Fender Tremolux 6G9-A Model Piggyback Tube Amplifier (1962), made in Fullerton, California, serial # 00854, blonde Tolex finish.
This is a fabulously clean early example of the first "piggyback" 6G9-A Tremolux, one of Fenders most interesting, ever-changing staple models in their line-up.
The Tremolux was initially introduced in 1955 alongside its smaller cousin the Vibrolux, the two amps pioneering the company's first built-in tremolo effect. At first, essentially a 5E3 Deluxe with tremolo, a few years later the 'big box' revision was fitted with design elements seen in the 5F6-A Bassman and was occupying a higher tier in the line-up towards the turn of the decade. With the advent of the new 'piggyback' formats and revamped 'blonde' aesthetics at the dawn of the 60s, this era of experimentation also featured one of Fender's most novel tube compliments: a pair of 6BQ5 (EL84) power tubes. This revision was extremely short-lived, lasting only for less than a year before Fender changed course for the more rugged 6L6 output tubes in the following revisions (6G9-A, this amp, as well as the later 6G9-B and AA763). Sadly, the former revision ran the output tubes at such high voltages, most of the examples met their end with components burning out, making it quite possibly one of the rarest Fender amps to find today.
That said, this particular example is a close contender, being a rare version featuring the patented Fender tone ring, an acoustically complex baffle assembly that has the 10" speaker 'float' via a metal insert. Fender used these in less than 200 amps between '61 and early '62; most Tremoluxes from this era remain in a sealed-back 2x10" format. The blonde Tremolux was Fenders most affordable piggyback model at the time, costing $244.50 in 1961, less than half the price of the flagship Showman model.
Like past Tremolux models this amp features two channels; normal and bright, this time with separate volume, treble and bass controls for each as well as speed and intensity controls for the bias-vary tremolo on the vibrato channel. The dual 6L6 power section yields approx. 35-watts of power into the single 10" Jensen P10P speaker; a rarely seen model amidst Fender amps. The P has the 1.25" voice-coil size of a Q paired with the larger magnet of the higher-powered N models; a truly excellent sounding speaker. These early-to-mid 60s Tremoluxes are known for their juicy crunch and tactile playing feel, all at relatively manageable volume considering the speaker compliment.
Height is 26 1/2 in. (67.3 cm.), 28 in. (71.1 cm.) width, and 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm.) in depth at deepest point.
This amp bears the stamp LA on its tube chart, dating it to January of 1962. Cosmetically it remains in exquisite shape; the both the head and speaker cabinet Tolex covering shows hardly any wear, let alone much wear or dirt at all save for a few very minor scuffs. The grille cloths are in excellent condition showing only a few scratches on the speaker cabinet, both retaining the original metal Fender logos in great shape. The control panel is beautifully clean with only very minor signs of wear, retaining all the original white knobs. The original handle and hardware are all in good shape with hardly any signs of corrosive staining. The set comes with a period-correct speaker cable.
Electrically, the Tremolux is nicely original. The original Jensen P10P bears the code 220-147, dating it to the 47th week of 1961. The speaker retains its original cone and both sounds and tests excellent. The power, choke and output transformers are all original to the amp and bear the codes 68409, 606-150 and 606-145, the latter two dating to the 50th and 45th week of 1961. All visible pot codes date to late '61 as well. The amp has otherwise seen our typical maintenance and servicing, including replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, a new 3-prong grounded power cord, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and output tubes biased to spec. The amp otherwise retains its original blue molded "Astron" signal caps that all are in great shape.
This a great example of a coveted and rare Fender gem sporting a wonderful touch-sensitive tone and a marvelous growl when pushed. This version is very much a "connoisseur's classic" Fender amp that justifies its reputation. Excellent Condition.
