Champ Camp: Build Your Own Timeless Amplifier

Fresh Look. Rich tone. Built by you.

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Champ Camp Bench Pass

Exclusive hands-on amplifier-building experience where you'll craft a vintage-inspired, hand-wired amplifier under the guidance of a licensed Professional Engineer. Designed carefully with modern engineering, this amp is more than a project—it’s a functional work of art.

Workshop Includes,

  • Premium, USA-Sourced Components – Transformers, chassis, capacitors and more. Featuring a hand-built speaker, and a custom Bellingham-built cabinet

  • Hands-On Learning & Certification – Learn soldering, schematic literacy, and amplifier theory. As a PE, I’ll validate each build with official documentation

  • Built for Value & Longevity – Every amp is issued a serial number, branded edition number, stamped with an as-built certificate, and backed by a 60-month warranty

  • Tools Are Yours to Keep – Walk away with a handcrafted amp and the know-how to keep it singing for a lifetime

This isn’t just a class—it’s an opportunity to build a boutique-quality amp with your own hands.

What are we building?

The Hilltone Champ Amplifier is a modern take on Fender’s 1957 Champ amplifier. Starting with the foundation of the iconic 5F1 circuit but using almost 70 years of knowledge and progress to tastefully increase the safety and maximize the tone achievable with modern readily available components.

Wooden toaster with a black slot for bread and a decorative front panel with circular cutouts.
Close-up view of a circuit board with multiple resistors and capacitors mounted on a black surface.
Parts needed for a simple amplifier

  • Safety diodes on the rectifier – Protects the expensive transformer against rectifier failure

    Screen resistor on the power tube –

    • Limiting screen current, preventing excessive dissipation that can lead to premature tube failure

    • Reducing potential arcing, improving overall amp stability

    • Slightly altering compression and response, smoothing dynamics for a more controlled breakup

    Elevated heater reference – Reduces noise for a quieter amp

    Double pole power switch – Switching both hot and neutral, reducing the risk of leakage currents and ensuring a full disconnect when powered off

    Incorporating a current-limiting thermistor, which:

    • Softens inrush current to protect the tubes and rectifier at startup

    • Extends tube life by preventing sudden voltage spikes

    • Reduces stress on the power transformer, improving reliability

  • Carbon composition resistors used only where vintage harmonic richness can be realized

    Oil-in-foil coupling capacitors – Enhances warmth, smooth highs, and vintage feel

    Quality film cap for cathode bypass – Tightens bass and improves articulation

    Layer-wound output transformer – Improves response and harmonic richness

    • Speaker: Weber Signature Alnico – Vintage feel with organic breakup

    • Tubes: 5Y3, 6V6S, 6SL7 – Reliable, vintage-voiced tone

    • Carbon Film Resistors: lower noise and stability

    • Metal Oxide Resistors: for flameproof safety, durability, and consistent performance under load

A vintage wooden amp cabinet with a black label that reads 'Hilltone Champ' and '25 RIDDIM - BELLINGHAM, WA'

Break Down the Bench Pass

  • Champ Camp is a two-day immersive experience, with each day running approximately 4 to 6 hours of guided, hands-on instruction.

    Upcoming sessions are tentatively scheduled for:
    October 11–12 or November 8-9

    Final dates will be confirmed based on participant availability. Come prepared to build, learn, and create something that lasts.

    $750 Deposit

    $1750 due before course begins

    Total Cost: $2500

    Referral Opportunity – Each referral tracked back to your amp that receives a future Bench Pass, you get $135 for the life of the amplifier, your amp does the talking and pays bonuses

  • Your Bench Pass includes:

    • Soldering iron, hand tools, multimeter

    • Schematics, build guide, and Quality Certified test sheet

    • Tools are yours to keep

    You’ll learn:

    • Soldering, layout, and amp theory

    • Safe testing procedures and troubleshooting

    • How to build, maintain, and understand a tube amp

  • Hilltone Champ Amplifer

    Walk away with more than just sound—you’re taking home a PE-certified amplifier crafted with premium components and custom cabinetry. It’s a fully functional piece of art that holds value, tells a story, and speaks every time you plug in.

How does it sound?