Fender Tweed Deluxe 5E3 1959 – 100% Original Vintage Tube Amp

No Sales Tax For Customers Outside Of California.

The Fender Tweed Deluxe 5E3 (1959) is one of the most iconic amplifiers in history, celebrated for its raw, dynamic tone and touch-sensitive response. Revered by players and collectors alike, the 5E3 has been the backbone of countless legendary recordings and remains one of the most desirable vintage amps ever built.

This 100% original 1959 example retains all of its factory components, making it a rare and historically important piece for serious collectors.

I ran the amp up slowly on a variac, and it does work.  I am offering it as an original piece, but I do not recommend using it as such.  I can replace the electrolytic caps for the next owner, included in the price.  If so, I would enclose the new caps in the original covers and also replace the power cable with a grounded one in gray for an authentic look.  Original parts will be included with the amp.

Powered by dual 6V6 tubes delivering around 12–15 watts, it’s famous for blooming cleans at lower volumes and rich, harmonically complex overdrive when pushed. With its simple control layout—just two channels and shared tone controls—the 5E3 embodies the golden age of Fender’s tweed era.

Famous Players & Legacy

The 5E3 Deluxe has been a go-to amp for some of music’s most influential guitarists:

• Neil Young – His signature overdriven tone has long been associated with a 5E3.

• Larry Carlton – Used a Tweed Deluxe on many classic recordings, pairing it with semi-hollow guitars.

• Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) – Famous for using a 5E3 to achieve thick, gritty blues-rock tones.

• Don Felder (Eagles) – Often cited as part of his tone arsenal during the band’s heyday.

The amp’s reputation spans genres—from blues to country to rock—cementing its status as one of the most versatile and soulful vintage amps ever made.

At Mahar’s Vintage Guitars, every amplifier is inspected, photographed, and documented so you can buy with confidence.

Explore more on maharsvintageguitars.com:

• Fender Vintage and Used Guitar Amps
• Gibson Vintage and Used Guitars
• All Used and Vintage Amps

Specs

• Case/Cover?: Modern
• Color: Tweed
• Dimensions: H16 1/2" x W 19 3/4" x D9.5"
• Weight: 26lb
• Watts: 15 Watts
• Date: 1959
• Where is Date Noted?: Serial#, Codes
• Speaker 1 Brand: Jensen P12R
• Speaker 1 Size: 12"
• Speaker Code: See Pics
• Speaker 1 Cone: Original
• Power Transformer Brand/Codes: See Pics
• Output Transformer Brand/Codes: See Pics
• Extension Speaker Out? Yes
  
• Reverb or other effects?: No
• Rectifier Tube: 5Y3 GT
• Rectifier Tube Brand: RCA
• Power Tubes: 2 x 6V6 
• Power Tube Brand: Motorola
• Preamp Tubes: 12AX7, 12AY7
• Preamp Tube Brand: National
• Filter Caps: Original
• Pedal: No
• Pots/Codes: Original
• Tolex/Tweed: Original
• Grille: Original
• Knobs: Original
• Handle: Original
• Power Cord: Original
• Notes: 

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.  These cases 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.