Fender Super 60

Described well in previous reviews. Quite basic 2 channel tube amp.

I use Fender Strats and Baja Tele and I play blues and old rock.

OK, here's the deal. I got my S60 a year ago and now I finally realised how to tweak the sounds from this amp. Earlier I thought the pots should be at 5 which would be the zero point - WRONG! There is a big difference (and a problem) how the clean and od channels use the eq section. The problem with the od channel is exaggerated crispyness or fizzyness and its lacking bass when gain is at 5. I turned the od on and gain to 4 and set all eq pots to zero, opened up the bass to 3 and presence to 5. WOW! I have a bassman sound with chimey highs and pronounced mids with nice clipping distortion. How about high gain rock sound? Set the gain to 8 and mid to 1 and tweak the fizz out wiht precence pot. Working from zero point gives better possibilities to create famous sounds with the od channel. Keep the treble always at 0 and mid at 0-2.
The clean channel then? Set the eq pots to 5 and start tweaking from there and you get nice chimey cleans or thick jazz sounds.

There are problems with this amp - shared eq, fizziness of the od, no possibility to bias unless you install optional bias kit (but how to use it?!!), no famous mods due to small amount of users and difficulties to operate the components inside...
Despite of all this when you get the amp working it's really good. You can fine tune it with good NOS tubes, especially Mullard 4024 in V3, swap the speaker to something with more character, change the reverb tank to a bigger one.

Do you want more sound out the phase inverter tube? Use a volume box in the fx loop and you get a nice power tube saturated sound!

You can get many kind of sounds from this little amp and it will pearce through a mix easily in band.

No reliability probs yet!

Repairing is difficult because the pcb is upside down. I consider sawing a hatch to the chassis which would allow easy access to all components.
The reverb buzzes quite much, so I might take the amp to tech and have the bias kit installed too.
Fender does not offer manual nor scheme for free, but you can google and find them on the net.

I give 8 for the amp because I'm picky and the amp has obvious issues. Anyway, after a year of using it I have started to know its character and I'm getting good sounds out of it.
Would I buy another one? No, I might invest to a custom made tube amp.

I like the low price and the dark horse role it has on markets.

I recommend the S60 to everyone who desires a powerful, compact, inexpensive, flexible amp.

Este va en castellano mierda!!!

Acabo de comprar este ampli, fue fabricado entre 1988 y 1989. Es una DELICIA para tocar blues y anda excelente en rock, en especial si se ocupa con una strato. Es full tubos, tiene 2 12AX7 en el pre, 1 12AT para el reverb y dos 6L6-GC para el power.
Para mi gusto tiene limitantes, por ejemplo tiene dos canales que comparten la ecualizaci??n, lo ideal es tener los dos canales con equalizaci??n independiente. Tampoco tiene loop de efecto, cosa que para los amantes de los pedales es de bastante importancia. Personalmente estoy dejando de ocupar efectos, en especial por el sonido de este ampli que la verdad no necesita muchos adicionales. Eso si, para tocar metal es s??per necesario alg??n pedal que le de mayor distorsi??n.
Tiene dos entradas con diferentes "gain", una m??s suave que la otra, personalmente siempre ocupo la 1.
Fuera de las t??picas ecualizaci??nes (bass, mids y treble) tiene un control que se llama Presence que es una especie de booster de agudos. Yo lo ocupo full siempre, es una maravilla por que te da ese sonido cristalino t??pico de Fender, casi puedes escuchar los trastes y el metal de las cuerdas.
Es un ampli que suena bastante fuerte, f??cilmente lo puedes ocupar en pubs y restaurantes. Puedes tambi??n tocar en tu pieza, eso si a vol??mnes bien bajos. Si en el canal overdrive pasas el 1 ya estar??s en problemas con tus vecinos, pero de todas maneras se puede tocar en casa.

Lo uso con dos stratos, una Fender con c??pasulas 57/62 y con una Cort con humbuckers. Con la Fender, uhhhhhhh, placer continuo. Si te gusta el sonido tipo SRV, este ampli ser?? la felicidad eterna, en especial con c??psulas tipo vintage.
El limpio es maravilloso, lleno de arm??nicos y sonidos critalinos. Lo rico es que tanto el over como el limpio son muy adaptables ya que la equalizaci??n es s??per efectiva, a diferencia de otros amplis donde la equilizaci??n no define bi??n el sonido. Ac?? destaca en especial el control presence, en 0 puedes sonar oscuro y c??lido, tipo jazz. En 10 est??s en Texas, con los agudos boosteados a full.
La distorsi??n es m??s un overdrive, tiene tintes bluseros marcad??simos, una delicia. Para metal necesitas un pedal extra sin dudas, de hecho creo que este ampli est?? hecho m??s para roquear y blusear que para metal. Para eso est??n los mesa boogie y los marshall.

