Offered for sale:
Vintage 1955 Fender Deluxe Amp 5B3 serial number D 00152.
This is the first generation “narrow panel” Deluxe in the “small box” and is in very good condition. It is fully functional. Cosmetically it’s showing wear and scuffing to the “airplane luggage linen” [tweed] covering. The tube chart is stamped with the June 1955 code EF.
This Deluxe just exudes tone and personality and soulfulness.
This 5E3 is in mostly original condition. The leather handle has been changed a couple of times. That’s about it.
The caps and power cable are untouched. I know, I know. The cable could give you such a shock. That’s why it has the ground switch. And the caps; they have a life expectancy of what, 20? 30? 40? Years. I’ve had this amp for about 35 years and play it often. I can’t bring myself to change out these little guys that refuse to age, let alone die.
But if you insist, I will have them replaced. However, you gotta buy the amp first. Then I’ll bring it to my capable tech. Or you can have it done. Just send me a (reasonable) bill from your amp Guru.
As most early Fender amp aficionados know, it all started with the Deluxe Model 26 (aka Woody) in 1946, then on to the Tweed TV front, wide panel and narrow panel.
Predictably, this narrow panel Deluxe sounds amazing. Rich and throaty and loud. And loves to be pushed hard. BTW, Strats weren’t even born yet.
The 1955 Fender catalog states (see photo of the Deluxe page):
“The Deluxe Amplifier is as modern as tomorrow and will give long lasting satisfaction to the owner. It is beautifully styled and covered with the finest airplane luggage linen. This amplifier is outstanding in its class and embodies the following features: top mounted chrome plated chassis, heavy duty 12” Jensen speaker; ground switch; on-and-off switch; panel mounted fuse holder; bull’s-eye pilot light; tone control; two volume controls; three input jacks [typo – left over from the 5B3 and 5C3 specs]. It also has the extension speaker jack mounted on the chassis and wired for instant use. It is an exceptional performer, both for tone and for volume in its price class and is one of the favorites of the lower priced field. It represents one of the finest values available. 15 Watts output.”
“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. Ironically, 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.”
Own a piece of guitar amplification history that you can enjoy every day!
“We test every used amp and pedal when we buy it and bring it up to our standards before we offer it for sale. Then we burn it in for an hour or so before we ship so that there are no surprises.”
AMP SPECS:
Weight lbs.: 22.2
Width in.: 18”
Depth in.: 9”
Height in.: 16 3/8”
TUBES:
Rectifier: 5Y3
Preamp: 12AY7, 12AX7
Power: 6V6, 6V6
Speaker Codes: Jensen P12R 220503
TRANSFORMER CODES:
Power: 6452
Output: n/a
*Please note: we do our best giving descriptions of used pieces. We have found it impossible to describe every mark on an instrument or amp that is not in the "mint" category. Also, what's important to you may not be important to someone else. For example, you may say, "I don't care what it looks like as long as it plays or sounds well." Another person may say, "Body cosmetics are very important to me so tell me about every scratch, nick and blemish." So, please ask the questions that are most important to you. If you ask they will be answered. They are free and there's no limit. Additional photos can also be made available.
This is a specific item that is also being offered for sale in our brick & mortar location. It is possible that it has just been sold. Please ask if it is still available before purchasing.
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All shipments made by us are fully insured. Also, all new products are fully covered by the manufacturer's warranty and used gear usually carries our 30 day mail order warranty. Most stringed instruments sold by IGS are shipped UPS Ground service for $50.00 to $100.00 for the 48 Contiguous states. (Overnight Red Label is also available). Please call on each item. GUITAR FREIGHT (Foreign) We ship instruments world wide. Our shipping department prides itself in its ability to safely deliver guitars anywhere in the world. We use Fex Ex Great Rates service, wherever possible. You are responsible for any import duties, V.A.T., etc. on delivery. It is advisable to consult with your local customs office.
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