Vintage Fender Tremolux 5E9-A - Tweed - USA 1958

This is a rare and highly original 1958 Fender Tremolux, model 5E9-A, in classic tweed. One of the most desirable of all the narrow panel tweed Fenders, the Tremolux was produced in limited numbers between 1955 and 1960, and examples in this state of originality are genuinely difficult to find.

The 5E9-A circuit runs a pair of 6V6 power tubes into a single 12 inch speaker, delivering around 14 to 15 watts of pure Class AB tweed tone. The built-in optical tremolo - controlled by the top panel Depth and Speed knobs - is the defining feature of the Tremolux circuit, and on a good original example like this one it has that warm, pulsing, organic quality that pedals and modellers have been trying to replicate ever since. Combined with the natural compression and bloom of the 6V6 output stage, it is one of the most musically satisfying tremolo sounds in existence.

This example presents with honest, age-appropriate wear throughout - exactly what you want to see on a genuine 1958 original. The tweed covering retains excellent colour and texture with light scuffs and corner wear consistent with decades of careful use. The oxblood grille cloth is original and intact, showing some light horizontal marks from age but no tears or damage. The original leather handle is heavily patinated and well worn, as expected on a nearly 70 year old amp. The chassis and interior appear substantially original and unmodified, with the original tube complement and period correct speaker in place - a very good sign on any vintage Fender.

Controls are Depth, Speed, Tone, Instrument Volume and Mic Volume, with dual instrument inputs and dual mic inputs on the top panel. Comes complete with Fender footswitch and a 240V to 110V step-down transformer, making it ready to use in the Australian market without modification.

A genuine, largely original 1958 Tremolux is a serious vintage amp for the serious collector or player. These don't come up often, and even less often in a condition like this.

Features:

Make: Fender

Model: Tremolux

Circuit: 5E9-A

Serial: 02571

Year: 1958

Country of Origin: USA

Configuration: Single 12 inch combo

Output: Approx. 14-15 watts

Power Tubes: 6V6 x 2

Rectifier: 5Y3

Preamp Tubes: 12AX7

Speaker: Original 12 inch period speaker

Controls: Depth, Speed, Tone, Instrument Volume, Mic Volume

Inputs: 2 x Instrument, 2 x Microphone

Tremolo: Built-in optical tremolo with footswitch

Mains Voltage: 110V (240V step-down transformer included)

Footswitch: Fender footswitch included

Step-down Transformer: Aelec 240V-110V transformer included

Condition: Original and largely unmodified throughout, honest age-appropriate wear