T??picos cuidados de un ampli a tubo, trasladar con cuidado y no mover mientras los tubos est??n en temperatura. No tiene garant??a ni nada, pero tiene casi 20 a??os y funciona excelente.

Todo bi??n, mande un mail a Fender para que me manden el Owner Manual y lo mandaron de inmediato por mail.

Llevo tocando casi 20 a??os y este es el mejor ampli que tengo y de hecho es de los mejores que escuch?? jam??s. De hecho no puedo creer que me lo vendieron, yo jam??s lo vender??a. Me lo comprar??a de nuevo si algo le pasara, por supuesto.
Antes de comprarlo prob?? varios combos a tubo, entre ellos un Laney Lionheart, otro Laney LV-15, un Crate Vintage Club 50, un Marshall DSL 401 y un Conquest T65, todos a tubos y este fu?? por lejos el que me gust?? mas. Quiz??s por el estilo de m??sica que toco y por mis gustos personales la elecci??n fu?? esta, pero bueno as?? es la cosa.
Si te gusta el blues y lo ves, c??mpralo, es una verdaera maravilla. Es Fender, hecho en USA, full tubos, 60 Watt, dos canales y reverb, que m??s quieres?

USA made in 1989.
You can do any style of music with this amp. Use pedals !
2 channels by footswitch or just push the small red button.
60 watt is loud !!
Plenty of Bass and Treble in it , a little compressed.

I use a ESP Grassroots (GREAT GUITAR! Les Paul model).
Nice clean and distorted sound.
The Eminence speaker is OK . I put in a Jensen P12Q and this is not a good combination with the Super 60 so I changed back to the Eminence. Big magnet on this one.

Change the inputs they are lousy . Never had any problems with the amp.

Never dealt with Fender.

I play since Napoleon. If it were stolen I would uhh........do nothing.
I love the sound of this relatively small amp. I hate it's weight.

This is a red knob, two channel 1x12. I believe it was made some time in the late 1980s to early 1990s. There are separate volume/gain controls for the drive channel, shared eq, reverb, an effects loop, line out, external speaker jack, and footswitch for the channels. I suppose no footswitch control of reverb and shared eq are drawbacks, but this does not bother me.

I use this amp in a classic rock cover band - Stones, Beatles, Cream, Dylan, etc. I use a Mexican Strat with noiseless pickups and occassionally a 78' Les Paul Standard. I find I like the sound of the single coils for the music I play. It's also better on my back. I use a Boss GE-7 and SD-1 in the front end and Boss Bass EQ, Boss Chorus, and Boss Delay in the loop.

I had the amp retubed after I purchased it and it is very quiet. With the above set up I can get a good sustaining clean to powerful crunch and sustaining lead tone. This amp is well suited for County, Blues, Rock and Hard Rock. I don't know whether it would be a good choice for Heavy Metal. I imagine with right pedal it could do the job, although it would be very loud.

As many of the reviewers have noted, there is a large volume difference between channels. In fact, if I set the clean volume to about 9 and drive channel to 3, I still get a slight boost on the drive channel. The drive channel sounds very good and punchy. I can cover a wide range of tones with my eq pedals. The problem I have with the drive channel is that it is too loud ounce you hit the sweet spot. I find that the clean channel fits my volume needs once it is boosted with the eq and/or overdrive. I find I can get a decent tone at reasonable volumes. If I need more volume then I switch to the drive channel.

The only service I have had on the amp is retubing. I have not had any problems with it. It is built like a tank and is surprisingly heavy for a 1x12. I keep it covered when not in use. I have read that the knobs are fragile, but I have not had a problem.

N/A

I have been playing for close to 30 years. If it were lost or stolen, I have back ups; but I would probably buy another one if I came across one. They are out of production. But for the price, this is an excellent value and fits my needs perfectly.

I bought my Super 60 new in 1990. I was previously using a Sessionette 75 and before that a 1970s Selmer Treble 'n' Bass 50. Like all things it was a compromise choice; in this case between something small enough to move around but with a big enough sound. It is a twin channel amp but only has a shared set of tone controls limiting some of the channel switching versatility. It has an effects loop and a line out (never understood the point of this as you miss out on the 6L6's). Spring reverb (not Fender's best) and Presence control in the power stage. This is a seriously loud amp and competes with a Marshall stack with ease.

The clean channel is typical Fender - warm and rich with lots of top end. It does start to break up if you ever get to high enough volumes but that rather adds to the charm. The lead channel is relatively a lot louder than the the clean. The distortion can sound a little harsh but there's plenty of variabiltiy with the tone controls to go from crunch rhythm through to mid-heavy lead to modern scooped tones. The standard speaker is a little woolly in the bass but I've replaced this with a Celestion Vintage 30 which has increased the clean headroom even further and tightened up the sound dramatically (highly recommended). I now tend to use the clean channel only with a Pod XT Live in front of it for tone shaping. This gives enough variety for any style you like really. I use an old Yamaha SG2000 with active EMGs (H and 89) and tone controls (EXG and SPC). The whole setup sounds pretty good from clean high volume rhythm to super-saturated lead.

