Fender Deluxe Model 5C3 Model Tube Amplifier (1954), made in Fullerton, California, serial # 2071, tweed fabric covering finish.

This is a truly superb example of a wide-panel tweed Deluxe, one of Fender's all-time classic amplifier designs. The Deluxe saw many iterations in the first few years of this decade, this being the new "Widepanel" styling, replacing the former "TV Front" cabinet design. The tube chart and chassis carry the code stamp "DD" indicating a production date of April 1954. This version of the Deluxe features three input jacks, two instrument and one microphone, volume controls for each channel and one master tone.

The cathode-biased push-pull 6V6 power section yields around 10-12 watts of power into a single Jensen 12" speaker. This particular amp was made right during the transition between the C and D revisions of the circuit, at which point Fender was moving away from using the larger 6SL7 glass tubes and started incorporating the new dual-triode glass miniature tubes, aka 12AX7 tubes (which are present in this amp). The addition of a separate on/off switch not incorporated into a pot was the most notable change this model offered from the preceding 5B3 Deluxe, which was effected during 1953.

Height is 16 1/4 in. (41.3 cm.), 18 in. (45.7 cm.) width, and 8 5/8 in. (21.9 cm.) deep.

The 70 year old amplifier is simply beautifully preserved. The fairly fragile tweed covering is in practically pristine shape with a very attractive amber patina. It has only some minor wear, mostly to the lower corners/seams. The control plate is shiny clean with little to no wear and most of the stenciled graphics nicely intact. The rear panel has a plaque reading "The Violin Shop - Cincinnati, OH". The original handle is nicely intact and still has plenty of life left in it.

Electrically, the amp is all original. The 12" Jensen P12R speaker is original and marked 220-342, dating it to the 42nd week of 1953. The cone appears original and the speaker sounds great. Both the Triad-made power and output transformers are original and are marked 6452 and 246, respectively. All three pots bear the code 304-345, dating them all to the 45th week of 1953. The amp has seen our typical maintenance and service, including replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, a grounded 3-prong power cord, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and biased to spec. The red "firecracker" Astron coupling caps are intact and working well, thus have been left in. The masking-tape with the assembler's signature remains inside the chassis; Julie wired this one up!

The 1954 Fender Deluxe is simply one of the best recording and club gigging amps ever designed. This lovely example is a fine-sounding unit both clean at lower volume and cranked to "12"; yup, that's one past "11." immaculately kept and very well-maintained, this amp is a true testament to the genius of Leo Fender and the very high standards maintained by his crew. This world-standard amp is ready to rock for another 70+ years. Overall Excellent Condition.