Fender Deluxe 5E3 Model Tube Amplifier (1960), made in Fullerton, California, serial # D-09782, tweed fabric covering finish.

The Fender 5E3 Tweed Deluxe is considered to be the most desirable version of this long-running model and undeniably one of the finest small combo amps ever designed. This is a very late example, made in the waning days of 1960 not long before the launch of the all-new brown Tolex covered model for the 1961 model year. The tube chart bears the stamp JG, indicating assembly in July of 1960. The serial number is D-09782 and records indicate Fender made just under a thousand 5E3 models that year.

The 5E3 started production mid-'55, spearheading the launch of the latest circuit revision replacing its relatively short-lived 5D3 predecessor. Alongside the new 'Narrow Panel' cosmetic appearance the amplifier circuitry also evolved from the 5D3. The new circuit runs at higher voltages than the earlier models giving it more headroom and total gain. It uses the same 12AY7 and 12AX7 preamp tubes but with a cathodyne phase inverter, which is comparatively cleaner than the phase inverters used in other early Deluxe models, offering more balanced gain staging between the power and preamp tubes and has its own unique snarl when turned up.

The control layout also changed from the earlier Deluxe models, now featuring two channels (normal and bright) both having a high and low inputs with each channel having an independent volume control and sharing a single tone control. Typical of the Deluxe model, the amp sports a dual-6V6 power section putting out around 15 watts into a Jensen 12" speaker. (Posted on 10/3/2025 by Jacob Drab)

Height is 15 3/4 in. (40 cm.), 20 in. (50.8 cm.) width, and 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm.) deep.

Cosmetically, this amp is a true relic, heavily gig-worn on the outside but true to its original form, producing one of the sweetest sounds known to man when cranked. The rather fragile Tweed cabinet is darkened, stained, scuffed, and covered on the top with cigarette burns (remember when practically everybody smoked -- especially guitar players?), as well as some tears and fraying towards the edges and corners. The grille cloth is original and is in fairly good shape with only a bit of staining/wear and a few smaller punctures. The faceplate shows a decent amount of pitting, however, most of the stenciled lettering is still intact. The handle has been replaced long ago with a decent quality leather equivalent that still has plenty life left in it.

Electrically, this Deluxe is nicely original save for the speaker, which is a newer Jensen P12N. Both the Triad power and Schumacher output transformers are original and are marked 6452-E and 606-020, respectively, the latter dating to the 20th week of 1960. The amp has received our typical routine maintenance, including a grounded three-prong power cord, replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, cleaning of all switches, pots and jacks and output tubes biased to spec.

It sounds fantastic and is simply just about good as it gets for tone from clean to cranked! Very Good + Condition.