Rivera-designed Fenders

[TigerStrat]

I own an '83 Fender Super Champ, one of a handful of models Paul Rivera designed for Fender in the 80's before going on to found Rivera Amplification.

It's an incredibly ballsy little 1-10" all-tube combo, and the loudest 18watts I've ever heard my life. The lead channel has at least as much flat out gain as my Mk III-"no" stripe, but unlike the incredibly loud III, the power tubes start to sing sweetly at a reasonable club volume. I just wish it had a tiny bit more headroom and a decent reverb- the small-tank stuff is pretty weak. Also, it's hard to tell actually (because it is so subtle) but I believe the reverb affects only the Clean channel. Blackface-retro styling!

Anyone ever own any of the Rivera-era Fenders they would like to tell us about?

 

[musicbox]

what kind of prices do these dammand over similare fender amps?

 

[matndona]

I bought an '83 new with my first post-college paycheck. When I plugged it in I had to have it. Never bought another distortion pedal !

Always enjoyed it but it really needs a larger speaker to do it justice. I think a sealed box 12" is req'd.

The wiring inside is godawful fugly though. I can see why they went to PC Boards after this generation.

Getting the triple triode tubes is a challenge these days too.

Matt

 

[Loni Specter]

I have one and a Princeton Reverb II as well. The reverb dosent work in overdrive mode as the tube that powers the drive is the same tube as the reverb uses. I think that's the deal.
I heard that Rick Derringer used a Super Champ to record his last solo album exclusively.
I used mine on most tracks of lead guitar ( mixed with other amps) on the new Rox Diamond cd (I co- produced)
www.roxdiamond.com

 

[fdesalvo]

The Rivera-era Super Champ is a highly sought after little beast! It was waaay ahead of its time in terms of tone and gain, IMHO. Add to this the fact that it won't break your back lugging it around and you have one great little amp!

 

[Loni Specter]

My Super Champ is one loud little dude and I love it. That was designed way back in '82, so of all the 'new breed' of boutique amps. what would be a close rival?

 

[concert410]

My Concert is a Rivera era Concert II. I got it for $200. from the orginal owner because it "had too many knobs". I have quite a few amps now, but my Concert is like comfort food.

 

[Russ]

Are these the red knobbed Fenders from the 80's? What years and models was Rivera coupled to? I might be interested in one. I remember the Fender purists at the time dogging these things something wicked while a lot of the kids liked them. I was more into the JMP and 800 thing. I still am but I have evolved/revolved/devolved? taste now. I wouldn't mind at least trying one out. How did they compare to the MarkIV?

 

[eldi]

Yeah, are these the "red knob" ones? I see these selling so cheap! Or are they the ones that predate the "red knob" fenders that have the black grill cloth?

 

[Loni Specter]

pre-red knob. 1981-83 I think. The red knobs were later. I had a red knob Super 60 combo. not as good, but ok You could get just a rack version of the head. I think it was solid state pre-amp, tube output power. I forget.

 

[TigerStrat]

The styling is Blackface... knobs, everything. Don't know what they go for, I probably paid $250 for it about 15 years ago.

Those Super 60's are not bad at all as the red-knobs go! I know the guy from the Dark Star Orchestra Dead cover band uses one as his pre-amp.

 

[concert410]

No red knobs on my Concert II. Blackface styling all the way.