Fender Tweed Deluxe 5E3 1957

No sales tax for US customers outside California.

This 1957 Fender Tweed Deluxe 5E3 is one of the most celebrated small combo amplifiers ever produced, representing the pinnacle of mid-’50s Fender tube amp design. Delivering approximately 12 watts from a pair of 6V6 power tubes, the 5E3 is famous for its touch-sensitive response, warm cleans, and rich, harmonically complex overdrive when pushed. This circuit defined the sound of early electric blues, rock, and roots music and remains a benchmark for boutique amp builders today.

Housed in its classic narrow-panel tweed cabinet, the amp produces woody midrange, smooth compression, and an organic breakup that reacts beautifully to guitar volume and picking dynamics. The interactive volume controls allow players to fine-tune gain structure in a way that feels alive and musical.

The transformers are original.  The speaker is a Weber Alnico replacement that sounds killer.  The baffle was cut, perhaps as a port or maybe for a tweeter or something.  That cutout was covered with a piece of similar wood before the amp came here.  The amp was then regrilled.  The tweed and back panels are original.  The handle is a replacement.

I went through the amp and updated electrolytic caps, checked other components, and changed out the power cable.  The pots and tube sockets were cleaned, tubes tested, and I ran it up on my scope to make sure it is running well.  And it does run strong and quiet.

The cabinet shows honest vintage wear consistent with age, adding character without compromising performance.

Excerpts from real end user online forum reviews of the Tweed 5E3: “The best low-watt amp ever made.” – The Gear Page · “Nothing responds like a real 5E3.” – TDPRI · “Pure magic in the studio.” – Harmony Central

Notable Players / History: Used by Neil Young, Larry Carlton, and countless session greats, the 5E3 became the foundation for modern overdrive tone.

If you like this, check out our other site pages: Fender Amplifiers Collection · Vintage Fender Guitars · Vintage & Used Effects Pedals · Sell or Trade Your Gear 

At Mahar’s Vintage Guitars, every amplifier is inspected, tested, and accurately photographed. Trades welcomed.

• Case/Cover?: No
• Color: Tweed
• Dimensions: H16 1/2" x W 19 3/4" x D9.5"
  
• Weight: 25lbs 13.5oz
• Watts: 12 Watts
• Date: 1957
• Where is Date Noted?: Serial#
• Speaker 1 Brand: Non Original Weber
• 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: RCA
• Preamp Tubes: 12AX7, 12AY7
• Preamp Tube Brand: GE, ?
• Filter Caps:
• Pots/Codes:
• Tolex/Tweed: Original
• Grille: Re-Grilled, small hole
• 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.