Never broken down but the input sockets are genuinely rubbish; always cutting out as you jiggle the jack. I replaced them with Switchcraft jacks (Torres Engineering do a kit with all the instructions which is really easy) and that fixed that for $18 + postage to the UK. Don't ever drop it though - it may not break the amp but your toes are unlikely to be so lucky - it's very heavy. If these do go wrong they are a pain to fix as to do anything on them you have to remove the PCB which is then not connected to anything to test it with so beware.

Never needed any

Been playing for over 25 years. These are getting hard to find now so may have to settle for something else if it was stolen but I'd miss it terribly. Wish it had two sets of tone controls (one for each channel).

Fender Super 60 in pristine condition. It came with pedal. The amp dates from the last build year, 1992. Plenty of apparent power with the distortion channel, seemingly less so with the clean channel. Still, when the volume button is turned up, even the clean channel is very loud.
Even though the combo is very small, it is also very heavy.

I got bored with my previous amp, a Peavey Classic 30. Even after changing the tubes/valves and exchanging the stock speaker with an Eminence Governor, the Classic 30 did not quite cut the cheese. In band rehearsals it sounded blandish. Not so with the Super 60! FInally I am able to be heard through the drummer and the Marshall stack guy standing next to me.
The distortion channel is very very versatile and you can get all kinds of sounds from it. Bluesy stuff, hard rock, 50's rock'n'roll, you name it. Nowadays I play only Fender Telecasters and they sound very good through this Fender Super 60.
I had in my mind to change the tubes, maybe even the speaker. But after using the Fender combo for a few months, I dismissed the idea, at least for now. Still, I've got some interesting tubes to experiment with later(some Valvos from the 60's for example).

Soundwise I can only rely on the experience gained by 30-odd years of playing the guitar. Not much, that is to say. I've owned (the ones I can remember) a Laney Klipp 100W, 3 Marshalls (all were tube amps of course), a Music Man, a rare Gibson amp, a Roland Cube 100w, a Gallien Kruger guitar amp and the Peavey I mentioned before. Plus quite a few smaller practise amps. So, compared to these, it seems I've finally reached the point of being genuinely happy with the sound.

It has to be said that I usually use the Super 60 with an extra 1*12" cabined (the speaker there is an Eminence/Fender from a Hot Rod Deluxe), which adds to the over all sound. Makes it more mellow. I do not use many effects, only a slap echo for some songs. I've always relied on the "less is more" and KISS (Keep it simple stoopid) axioms.

Seems to be very solid and sturdy. Others have warned about the possibility of breaking the red knobs. I do not think it is a problem if the combo is not manhandled. The input jacks are a bit delicate, though. I might have to install a pair of Switchcrafts in the future.

I have never dealt with them. As this is a 15 years old combo, there is no warranty.

I am actually looking for another unit, so I wouldn't have to lug the one I have back and forth when going to band rehearsals. I like the idea that something considered oldish (but not vintage), cheapish and not-so-good-sounding actually turns out to be this good. I could have bought a new Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, I'm glad I didn't.

First, let me say sorry because i don't speak english very well, i'm italian... We talk about Fender Super60, made in the late 1980. Dual channel(clean channel: good tone but low volume;dist channel: very loud, very good for blues and rock),1x12, effects loop, shared eq (most think it's a problem, but not for me). It's very small, but very heavy to carry on! Bought one year ago to have a good amp for gigs, it work so well that i'm impressed! I rate 9 because the lack of volume in the clean channel and it's weight

I play whit a 1983 Squier SQ stratocaster; i've try this amp with a lot of guitar (gibson flyng V, stratocaster u.s.a., paul red smith and more). I think this amp is marvellous (for 300 euro!), and i was really lucky to find them. It's perfect for rock and blues: the clean channel is a little bit trebly, but very lovely (but i wish it would have more volume!). The Dist channel is damn loud and very verasatile, you can use a lot of combination of gain and volume to obtain the sound you prefere. I rate 9 because the low volume of clean channel

I use this amp 3 times a week, and i take him always with me when i go on a gig.. it's small, and easy to carry, but very heavy! i think i will use some wheels in the future.. Bought used, after 3 months i had to replace valves and condenser: now i have RCA nos valves, that works great! I think it needs periodic controls (about every 5 years)
I rate 9 because of it's weight

when broken, i take it to a friend that works great!

