The Blueprint For Tone
Discover a significant piece of Fender history with this vintage 1951 Fender Deluxe 5A3 amplifier. As a prime example from the highly regarded "TV Front" era, this tweed amp represents one of the earliest versions of the legendary Deluxe circuit. This particular unit is presented in excellent, near-original condition, making it a well-preserved and highly sought-after vintage Fender amp for collectors and musicians alike.
Cabinet Construction and Dimensions
This Fender Deluxe is housed in its iconic "TV Front" cabinet, instantly recognizable by its original lacquered tweed covering. The solid pine construction contributes to the amp's resonant acoustic character and classic tone. The physical dimensions are a height of 16 1/4 inches (41.3 cm), a width of 18 inches (45.7 cm), and a depth of 7 1/2 inches (19 cm), creating a perfectly compact and powerful vintage guitar amplifier.
Key Specifications
- Model: 1951 Fender Deluxe 5A3 "TV Front"
- Condition: Excellent, near-original vintage condition
- Circuit: Early Fender 5A3 design
- Tube Complement: 2x 6SC7 (preamp), 2x 6V6 (power), 1x 5Y3 (rectifier)
- Power: Approximately 10-12 watts
- Speaker: Original 12-inch Jensen speaker
- Controls: Inputs (2 Instrument, 1 Mic), separate Instrument/Mic volumes, master Tone control
- Originality: Original transformers, speaker, tweed, and grill cloth
- Service: Upgraded 3-prong safety lead, new filter capacitors
- Dimensions: 16 1/4" (H) x 18" (W) x 7 1/2" (D)
The 5A3 Circuit and Tube Complement
The original Fender Deluxe 5A3 circuit is notable for its straightforward and tonally effective design. The tube complement features two all-metal 6SC7 octal preamp tubes, a pair of 6V6 power tubes, and a 5Y3 rectifier tube. This specific combination is a hallmark of early Fender tweed amplifiers and is central to the distinctive, touch-sensitive sound of the 5A3 model.
The amplifier's power section uses a cathode-biased, push-pull design with two 6V6 tubes, yielding approximately 10-12 watts of output. This wattage is ideal for achieving natural tube saturation and compression at volume levels suitable for studio recording, rehearsals, and smaller venue performances, allowing you to capture that classic Fender breakup without excessive volume.
This vintage amplifier retains a high degree of originality, including its crucial original transformers, 12-inch Jensen speaker, tweed covering, and grill cloth. To ensure safety and reliability for modern use, the amp has been professionally serviced to include an upgraded 3-prong power lead and has had its filter capacitors replaced, which is standard, necessary maintenance for any vintage amplifier.
This vintage Fender Tweed amp is in Brisbane, Queensland.
| Year: | 1951 |
| Brand: | Fender |
| Model: | Deluxe 5A3 |
| Modifications & Repairs: | Upgraded 3-prong safety lead, new filter capacitors |
| Notes: | 16 ¼" (H) x 18" (W) x 7 ½" (D) |
