Fender Tremolux Model 5E9 Tube Amplifier (1955)
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Fender Tremolux Model 5E9 Model Tube Amplifier (1955), made in Fullerton, California, serial # 0060, tweed fabric covering finish.
This is a VERY early and beautifully preserved example of the narrow-panel tweed Tremolux, one of Fender's classic period amps and among the rarest and most sought-after of all Tweeds today. It was originally introduced in 1955 alongside its smaller cousin the Vibrolux, the two amps pioneering the company's first built-in tremolo effect. The initial 5E9 circuit is essentially a 5E3 Deluxe with the added on-board effect. Like the Deluxe, it features four input jacks, two normal and two bright, a volume control per channel, a master tone control and speed and depth controls for the tremolo effect. Both amps sport a dual 6V6 power section that yields around 13-15 watts into a single Jensen 12" speaker.
This amp has a tube chart code "EE" dating to May 1955 and the serial number suggests this is the 60th example assembled of this new model! This initial form of the Tremolux was housed in the same size cabinet as the 5E3 Deluxe. The tremolo is lush and deep and has an impressively wide range. The effect is distinguished by an interesting circuit modulating the bias of the paraphase phase inverter, effectively making the effect consistent regardless of the volume setting.
Fender only sold around 650 of these amps in 1955, which even for this early period is a fairly low number. Somewhere around 3,200 Deluxe amps went out the door at Fullerton this transitional year, so by comparison this is a rare model. As noted this one bears serial number 0060, and while the pre-stamped chassis were likely not assembled into complete amps in strict order this still suggests it was built in the first week or two of production. The Tremolux is a Fender connoisseur's delight; besides its spectacular trem effect it is the perfect amp for those gigs when the smaller tweeds just don't quite have the power to cut it.
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.) in depth at deepest point., 25.85 lbs.
This is a very nicely preserved amp overall. The tweed cabinet is in fantastic shape with minimal notable wear, mostly minor fraying around the edges and corners. There are a couple of small "classic" cigarette burns to the top, but otherwise the rather frail covering bears no major blemishes and has a nice light patina. The grille cloth is in excellent condition with no notable tears or fraying. The faceplate is mirror clean with nearly all the stenciled lettering well-intact. The handle appears to be an older high quality replacement, looking quite authentic.
Electrically, the amp is nicely original: the speaker is a period-correct Jensen P12Q marked 220-518, dating it to the 18th week of 1955. Both transformers are original to the amp; the power transformer is the original 8156 Triad and the output transformer is the original 246 Triad (a cousin of the 108 Triad) as well. All visible pots codes date to the 47th week of 1954. The chassis tape marking indicates this one was wired up by none other than Lily, who was also the queen of the Harvards; we love her work!
The amp has been given our typical servicing, which includes replacement of all electrolytic caps and some coupling caps; a few of the original red "firecracker" Astron's still test great and were left in. All sockets, pots and jacks were cleaned, the power section was biasing to spec and a grounded three-prong power cord installed. The circuit is original and no alterations have been made to Lily's exemplary work other than standard maintenance to ensure reliable operation for many years to come.
This amp looks and sounds truly phenomenal, especially for being 67 years old. It is the earliest and one of the cleanest Tweed Tremoluxes we've ever had the honor to feature in our showroom. It will surely be an outstanding musical companion for many decades to come, at least! Excellent + Condition.
This is a VERY early and beautifully preserved example of the narrow-panel tweed Tremolux, one of Fender's classic period amps and among the rarest and most sought-after of all Tweeds today. It was originally introduced in 1955 alongside its smaller cousin the Vibrolux, the two amps pioneering the company's first built-in tremolo effect. The initial 5E9 circuit is essentially a 5E3 Deluxe with the added on-board effect. Like the Deluxe, it features four input jacks, two normal and two bright, a volume control per channel, a master tone control and speed and depth controls for the tremolo effect. Both amps sport a dual 6V6 power section that yields around 13-15 watts into a single Jensen 12" speaker.
This amp has a tube chart code "EE" dating to May 1955 and the serial number suggests this is the 60th example assembled of this new model! This initial form of the Tremolux was housed in the same size cabinet as the 5E3 Deluxe. The tremolo is lush and deep and has an impressively wide range. The effect is distinguished by an interesting circuit modulating the bias of the paraphase phase inverter, effectively making the effect consistent regardless of the volume setting.
Fender only sold around 650 of these amps in 1955, which even for this early period is a fairly low number. Somewhere around 3,200 Deluxe amps went out the door at Fullerton this transitional year, so by comparison this is a rare model. As noted this one bears serial number 0060, and while the pre-stamped chassis were likely not assembled into complete amps in strict order this still suggests it was built in the first week or two of production. The Tremolux is a Fender connoisseur's delight; besides its spectacular trem effect it is the perfect amp for those gigs when the smaller tweeds just don't quite have the power to cut it.
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.) in depth at deepest point., 25.85 lbs.
This is a very nicely preserved amp overall. The tweed cabinet is in fantastic shape with minimal notable wear, mostly minor fraying around the edges and corners. There are a couple of small "classic" cigarette burns to the top, but otherwise the rather frail covering bears no major blemishes and has a nice light patina. The grille cloth is in excellent condition with no notable tears or fraying. The faceplate is mirror clean with nearly all the stenciled lettering well-intact. The handle appears to be an older high quality replacement, looking quite authentic.
Electrically, the amp is nicely original: the speaker is a period-correct Jensen P12Q marked 220-518, dating it to the 18th week of 1955. Both transformers are original to the amp; the power transformer is the original 8156 Triad and the output transformer is the original 246 Triad (a cousin of the 108 Triad) as well. All visible pots codes date to the 47th week of 1954. The chassis tape marking indicates this one was wired up by none other than Lily, who was also the queen of the Harvards; we love her work!
The amp has been given our typical servicing, which includes replacement of all electrolytic caps and some coupling caps; a few of the original red "firecracker" Astron's still test great and were left in. All sockets, pots and jacks were cleaned, the power section was biasing to spec and a grounded three-prong power cord installed. The circuit is original and no alterations have been made to Lily's exemplary work other than standard maintenance to ensure reliable operation for many years to come.
This amp looks and sounds truly phenomenal, especially for being 67 years old. It is the earliest and one of the cleanest Tweed Tremoluxes we've ever had the honor to feature in our showroom. It will surely be an outstanding musical companion for many decades to come, at least! Excellent + Condition.