Fender Super 5E4 Model Tube Amplifier (1955), made in Fullerton, California, serial # B-00129, tweed fabric covering finish.
The revolutionary double speaker "Super-Amp" combo amplifier was one of Leo Fender's earliest and most important creations, and changed the world of instrument amplification (for the louder!) forever. Released in late 1946 initially named the "Dual Professional" this model followed the beautiful but fairly crude holy trinity of "Woodies", Fender's first full-production amplifiers. The twin 10" speakers, covered finger-jointed pine cabinet, eyelet board, on/off switch and jewel light were all firsts for the company's line-up that would set the pattern for future Fender product and up the ante on competitors.
By late 1947, this model was re-named the "Super-Amp" and the covering was changed to a diagonal tweed fabric that became the staple look of Fender amplifiers throughout the next decade. The Super is said to have been Leo's personal favorite amp and the circuit he would most frequently tinker with in pursuit of tonal perfection.
This amp is the fourth major iteration of the Super, known as the "narrow-panel". The new aesthetic changes came with the 5E4 circuit revision, which in and of itself brought several new things; the power section was beefed up with fixed bias and a choke, with the dual 6L6s yielding closer to 35 watts. The former single tone control was upgraded to a Bandaxall-style set of treble and bass controls, as well as a presence control for the negative feedback. Otherwise, the 5E4 features the same four inputs in a different arrangement; two labeled "microphone" and two labeled "instrument" and a volume control for each pair. The 2x10" speaker format remains but now diagonally offset in the cabinet.
The tube chart in this amp is stamped EG, indicating an assembly date of July 1955. This amp was lovingly wired by Lily and her masking tape tag remains in the chassis. These narrow-panel Supers are fairly rare today. Although the Pro model was technically above it in the line-up, many players have always preferred the Super's twin-ten layout to that model's single larger speaker. By 1954 Leo's designs had changed the world of electrified music forever and this model was the spearhead of the Fender sonic revolution.
Height is 18 in. (45.7 cm.), 22 in. (55.9 cm.) width, and 10 1/4 in. (26 cm.) in depth at deepest point.
Externally, this amp is in remarkable shape for being just over 70 years old. The finger-jointed pine cabinet still sports its original tweed covering, which is in very good cosmetic condition considering its age and fragility and features a nice and attractive lighter amber patina. There's some general wear, mostly on corners and edges, and the top of the cabinet shows some scratch-wear (possibly from a mischievous feline).
The grille cloth is in fantastic shape as well and remains nicely taught and unblemished. The chrome-plated control panel is nice and shiny with only very light signs of wear and practically all the stenciled lettering is intact. The handle is an older high quality replacement that is showing a fair bit of surface wear but is still nicely intact. The amp also comes with a newer cover.
Electrically, this Super is nicely original. Both Jensen P10R speakers appear original to the amp, the left bearing the code 220-525, dating it to the 25th week of 1955. The Triad-made power, choke and output transformers are all original to the amp, reading 8160, 14684 and 184, respectively. Visible pot codes date to early and mid '55. The power and standby switches are replaced; the originals are included with the amp. The amp has otherwise received our typical maintenance servicing, including replacement of all electrolytics, a 3-prong grounded power cord, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and biased to spec.
This rare Fender creation is a truly phenomenal sounding amp and one of the cleanest Supers we have had the honor of featuring in our showroom! Very Good + Condition.
