Fender Princeton 6G2 Model Tube Amplifier (1962), made in Fullerton, California, serial # P-04340, brown tolex covering finish.

This is a very well preserved original example of one of our all-time favorite amps: the "Brownface" Fender Princeton. The re-designed Tolex-covered amps of this period were Fender's completely re-engineered line for the early 1960s, a new standard in power, design, and function. Standing between the earlier rampaging tweed era and the louder or somewhat cleaner sounding blackface amps that followed, the "brown" amps have some of the tonal characteristics of both.

The 6G2 circuit is in fact a direct descendant of the 5F11 Tweed Vibrolux, but housed in a redesigned cabinet with a different speaker compliment. The tremolo is lush and deep, and the sound starts breaking up just at the perfect volume point for small gigs and recording purposes. This remains as cool a small amp as was ever made; simple, and to many players in this less-loud age, the perfect combination of tone and portability.

The Princeton's faceplate layout is simple, with two inputs, tone, volume, and trem speed and depth controls. The "brown" line were not in production for too long and are much rarer than their black-panel descendants; they are often considered a connoisseur's choice in a Fender combo.

Height is 16 1/2 in. (41.9 cm.), 19 in. (48.3 cm.) width, and 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm.) deep.

This 60+ year old Princeton is in very nice shape, with only minor wear hardly any wear to the brown Tolex covering. It shows some very mild discoloration on the top, and a few small spots around the corners, but otherwise is free of any notable dings or tears. The grillcloth is taut and clean and has no notable tearing or fraying. The chassis straps show notable amounts of lighter corrosion and the faceplate shows some light blemishing; all the original knobs are intact as well. The amp retains its original leather handle, which still has life left in it. The amp comes with a black padded slip cover.

Electrically, the amp is all original. The original Oxford 10J4 speaker is intact and bears the code 465-219, dating it to the 19th week of 1962. The amp retains both the original Schumacher power and output transformers, marked 606-236 and 606-237, dating them to the 36th and 37th weeks of 1962. All pots appear original with factory solder joints intact. As per our regular servicing routine, all the electrolytic capacitors have been replaced, a 3-prong grounded power cord has been added, all sockets, pots and jacks have been cleaned and power section has been biased to spec.

Overall this is a truly lovely example; phenomenal sounding and one of the cleaner little brown Princetons we've had come through the shop! Overall Excellent - Condition.