Fender Tremolux 5E9 1959 - Changed Output Transformer and 1955 Speaker

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This Tremolux has killer curb appeal and tone.  It has been professionally serviced and sounds awesome.  There's one issue for collectors - the amp has a changed output transformer, something you see all the time in the Tremolux.  The replacement is a vintage part from 1962 and it serves the amp well - you wouldn't know that it was changed if I didn't tell you.  Everything else that really matters is there - read on.

The 5E9 Tremolux runs 15 to 18 watts through a Jensen P12Q, producing the compressed, harmonically saturated breakup that makes late-'50s Fender tweed amps nearly irresistible. This circuit hits the spot, answering the call for an amp with enough headroom to stay clean at moderate volume, but quick to bloom into warm, touch-sensitive overdrive when pushed. The onboard tremolo is a bonus that no pedal fully replicates. 

Fender introduced the Tremolux in 1955. The 5E9 is the final and most refined iteration of the tweed Tremolux, sharing its basic architecture with the Deluxe but adding tube-driven tremolo and running at slightly higher wattage. These amps were discontinued when Fender moved to the brown-panel era in 1960, making the 5E9 a terminal-year example of one of the most collected tweed circuits. Collector and player demand for late-'50s Tremolux amps has been strong and consistent for decades.

The cabinet is original pine in excellent condition with original tweed covering intact. The baffle is original pine, also in excellent condition. The grille cloth is original wheat weave in very good shape. The speaker is a Jensen P12Q, 12 inches, date-coded to the 35th week of 1955 (535), a non-original speaker that pairs perfectly. The power transformer is original Triad, model number 8160. The output transformer is a Marvel Electric Corp unit (code 949, date 6247) — a replacement, not original. The choke is original. Power tubes are JJ 6V6s. Rectifier is an RCA 5U4. Preamp complement is two 12AX7s and a 12AY7.  We tested all the tubes to make sure they are good to go.

The chassis is in excellent condition. Filter caps, bypass, and bias caps have been replaced. The power cable has been upgraded to a grounded three-prong — the original two-prong cable is included. The output transformer is a replacement, as noted. The handle is a replacement that looks original; the original handle is included. The non-original tremolo footswitch is included and in very good condition. No case or cover is included.

Weight is 34 lbs 4 oz. Cabinet dimensions are 20" H x 22" W x 10.5" D. Date is confirmed by serial number and internal codes. No documentation is included. No unusual odors. The original filter caps and original power cable are included with the amp.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Date: 1959
• Where Is Date Noted?: serial#, codes
• Weight: 34lbs 4oz
• Dimensions: H 20" x W 22" x D 10.5"
• Watts: 15 watts
• Case/Cover?: none
• Covering Material: tweed
• Covering Color: tweed
• Covering Original?: yes
• Cabinet Material: pine
• Cabinet Condition: excellent
• Cabinet Repairs/Changes: none
• Cabinet Original?: yes
• Grille Style: wheat
• Grille Condition: very good
• Grille Original?: yes
  
• Baffle Condition: excellent
• Baffle Original?: yes
• Baffle Repairs/Changes: none
• Chassis Material: sheet metal
• Chassis Condition: excellent
• Chassis Original?: yes
• Chassis Repairs/Changes: None
• Knobs Original?: yes
• Handle Material: leather
• Handle Original?: Period correct replacement, original included
• Speaker 1 Brand: Jensen P12Q
• Speaker 1 Size: 12"
• Speaker 1 Manufacturer Code: 220
• Speaker 1 Date Code: 535
• Speaker 1 Cone Code: WHF 5337
• Speaker 1 Cone Original?: No
• Speaker 1 Condition: excellent
• Speaker Original?: no
• Power Transformer Manufacturer: Triad
• Power Transformer Model Code: 8160
• Power Transformer Original?: yes
• Output Transformer Manufacturer: Marvel Electric Corp
• Output Transformer Manufacturer Code: 949
• Output Transformer Date Code: 6247
• Output Transformer Original?: no
• Choke Transformer Original?: yes
• Reverb Onboard: no
• Tremolo Or Vibrato Onboard: tremolo
• Pedal Included?: yes
• Pedal Condition: very good
• Pedal Original?: no
• Rectifier Tube: 5U4
• Rectifier Tube Brand: RCA
• Power Tubes: 2 x 6V6
• Power Tube Brand: JJ
• Preamp Tubes: 2 x 12AX7, 12AY7
• Potentiometers Original?: yes
• Filter Caps: replaced, originals included
• Internal Repairs: yes
• Power Cable: grounded upgrade, original included
• Accessories Included: none
• Documentation: none
• Smells?: none
• Notes: Changed Output Transformer and 1955 Speaker

Excerpts from real online end-user reviews:

"Just a bit louder than the standard Deluxe, the late '50s Tremolux is the perfect amp for those gigs when the smaller tweeds just don't quite have the power to cut it." - RetroFret
"The 5E9 tweed Tremolux is one of Fender's absolute [finest narrow-panel designs]." - Woodstock Guitars
"For collectors and players seeking the perfect balance of clean headroom, rich tremolo character, and unmistakable tweed tone, the 1959 Tremolux remains an unparalleled treasure." - Edgewater Guitars

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Shipping Policy
By completing your purchase you are agreeing to this shipping policy. Shipments require signature on delivery, no exceptions. Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely. If there is damage, retain all packing materials intact, photograph them immediately, and send the photos to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com.

Amplifiers: We take additional precautions to prevent common shipping damage. Depending on the amp, this may include removing tubes, pulling the chassis from the cabinet if heavy transformers present a drop risk, or removing heavy speakers that could crack baffles in transit. Reassembly is required on delivery — we label everything clearly. These measures add to shipping costs but reflect hard-won experience. Vintage amplifiers (20 years or older) are sold as-is — all amps are tested in our shop upon intake and again before shipping. We cover shipping damage but cannot be responsible for the failure of vintage components in instruments that are 20 to 50-plus years old.