Fender Princeton 5F2-A Tube Amplifier (1960)
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Fender Princeton 5F2-A Model Tube Amplifier (1960), made in Fullerton, California, serial # P-04682, tweed fabric covering finish.
This is a really nice example of the rare and very desirable late-'50s big-box Princeton, which by this point had grown into a much larger unit than its earlier ancestors. Still marketed as a student amplifier (hence the academic name!) the later 'big-box' 5F2 model is housed in a more spacious Harvard-sized cabinet making for a sweetly overdriven airier tone that can get very raucous when pushed.
Although thought of as a 1950's amp, this one was made at the start of the '60s; the tube chart is ink-stamped with the code "JC", indicating assembly in March, 1960. It still features a single 8" speaker and a circuit very similar to a 5F1 Champ (with a tone control added) the single-ended 6V6 power section putting out around 5-6 watts of power. This is an exceptionally fine small recording amplifier, a bit more versatile than the Champ with a similar raucous overdrive potential even at modest volume but a wider tonal palette.
Height is 17 in. (43.2 cm.), 18 in. (45.7 cm.) width, and 9 in. (22.9 cm.) in depth at deepest point.
Externally, the tweed covering on this amp is beautifully preserved overall with only minimal wear on some corners and edges. It bears a lighter amber patina and is overall and only shows some light staining on the top right side of the cabinet and is otherwise free of any notable blemishes. The grille cloth is taught and in great shape as well with no notable tears or staining. The chrome control plate is nearly mirror clean with virtually all the stenciled graphics intact. The original leather handle is also intact and has plenty of life left in it still.
Electrically, the amp is nicely original. The speaker is the original 8EV-29 Oxford, marked 465-945, dating it to the 45th week of 1959. Both the power and output transformers are original as well; the output transformer is the original Triad #107 and the power transformer is the original Schumacher bearing the code 606-007, dating to the 7th week of 1960. The visible pot code dates to the 47th week of 1959. The amp has received our typical maintenance and servicing consisting of replacement of all electrolytic caps, a grounded 3-prong power cord, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks as well as biasing to spec.
Overall this is a superb amplifier, sweetly purring at low volume and a very hot little number when the twin chicken heads are rolled up! Overall Excellent Condition.
This is a really nice example of the rare and very desirable late-'50s big-box Princeton, which by this point had grown into a much larger unit than its earlier ancestors. Still marketed as a student amplifier (hence the academic name!) the later 'big-box' 5F2 model is housed in a more spacious Harvard-sized cabinet making for a sweetly overdriven airier tone that can get very raucous when pushed.
Although thought of as a 1950's amp, this one was made at the start of the '60s; the tube chart is ink-stamped with the code "JC", indicating assembly in March, 1960. It still features a single 8" speaker and a circuit very similar to a 5F1 Champ (with a tone control added) the single-ended 6V6 power section putting out around 5-6 watts of power. This is an exceptionally fine small recording amplifier, a bit more versatile than the Champ with a similar raucous overdrive potential even at modest volume but a wider tonal palette.
Height is 17 in. (43.2 cm.), 18 in. (45.7 cm.) width, and 9 in. (22.9 cm.) in depth at deepest point.
Externally, the tweed covering on this amp is beautifully preserved overall with only minimal wear on some corners and edges. It bears a lighter amber patina and is overall and only shows some light staining on the top right side of the cabinet and is otherwise free of any notable blemishes. The grille cloth is taught and in great shape as well with no notable tears or staining. The chrome control plate is nearly mirror clean with virtually all the stenciled graphics intact. The original leather handle is also intact and has plenty of life left in it still.
Electrically, the amp is nicely original. The speaker is the original 8EV-29 Oxford, marked 465-945, dating it to the 45th week of 1959. Both the power and output transformers are original as well; the output transformer is the original Triad #107 and the power transformer is the original Schumacher bearing the code 606-007, dating to the 7th week of 1960. The visible pot code dates to the 47th week of 1959. The amp has received our typical maintenance and servicing consisting of replacement of all electrolytic caps, a grounded 3-prong power cord, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks as well as biasing to spec.
Overall this is a superb amplifier, sweetly purring at low volume and a very hot little number when the twin chicken heads are rolled up! Overall Excellent Condition.