Amp of the Day 6-22-10 5e3 Tweed Deluxe

Mark Wein

Grand Poobah
Staff member
Yes, I'm a little obsessed this week...:embarrassed:


Fender Tweed Deluxe

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The Fender Tweed Deluxe guitar amplifier was produced by Fender during the 1950s from approximately 1955 to 1960. Model 5B3/5C3, one of the earliest versions of the Deluxe, was produced between 1948 and 1952. It is often referred to as having a TV Front appearance because the wide panels around the grill were like the television sets of the 1950s.[1] This was true also of the similar Fender Princeton student and studio amp introduced in 1946 and upgraded in 1948.[2]


The Tweed Deluxe was the most popular of the Tweed amplifiers made by Fender.[3]
It is a relatively small amplifier, having one twelve inch speaker. It has four inputs and two channels. Each channel has a volume control. Both channels share a tone control. The inputs and controls are mounted at the top of the amplifier. It is referred to as the tweed deluxe because of its covering - a brown tweed material.


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 a beginner's 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 Neil Young and Don Felder.


The amplifier has a 5Y3 rectifier, 2 6V6GT power tubes operating in push/pull mode, and a 12AY7 and a 12AX7 in the preamp. The output is rated at 15 watts.


The amplifier's simple circuitry has made it a favorite of home builders. Fender later reissued the amplifier as the '57 Deluxe.



One built from a Mission kit:

 
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It's very difficult to not like a good 5E3 based amp. I have a Richter clone with NOS tubes and it's way good IMO. Here's a Richter 5E3 clip that I like a lot. Everyone should own one IMHO. Many great tones in these tweed amps with or without pedals. If you view this clip on You Tube, Tim outlines how the amp is set up, tubes, speaker, pedal, knob settings, etc. I am waiting on a Weber speaker to go in mine. I prefer the American vintage type tone a bit more than the more British tone of the Celestion Blue used in this clip. Enjoy the GAS.........:)

[YOUTUBE]VZ2Nq1t_3lI&feature=PlayList&p=BA90D9B9B9DCA254&playnext_from=PL&index=0[/YOUTUBE]
 
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