Tweed Amp Dilemma - Fender 65 Princeton Reverb vs Fender 57 Champ Custom

Hi,

I'm looking for my first real tube amp (I've been playing on a Spark Mini). I have a American Pro II Telecaster. I'm between the below two amps:

1. Fender '57 Custom Champ 1x8" 5-watt Tube Combo Amp 


2. Fender 65 Princeton Reverb with the Cannibas Rex 12” speaker.

I'm at the Beginner / Intermediate level and play at home in my office. I do not want it to be too loud and I'd love to keep it simple and have a great amp that sounds good without pedals. I think both are good options and are priced exactly the same for local pickup. 

Given the above circumstances, which one would you choose? Pics below:

I encourage you to play through the amps with one of your guitars.  Or visit a local music store that has one of each in stock & play through it.  Because in the end the amp has to sound good to you, with your guitars & your playing style.

My preference would be the Princeton.  Reasons:

12" speaker is better than 8".  8" tends to sound 'boxy' and in a little amp that's already going to be an issue.

Tonal options, the Princeton has an EQ section (treble & bass).  Also onboard tremolo is a nice option should you want it.  The Champ only has a volume knob (which could be a pro if you want the simplest possible options for settings!). 

Reverb.  It's not necessary, but it adds warmth & depth.  And Fender reverb in particular is wonderful.

You don't mention using pedals or effects.  So I don't know if you intend to use them at all.  For what it's worth, in my experience the Princeton takes pedals better than the Champ.  You're already working with almost zero headroom with the Champ so putting a gain pedal, wah or modulation pedal in front of it makes it really difficult to use in my experience.  The Princeton's slightly larger headroom (wattage & size), speaker & EQ makes it a little easier to effectively use effects.

Hope that helps.  Happy new gear hunting!

Just to close this thread, I went with the Princeton. I also bought the Spark 2 to compliment my Spark Mini. It is quite the dynamic trio motivating me to practice as much as possible. 

Good deal.  Thanks for the update.  Keep practicing!

1. Fender 65 Princeton Reverb with the Cannibas Rex 12” speaker. full-bodied Princeton cleans, built-in spring reverb and tremolo, fuller 12″ speaker (Cannabis Rex).