Fender Wide Panel Tweed Deluxe
Model/Circuit Number: 5B3, 5C3, 5D3
Years of Production: 1953 – 1955
Era: Wide Panel
Configuration: Combo
Controls: Chrome top facing w/ white screened labels, controls numbered 1-12
Knobs: Black Chicken Head
Schematics
Faceplate
- Front: 5B3: Pilot Lamp, Fuse (2A), Vol ,Mic Vol ,Tone/Power Sw, In, In, Mic In
- Rear:
Cabinet
- Dimensions: 16 1/4 x 18 x 7 1/2
- Hardware:
- Handle: Raised Brown Leather
- Feet: Glides
- Corners:
Covering Material
- Tolex/Tweed: Diagonal Tweed
- Grill Cloth: Dark Brown Linen
Logo: Cabinet Mounted, block letter
Weight: 26 lbs.
Speaker
- Size: 1 x 12
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Model: Jensen P12R(For more info, check out the Jensen Replacement Speakers)
Effects:
~Watts: 10 – 14 watts
Tubes
- Pre amp: 5B3, 5D3: 6SC7, 5D3, 12AY7
- Power: 2 x 6V6GT
Bias: Cathode Bias
Rectifier: 5Y3GT
Comments: Model 5B3 is the same as the TV Front 5A3 but in the wide panel cabinet. Model 5C3 has a separate On/Off toggle switch, external speaker jack under the chassis, glass tubes, and a negative feedback loop. Model 5D3 is the same as 5C3 but without the negative feedback loop.
Hi Ampwares,
I’m very impressed with your informative site.
I’m hoping you can help me settle something. I recently purchased a Line 6 Pod2 guitar amp modeler for quick and easy songwriting and practice. Line 6 claims they have modeled 1952 Wide Panel Fender Deluxe. I see very few references to any 1952 Wide Panel Deluxes, only the TV Front 5A3 from 1952. Most of my research on the internet shows me that Fender Wide Panel Deluxe construction began in 1953. Hear is the only reference I can find with no serial number to back it up: http://www.ggjaguar.com/52dlx.htm
Here is Line 6’s claim: http://line6.com/pod20/amps.html but strangely they make reference to only the cabinet model. Are they subtly admitting a mistake? Here is the manual with a direct reference to “wide panel” on page 42: http://line6.com/data/6/0a060b316ac34f0593b09200e/application/pdf/POD%202.0%20Advanced%20Guide%20-%20English%20.pdf
Any comments on the above that you could offer would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your time,
John
I doubt Line 6 did any real research into the exact years and models. In fact on of those links the refer to it as “Tweed Deluxe Reverb”. Of course none of the tweeds came with reverb. Modeling amps and effect can be useful and fun for the home user but never sound or feel all that much like the real thing. It hardly matters what it was modeled after exactly because it really isn’t going to come close.If you like the way it sounds that’s great though! My company builds a version of 5B3 called the Octal Deluxe it’s a great sound circuit and great for blues and rock guys.
I bought a 5b3 cabinet for my 5d3 deluxe my amp guy who has seen everything had never seen a 5b3 but they do exist as my tube chart attests. I think it was a passing model as it was 3k amps made before my 5d3 good luck but that is real!
I am searching for a 5b3 chassis – just the chassis, in any condition. Please help!
Did you get the 5B3 cab off of ebay from a guy in georgia or down south?
did you get your 5B3 cabinet on ebay from south carolina?
I have a 5B3 with original cabinet and chassis S/N 5842, to include the 1952 Alnico speaker. I am currently returning it as close as possible to original electronically, as there were a few modifications done years ago. Also the main cabinet has been redone with not so close Tweed and speaker grill. But once I have it finished I may sale it. Not sure yet.But if the price is right it will go.
Craig Bateman, Did you ever decide to sell your 5B3? How does it compare to the 5E3 soundwise?
Anyone have the complete accurate dimensions on an original 5B3? H x W x Top Depth x Bottom Depth?