Fender Deluxe Model 5C3 Tube Amplifier (1953)
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Fender Deluxe Model 5C3 Model Tube Amplifier (1953), made in Fullerton, California, serial # 0694, tweed fabric covering finish.
This is a REALLY Boy-howdy clean and all-original example of a 1953 Deluxe, one of Leo Fender's classically toneful electronic creations and a staple piece of equipment for countless gigging and recording artists over the last 6+ decades. This truly is one of the most beautifully preserved examples we have ever seen! The Deluxe saw many iterations in the first few years of this decade, this being the new "Widepanel" styling, replacing the former "TV Front" cabinet design. The tube chart and chassis carry the code stamp "CH" indicating a production date of August of 1953. This version of the Deluxe features three input jacks, two instrument and one microphone, volume controls for each channel and one master tone.
The cathode-biased push-pull 6V6 power section yields around 10-12 watts of power into a single Jensen 12" speaker. The addition of a separate on/off switch not incorporated into a pot was the most notable change this model offered from the preceding 5B3 Deluxe, which was effected during 1953. The Deluxe has remained a classic for recording since the '50s and in our lower volume age has effected a return as a gigging amp as well, although this one is so clean it would be a brave soul who gigs it!
Height is 16 1/4 in. (41.3 cm.), 18 in. (45.7 cm.) width, and 8 5/8 in. (21.9 cm.) deep.
Cosmetically, this 70+ year old amplifier is simply beautifully preserved. The tweed covering has practically no notable wear, save for a tiny snag at the seam of the front right corner. The faceplate is mirror clean with all the stenciled lettering fully intact. The grille cloth is practically flawless, though shows a little bit of pilling. The included cover is likely original and is in outstanding shape as well. The handle hardware shows a typical amount of staining and the handle is a high-quality handmade reproduction; the original handle sadly met its end some time ago, but will be included with the amp.
Electrically, the amp is original and completely untouched, featuring the original power and output transformers, both made by Triad and marked 6452 and 71-246, respectively. The original Jensen P12R speaker is in outstanding condition and is dated 220 242 (42nd week of 1952). All three pots are original and date to the 16th week of '53. The amp retains what is likely the original set of RCA tubes. The chassis was lovingly wired up by Julia, bearing her handwritten name on the masking tape tag inside.
DISCLAIMER: While we normally service all amplifiers for use, this nearly 67 year old amp is COMPLETELY original and untouched so we have elected to leave it that way. Amplifiers of this vintage in this state of preservation are becoming extremely rare, now well into the 21st century. As such it is offered in AS-IS condition, not because of any damage or perceived flaw but due to its age and all-original state. The amplifier has been tested and if functional; it powers up and actually sounds great but if is to be used more than casually we would recommend it be professionally serviced to the level desired; we would be happy to do so upon sale. Many of the capacitors are aged to the point we cannot guarantee continued functionality many decades past their expiration dates, but as it stands this is a museum-quality unaltered example so some would prefer to keep it that way.
This superb untouched Fender Deluxe is a very rare find in the 21st century, a testament to the genius of Leo Fender and the exceptionally high standards his factory maintained in the 1950s. Overall Excellent + Condition.
This is a REALLY Boy-howdy clean and all-original example of a 1953 Deluxe, one of Leo Fender's classically toneful electronic creations and a staple piece of equipment for countless gigging and recording artists over the last 6+ decades. This truly is one of the most beautifully preserved examples we have ever seen! The Deluxe saw many iterations in the first few years of this decade, this being the new "Widepanel" styling, replacing the former "TV Front" cabinet design. The tube chart and chassis carry the code stamp "CH" indicating a production date of August of 1953. This version of the Deluxe features three input jacks, two instrument and one microphone, volume controls for each channel and one master tone.
The cathode-biased push-pull 6V6 power section yields around 10-12 watts of power into a single Jensen 12" speaker. The addition of a separate on/off switch not incorporated into a pot was the most notable change this model offered from the preceding 5B3 Deluxe, which was effected during 1953. The Deluxe has remained a classic for recording since the '50s and in our lower volume age has effected a return as a gigging amp as well, although this one is so clean it would be a brave soul who gigs it!
Height is 16 1/4 in. (41.3 cm.), 18 in. (45.7 cm.) width, and 8 5/8 in. (21.9 cm.) deep.
Cosmetically, this 70+ year old amplifier is simply beautifully preserved. The tweed covering has practically no notable wear, save for a tiny snag at the seam of the front right corner. The faceplate is mirror clean with all the stenciled lettering fully intact. The grille cloth is practically flawless, though shows a little bit of pilling. The included cover is likely original and is in outstanding shape as well. The handle hardware shows a typical amount of staining and the handle is a high-quality handmade reproduction; the original handle sadly met its end some time ago, but will be included with the amp.
Electrically, the amp is original and completely untouched, featuring the original power and output transformers, both made by Triad and marked 6452 and 71-246, respectively. The original Jensen P12R speaker is in outstanding condition and is dated 220 242 (42nd week of 1952). All three pots are original and date to the 16th week of '53. The amp retains what is likely the original set of RCA tubes. The chassis was lovingly wired up by Julia, bearing her handwritten name on the masking tape tag inside.
DISCLAIMER: While we normally service all amplifiers for use, this nearly 67 year old amp is COMPLETELY original and untouched so we have elected to leave it that way. Amplifiers of this vintage in this state of preservation are becoming extremely rare, now well into the 21st century. As such it is offered in AS-IS condition, not because of any damage or perceived flaw but due to its age and all-original state. The amplifier has been tested and if functional; it powers up and actually sounds great but if is to be used more than casually we would recommend it be professionally serviced to the level desired; we would be happy to do so upon sale. Many of the capacitors are aged to the point we cannot guarantee continued functionality many decades past their expiration dates, but as it stands this is a museum-quality unaltered example so some would prefer to keep it that way.
This superb untouched Fender Deluxe is a very rare find in the 21st century, a testament to the genius of Leo Fender and the exceptionally high standards his factory maintained in the 1950s. Overall Excellent + Condition.