Fender Princeton Tweed 5E2 1955 Rare Early Narrow Panel Variant Large Cabinet

No Sales Tax For Customers Outside Of California.

As you may know, if you're nerdy about tweed amps, 1955 is a year for Fender amp production that saw changes as the lineup was refined.  

This amp is a cool and rare variant when you consider several things.  It is believed that there are 300 or fewer 5E2s in existence. 

You'll see some 5E2 labels in amps with the later, larger cabinet that are actually 5F2s because the company would use up labels rather than tossing them when a new model was launched.  The first 5E2s came in a smaller cabinet and look very much like a later Champ.  The 5F2 followed the 5E2 with some circuit redesign and a larger cab.  This amp is the 5E2 chassis in the larger 5F2 box, proven when you compare the circuit to the 5E2 schematic.

The 5E2 was a short lived iteration, the first after the wide-panel 5D2 that absolutely has a different sound and thus less desirable.  These rare versions were made with a cathode biased first gain stage. They also introduced negative feedback which gave them a smoother more even sound. 

Both the 5E2 and the 5F2 used a choke transformer in the power section.  The 5F2 added more filtering in the power supply as it leaned towards the 5F2a, which dropped the choke transformer.   

Anyway, what you get from the larger box 5E2 is that smoother sound mentioned above that'll still grown when pushed, and you also get a little fuller range from the larger cabinet.

This particular example has taken the position as our go-to amp in the shop for testing guitars that are on the way in or have just left the bench.  It is perfect for getting great sound at reasonable volumes.  

The amp came to us is very original condition, so we're keeping it that way.  If you'd like us to, we can change out the original filter caps and ungrounded power cable before shipping.  I would do so carefully and correctly and include the original parts with the amp.  I can hide the new caps in the original Astron shells for that authentic look. 

The original speaker is intact and sounding good.  The previous owner had it swapped out for a time with an Eminence Patriot series 802H.  We will include that speaker with the amp in case you'd rather use it and keep playing hours down on the original.  If you'd like the speakers swapped before we ship, just say the word.

The amp is in excellent overall condition, including the original handle.  This is a great piece for the collection - a prime quality example of a rare bird.

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.   

• Case/Cover?: No
• Color: Tweed
• Dimensions: H16" x W18" x D8.5"
• Weight: 17lbs 3.3oz
• Watts: 4 Watts
• Date: 1955
• Speaker 1 Brand/Model: 8J11 V1263
• Speaker 1 Size: 8"
• Speaker 1 Code: 220 451
• Speaker 1 Cone: Original
• Power Transformer brand and/or codes: 7787
• Output Transformer brand and/or codes: 265
• Choke Transformer brand and/or codes: N/A
• Reverb or other effects?: No
• Rectifier Tube: 5Y3 GT
• Rectifier Tube Brand: GE
• Power tubes: 6V6 GT
• Power Tube Brand: CBS Hytron
• Preamp Tubes: 12AX7
• Preamp Tube Brand: GE
• Filter Caps: Original, one may need to be replaced soon. We can do this for you if you would like.
• Pedal?: No
• Pots, codes: Original 304541
• Grille: Original
• Knobs: Original
• Handle: Original
• Power cord: Original 2 Prong
• Notes: