1956 Fender Pro Amp Tweed 5E5-B – Narrow Panel
Out of stock1956 Fender Tremolux Amp Tweed 5E9 – Narrow Panel
Out of stock1956 Fender Vibrolux Amp Tweed 5F11 – Narrow Panel
Out of stock1957 Fender Deluxe Amp Tweed 5E3 – Narrow Panel
Out of stock1957 Fender Vibrolux Amp Tweed 5F11 – Narrow Panel
Out of stock1957 Fender Vibrolux Amp Tweed 5F11 – Narrow Panel
Out of stock1957 Fender Vibrolux Amp Tweed 5F11 – Narrow Panel
Out of stock1958 Fender Champ Amp Tweed 5F1 – Narrow Panel
Out of stock1958 Fender Deluxe Amp Tweed 5E3 – Narrow Panel
Out of stock1958 Fender Tremolux Amp Tweed 5E9 – Narrow Panel
Out of stock1958 Fender Twin Amp Tweed 5F8-A – High power
Out of stock1958 Fender Vibrolux Amp Tweed 5F11 – Narrow Panel
Out of stock
From TV Panel to Narrow Panel: The Evolution of Fender Tweed Amplifiers (1948–1960)
Fender’s early Tweed amplifiers evolved through several distinct panel designs—starting with the TV panel, moving to the wide panel, and finally, the narrow panel. These changes reflected Fender’s ongoing improvements in both functionality and aesthetics.
Key models from this era include the Champ, Princeton, Deluxe, Super, Bassman, Bandmaster, Vibrolux, Tremolux, Twin, High Power Twin, and Professional. Each model brought unique tonal qualities and features, shaping the sound of early rock and blues.
At Guitar Hunter, we were fortunate to have a 1948 Dual Professional—the very amplifier that was soon renamed the Fender Super, marking the beginning of Fender’s legendary Tweed lineage.
One of the most iconic Tweed amps is the 1959 Bassman 5F6-A, officially introduced in late 1958. It quickly became the “mother amp” for many subsequent designs due to its powerful tone, exceptional clean headroom, and smooth overdrive. The Bassman 5F6-A’s design was so influential that it directly inspired the creation of the Marshall JTM45, the first amplifier by Jim Marshall, who modified the circuit to craft a louder and more aggressive sound that helped define British rock music.
Another classic is the Fender Deluxe 5E3, known for its rich, touch-sensitive breakup and legendary midrange growl. Revered by blues and rock guitarists alike, the 5E3 has become one of the most recorded amps in history—and at Guitar Hunter, we’ve had the pleasure of handling many original 5E3 Deluxes over the years.
The Fender Champ 5F1 is one of the most celebrated amplifiers in vintage guitar history and was the best-selling amplifier of the Tweed era. Introduced in the early 1950s, its simple and reliable design made it a favorite for beginners, studio musicians, and professional players alike.
What sets the Champ apart is its remarkable longevity. While most Fender Tweed amps were replaced by newer models in the mid-1960s, the Champ 5F1 continued in production well into the Brownface period, up until around 1963. This speaks volumes about its enduring popularity and timeless tone. Powered by a single 6V6 tube and 5Y3 rectifier, the 5F1 circuit delivers warm, rich harmonics, natural tube breakup, and exceptional touch sensitivity, all within a compact and portable design. Its straightforward controls and great tone made it ideal for practice, recording, and small performances.
The High Power Twin, using the 5F7 circuit, was produced for a short period between 1958 and 1959, and is considered the most rare and desirable vintage Fender Tweed amplifier to come across. At Guitar Hunter, we are proud to have had a High Power Twin 5F7 personally owned by the legendary Eric Johnson—a true testament to the amplifier’s timeless appeal and iconic status.
A 1948 Dual Professional amplifier we had through Guitar Hunter.
