Fender Deluxe 5E3 Tube Amplifier (1956)
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Fender Deluxe 5E3 Model Tube Amplifier (1956), made in Fullerton, California, serial # 01791, tweed fabric covering finish.
This 1956 Fender 5E3 Tweed Deluxe is a lovely 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 Deluxe 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 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 changed from the earlier Deluxe models, now featuring two channels: normal and bright. Both have high and low inputs, their own volume control and share 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 a very nice example of this often much-gigged model and very well-preserved overall, considering its nearly 70 year lifespan. The tube chart is stamped FK, indicating assembly in November of 1956. The serial number on the tube chart reads D-02811, which doesn't match the stamped number on the chassis (D-01791). This may be a factory (or dealer) anomaly or possibly the cabinet and chassis are from two different amps, albeit if so, both being from the same year.
Cosmetically, rather fragile tweed covering is in great shape, sporting a nice amber patina. Apart from a handful of scuffs along the edges and corners, the cabinet is overall in great shape. The chrome-plated control panel is shiny and clean, with practically all the stenciled lettering intact. The grille cloth is in excellent shape; taught and showing no signs of tearing or fraying. The handle is a high quality reproduction.
Electrically, this amp is mostly original. The 12" alnico Jensen P12R speaker bears the code 220-616, dating it to the 16th week of 1956 and appears original to either the chassis and/or cabinet! It has been recently reconed and tests great. The Triad 6452 power transformer is original while the output transformer appears to be a period replacement. Pot codes all date to the 5th week of 1956. The piece of masking tape inside the chassis bears Lily's signature; we may be biased but we think her tweed amps have a certain magic to them. The amp has otherwise received typical maintenance and service including a grounded 3-prong power cord, replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and power tubes biased to spec. The amp also comes with its original (detached) two prong power cord.
This is a fabulous example of this iconic Tweed amp, not "too clean to gig" and sounding fantastic, about as good as it gets for small-combo vintage tone. Overall Very Good Condition.
This 1956 Fender 5E3 Tweed Deluxe is a lovely 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 Deluxe 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 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 changed from the earlier Deluxe models, now featuring two channels: normal and bright. Both have high and low inputs, their own volume control and share 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 a very nice example of this often much-gigged model and very well-preserved overall, considering its nearly 70 year lifespan. The tube chart is stamped FK, indicating assembly in November of 1956. The serial number on the tube chart reads D-02811, which doesn't match the stamped number on the chassis (D-01791). This may be a factory (or dealer) anomaly or possibly the cabinet and chassis are from two different amps, albeit if so, both being from the same year.
Cosmetically, rather fragile tweed covering is in great shape, sporting a nice amber patina. Apart from a handful of scuffs along the edges and corners, the cabinet is overall in great shape. The chrome-plated control panel is shiny and clean, with practically all the stenciled lettering intact. The grille cloth is in excellent shape; taught and showing no signs of tearing or fraying. The handle is a high quality reproduction.
Electrically, this amp is mostly original. The 12" alnico Jensen P12R speaker bears the code 220-616, dating it to the 16th week of 1956 and appears original to either the chassis and/or cabinet! It has been recently reconed and tests great. The Triad 6452 power transformer is original while the output transformer appears to be a period replacement. Pot codes all date to the 5th week of 1956. The piece of masking tape inside the chassis bears Lily's signature; we may be biased but we think her tweed amps have a certain magic to them. The amp has otherwise received typical maintenance and service including a grounded 3-prong power cord, replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and power tubes biased to spec. The amp also comes with its original (detached) two prong power cord.
This is a fabulous example of this iconic Tweed amp, not "too clean to gig" and sounding fantastic, about as good as it gets for small-combo vintage tone. Overall Very Good Condition.