Fender Super 60

Late 80's, black tolex, bought used and is a super amp for portability, ruggedness, and screaming blues. Like other owners, the eq being one for two channels is a bummer, the reverb is fine, and the ability to tweak a Santana sound or a SRV is in this amp. Mostly use the amp in blues clubs which are pretty bright, but the amp carries the low end fine. I've been through super reverbs, devilles, peavy classic 30's, 50's, etc. For portability, ruggedness, and clean sound or kick end distortion this is the best of all I've tried. I've played a friends for about 7 years prior to finally buying one myself. The weight is on the border line, but nothing like a twin.

Les Paul, HR Fusion, Parker Fly, and Gibson 180 all for blues, rock folk, or country. It has the classic Fender boom. Mine is a little noisy at first but then quiets down. I mostly play blues and this amp does fine, it carries slide with depth and holds sustain fine. Clean channel is clean but quite, can't comment on the distortion, my slide and LP Artist make enough distortion which it carries.

Like I referred to before, played a friends for 7 years or so and have thrown it into the trunk too many times for it not to crash. But they (3) never have.

Been playing a long time, own too much gear and have paired down to about 5 amps and 15 guitars. If this amp vanished I would get another one. Like the size, sound, weight. Dislike the reverb and no eq on both channels and wish it had a line out for recording. I have been looking for an amplifier that I could carry up and down stairs, travel the road without worring about a failure. If there was another tube amp with this power and sound that weighed less I'd go for a test drive, but none have the Fender sound this one does. I think it is under rated unless you are a person who plays distortion and not music.

This is a follow-up to my previous review. I musta been sick or something... the amp is GREAT!, don't get me wrong, but the reverb is solid state, not tube! Now, I know why I preferred the solid state reverb on my Polytone amp. Pretty chincey, though, to have al those tubes and then resort to using SS reverb...

I bought my Super 60 in 1991. It was a used model, but only three months old. Apparently the previous owner needed more volume (which is BTW the reason I am shopping for a larger Fender amp right now). It is equipped with vintage tubes and the standard speaker has been replaced by a Celestion. In comparison to the original speaker, it produces a warmer, more jazzy sound that fits the amp's tube sound very well.
A (minor) downside is the fact that both channels share the one set of tone controls, albeit that they are very sensitive and make it possible for the amp to produce a very wide range of different sounds.

I play an american standard Strat (three single coils) I bought a little earlier, in 1990. When I was looking for an amp to go with it, I soon discovered (and fell for) the Fender tube sound. The Super 60 makes the strat sound quite 'organic', with all the full, warm sound of the wood, but also the famous Fender-like metallic sparkle in the trebles. It always gives me the comforting feeling this is how a Strat was made to sound (considering the amp's price range ofcourse).
The distortion on the second channel is a real killer. It delivers a great chrunch at lowers gains, and a beautiful warm harmonic sound at higher settings. Because of the fullness of the sound, it is less appropriate for playing metal riffs though as it tends to get a little muddy at maximum gain. This might not be the case when using the original, brighter speaker though.

Short anecdote: when bringing the amp back home from a gig once, it fell to the ground from the back of my bike, where it was standing on top of a big speaker cabinet about 1.5 meters high. It made quite a smack and the reverb sounded like it exploded, but... the amp still works perfectly! Great job, I really love equipment that is built to last for ever.

The (small) shop I bought the amp had a very good service. They allowed me to test the amp with both the original speaker as the custom one, replacing one for the other as I waited.
After I bought it, I only had to have it repaired once, because the second input had broken of due to wear and tear. Did cost me about $70 though, mainly because of the labour involved.

The only major problem with this amp is the limited volume of the clean channel, which is the reason I am currently planning on buying a second, larger Fender amp. Mind you, I have absolutely no complaints about the sound; it's just that I when I use the clean channel, the guitar sound tends to get lost inbetween the drums and the bass. This is ofcourse the main tradeoff for keeping the sound so clean - there's nothing like cubic inches.

Mine is a '88-'89 vintage.

