Fender Princeton Amp 1964 – Pre-CBS Black Panel Vintage Tube Combo

No Sales Tax For Customers Outside Of California.

The 1964 Fender Princeton Amp is one of the most iconic small tube combos ever made, and this Pre-CBS Black Panel version is a rare and highly collectible piece of Fender history.

This example is nice and clean - it has been incredibly well cared for over the years.  It comes complete with a host of vintage, US made tubes (listed below in the specs), some or all of which are likely original to the amp.  We tested them all prior to listing. 

The original transformers are present.  There are no modifications to the chassis or the cabinet.  The filter cap can and all the electrolytic caps are still in the amp.  I brought it up the first time on a variac, and the amp works well and sounds great as it sits.  I do recommend a cap job if you're going to use the amp regularly, but I thought there might be value to some collectors to present it in this state.  I can perform the work prior to shipping for an additional $100.

The power cable has been swapped out - that is the only change to the amp that required any soldering.  The speaker is probably changed - the only other alteration - a Celestion C10Q from late in 1963.  It is a perfect compliment to the amp.    

Built just before CBS took over Fender, this amp captures the golden-era tone that made the Princeton legendary among guitarists for its simplicity, clarity, and lush breakup at manageable volumes.

Powered by 6V6 tubes with tube-driven tremolo, the Princeton delivers rich, articulate cleans that transition smoothly into warm, gritty overdrive when pushed. Its compact size makes it perfect for studio use, while still providing enough volume for small gigs. Collectors prize the 1964 model for its Black Panel cosmetics, transitional pre-CBS build quality, and unmistakable tone.

Whether you’re a recording artist searching for the ultimate studio amp or a collector seeking an authentic piece of Fender’s golden age, this 1964 Princeton offers both playability and investment value.

At Mahar’s Vintage Guitars, every vintage amp is carefully inspected, photographed, and described in detail so you can buy with confidence.

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Specs:

• Case/Cover?: No
• Color: Black
• Dimensions: W20" x H16" x D9.5"
• Weight: 29lbs
• Watts: 12 Watts
• Date: 1964
• Where is Date Noted?: Serial#, Codes
• Speaker 1 Brand: Jensen 
• Speaker 1 Size: 10"
• Speaker Code: See Pics
• Speaker 1 Cone: Re Coned
• Power Transformer Brand/Codes: See Pics
• Choke Transformer Brand/Codes: See Pics
• Output Transformer Brand/Codes: See Pics
• Extension Speaker Out? Yes
  
• Reverb or other effects?: Vibrato
• Rectifier Tube: 5AR4
• Rectifier Tube Brand: Amperex
• Power Tubes: 2 x 6V6
• Power Tube Brand: RCA
• Preamp Tubes: 12AX7, 7025
• Preamp Tube Brand: Sylvania
• Filter Caps: Original
• Pedal: No
• Pots/Codes: Original
• Tolex/Tweed: Original
• Grille: Original
• Knobs: Original
• Handle: Original
• Power Cord: Replaced in house with grounded, orig included
• Notes: Cabinet by Sam Hutton!

Shipping policy:

When you purchase this item you are hereby agreeing to this shipping policy. We remove tubes from amps that could be damaged in shipping.  This will require the buyer to do some assembly on delivery.  We do this because we have experienced shipping issues in the past, and this is our prevention measure.  Vintage amps are sold as-is because they can need service intermittently.  Everything is tested here in our shop on the way into our inventory, and again before shipping.  We will cover shipping damage, but we cannot be responsible for the failure of vintage components in 20-to-50-plus year old amps. 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.