Rare 1955 Fender "Narrow Panel" Super Amp (Model 5E4)

A Museum-Quality Investment for the Discerning Collector and Player

Overview

You are looking at a truly exceptional piece of American musical history. This 1955 Narrow Panel Fender 5E4 Super is the incredibly rare 6V6-equipped power tube model, produced before the transition to the more common ‘6L6’ 5F4 circuit in approximately 57. This specific unit was the 19th narrow-panel Super ever produced (Serial #119), dating to June 1955 ("EF" stamp).

Unlike many vintage survivors, this amplifier retains its most critical "DNA"—original Tweed, grill cloth, Jensen P10R speakers with original cones, and all-original transformers.

Condition & Service History

Prior to my ownership, the internal circuitry had never been touched. To ensure reliable performance for the next 70 years, the amp has undergone a "no-expense-spared" restoration that preserves its vintage aesthetic, tone and reliability.

  • Premium Component Upgrade: Recapped using high-quality red Jupiter coupling caps, F&T filter caps, and Sprague bypass caps.
  • Aesthetic Preservation: New electrolytic f&t and Sprague capacitors have been meticulously "stuffed" inside the original â€˜Astron Minimite’ cardboard covers to maintain a factory-original appearance under the chassis.
  • Operational Maintenance: All tube sockets and potentiometers have been cleaned and tensioned for crackle-free operation.
  • Safety: A grounded 3-prong power cord has been installed
  • Quiet Performance: The amp is exceptionally quiet at idle, and dialed in for optimal tone for the studio or stage.

Key Features & Authenticity

  • Date Code: "EF" (June 1955).
  • Speakers: Original Jensen P10R 2x10 with original cones (Date code: 220518).
  • Badge: original Period-correct "Fender" block logo (1955 models did not yet feature the model name on the badge).
  • The original tweed covering is intact with beautiful patina
  • Chassis: Chrome control panel shows light, honest tarnish and surface pitting consistent with age, but the silk screening remains 100% intact and legible.
  • Transformers: Original, healthy, and untouched.
  • All removed components included
  • a cover is included as shown, looks to be made for the amp decades ago

The Sound

This 5E4 circuit is renowned for its unique compression and harmonic richness. It delivers legendary "Tweed" sweet cleans at lower volumes and transitions into a thick, authoritative roar when cranked.

Buy with Confidence

This service saves the buyer hundreds of dollars in immediate technician fees and months of waiting. Please review my feedback—I specialize in ensuring vintage amplifiers are delivered in exactly the condition described.

Included:

  • 1955 Fender 5E4 Super Amp and cover (as pictured), original removed components and capacitors .


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Listed10 months ago
ConditionExcellent (Used)
Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • Super 5E4 Narrow Panel 18-Watt 2x10" Guitar Combo
Finish
  • Tweed
Categories
Year
  • 1955
Made In
  • United States
Model Family
  • Fender Super Amp
Series
  • Fender Vintage Tweed Amps
Power Tube Type
  • 6L6
Number of Channels
  • 2 Channels
Electronics
  • Tube
Direct Output
  • No Direct Output
Number of Inputs
  • 4 Inputs
Speaker Configuration
  • 2x10"
Reverb
  • None
Color Family
  • Yellow
Output Power (Watts)
  • 18

Product safety information may be available here.

Mr Bill's Gear Emporium

Seminole county, FL, United States
Joined Reverb:2015

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