Price: (varies)
* about $300 used
* about $500 when new

Features:
* 60 watts RMS output
* Tubes:
2-6L6 power tubes
2-12AX7 preamp tubes
1-12AT7 reverb tube
* Tube reverb
* SS rectifier
* 12" heavy duty speaker (I saved it out and put in a Jensen reissue)
* mono effects loop
* line out
* external speaker out
* dual inputs
* dual channel (clean/overdrive)
* single set of EQ controls shared between 2 channels
* reverb intensity control
* small cabinet size equivalent to a SF Princeton Reverb amp
* very strong tube connectors (tubes do not move around at all - you can't even jiggle them)
* power tube retainers
* metal jacks
* stand-by switch to save on tubes
* massive power and output transformers (undoubtedly contribute to excessive weight, but they look like military issue!)

Downside:
* PCB mounted upside down in chassis (some techs complain that this makes the amp a little harder to service because you have to take the nuts off the input/output jacks and the nuts have a little rubber retainer on them to keep them from coming loose. Doesn't sem to be an impediment to me, you simply slice the little rubber retainer. No big deal.
* Fixed bias - must be re-biased with each new set of matched power tubes (or simply use similar matched tubes that are marked)
* weight equivalent to a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe (you wouldn't believe it to see how small it is!)
* undersized reverb tank
* shared EQ controls between clean and OD channels, meaning that you may have to reset the EQ before switching channels (as compared to dual channel amps that have separate EQ controls for each channel)

I'd give it a 10 if it had dual sets of EQ for the clean and overdrive channels.

Tone:
* For jazz, the amp is excellent with extremely responsive 4 band EQ controls. You can get bright, dark and anything in-between. Lots of nice jazz "whoosh" when you slide down the neck. Very clean amp, but not squeaky, sterile tyupe of clean - think "tube clean". While not as convenient as having the dark/med/bright switch that Polys have in that you have to make small EQ changes on the Super 60, the jazz tone is still in there (all controls flat - not off - with the bass at 1-2pm).
* For blues - excellent also! You can do the clean blues thing very nicely with just a touch of gain! Really excellent!
* For R&R - great! Push up the gain for all sorts of o/d tones. Cut the mids for that classic hollowed out o/d tone; push the treble for an edgier o/d tone.

This thing convinced me that I don't need no stink' o/d pedal of any sort!

Reverb:
* For jazz, I like the Poly's SS 'verb better. For rock and blues, the Super 60's 'verb is better. The 'verb on the Super 60 is much better than the 'verb I tried out on a Fender DR RI last week. On the DR, doing a muted rhythm thing made the reverb sound boingy; not so on the Super 60. The Super 60's reverb does not get as deep as the DR RI, though, probably due to the small tank used on the Super 60, but at least the Super 60 isn't boingy. I swapped out the Made In India 12AT7 for a US NOS 12AT7, but it didn't make much of a change - less microphonic, though.

Volume:
* Now whattya think? 60 tube watts! Loud doesn't begin to describe it. The really nice thing is that you can crank up to 3-4 easily without making the amp go to 100% which is UNLIKE most newer Fender amps(a "feature" of the newer amps I detest)! Believe me folks, volume is not a problem. Your archtop will howl at the moon like a pack of wolves long before you tax this amps' volume capacity.

I am so impressed with the utter variety of tone this amp produces - dark/warm jazz, trebly clean country, BB King blues, Molly Hatchet southern R&R, SRV blues - it's all in there. Truly, this is the most versatile small tube amp single 12 combo I have ever used!

This thing is built like a tank! A power tranny and output tranny - each of which is way larger than my fist! I expect it to last another 12 trouble-free years easily!

Fender does not make this amp anymore, but they do have manuals and schematics on file and are very hlepful in getting me the docs.

Honestly, if I had this amp prior to the other amps I've purchased, I might have never bought those other amps.

For around $300, I don't think you can buy a better tube amp and I've had my share of $300-$500 tubies. The Super 60 absolutely kills the Fender HRD in tone, size, reverb, and components. So, if you like the HRD, you'll absolutely love the Super 60 (assuming you get one in as nice of shape as mine, that is). Even if you hate the HRD (which I grew to with mine), you'll love the Super 60. If you like the Fender Blues Junior, you'll love the Super 60 and so on...

This amp is truly a sleeper. It was made in a head style, 1-12 combo (mine) and was also called the Super 112 at one time.

