Fender Tweed Deluxe 5E3 1959 Neil Young Touring Amp

$15,995.00
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As you may have noticed, we've been lucky enough to bring you some amazing amps that were used on tour by Neil Young.  This is another that was in the rotation.

Neil had a sound he chased, brought to life in collaboration with his guitar tech, Larry Cragg, and others.  The Deluxe amps that we've had through, including this one, were used on tours that Neil performed in from 1990 through the 2000s, including the last Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young tours.  

Touring with vintage amps with the regularity that Neil did requires one to cover one's behind.  There is no way to go show-to-show with only one tweed amp.  Thus there were a handful of the Deluxe and Tremolux amps that supported the tour.  Each received plenty of use as there would periodically be issues with tubes, speakers, jacks, internal components, etc.  

Each amp in the stable received similar changes to tailor them to swap right into the wild rig Neil leaned on.  This amp is no different.  It retains the original Triad power transformer but sports an upgraded output transformer from a 1966 Fender amp.  Neil's favorite speaker, the Jensen C12N, is present. 

The tubes in the amp are the Ruby Tubes 6L6 and 12AX7s that Larry sourced and still swears by today - the same tubes that were in the amp the last time it graced a stage.  Some of the potentiometers have been changed as a matter of standard maintenance, as have the filter caps.  The yellow Astron caps everyone loves are still present.  

The amp has been retweeded and perhaps has a replaced grille.  The work is nicely done.  The handle is likely changed but it does look like a vintage one.  

We have tested the amp and it works and sounds amazing.  We have no interest in changing anything on the amp.  There may be some service needed now or in the near future as caps drift - either the filter caps or others in the circuit.  

Included is a signed letter from Larry Cragg, certifying the provenance of this amazing piece.

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.   

Shipping will be high for this amp to cover insurance costs and to allow for quick shipping - we don't want this amp out there in a ground shipment!

  • Case/Cover?: No
  • Color: Tweed
  • Dimensions: 16" x 20" x 9.75"
  • Weight: 27lbs 12.3oz
  • Watts: Approximately 15 Watts
  • Date: 1959
  • Where date is noted: Serial #
  • Speaker 1 Brand/Model: Jensen Special Design C12NA C8220-3
  • Speaker 1 Size: 12"
  • Speaker 1 Code: 220530
  • Speaker 1 Cone: Upgraded per Neil Young's specs
  • Power Transformer brand and/or codes: Triad 6452-E
  • Output Transformer brand and/or codes: 022640  -606-6-02
  • Extension Speaker Out? Yes
  • Reverb or other effects?: No
  • Rectifier Tube: 5AR4-C
  • Rectifier Tube Brand: Ruby
  • Power tubes: 2 x 6L6GC-C Tested
  • Power Tube Brand: Ruby
  • Preamp Tubes: 2 x 12AX7 Tested
  • Preamp Tube Brand: Ruby
  • Filter Caps: Replaced
  • Pedal?: No
  • Pots, codes: Replaced 137 937
  • Grille: Original
  • Knobs: Original
  • Handle: Vintage Handle, Original?
  • Power cord: Upgraded 3 Prong
  • Notes: 

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We pack items extremely well & utilize special vintage instrument insurance in case there is a damage claim.

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We turn your orders around quickly so you aren't fiending for your items for long. Most orders depart within 24 to 48 hours.