Fender Deluxe 5E3 Tube Amplifier (1959)
LOADING IMAGES
This item has been sold.
Item # 10923
Prices subject to change without notice.
Fender Deluxe 5E3 Model Tube Amplifier (1959), made in Fullerton, California, serial # D-08088, tweed fabric covering finish.
This almost incredibly clean 1959 Fender 5E3 Tweed Deluxe is a stunning example of what is considered to be the most desirable version of this classic long-running model, 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. 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 earlier 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. From the very beginning this version of the long-running Deluxe was 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.
This is simply one of the nicest tweed Deluxes we have ever had. It is stunningly well-preserved overall, considering its 65+ year lifespan up until now! The tube chart is stamped I I, indicating assembly in September, 1959. Externally, the rather fragile Tweed cabinet covering is in fantastic shape bearing an attractive light amber patina. It shows only very light wear on the corners and edges, most notably on the bottom front corners. The grille cloth is original and in great shape with no notable fraying or tears. The faceplate is nearly mirror clean with practically all of the stenciled lettering intact. The handle is an older high quality replacement and the torn original is included with the amp.
Electrically, this Deluxe is nicely original. This amp was wired up by Julia and bears her signature on a piece of masking tape inside the chassis. The speaker is the original Jensen P12R, marked 220-904, dating it to the 4th week of 1959. Both the Triad power and output transformers are original and are marked 6452 and #108, respectively. The pots all date to the 30th week of 1959. 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 beautiful example of the iconic 5E3 Deluxe certainly sounds fantastic; this is simply just about good as it gets for pure 1950s Fender tone! Excellent + Condition.
This almost incredibly clean 1959 Fender 5E3 Tweed Deluxe is a stunning example of what is considered to be the most desirable version of this classic long-running model, 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. 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 earlier 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. From the very beginning this version of the long-running Deluxe was 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.
This is simply one of the nicest tweed Deluxes we have ever had. It is stunningly well-preserved overall, considering its 65+ year lifespan up until now! The tube chart is stamped I I, indicating assembly in September, 1959. Externally, the rather fragile Tweed cabinet covering is in fantastic shape bearing an attractive light amber patina. It shows only very light wear on the corners and edges, most notably on the bottom front corners. The grille cloth is original and in great shape with no notable fraying or tears. The faceplate is nearly mirror clean with practically all of the stenciled lettering intact. The handle is an older high quality replacement and the torn original is included with the amp.
Electrically, this Deluxe is nicely original. This amp was wired up by Julia and bears her signature on a piece of masking tape inside the chassis. The speaker is the original Jensen P12R, marked 220-904, dating it to the 4th week of 1959. Both the Triad power and output transformers are original and are marked 6452 and #108, respectively. The pots all date to the 30th week of 1959. 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 beautiful example of the iconic 5E3 Deluxe certainly sounds fantastic; this is simply just about good as it gets for pure 1950s Fender tone! Excellent + Condition.