Again, when buying any used tube amp, make sure you know what you are getting. 3/4 of the tube amps I've gotten over the last few years have needed a new speaker, new tubes, cap job, or all of the above. Similar things for SS amps, too.

My example is pristine inside and out and was the previous owner's personal favorite of the 2 he had. He sold the first one, but held on to this one; I know because I tried buying the first one but missed out by a few bucks on a private 'net sale. He contacted me later to see if I was stilll interested in buying the second one. I jumped on it and I'm glad I did!

One overlooked feature in other reviews below is that this amp has a
switching transformer, when you plug in an extension cab, I use a Fender 112 closed enclosure, the amp switches down to 4 ohm output impedance and for what it's worth, I think the sound improves greatly.
I use the effect loop for a Nanoverb, I'm a fan of digital reverb.
Almost never use the high gain channel, as the EQ changes too much for my tastes. 60 watts with a good, no excellent, classic Fender vibe. I play big band music with various acoustic and electric archtops and this fills the bill.

Good clean sound with that classic tube compression, and doesn't start to break up into brown sounds until above 5. Meets my needs, when I need distortion I'll use my H. & K. Cream Machine, or just go for the throat and gig with my Marshall Plexi.

Amp was checked by a tech and several cold solder joints were repaired. Also retubed with Mesa 6L6's and GE 12AX-7's. Was gigging on bass through this amp 2 weeks ago and it vibrated off a table, smashing both input jacks. Fell about 30 inches, I picked up replacement input jacks, and had a little trouble manouvering the front circuit board to a position to solder in the replacements. I didn't want to have to pull the main circuit board. Crossed my fingers as I powered it up after repair, but the thing worked just fine. I never broke any knobs, just kinda compressed the particle board upper corners of the amp. I'm impressed!! The particle board is also why this little puppy tips the scales at 58 lbs.

Fender will help you, I don't recall having used them for anything other than Internet info

Got a vintage Plexi, '79 Roland JC-120, Fender Super 60, Yamaha DG-100
and a Dano Nifty Fifty for practice. All of these have their own individual vibe, and there is NO one be all, end all amplifier!! I liked the affordability of the Fender as I bought it used, and have used it quite a bit, the tube thing and all. It's been dependable, portable (compared to 2X12 combos), and has met my expectations for a Fender product.

The same as all the other ones reviewed here...

I, for the most part, as running a Mexican-made Strat (w/Seymour Duncan Hot Rails in all three positions) through a variety of effects - I own a boatload of Boss stomp boxes and have both a Bud Wah & Dunlop 535Q Crybaby - and regardless of what I am using, this bad-boy SCREAMS for me. Especially w/the Metal Zone. WOW! PHAT CRUNCH. I must admit, the clean sound was a little disappointing, which sucks because that's why I bought it! BUT, I have only had the amp for two days and will be dropping it off to the local tech this week for inspection and upgrades - if needed. I have full confidence that after a "little" tweaking it'll sing for me, just like I originally expected!

Again - I've had it for two days. I can't say one way or another...

Never dealt with them...

I bought his amp on EBAY without ever having played on it (!) because of all the GREAT reviews that it got here at Harmoy Central. I thank all of you who took the time to rate this beast. Your reviews helped me make a great purchase. What can I say? I love this amp!!!!!!!!!!!

I bought my Super 60 new in 92'. Has a 12" Fender special design speaker, 2-channels (not a master volume amp), and weighs in at 58 lbs!

I play country, jazz, classic rock, and blues--I use my Super 60 with a 93' Strat, Epison (Epiphone w/Gibson 57 Classic pickups), and a Steinberger. Simply two words--great tone! I have had this amp for over 8 years now--and have done gigs with it in all types of environments--from malls to the Nebraska State Fair. The clean headroom is terrific--but can be awesome if you get it tweaked by a GOOD tube amp tech--overdrive has always been brutal and could only be improved my an Ibanez Tube Screamer--or something similar. The ultimate in clean tube amp tone!

For the first 6 years--no problems. Then a couple years ago a resistor burned out--had that taken care of then this year it happened again. I guess this is a $35.00 yearly maint cost I should get used to! I never had the amp let me down during a gig--but I will always have a backup handy--can u say Tech 21 Trademark 60? By the way--you should have this amp checked out at least every 2-years--I have re-tubed twice in 8-years but that could be a bit long...

