Fender Tweed Deluxe 5D3 Wide Panel 1954

No sales tax for US customers outside California.

This 1954 Fender Tweed Deluxe 5D3 Wide Panel represents one of the most important and musically influential guitar amplifiers ever produced. Built during Fender’s golden-era tweed period, the 5D3 circuit sits at a pivotal moment in amplifier evolution, bridging the gap between early low-powered designs and the more refined circuits that would follow. The wide panel cabinet, lacquered tweed covering, and simple control layout embody everything players associate with early Fender craftsmanship.

The amp has been serviced.  It has a grounded power cable, replaced grille cloth, new caps where needed, and a 1958 Ram Electronics output transformer that has been in the amp long enough to make the solder joints look original.  The power transformer, speaker, pots, and other small components are original.

Rated at approximately 15 watts and powered by dual 6V6 output tubes with a tube rectifier, the 5D3 Deluxe is revered for its immediacy, harmonic complexity, and dynamic response. Clean tones are warm and woody at lower volume settings, with a full midrange and rounded top end. As the volume control is pushed, the amp transitions smoothly into a rich, compressed overdrive that has become the benchmark for vintage tweed breakup—touch-sensitive, vocal, and incredibly expressive.

Unlike later tweed Deluxe circuits, the 5D3 offers a slightly looser low end and earlier breakup, traits that contribute directly to its legendary feel. It responds exceptionally well to guitar volume adjustments and picking dynamics, making it a favorite among blues, roots, and early rock players, as well as modern studio musicians seeking authentic vintage tone. Fender’s early circuit design philosophy—minimal components, short signal path, and no negative feedback—results in an amplifier that feels alive under the fingers and deeply connected to the player’s touch.

I bought this amp from my friend Adam Granduciel, fellow gear fiend and front man of the band The War on Drugs.  I can see why he bought this amp in the first place - it is both a survivor and an idea machine.  I'm not going to bug Adam for a certificate of authenticity. 

If you’re drawn to historically significant designs like this, you may also want to explore our selection of classic vintage Fender amplifiers currently available.

This 1954 Fender Tweed Deluxe 5D3 has been carefully evaluated by Mahar’s Vintage Guitars to ensure proper operation and authenticity. Vintage amplifiers of this caliber are prized not only for their sound, but for their role in shaping the foundation of electric guitar music, and this example stands as a remarkable piece of that history.

Excerpts from real online end-user reviews:

• “The 5D3 Deluxe is the holy grail of tweed breakup—nothing else feels quite the same.” (The Gear Page)

• “Pure magic in the studio. Touch sensitivity for days.” (Premier Guitar forum)

• “Turn it up and it just sings—this is the tweed sound.” (Harmony Central)

• “Every note feels alive. It’s why these amps are legendary.” (Reverb user review)

As with every vintage amplifier we offer, this Fender Tweed Deluxe has been thoroughly inspected prior to listing. We’re happy to answer questions, discuss trades, or help determine whether this iconic amplifier is the right fit for your collection or playing needs.

SPECS:

• Case/Cover?: No
• Color: Tweed
• Dimensions: W18" x H16" x D8.75"
• Weight: 22lbs 8oz
• Watts: 10 -12 Watts
• Date: 1954
• Where is Date Noted?: Serial#, Codes
• Speaker 1 Brand: Jensen
• Speaker 1 Size: 12"
• Speaker Code: See Pics
• Speaker 1 Cone: ReConed
• 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?: No
• Rectifier Tube: 5Y3 GT
• Rectifier Tube Brand: RCA
• Power Tubes: 2 x 6V6 GTA
• Power Tube Brand: GE
• Preamp Tubes: 2 x 12AX7/ECC83
• Preamp Tube Brand: JJ, ?
• Filter Caps: Replaced
• Pedal: No
• Pots/Codes: Original
• Tolex/Tweed: Original!! lol
• Grille: Original
• Knobs: Original
• Handle: RePro
• Power Cord: Grounded Upgrade
• 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 re-install them on delivery - it is very easy with this amp, and we label them so you know exactly where to put them.  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.