Fender 1954 Bandmaster 5D7 Tweed Ultra Rare Serviced

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The 5D7 Bandmaster is a rare example for certain.  The single-channel, non-reverb, non-tremolo 25-watt combo built around two 6L6 power tubes and a 15" Jensen speaker is a configuration that produces substantial clean headroom with a full, open low end and clear upper-mids. The square-backed pine cabinet, original tweed covering, and single Jensen P15N give this amp a direct, wide-frequency voice well-suited to both clean playing and pushed-into-breakup territory at stage volume. This example dates to 1954 per the serial number and component codes and presents in excellent overall condition.  We call it excellent because it is so rare to find one in any condition, the overall functionality is spot on, and all the important original components are there

The 5D7 was Fender's top-of-the-line combo in 1954, and it was produced in very limited numbers during the early tweed era before the design evolved. The circuit uses a 5U4 rectifier — here a Westinghouse — with GE 6L6 power tubes and a GE preamp complement of one 12AX7 and two 12AY7s. Triad power and output transformers (models 6516 and 1846, respectively) are both original and intact. The 5D7 is one of the rarest Fender tweed models; surviving examples in this condition and with this degree of originality are genuinely uncommon on the market.  It escapes the output transformer issues that plagued the later 3x10 Bandmaster, and it has 9 pin preamp tubes, which was a new change in 1954 Fender amps.  Previous circuits used octal based preamp tubes, which have their issues.

The cabinet is all-original pine in very good condition with no repairs or changes noted. The original tweed covering is intact. The grille cloth is original and in good condition. The baffle is original pine in very good condition with no repairs or changes. The chassis is original metal in excellent condition with no repairs or changes, and all knobs and potentiometers are original. The handle has been replaced with a handmade reproduction that is both costly and beautiful; the original handle is included. The Jensen P15N speaker is the original unit but has been reconed — the cone code is 120115 and the manufacturer date code is 352 (week 52 of 1953). 

The amp came in and needed some work internally.  A full cap job had been performed in the early 70s.  We went through it and updated electrolytic caps and resistors where necessary, coupling caps as well. 

SPECIFICATIONS

• Date: 1954
• Where Is Date Noted?: Serial #, codes
• Weight: 38lbs 6oz
• Dimensions: 22 w x 20 h x 10-1/2" d
• Watts: 25 watts
• Case/Cover?: none
• Covering Material: tweed
• Covering Color: tweed
• Covering Original?: yes
• Cabinet Material: pine
• Cabinet Condition: very good
• Cabinet Repairs/Changes: none
• Cabinet Original?: yes
• Grille Style: brown cloth
• Grille Condition: good
• Grille Original?: yes
• Baffle Material: pine
• Baffle Condition: very good
• Baffle Original?: yes
• Baffle Repairs/Changes: none
• Chassis Material: metal
• Chassis Condition: excellent
• Chassis Original?: yes
• Chassis Repairs/Changes: none
• Knobs Original?: yes
• Handle Material: leather
• Handle Original?: repro installed, original included
• Speaker 1 Brand: Jensen P 15 N
• Speaker 1 Size: 15"
• Speaker 1 Manufacturer Code: 220
• Speaker 1 Date Code: 352
• Speaker 1 Cone Code: 120115
• Speaker 1 Cone Original?: no, reconed
• Speaker 1 Condition: excellent
• Power Transformer Manufacturer: Triad
• Power Transformer Original?: yes
• Output Transformer Manufacturer: Triad
• Output Transformer Original?: yes
• Reverb Onboard: no
• Tremolo Or Vibrato Onboard: no
• Pedal Included?: no
• Rectifier Tube: 5U4
• Rectifier Tube Brand: Westinghouse
• Power Tubes: 2 x 6L6
• Power Tube Brand: GE
• Preamp Tubes: 12AX7, 2 x 12AY7
• Preamp Tube Brand: GE
• Potentiometers Original?: yes
• Filter Caps: replaced
• Internal Repairs: none
• Power Cable: grounded
• Accessories Included: none
• Documentation: none
• Smells?: none
• Speaker 1 Original?: yes
• Power Transformer Model Number: 6516
• Output Transformer Model Number: 1846

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Shipping Policy
By completing your purchase you are agreeing to this shipping policy. Shipments require signature on delivery, no exceptions. Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely. If there is damage, retain all packing materials intact, photograph them immediately, and send the photos to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com.

Amplifiers: We take additional precautions to prevent common shipping damage. Depending on the amp, this may include removing tubes, pulling the chassis from the cabinet if heavy transformers present a drop risk, or removing heavy speakers that could crack baffles in transit. Reassembly is required on delivery — we label everything clearly. These measures add to shipping costs but reflect hard-won experience. Vintage amplifiers (20 years or older) are sold as-is — all amps are tested in our shop upon intake and again before shipping. We cover shipping damage but cannot be responsible for the failure of vintage components in instruments that are 20 to 50-plus years old.