Fender Deluxe 5E3 Tube Amplifier (1959)
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Fender Deluxe 5E3 Model Tube Amplifier (1959), made in Fullerton, California, serial # D-07336, tweed fabric covering finish.
The Fender 5E3 Tweed Deluxe is considered to be the most desirable version of this long-running model and undeniably one of the finest small combo amps ever designed. This is a later example, made in the waning days not too long before the launch of the all-new brown Tolex covered model for the 1961 model year. The tube chart marking "ID" indicates assembly in April of 1959.
The 5E3 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.
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.
The amp remains in very good shape, considering its now over 64 year lifespan. Externally the cabinet shows some typical wear and scuffing, most notably around the edges and seams of the rather frail, lacquered tweed-covering, which features a nicely attractive light amber patina. The handle is a high quality reproduction. The faceplate is very clean with only minor signs of wear and some of the stenciled lettering worn off. The grille cloth is in great shape as well with no notable tearing.
Electrically, this Deluxe is nicely original. The speaker is the original Jensen P12R, marked 220-921, dating it to the 21st week of 1959. Both the Triad power and output transformers are original and are marked 6452-E and #108, respectively. All pots appear original and their codes date to the 11th week of 1959. The amp has received our typical routine maintenance and servicing, including replacement of electrolytic capacitors, a grounded 3-prong power cord, pots, sockets and jacks cleaned and power tubes biased to spec. The second speaker out was modified to be a line out, which could drive another amp input, if desired. 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.
It sounds fantastic and is simply just about good as it gets for tone from clean to cranked! Excellent - Condition.
The Fender 5E3 Tweed Deluxe is considered to be the most desirable version of this long-running model and undeniably one of the finest small combo amps ever designed. This is a later example, made in the waning days not too long before the launch of the all-new brown Tolex covered model for the 1961 model year. The tube chart marking "ID" indicates assembly in April of 1959.
The 5E3 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.
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.
The amp remains in very good shape, considering its now over 64 year lifespan. Externally the cabinet shows some typical wear and scuffing, most notably around the edges and seams of the rather frail, lacquered tweed-covering, which features a nicely attractive light amber patina. The handle is a high quality reproduction. The faceplate is very clean with only minor signs of wear and some of the stenciled lettering worn off. The grille cloth is in great shape as well with no notable tearing.
Electrically, this Deluxe is nicely original. The speaker is the original Jensen P12R, marked 220-921, dating it to the 21st week of 1959. Both the Triad power and output transformers are original and are marked 6452-E and #108, respectively. All pots appear original and their codes date to the 11th week of 1959. The amp has received our typical routine maintenance and servicing, including replacement of electrolytic capacitors, a grounded 3-prong power cord, pots, sockets and jacks cleaned and power tubes biased to spec. The second speaker out was modified to be a line out, which could drive another amp input, if desired. 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.
It sounds fantastic and is simply just about good as it gets for tone from clean to cranked! Excellent - Condition.