Fender Deluxe 5E3 Tube Amplifier (1959)
LOADING IMAGES
This item has been sold.
Item # 11225
Prices subject to change without notice.
Fender Deluxe 5E3 Model Tube Amplifier (1959), made in Fullerton, California, serial # D-07576, tweed fabric covering finish.
This is a well-worn example of the Fender 5E3 Tweed Deluxe, considered the most desirable version of this long-running model and undeniably one of the finest small combo amps ever designed. The revised model started production mid-'55, 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 other early 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 also changed from the earlier Deluxe models, now featuring two channels (normal and bright) both having a high and low inputs with each channel having an independent volume control and sharing 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. This Version of the 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 a nice players example that appears to have had a busy life over the last 60 years and has the wear and tear to show for it! The serial number dates the amp to 1959; the tube chart shows heavy scratching and the date stamp is no longer to be seen.
Externally, the rather fragile Tweed cabinet covering shows significant wear and a darker amber patina, with some tears and fraying towards the edges and corners, including a large surface scratch on the right side of the cabinet. The rear panel appears to be a aged reproduction, with the tweed lacquering noticeably darker than the remainder of the cabinet covering, but decently matched otherwise. The grille cloth appears original and is comparably in great shape with only one notable tear towards the upper-left center area. The faceplate shows a decent amount of pitting, however, most of the stenciled lettering is still intact. The handle has been replaced long ago with a decent quality leather equivalent that still has plenty life left in it.
Electrically, this Deluxe is mostly original. The speaker is the correct Jensen P12R, marked 220-946, dating it to the 46th week of 1959. It's possible the speaker is the original, if not it is at least period correct. It still retains its original cone and sounds fantastic. The Triad power transformer is original and marked 6452M, however the output transformers has been replaced with a slightly later example of the correct Schumacher, marked 606-046, dating it to the 46th week of 1960. The tone pot appears original, although the date code is not visible underneath the solder joint. The remaining two volume pots are both replaced. The amp has otherwise seen our typical maintenance and servicing, including replacement of electrolytic capacitors, a 3-prong grounded power cord, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and biased to spec.
This is a fantastic sounding example, not absolutely original but generally period correct. It still offers "tone to the bone", well-gigged and worn in and maintained well enough to keep gigging for a long time to come Very Good + Condition.
This is a well-worn example of the Fender 5E3 Tweed Deluxe, considered the most desirable version of this long-running model and undeniably one of the finest small combo amps ever designed. The revised model started production mid-'55, 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 other early 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 also changed from the earlier Deluxe models, now featuring two channels (normal and bright) both having a high and low inputs with each channel having an independent volume control and sharing 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. This Version of the 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 a nice players example that appears to have had a busy life over the last 60 years and has the wear and tear to show for it! The serial number dates the amp to 1959; the tube chart shows heavy scratching and the date stamp is no longer to be seen.
Externally, the rather fragile Tweed cabinet covering shows significant wear and a darker amber patina, with some tears and fraying towards the edges and corners, including a large surface scratch on the right side of the cabinet. The rear panel appears to be a aged reproduction, with the tweed lacquering noticeably darker than the remainder of the cabinet covering, but decently matched otherwise. The grille cloth appears original and is comparably in great shape with only one notable tear towards the upper-left center area. The faceplate shows a decent amount of pitting, however, most of the stenciled lettering is still intact. The handle has been replaced long ago with a decent quality leather equivalent that still has plenty life left in it.
Electrically, this Deluxe is mostly original. The speaker is the correct Jensen P12R, marked 220-946, dating it to the 46th week of 1959. It's possible the speaker is the original, if not it is at least period correct. It still retains its original cone and sounds fantastic. The Triad power transformer is original and marked 6452M, however the output transformers has been replaced with a slightly later example of the correct Schumacher, marked 606-046, dating it to the 46th week of 1960. The tone pot appears original, although the date code is not visible underneath the solder joint. The remaining two volume pots are both replaced. The amp has otherwise seen our typical maintenance and servicing, including replacement of electrolytic capacitors, a 3-prong grounded power cord, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and biased to spec.
This is a fantastic sounding example, not absolutely original but generally period correct. It still offers "tone to the bone", well-gigged and worn in and maintained well enough to keep gigging for a long time to come Very Good + Condition.