... i have a pro reverb 74' and a music man half stack... due to a recent back injury. these amps will stay homebound... do you feel this amp can cut thru drums for jamming/practice sessions? the weight is definitely appealing.
Hi!Great amp demo. Your opinion JTM-50 or Super Champ XD? :) I love the sound of modern / vintage tone like YJMalmsteen, EVH, etc. .. but I need and super clean .. and the studio and for gigs (gigs for more:)) Thanks in advance:) Greetings from Serbia (Subotica)
Timer Sale
Oh 1 question by the way, how does this amp handle a tubescreamer or an overdrive pedal of some sort on top of the clean channel and on top of the distortion voicings of the second channel? Thanks in advance
Hi Don, great great review! I'm looking to buy my first tube amp, and the xd is my favourite so far. havent tried any pedals on it yet, dont have much time to go to the musicstore. Just as a guideline, could you say this amp could do pretty well for playing some metal, NEXT to offcourse the obvious jazz blues and classic rock genre? i would love to rock out with some emg;s on it too..
@pindaro depends on your monitor system ..I don't think it's loud enough to cut through a drummer & bass player at "club level" so bringing it back up thru the monitors would be the answer
Hi Don Anderson! Thanks for posting this. BTW: DANG that sounds good!
Thanks for this...really sounds amazing....can you change the gain, mid, bass, treble, etc, on each MODEL
Hey don I was wondering if this amp would be good for practicing/jamming with a drummer? I'm either going tog buy this amp or the Fender Mustang II so I was looking for some advice...thanks
Thanks a lot for this review/demo.
I'm gonna check it out if I get the chance.
all right cool...i actually just bought a Fender FM212R, I'm pretty happy with it, sounds good for SS and seems to handle pedals well.
Thanks much for the review Don. I have a friend who owns one of these and he echos your praises of this little gem. Have you ever compared it to the Vox VT 30? I'm curious how the match up. Speaking of Vox, have you checked out their latest axe, the Virage? Pretty sweet rig. (~;
How about doing a follow-up review on the effects?
Don what gauge and brand of strings on that strat? Your kill'in nice tone and feel!
5 stars Sir....Amazing Strat sound with this great amp.
6:25 monster sound!
awesome review...thanks thinking about purchasing it.
I just purchased a Fender VibroChamp XD, seems like it's the precursor to the SuperChamp.
I totally love the tube amp, have now figured out how to play the electric guitar / amp together. Previously I've always gone back to my acoustic 'cause I couldn't get an electric to 'sound right'. Now I can hear that I need to 'play the amp'.
Can I still use my Digitech BluesScreamer pedal with a modeling amp?? any special way to plug in?
The amp is very versitaille so you can play alot of styles. You can plug in a wah pedal and probably a line 6 floor pod plus too.
Great video, great playing and very informative, I'm in the UK and looking for that Fender sound on a budget, I think I have just found it! Now I just have to sell my Peavey Windsor Studio;-) Thanks.
How well does this amp handle pedals? Is the line out only for a speaker cab or for FOH or recording as well? Does it work for headphones? thanks
Just special ordered the blonde version at GC and am currently waiting for it to be delivered. I think I am going to replace the factory speaker with a Ragin' Cajun. I have a Roland Ready strat that I am rebuilding from the ground up and along with the Roland GR-33 sound module this amp will give me countless sound color choices for home recording. Can't wait to put it all together. BTW the Strat rebuild includes, Lace Hot Gold pickups with the hot bridge and a babics full contact tremelo system
I like to roll the bass off to about 4 when using channel 16. That gives it a nice, bright acoustic sound.
I find that anything higher than that sounds muddy.
Well done, Don. Fender owes you a commission for the unit I ordered last night! John in Ohio
Dude you are one hell of a guitar player the best thing about it you don't even struggle it is like second nature to you THANKS
Edwin Martinez Thanks Edwin....
Have a fender super champ X2 not finding my sound don't like yet have a vox VT 40 wow love this amp maybe I need to play like you
I have an XD and an X2. I find the XD to be a far superior amp. The X2 was supposed to be an improvement but I think they spoiled it.
Another thing, wish the XD had a 12inch speaker in.
Edwin Martinez I also have a VT40+, it is a good amp, very versatile. Today I did an A v B comparison of it's clean tone (Cali Clean Amp, Orange setting, but reduced the gain to 11 o'clock) and it was surprisingly close to the clean channel of the Super Champ XD. My VT40+ is fitted with Jensen C10Q speaker to help give it that Fender tone. The SCXD has a warmer to tone and more presence, and I like the simplicity of it's controls and ability to easily get to a clean, mild or heavy overdriven tone.
everything sounds great... the amp, the guitar and your playing. :)
I just ordered one of these used and it has an Eminence Ragin' Cajun installed. It sounds fantastic, however I have one problem. There is an annoying rattle with certain frequencies. I've gone through and tightened everything, so it's not that. Have you encountered this? If so, how can I fix it?
Great demo - thanks! It really highlighted the different sounds, in my opinion. What was the average volume setting you recorded at? Compared to the Vox VT20+ and VT40+ the SuperChamp sounds a heck of a lot better and more of that smooth tube sound'n'crunch. But, I'm really looking for something that can also be used as a bedroom practice amp. Don't want to shake the rest of the house out of bed when practicing late at night. Will this reproduce the same sounds well at low volume/high gain?
The SCXD is easier/quicker to dial in a great tone and has more presence (feel) than the VT40+. It gives great tones at low'ish volumes.
Can we consider the champ a true class A Tube amp?
Is the sound similar to its brothers in a blind test?
If you had done this review with a classic vibe Stratocaster would it have sounded noticeably worse, I have this amp plus a classic vibe and I can't get tones this nice , what pickups should I get ?
Fender Vibro Champ XD Vintage Modified is it the same as your amp? and can you list the effects your amp has?
thanx so much for the post, after months of looking, i think im sold ^^
Great Amp, great review, thanks Don.
I've only had my Super Champ XD for a few days, but I'm diggin' it a LOT! I'm a rhythm player. It's sounding really cool and 'tubey' with my Ric 12 string.
how much did this amp cost you and when did you buy it? very helpful video by the way.
Just picked up what they call the special addition blonde version of the Super Champ xd. Got the amp brand new, the footswitch, an elivated amp stand, fender amp cover, ragin cajun speaker upgrade and a fender amp jewel in amber all for about $348 not including tax. I think I got a lot for my money but who knows. My Roland Ready is still being rebuilt so I am still chomping at the bit to get up on it.
I just sold a Line 6 spider 3 75wts. I know I hear all of the bad stuff about Line 6 but , I sold it because I just want to get into some tubes amps. My only concern is the available volume level. Will this amp hold its own against any 75 watts solid state amp. Please respond back Don. I just ordered a Crate V18 212 amp for $220.00 the amp has tubes any advice on this amp. It is on back order til 3/31 so, I can still cancel the order if I want.