Fender Tremolux AA763 w/Larry Rodgers Reproduction 2x10 Cabinet Piggyback Tube Amplifier (1964)
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Fender Tremolux AA763 w/Larry Rodgers Reproduction 2x10 Cabinet Model Piggyback Tube Amplifier (1964), made in Fullerton, California, serial # A01599, blonde Tolex finish.
This is a lovely, later example of the 'piggyback' 6G9-A Tremolux, one of Fenders most interesting, ever-changing staple models in their line-up.
The Tremolux was initially introduced in 1955 alongside its smaller cousin, the Vibrolux; the two amps pioneering the company's first built-in tremolo effect. At first, essentially a 5E3 Deluxe with tremolo, a few years later the 'big box' revision was fitted with design elements seen in the 5F6-A Bassman and was occupying a higher tier in the line-up towards the turn of the decade. With the advent of the new 'piggyback' formats and revamped 'blonde' aesthetics at the dawn of the 60s, this era of experimentation also featured one of Fender's most novel tube compliments: a pair of 6BQ5 (EL84) power tubes. This revision was extremely short-lived, lasting only for less than a year before Fender changed course for the more rugged 6L6 output tubes in the following revisions (6G9-A, 6G9-B and AA763, which is this amp). Sadly, the former revision ran the output tubes at such high voltages, most of the examples met their end with components burning out, making it quite possibly one of the rarest Fender amps to find today.
Why Fender decided to spring towards 6BQ5s from the tried-and-true 6V6s of the Tweed predecessor remains a bit of a mystery (it certainly was not to make the amp more Vox-like!). If anything, it was likely an attempted cost-saving option, just like the lack of a presence control and the new, complex harmonic tremolo circuit featured in the more expensive amps. Or, it was simply an experiment! The blonde Tremolux was Fenders most affordable piggyback model at the time, costing $244.50 in 1961, less than half the price of the flagship Showman model. By 1964 its list price had gone up to $329.50. This AA763 revision featured a dedicated vibrato channel, in line with other models, and is somewhat of a transitional example, featuring the new black panel and knobs but still retaining the former blonde vinyl covering.
Like past Tremolux models, this amp features two channels, this time with separate volume, treble and bass controls for each as well as speed and intensity controls for the bias-vary tremolo on the vibrato channel. By the mid-60s, the dual 6L6 power section was running at appropriate voltages, yielding approx. 35-watts of power into the two 10" Oxford speakers. These early-to-mid 60s Tremoluxes are known for their juicy crunch and tactile playing feel, all at relatively manageable volume considering the low-efficiency Oxford speakers.
Height is 26 1/2 in. (67.3 cm.), 28 in. (71.1 cm.) width, and 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm.) in depth at deepest point.
This amp bears the stamp NE on its tube chart, dating it to May of 1964. Cosmetically, this piggyback remains in great shape; the head unit Tolex covering only shows moderate wear, mostly around corners and edges alongside some minor discoloration. The grille cloth shows typical wear but no signs of tearing or fraying and retains the original plastic Fender logo. The control panel is clean with only minor scratches and typical wear, retaining all the original knobs as well. The original handle and hardware are all in good shape with only minimal signs of corrosive staining. The amplifier retains its original vibrato footswitch.
The speaker cabinet is a Larry Rodgers reproduction; his work being highly esteemed among amplifier afficionados. Whether the cabinet has seen its share of wear, or it was 'aged' to match the head is hard to say for sure, but it is beautifully made and hard to tell apart from the originals! The only outstanding cosmetic flaw is a small tear in the grille cloth.
Electrically, the Tremolux is nicely original. The two Oxford 10K5-7s are at least period and bear the codes 465-336 and 465-344, dating them to the 36th and 44th week of 1963, respectively. Both speakers appear to be reconed and sound and test wonderfully. The power, choke and output transformers are all original to the amp and bear the codes 606-314, 606-408 and 606-343, dating them to the 14th and 43rd week of 1963 and 8th week of 1964, respectively. All pots date to late '63 and early '64 as well.
The amp has seen our typical maintenance and servicing, including replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, a new 3-prong grounded power cord, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and output tubes biased to spec. The amp otherwise retains its original blue molded "Astron" signal caps that all are in great shape.
