Fender Super 60

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!

1. Amp was made between 1988-1992
2. I play R&B and the amp is just perfect, the clean channel is great
3. Channel switching yes ! Wish it had a seperat eq for the drive channel.
4. I play out about 10-12 times a month, plenty of power for a small to medium size club

1. The clean channel EQ is very sensitive , you can dial in many sound qualities ranging from Blues, jazz and rock n roll
2.The Distortion Is BRUTAL be careful when switching channels, you'll wake up the dead
3.I play a Bradley 69 Thinline copy with Texas Specials P/U
4. Very Quiet Amp even when switching to the drive channel

Never any problems on a gig , I would recomend replacing the Tubes if you buy a used Super 60 , I recomend 6l6GE (GT Tubes) for the preamp try 12ax7 Mullard reissues (GT Tubes)

Not Needed

I've been playing Guitar 32 years , and by far this is quite simply the best amp I've ever owned , I also own a Peavey Stereo Chorus 2x12, not bad either. If Lost or stolen I'd cry like a baby , Anyone looking for a great little club amp buy it, they weigh a ton, but it's well worth it.

made between 1988 - 1992.
Very versatile warm amp, although the volume difference between the clean and gain channels is quite marked. I have used this amp for home/studio practise and also limited gigging and its never let me down.

Never managed to play it loud enough to make the clean channel distort, my ears just couldnt cope.
I was happier using just the clean channel with a bluesbreaker and chorus pedals so I could keep better control of the volume, without switching to the gain channel on the amp.
I use it with a delux strat, a telecoustic and a first act electric all to great effect - it handles my electric/acoustic needs just fine.

no noticeable noise/hiss even when cranked up

Completely dependable, never had a problem with it.
Changed the valves once while I've owned it and had both inputs repaired due to the previous owner mis treating the thing. since then its been sweet as a nut.

No experience of this

Been playing guitars for around 5 years, got this as a swap for a Marshall MG50 and this was the better amp by a mile. Now have a fender Stage 160 which is a bit more versatile for the kind of stuff I like to play and the sounds i like, but I still love this amp.

In my opinion the super 60 could only be improved by minimising the difference between the clean and gain channel volumes

Wow, now i love my super 60.
2 channels, (no reverb footswitchable).
when i bought it, it had old tubes and sounded like crap.
once i fixed the tubes and soldered a wrecked capacitor, this is my baby.
quite loud enough

i prefer it over my mesa caliber 50 when it comes to playing clean stuff. the distorion is overwhelming somehow in a sense that it's not gonna work for all styles in my opinion (no 2nd eq-section)...its to BIG somwhoe, it tends to accentuate bass and treble and get washy in the mid section. still cool, though but not very flexible. it cranks somehow but its not deep or evil like modern stuff but rather crying. since i seldom play distorted, this ain't bad...
if you play crunchy, its real fun and bluesy sound!
not noisy.

i play funk/jazz/rnb/reggae/rock stuff
strat, tele mostly

of course you can't carry a backup, this amp already hurts your back...
it never let me down yet (knock knock knock)
but this one has broken down since my previous owner obviously didn't care too much-since i fixed it its everything coll, though

not dealt

am playing professionally.
would always try to get sth similar again, this one is not easy to find. they tend to get to you ;)

love the clean sound and the punch in the stomach-pure tube fender!!!
much better distortion than other fender crap.
as said, this one rules over my mesa caliber 50.

90 model most other appointments have been covered in previous posts.
60 watts, 2 channel, short box reverb
I got the SNAKESKIN one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I play all styles, It just has THAT Fender sound, you know that one I mean! I use the drive side and adjust the tone for it, using my Volume on the git to clean up or drive. This amp is LOUD!

15 years old, I guess it will last

Out of warranty

I like it, heavy, but sounds so good and punchy for only 112. I would buy it again