I only use a local amp tech so I don't know how good Fender service really is--so I can't really comment about that. But I will rate this category a nine based on the local service I have received.

I have been playing for about 18 yrs--country, rock, jazz, blues, etc... I have a true love/hate relationship with my Super 60. I love the tone--but can never gig without a backup handy. It is a heavy amp to carry around but the tone is worth it's weight(!) when you get on stage. If you really care about the sound coming out of the amp then you know tubes are the shit--and I would highly recommend the Super 60 to anyone. If it were stolen I would be very upset and would immediately seek a replacement.

Small, versatile, but heavy. 2 input channels, w or w/o effects, effects pedal/loop. 12" Fender speaker. Wish it had chorus, but satisfied with what it has.

I use a '75 Les Paul. Has a great sound and matches up with the Super 60 fine. Some hum to amp, but acceptable. This amp gets a nice clean or classic crunch sound, depending on your preference - both are satisfactory. This little beast is no doubt loud!

Had to replace tubes, but has remained a very reliable friend. Takes a lot of "abuse" getting moved around several times a week.

I called Fender once wanting to know the speaker model in the "60". They immediately gave me the right part #. (I bought 2 more speakers to add to a cabinet because I really like the sound quality.

I been playing 25 years, I also own a Marshall setup (but only use the Fender! - go figure) Were my Super 60 lost or stolen, I would seek another one.

The amp has a clean and overdrive channel with built in foot switch. It also has reverb. There are 60 watts of tube power which make it very versatile for blues, ballad, and heavy metal. It is heavy, but not bulky and is easy to drag around compared to my other amps.

I play with a Paul Reed Smith, American Strat, or Les Paul Black beauty. I have a Mesa Boogie tremoverb and a 1969 Fender Super Reverb. The super 60 is by far my favorite amp of the three. It sounds great clean and with overdrive, plus it is much easier to carry around. I primarily use a vintage tube screamer for overdrive, boss sustain compression pedal, and a Danelectro chorus. I use the amp for Contemporary Christian Music and blues/rock and roll. It is great for all of these. I prefer to mike the amp and control all of the volumes through the PA. This amp will make some noise with the volume up however.

I have never had a problem with it. I bought it used and carry it around a lot.

If I only had one amp this would be it. I can not believe that it was only made for 4 years. It has a great tube sound and is not much to carry around. I am sure that in its era other louder amps were more popular, but today most amps are miked and run through the PA. Fender should definetly bring this one back. It may not be a vintage amp, but it is a great amp. I have a Mesaboogie tremoverb and a 1969 Super reverb, but this amp is without a doubt my favorite.

This is an all-valve 60w.amp.I don't know when mine was made, I bought it 2nd hand in 1994 for about #280.I haven't met anyone else who has one of these amps. I play in 2 bands and have had no problems getting a decent sound.I have used the effects send and return feature,mainly for chorus, but have recently used a 12 string through the clean channel, which sounds fantastic.I run a Marshall 1936 stereo cab from the back, and this feature is a big plus if you're thinking of buying an amp like this.As for the power of the thing,I've yet to turn it up past 4 on gain channel, even in larger clubs.The clean side is warm and mine begins to lose its cleanness at about 6--it's not noted for it's massive headroom in the clean channel.

With my Strat, with the guitar vol. on full and the gain on 7, it gives a great blues sound.I also have a Washburn which means the gain has to be backed off a bit more.Of course, I have been known to have everything turned up to 11. I have had many compliments about my sound, which almost makes up for the lack of compliments about my playing.This amp has a truly searing gain sound and it is loud.

Just replaced 3 valves(tubes).Louder than before.Would not need a backup, as I have total confidence in this one.Gets the usual treatment on gigs, knocks, falls over, and still does the biz.

Not applicable

Played for 10 years.I don't own another amp.I would be very upset to lose this amp and would have to look around for another.Other people have mentioned the weight of the Super 60-----------I always have a laugh when somebody picks it up for the first time!What I like about it most is the classy quality of the tones it puts out.With the Marshall cab you do get more of the same with added bass response.I'd like to hear from other people who've got one of these rascals.