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 ‘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 .
Reverb Buyer Protection
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| Listed | 10 months ago |
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| Condition | Excellent (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 |
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