1953 Fender Twin 5C8 Low Power 1953
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1953 Fender Twin 5C8 "Low Power" — 2x12 Wide Panel Tweed — Serviced by Danny Ghinn
Condition: Very Good Vintage
Serial: 0296 Includes: 1
953 Fender Twin 5C8 amplifier, Full Danny Ghinn service report (PDF + printed)
Overview
1953 Fender Twin 5C8 "Low Power" combo, the first Fender amplifier built with two speakers and a one-year-only wide-panel tweed cabinet. Approximately 40 watts (per Ghinn), 2x12 configuration with two period Jensen alnico speakers (P12Q dated 1956, P12R dated 1954). Inspected and serviced by Los Angeles technician Danny Ghinn. Original Triad 6516 power transformer present; output transformer replaced with a 1969 Fender unit (same type used in the Bassman). Filter capacitors replaced with Sprague Atom TVA-1906 units. Circuit stabilized with updated components where necessary.
Key Specs
- Year: 1953
- Output: ~40 watts (per Ghinn)
- Configuration: 2x12 combo, wide-panel tweed cabinet
- Circuit: 5C8 "Low Power" Twin (first Fender amp with two speakers)
- Serial: 0296
- Speakers:
- Jensen P12Q (1956 date code)
- Jensen P12R (1954 date code)
- Transformers:
- Power transformer: Original Triad 6516
- Output transformer: Replaced with 1969 Fender model (same type used for Bassman)
- Choke: Added Fender unit (part 022699), estimated 1966
- Rectifier & Tubes: 5U4 rectifier; 2x 6L6; 6SC7 PI; 6J5 tone; 2x 6SC7
- Filter capacitors: Replaced with Sprague Atom TVA-1906
Components & Service (Danny Ghinn)
- Choke transformer added (Fender 022699, ~1966); not on original schematic but improves noise performance
- Output transformer replaced with 1969 Fender model
- Filter capacitors replaced with modern Sprague Atom equivalents
- Multiple replaced components due to age (70+ years); all work professionally performed
- Original power transformer: Triad 6516
- Speakers: Jensen P12Q (1956), Jensen P12R (1954)
- Circuit checked and operating after service
- Full written service report included
Condition
- Cabinet: Wide-panel tweed with significant cosmetic wear, scuffing, and edge fraying consistent with 70+ years of use
- Grille cloth: Two visible tears in the lower section, otherwise intact
- Original power transformer present; output and choke transformers replaced
- Speakers: Two period-correct Jensen alnicos dated 1956 and 1954
- Filter caps and multiple smaller components replaced; original power transformer retained
- Operational: Fully functional following service
Provenance
From Brett Allen Studio Rental Collection.
Included With Purchase
- 1953 Fender Twin 5C8 amplifier
- Full Danny Ghinn service report (PDF + printed)
Shipping, Insurance & Handling
Professionally packed and fully insured
White-glove domestic delivery available
International shipping available upon request
Final Notes
Serious inquiries only. Additional photos, documentation scans, and video walkthroughs available upon request
This item is sold As-Described
This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More.
| Listed | 6 months ago |
|---|---|
| Condition | Very Good (Used) Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape.Learn more |
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