1955 Fender Bandmaster 5E7 Tweed 3x10

No Sales Tax For Customers Outside Of California.

The Fender 5E7 3x10" Bandmaster is one of the most important amps in rock n roll history. It is fitting that one has hit our shop to sit amidst our extensive tweed Fender offering.

If there is a fault in the design of the 5E7, it is the output transformer. Shopping for a Tweed Bandmaster is a difficult task. There never seems to be more than a couple available across the market. Most have a replaced output transformer as it wasn't originally specified to handle the speaker load. Such is the case for this example. A vintage, paper wound replacement lives in this amp. I am not sure of the origin of said transformer, but it is a great match in that the classic and amazing tone is there.

The power transformer is the original Triad. The choke is original as well.

Speakers have been replaced with Eminence MP10-PR Alnicos, another good choice in lieu of the original Jensens.

Filter caps have been replaced, and the circuit has seen work as well, with caps updated. As I've noted, detailed in Fender Harvard amps that have come and gone, I've directly compared amps with updated caps, you'd be surprised how little difference there is in an amp with replaced Astron caps. In one case in particular, a fully updated Harvard actually sounded better than one that was fully original. In the end, all of these amps will eventually require full updates of original parts to be functional - old caps and resistors will only last so long and keeping a vintage amp all-original but out-of-spec is just a bad idea, however nostalgic the idea might be.
A grounded power cable and replacement handle round out the changes to the amp.

As for the tone - it is just amazing. Comparisons to other amps are moot - the effort is futile. If you're looking for a Bandmaster you know what to expect, and you get it all here.

The amp will ship in two boxes - one for the chassis and the other for the cab. Assembly will be required on delivery. This is for the sake of the chassis, which can be damaged in transit should the box be handled roughly. I have found that the weight of transformers can impact and distort the chassis in shipment and this is easily avoided with this practice. Assembly isn't all that hard to do, but it does take three hands, so you'll need a little help. We can guide you on the phone.

Case/Cover?: No
Color: Tweed
Dimensions: H21" x W22.5" x D10.25"
Weight: 33lbs 5.3oz
Watts: 26 Watts
Date: 1955
Where date is noted: Pots, Transformers, Serial#
Speaker 1 - 3 Brand/Model: MP10-R
Speaker Size: 10"
Speaker Code: 10662
Speaker Cone: Original, 45105?2
Power Transformer brand and/or codes: Triad 8087
Output Transformer brand and/or codes: 1848
Choke Transformer brand and/or codes: ?
Extension Speaker Out? Yes
Reverb or other effects?: No
Rectifier Tube: 5U4G
Rectifier Tube Brand: Mesa
Power tubes: 2 x 5881 tested
Power Tube Brand: ?
Preamp Tubes: 3 x 12AX7
Preamp Tube Brand: Fender, etc
Filter Caps: Replaced
Pedal?: No
Pots, codes: 3 Original 304443, 2 Replaced
Grille: Original
Knobs: Original
Handle: Original
Power cord: Replaced with 3 Prong
Notes:
Shipping policy:

Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions. If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com. Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.