SOLD - Vintage Fender Tweed 5D3 Deluxe Amp – USA 1955

SALES

The Fender Deluxe amp of the 1950s was a medium-powered unit designed to let guitarists hold their own in a small group. As blues, western swing, Western, and rockabilly bands began getting louder, the overdriven tone of a cranked-up Deluxe found its way onto many live and recorded performances.

At the time, Leo Fender produced amplifiers with the intention of having the amplifier stay clean even at high volumes. The Tweed Deluxe is not known for producing a clean tone at high volumes, and as such, was regarded as being an intermediate amplifier. The saturated tone this amplifier produces at higher volumes is the reason why it is one of the more famous amplifiers Fender ever produced. It is part of the signature tone for many musicians, a few notable examples being Larry Carlton, Don Felder, Billy Gibbons and Neil Young.

The Deluxe has a 5Y3-GT rectifier, 2 6V6-GT power tubes operating in push-pull mode, and a 12AY7 and a 12AX7 in the preamp. The output is rated at about 15 watts.

This is a lovely vintage 1955 Fender Deluxe amp in fantastic condition. Its tube chart shows EB which means a manufacture date of February 1955. Serial number also indicates 1955.

Overview –

Serial #: 3978
Manufacture Date: February 1955
Power Output: approximately 15 Watts
Tubes: 5Y3, 6V6 (2), 12AX7 (2)
Controls: Mic Vol, Inst Vol, Tone
Dimensions: 18” x 16.5” x 9”
Weight: 22 lbs

Cosmetics –
Original tweed
Original grill cloth
Non original leather handle
Original back panels

Electronics –
Jensen Extended Range P12R  #220020
Original transformers
Original resistors
New replacement capacitors
Three prong earthed power cord
Non original speaker cable, plug & socket

Aside from the new set of capacitors, this one appears to very original and extremely clean. Sound-wise, this amp is amazing. It has a deep woody clean tone that quickly turns into a thick mid-focused overdrive. It’s perfect for blues leads and organic overdrive tones. This amp has been cleaned and serviced by respected Sydney amp tech Dave Peach. It is fully functional and sounds fantastic.

It is 110v so a stepdown transformer is needed. The 6V6 and rectifier tubes appear to be original or vintage 50s RCA units.

This one is a very clean example of one of the most iconic Fender amps ever built – the tweed 5D3 Deluxe. It is in great condition – rock solid and reliable. And it sounds like an old Deluxe should – raw, nasty, greasy and complex.