Fender Deluxe 5E3 Tube Amplifier (1956)
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Fender Deluxe 5E3 Model Tube Amplifier (1956), made in Fullerton, California, serial # D-02745, tweed fabric covering finish.
This incredibly clean 1956 Fender 5E3 Tweed Deluxe is a stunning collector-grade example of what is considered to be the most desirable version of this classic long-running model, undeniably one of the finest small combo amps ever designed. The revised model Deluxe started production mid 1955, spearheading the launch of the latest circuit revision replacing its relatively short-lived 5D3 predecessor. Alongside the new 'Narrow Panel' cosmetic appearance the amplifier circuitry also evolved from the 5D3. The new circuit runs at higher voltages than the earlier models giving it more headroom and total gain. It uses the same 12AY7 and 12AX7 preamp tubes but with a cathodyne phase inverter, which is comparatively cleaner than the phase inverters used in earlier Deluxe models, offering more balanced gain staging between the power and preamp tubes and has its own unique snarl when turned up.
The control layout changed from the earlier Deluxe models, now featuring two channels (normal and bright). Both have high and low inputs, their own volume control and share a single tone control. Typical of the Deluxe model, the amp sports a dual-6V6 power section putting out around 15 watts into a Jensen 12" speaker. From the very beginning this version of the long-running Deluxe was a world standard gigging and recording amplifier in the 1950s and has remained one of the most prized of all vintage amps since.
Height is 16 1/4 in. (41.3 cm.), 19 7/8 in. (50.5 cm.) width, and 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm.) deep.
This is simply one of the nicest specimens of this much-gigged model we have ever seen. It is stunningly well-preserved overall, considering its 65+ year lifespan. The tube chart is stamped FJ, indicating assembly in October of 1956. The serial number D-02745 on the label matches that of the amp chassis and records indicate that Fender made around 1600 of these amps in 1956. The Tweed covering is in immaculate shape, sporting a fresh patina as if it just left the factory! Apart from a couple VERY minor scuffs along the lower front corners and some minor staining on the lower right-rear corner area, this is one of the cleanest tweeds we've ever had the pleasure to feature in our showroom. Like the cabinet, the chrome-plated control panel is equally unblemished, with a mirror-clean finish and nearly all the stenciled lettering intact, save for a few numbers above the middle knob. The grille cloth is equally in phenomenal shape and shows no sign of tearing or fraying. The original handle is present and even the original cover made by Victoria Luggage Co, which also bears the name tag of (presumably) the original owner and has some general staining.
Electrically, this amp is all original and appears to be completely untouched. The original 12" alnico Jensen P12Q speaker (marked 220-640) dates to the 40th week of 1956 and still retains its original cone. The Triad power and output transformers are original as well and are marked 6452 and 50246, respectively. Visible pot codes all date to the 41st week of 1955. All components appear original to the amp and solder joints appear untouched as well, including the brown two-prong power cord. The piece of masking tape inside the chassis bears Lily's signature; we may be biased but we think her tweed amps have a certain magic to them.
DISCLAIMER: While we normally service all amplifiers for use, this nearly 63-year-old amp is original and untouched since leaving the Fender factory, so we have elected in the interest of history to leave it that way. As such it is offered in AS-IS condition, not because of any damage or perceived flaw but due to its uniqueness, age and all-original state. If the amp is to be used regularly or as a reliable gigging/touring instrument without risk of damage or degradation, we would recommend it be professionally serviced to the level desired and we would be happy to do so upon sale. The electrolytic capacitors in the amplifier have aged many decades past their expiration dates to the point where we cannot guarantee their continued functionality and their failure could potentially cause damage to irreplaceable components. However, as it stands, this is an unaltered historic piece, an irreplaceable part of Fender history. Understanding that some would prefer to keep it unaltered, we leave it to the next owner to decide. Excellent + Condition.
This incredibly clean 1956 Fender 5E3 Tweed Deluxe is a stunning collector-grade example of what is considered to be the most desirable version of this classic long-running model, undeniably one of the finest small combo amps ever designed. The revised model Deluxe started production mid 1955, spearheading the launch of the latest circuit revision replacing its relatively short-lived 5D3 predecessor. Alongside the new 'Narrow Panel' cosmetic appearance the amplifier circuitry also evolved from the 5D3. The new circuit runs at higher voltages than the earlier models giving it more headroom and total gain. It uses the same 12AY7 and 12AX7 preamp tubes but with a cathodyne phase inverter, which is comparatively cleaner than the phase inverters used in earlier Deluxe models, offering more balanced gain staging between the power and preamp tubes and has its own unique snarl when turned up.
The control layout changed from the earlier Deluxe models, now featuring two channels (normal and bright). Both have high and low inputs, their own volume control and share a single tone control. Typical of the Deluxe model, the amp sports a dual-6V6 power section putting out around 15 watts into a Jensen 12" speaker. From the very beginning this version of the long-running Deluxe was a world standard gigging and recording amplifier in the 1950s and has remained one of the most prized of all vintage amps since.
Height is 16 1/4 in. (41.3 cm.), 19 7/8 in. (50.5 cm.) width, and 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm.) deep.
This is simply one of the nicest specimens of this much-gigged model we have ever seen. It is stunningly well-preserved overall, considering its 65+ year lifespan. The tube chart is stamped FJ, indicating assembly in October of 1956. The serial number D-02745 on the label matches that of the amp chassis and records indicate that Fender made around 1600 of these amps in 1956. The Tweed covering is in immaculate shape, sporting a fresh patina as if it just left the factory! Apart from a couple VERY minor scuffs along the lower front corners and some minor staining on the lower right-rear corner area, this is one of the cleanest tweeds we've ever had the pleasure to feature in our showroom. Like the cabinet, the chrome-plated control panel is equally unblemished, with a mirror-clean finish and nearly all the stenciled lettering intact, save for a few numbers above the middle knob. The grille cloth is equally in phenomenal shape and shows no sign of tearing or fraying. The original handle is present and even the original cover made by Victoria Luggage Co, which also bears the name tag of (presumably) the original owner and has some general staining.
Electrically, this amp is all original and appears to be completely untouched. The original 12" alnico Jensen P12Q speaker (marked 220-640) dates to the 40th week of 1956 and still retains its original cone. The Triad power and output transformers are original as well and are marked 6452 and 50246, respectively. Visible pot codes all date to the 41st week of 1955. All components appear original to the amp and solder joints appear untouched as well, including the brown two-prong power cord. The piece of masking tape inside the chassis bears Lily's signature; we may be biased but we think her tweed amps have a certain magic to them.
DISCLAIMER: While we normally service all amplifiers for use, this nearly 63-year-old amp is original and untouched since leaving the Fender factory, so we have elected in the interest of history to leave it that way. As such it is offered in AS-IS condition, not because of any damage or perceived flaw but due to its uniqueness, age and all-original state. If the amp is to be used regularly or as a reliable gigging/touring instrument without risk of damage or degradation, we would recommend it be professionally serviced to the level desired and we would be happy to do so upon sale. The electrolytic capacitors in the amplifier have aged many decades past their expiration dates to the point where we cannot guarantee their continued functionality and their failure could potentially cause damage to irreplaceable components. However, as it stands, this is an unaltered historic piece, an irreplaceable part of Fender history. Understanding that some would prefer to keep it unaltered, we leave it to the next owner to decide. Excellent + Condition.