Been playing 10 years. This is my first valve amp, i bought it because i see his low price compared to other amps, and i listen to the review i've readed here. It's steal at under 300 euros used! I think there isn't better choice for who wan't to spend so much money. Sure, there are amps that sounds better than him, but he works very well too. The only problems of this amp are two
1) first his the lack of volume in the clean channel, but I resolved whit a booster (ts808 or vox vbm-1 bryan may special)
2) it's so heavy! I wish it was more light!
Finally, for this price: i'd say the amp is perfect.. I love it and if it were stolen or lost i would buy it again (if i would find it)

60 watts, tube, 1 12" speaker, two channel (shared eq = disappointing), effects loop, line out, very loud, very heavy. Others as mentioned below. Keeps up with a loud drummer with little effort (7 or so on the clean channel).

The clean channel is very fender and can be dialed in to sound close to the older ones (I also have a mid-60s bandmaster which sounds stunning). This comes pretty close and is more portable. (well, it fits in a smaller space). The dirty channel "is what it is" as my tech put it. It does go really, really loud though.
I use the clean channel with a million effects in front and it takes to them very well.

I got it used, with wonky input jacks and shot tubes. My tech gave it the once over, put in new tubes, then noticed that only one was firing. He fixed that and it now can be used in sonic warfare. The original jacks were garbage.

I had read the good reviews on this forum and picked one up when I saw it for cheap on craigslist. At first it sounded pretty thin and quiet and I was disappointed. I then threw another $130 at it for parts/labor and it seems ready to go. As such, it is a darn good bargain.
Cool little combo amp from an overlooked period of fender's history. Is it as cool and as versatile as Rivera branded amps? No. Does it sound as good as Rivera amps? No. However, it is a really good little amp and cost a fraction of what he now builds.
I look forward to lugging it around for years to come, as it can do some nice "fender" cleans in a small (and loud) package. It is funny to watch amp stands creak under its weight. Overall, I'd do it again.

Made in approx. 1990. I bought it in Australia for about A$800. Very versatile although weighing a ton. Unfortunatley, I have lost channel foot-switch.

Amp has heaps of power. However, in a band/jamming context it can be overwhelmed by larger bass and guitar rigs.

After 16 years I probably need to replace tubes and possibly speaker.

It's been a great workhorse over the years and sounds just as good as when I bought it.

The clean channel is very good, typical fender. I use a 62' Strat and the combination is perfect. The clean sound is perfect for blues/jazz. I use clean at 5. Reverb is also very good.
Single EQ can be a problem. Dirty channel has its problems. I prefer to use a pedal (currently a Marshall Gov').

Very reliable. I would use on gig without backup.

It has been dropped, had drinks spilled on it, spider colonies inside it, scrapped on the floor, tipped over, used as a vocal amp, had a bass put through it on 10 etc etc but it still works as new.

Wow - I can't believe my Super 60 has basically been my life for like 17 odd years and I have never really spoken about it - and now these reviews have totally opened it up for me. And erm, enough already about the features. I score down a little because the clean and presence I find useless!

Distortion channel. Gain on 3 (or 2.75 to 3.25 for subtle variations) and volume on anything above 2.25 and this is absolute heaven for me. If you can get above 5 on the volume then things go utterly astro - but this beast is so stupidly loud I have only got to 5 about three times in 17 years! Hardly 11 is it tap fans.

The mid control has tremendous power, the reverb is nice. However I find the presence an utter pain in the a. In fact the fizzy sparkle issue has stopped me playing open D chords for years!

And the rivera build comment makes total sense. The super 60 is unlike any other Fender I have played and guitarist friends take ages to get used to it.

Biggest issue and learning from these reviews is that my old trusty humbucker wilson sounds like the lord himself funking out - however my new tele si??ngle coil sounds very bloody average. If that is something in the amp architecture it makes total sense to me. My wilson is really high output and the super 60 loves. It frankly hates the tele and there is far too much biting fizziness even with the presence at 0 and the treble rolled off and the tele volume down on the neck pick up - I think its hummies only for the real deal here IMHO

Yeah don't break this. Menders hate it. And don't let the untrained switch it on and off wrong. Or break knobs. Or knock it off stage. But hey mine is still going strong. It weighs a tonne though but doesn't like abuse. But hey I used to carry it school!

My old man an I actually got a pair of Super 60s on some dodgy factory dirdct back-of-a-lorry put-together-from-spares number or something so I guess I have to give some props to some factory dudes!

17 years or is it 18. My 74 wilson with massive high output humbuckers through the super 60 is me. I would get another if I smashed this one. My vibrochamp is much better clean and I am considering the twin 3 channel for the future. I put a VTwin, crybabies, george dennis wah switch, EH stone and microsynth, mayer fuzz etc. in front and never bother with the fx loop.

I love the distortion channel at 3 for controlled blues and the volume at 6 for unreal feedback heaven.

I hate the presence knob - it is my evil arch nemesis.

The on off system is still just too complicated for many of my guests!