Fender Deluxe 5E3 Tube Amplifier (1955)
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Fender Deluxe 5E3 Model Tube Amplifier (1955), made in Fullerton, California, serial # D-00847, 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. The revised model started production mid-1955, spearheading the launch of the latest circuit revision replacing its relatively short-lived 5D3 predecessor. This example is one of the first featuring the larger cabinet design (ca. D-00600 are still small box models). 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 long-running Deluxe was simply 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.
Cosmetically, this Deluxe is generally nicely preserved overall, considering its not-quite 70 years on the planet! The tube chart is stamped DK, indicating assembly in November of 1955. Externally, the rather fragile Tweed cabinet covering is in solid shape, bearing an attractive light amber patina, with a handful of typical scuffing on corners and edges and one corner missing a chunk of covering. The grille cloth is original and in great shape with no notable fraying or tears. The faceplate is nicely clean, showing only light signs of corrosion with most of the stenciled lettering intact. The handle appears to be an older replacement.
Electrically, this Deluxe is nicely original. The speaker is the original Jensen P12R, marked 220-538, dating it to the 38th week of 1955. It appears to have been reconed with a silver dustcap (a la JBL/Altec speakers), which we opted to leave in as it sounds wonderful. Both the Triad power and output transformers are original and are marked 6452 and 50246, respectively. Pots all date to the 41st week of 1955. The amp has received routine maintenance, including the replacement of all electrolytic caps, a three-prong power cord, all sockets, pots and jacks cleaned and biased to spec.
This is a fabulous example of this iconic Tweed amp, not "too clean to gig" and sounding fantastic, about as good as it gets for small-combo vintage tone. Overall Very Good + 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. The revised model started production mid-1955, spearheading the launch of the latest circuit revision replacing its relatively short-lived 5D3 predecessor. This example is one of the first featuring the larger cabinet design (ca. D-00600 are still small box models). 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 long-running Deluxe was simply 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.
Cosmetically, this Deluxe is generally nicely preserved overall, considering its not-quite 70 years on the planet! The tube chart is stamped DK, indicating assembly in November of 1955. Externally, the rather fragile Tweed cabinet covering is in solid shape, bearing an attractive light amber patina, with a handful of typical scuffing on corners and edges and one corner missing a chunk of covering. The grille cloth is original and in great shape with no notable fraying or tears. The faceplate is nicely clean, showing only light signs of corrosion with most of the stenciled lettering intact. The handle appears to be an older replacement.
Electrically, this Deluxe is nicely original. The speaker is the original Jensen P12R, marked 220-538, dating it to the 38th week of 1955. It appears to have been reconed with a silver dustcap (a la JBL/Altec speakers), which we opted to leave in as it sounds wonderful. Both the Triad power and output transformers are original and are marked 6452 and 50246, respectively. Pots all date to the 41st week of 1955. The amp has received routine maintenance, including the replacement of all electrolytic caps, a three-prong power cord, all sockets, pots and jacks cleaned and biased to spec.
This is a fabulous example of this iconic Tweed amp, not "too clean to gig" and sounding fantastic, about as good as it gets for small-combo vintage tone. Overall Very Good + Condition.