Fender Deluxe Model 5A3 Tube Amplifier (1951)
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Fender Deluxe Model 5A3 Model Tube Amplifier (1951), made in Fullerton, California, serial # 4167, tweed fabric covering finish.
This is a truly superb example of an early tweed Deluxe, one of Fender's all-time classic amplifier designs. The Deluxe saw many iterations in the first few years of this decade, this being the earliest styling, nicknamed "TV-front" due to its rounded rectangular speaker cutout. This design replaced the earlier 'Woodies' of the late 40s with a larger cabinet overall and bolstering "high quality air-luggage linen" covering and a top-facing rear control panel.
The cathode-biased push-pull 6V6 power section yields around 10-12 watts of power into a single Jensen 12" speaker. This circuit, the 5A3, is one of the earliest versions of the decade, still using all metal 6SC7 preamp tubes and two 6V6 power tubes alongside a 5Y3 rectifier. The control panel features three input jacks, two instrument and one microphone, volume controls for each channel and one master tone, with the power switch incorporated into the tone knob.
Height is 16 1/4 in. (41.3 cm.), 18 in. (45.7 cm.) width, and 7 1/2 in. (19 cm.) deep.
Cosmetically, this early Fender Deluxe shows its age a bit but remains in better shape overall than many nearly 70 year old amplifiers. The old-style un-lacquered tweed covering shows a bit of typical wea, but remains remarkably clean and free of any major staining or tears overall. The faceplate remains a nearly mirror-like shine with nearly all the stenciled lettering intact and only very minor signs of pitting. The grille cloths is superbly clean and surprisingly un-faded. The handle is a high quality leather replacement.
Electrically, the amp is nearly all-original. The original Jensen P12R speaker bears the code 220-110, dating it to the 10th week of 1951. The Triad power transformer is original as well and bears the code 6452. The output transformer appears to be an older replacement and is marked "5000 CT". Visible pot codes date to the 41st week of 1950. The amp has seen our typical maintenance and servicing, including replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, a grounded three-prong power cord added, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and power tubes biased to spec. This Deluxe was originally wired by Lupe, whose masking tape tag is still present inside the chassis.
This is a sought after and valuable early fixture in Fender amp history; a lovely sounding one at that. A nicely preserved example of this all-time classic gigging and recording amp! Excellent - Condition.
This is a truly superb example of an early tweed Deluxe, one of Fender's all-time classic amplifier designs. The Deluxe saw many iterations in the first few years of this decade, this being the earliest styling, nicknamed "TV-front" due to its rounded rectangular speaker cutout. This design replaced the earlier 'Woodies' of the late 40s with a larger cabinet overall and bolstering "high quality air-luggage linen" covering and a top-facing rear control panel.
The cathode-biased push-pull 6V6 power section yields around 10-12 watts of power into a single Jensen 12" speaker. This circuit, the 5A3, is one of the earliest versions of the decade, still using all metal 6SC7 preamp tubes and two 6V6 power tubes alongside a 5Y3 rectifier. The control panel features three input jacks, two instrument and one microphone, volume controls for each channel and one master tone, with the power switch incorporated into the tone knob.
Height is 16 1/4 in. (41.3 cm.), 18 in. (45.7 cm.) width, and 7 1/2 in. (19 cm.) deep.
Cosmetically, this early Fender Deluxe shows its age a bit but remains in better shape overall than many nearly 70 year old amplifiers. The old-style un-lacquered tweed covering shows a bit of typical wea, but remains remarkably clean and free of any major staining or tears overall. The faceplate remains a nearly mirror-like shine with nearly all the stenciled lettering intact and only very minor signs of pitting. The grille cloths is superbly clean and surprisingly un-faded. The handle is a high quality leather replacement.
Electrically, the amp is nearly all-original. The original Jensen P12R speaker bears the code 220-110, dating it to the 10th week of 1951. The Triad power transformer is original as well and bears the code 6452. The output transformer appears to be an older replacement and is marked "5000 CT". Visible pot codes date to the 41st week of 1950. The amp has seen our typical maintenance and servicing, including replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, a grounded three-prong power cord added, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and power tubes biased to spec. This Deluxe was originally wired by Lupe, whose masking tape tag is still present inside the chassis.
This is a sought after and valuable early fixture in Fender amp history; a lovely sounding one at that. A nicely preserved example of this all-time classic gigging and recording amp! Excellent - Condition.