Fender Deluxe 5E3 Model Tube Amplifier (1956), made in Fullerton, California, serial # D-01555, 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 shows considerable wear. The tweed fabric covering is worn down to the wood on all eight corners, there are three parallel sets of holes drilled through the top panel, and the handle strap (though not the lugs) has been replaced. The tube chart is stamped FD, indicating assembly in April of 1956. The grille cloth is original and in good shape with a handful of spots showing minor fraying but no tears. The faceplate is nicely clean, showing only light signs of corrosion with most of the stenciled lettering intact. Overall it's an excellent player's amp and one that bears its battle scars proudly, at home more on the stage than in the collector's cabinet.
Electrically, this Deluxe is in excellent working condition. The speaker is a newer replacement Jensen P12N, dating to 1999. The Schumacher power transformer is period-accurate but not original to the amp, marked 606-912, dating it to the 12th week of 1959, while the output transformer is the original Fender 50246. The two volume pots are replaced, both dating to early 1976, while the tone control remains original, dating to the 5th week of 1956. Interestingly, the chassis also bears an earlier serial number stamp (00723), without a model-designating letter, that was crossed out at the factory. The amp has received routine maintenance, including the replacement of all electrolytic caps, the ground switch bypassed and a three-prong power cord installed, all sockets, pots and jacks cleaned and biased to spec.
This is a great example of an iconic amp suitable for the working musician, not "too clean to gig" and sounding fantastic, about as good as it gets for small-combo vintage tone. Very Good Condition.