This a great example of a coveted Fender gem sporting a wonderful touch-sensitive tone and a marvelous growl when pushed. Very Good + Condition.
This is a lovely, later example of the 'piggyback' 6G9-A Tremolux, one of Fenders most interesting, ever-changing staple models in their line-up.
The Tremolux was initially introduced in 1955 alongside its smaller cousin, the Vibrolux; the two amps pioneering the company's first built-in tremolo effect. At first, essentially a 5E3 Deluxe with tremolo, a few years later the 'big box' revision was fitted with design elements seen in the 5F6-A Bassman and was occupying a higher tier in the line-up towards the turn of the decade. With the advent of the new 'piggyback' formats and revamped 'blonde' aesthetics at the dawn of the 60s, this era of experimentation also featured one of Fender's most novel tube compliments: a pair of 6BQ5 (EL84) power tubes. This revision was extremely short-lived, lasting only for less than a year before Fender changed course for the more rugged 6L6 output tubes in the following revisions (6G9-A, 6G9-B and AA763, which is this amp). Sadly, the former revision ran the output tubes at such high voltages, most of the examples met their end with components burning out, making it quite possibly one of the rarest Fender amps to find today.
Why Fender decided to spring towards 6BQ5s from the tried-and-true 6V6s of the Tweed predecessor remains a bit of a mystery (it certainly was not to make the amp more Vox-like!). If anything, it was likely an attempted cost-saving option, just like the lack of a presence control and the new, complex harmonic tremolo circuit featured in the more expensive amps. Or, it was simply an experiment! The blonde Tremolux was Fenders most affordable piggyback model at the time, costing $244.50 in 1961, less than half the price of the flagship Showman model. By 1964 its list price had gone up to $329.50. This AA763 revision featured a dedicated vibrato channel, in line with other models, and is somewhat of a transitional example, featuring the new black panel and knobs but still retaining the former blonde vinyl covering.
Like past Tremolux models, this amp features two channels, this time with separate volume, treble and bass controls for each as well as speed and intensity controls for the bias-vary tremolo on the vibrato channel. By the mid-60s, the dual 6L6 power section was running at appropriate voltages, yielding approx. 35-watts of power into the two 10" Oxford speakers. These early-to-mid 60s Tremoluxes are known for their juicy crunch and tactile playing feel, all at relatively manageable volume considering the low-efficiency Oxford speakers.
Height is 26 1/2 in. (67.3 cm.), 28 in. (71.1 cm.) width, and 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm.) in depth at deepest point.
This amp bears the stamp NE on its tube chart, dating it to May of 1964. Cosmetically, this piggyback remains in great shape; the head unit Tolex covering only shows moderate wear, mostly around corners and edges alongside some minor discoloration. The grille cloth shows typical wear but no signs of tearing or fraying and retains the original plastic Fender logo. The control panel is clean with only minor scratches and typical wear, retaining all the original knobs as well. The original handle and hardware are all in good shape with only minimal signs of corrosive staining. The amplifier retains its original vibrato footswitch.
The speaker cabinet is a Larry Rodgers reproduction; his work being highly esteemed among amplifier afficionados. Whether the cabinet has seen its share of wear, or it was 'aged' to match the head is hard to say for sure, but it is beautifully made and hard to tell apart from the originals! The only outstanding cosmetic flaw is a small tear in the grille cloth.
Electrically, the Tremolux is nicely original. The two Oxford 10K5-7s are at least period and bear the codes 465-336 and 465-344, dating them to the 36th and 44th week of 1963, respectively. Both speakers appear to be reconed and sound and test wonderfully. The power, choke and output transformers are all original to the amp and bear the codes 606-314, 606-408 and 606-343, dating them to the 14th and 43rd week of 1963 and 8th week of 1964, respectively. All pots date to late '63 and early '64 as well.
The amp has seen our typical maintenance and servicing, including replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, a new 3-prong grounded power cord, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and output tubes biased to spec. The amp otherwise retains its original blue molded "Astron" signal caps that all are in great shape.
This a great example of a coveted Fender gem sporting a wonderful touch-sensitive tone and a marvelous growl when pushed. Very Good + Condition.