Fender Brownface Super
Model/Circuit Number: 6G4, 6G4-A
Years of Production: 1960 – 1963
Era: Brownface
Configuration: Combo
Controls: Brown forward facing w/ white screened labels, controls numbered 1-10
Knobs: Brown Round
Schematics
Faceplate
- Front: 6G4: Normal: In, In, Bass, Treb, Vol – Bright: In, In, Bass, Treb, Vol, Speed, Intensity – Presense – Pilot Lamp ; 6G4-A: Normal: In, In, Vol, Treb, Bass – Bright: In, In, Vol, Treb, Bass, Speed, Intensity – Presense – Pilot Lamp
- Rear: 6G4: Ground Sw, Fuse (3A), Power Sw, Standby Sw, Speaker Jack, Vibrato Jack
Cabinet
- Dimensions: 18 x 24 x 10½
- Hardware: Large Chassis Straps 5 5/8”
- Handle: Brown Plastic Strap
- Feet: Chrome Glides
- Corners: None
Covering Material
- Tolex/Tweed: Pinkish Brown Tolex(60-61), Rough brown Tolex (62-63)
- Grill Cloth: Brown (60), Maroon (60-62) or Wheat (62-63)
Logo: Grille mounted, flat, chrome & black script Fender
Weight: 47 lbs
Speaker
- Size: 2 x 10
- Impedance: 4 ohms (8 ohms each in parallel)
- Model: Jensen P10R, Jensen P10Q or Oxford 10K5(For more info, check out the Jensen Replacement Speakers)
Effects: Vibrato
~Watts: 40 watts
Tubes
- Pre amp: 7025
- Power: 2 x 6L6GC (6G4), 2 x 5881 (6G4-A)
Bias: Fixed Bias, nonadjustable
Rectifier: GZ34
Comments:
The Brown Super from the early 60’s is a real sleeper. This amp has the same trem circuit as the Concert amp of the same era but with only 2 10″ speakers the amp becomes much more portable. It is tube rectified (unlike the Concert which is solid state rectified) so it can find a sweet spot with power tube saturation at reasonable (though not bedroom) volume. Ask anyone who has lugged a Concert around just to have that swirling tremolo whether they wouldn’t rather have the Super…. yeah… that’s what I thought. The original Oxford or Jensen speakers were low wattage and tended to make for a less than robust bottom end…. but put some modern 10″ speakers in there (think Tone Tubbies or Webers) and this amp is golden… plenty of stout bottom end, shimmering highs and that killer tremolo… yeah buddy.
What model of Weber 10″ speakers should I use?
my brown super has what I was told one original Jensen. it is marked P10R; however, the code is 2208xx, and I think that means ’58; I usually see codes a year earlier than the amp date, so I think this should perhaps say “2209xx”, but then again, I am not sure. I was told the speaker was original to the amp. The fellow I bought it from had it in a studio and said that one speaker was stolen from the amp! My tech happened to have on hand a new Jensen P10R, put it in and the amp has sat in my apartment without use for 2 1/2 years. But a few weeks ago I took it out on a gig and it was just unbelievable. It sounded just fantastic. I couldn’t get over it. So I think the Jensen P10R is a good bet. I have developed back problems and while this is not a heavy amp, but heavy to me, so I was discouraged from bringing it out. I use Princetons on these small gigs I do, and Deluxes on bigger gigs. I have finally shook the reverb habit; amps are lighter without it, and I have grown to prefer the sound; I find it thicker and richer, purer and less harsh. Mine has metal corners, as does the one pictured here on ampwares. Does yours? this site says it should not, but they may not be accurate on every detail. This is a “go to” site for amp info, huh?
I’ve heard that the Silver Bell speakers are pretty good! You should also consider picking up some G10 Green Back speakers from Mojotone, they have some great pricing if you call in to check.
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I am glad I found this page! I owned a ’64 Brown Super. I have been asking people about them for the last 30 years and no one could tell me squat about them. Everyone always said it was a Super Amp, and I always argued that it only said Super on it. They said I was Crazy. One of those things you always have hindsight about. I traded it in 1981 for a 1974 Cougar XR7 automobile in great condition (valued at $1000 by my insurance co.). That amp was the best I ever owned. Loud. Really Loud. Outrageously Loud!!!! I have been trying to replace it since and I have never found anything that comes close to it. I know that the guy I traded it to sold it for $450 in 1985. I knew the guy he sold it to, but lost track of his whereabouts in 1987. The last I heard he vas in Vegas playing in a show band. The first Amp I ever owned was a Gibson Maestro 40w 2 x 12″ with the tubes in front with and metal grate housing them (if you touche it it burned the p#*s out if you). I have no idea what year it was. I only know that it belonged to Pete Brinkley (Original backup guitarist for Chuck Berry’s band), so I’m pretty sure that it was a 50’s period amp. It didn’t even compare to the Super. Not even close. I’m sure the Gibson is worth more now, but it was definently not the better of the two. The only amp that has come close was a 1995 Sovtek MIG50 head, with a Ampeg 2×12″ cabinet. Even the Sovtek was short of the mark.
hey Kitch, glad u found the site too. This is a great site for amp info. I have only used the Super once because I don’t gig that much and most are very small venues where I can get by with a smaller amp. But the Super sounded great and it is here in my arsenal with hopes of using it again. One interesting note; I have noticed that the cabinet is kind of “boxy”, meaning a little bit large. I guess that’s because it is a 1960, meaning a first year brown amp, with Fender perhaps still refining things. It would seem to me that the cabinet should be as small as a blackface Vibrolux. Then again, the cabinet size may contribute to the sound. Either way, it is killer. And Kitch, depending how bad you want one, they are still around on ebay for relatively decent prices.
There is no such thing as a 64 Brown super.
That’s true…by ’64 it would have disappeared altogether?? Or maybe evolved into the 4×10 Super-Reverb?
Bill,
No offense intended here.
You are theoretically correct, but factually fuzzy.
If they still had the components, they made it til they were out of components.
Further, you could order whatever you wanted.
I have my cousin’s 1964 brown tolex, brown control face Fender Reverb unit that he ordered to match his 1962 Concert amp and his 1962 Super Amp. Yes, I have the amps too.
When he ordered his strat with gold hardware for Christmas in 1966, he also ordered a vibrolux reverb. Yup, they put gold sparkle grill cloth on the amp, rather than silver sparkle. They often did that with gold hardware/amp combos. I have that amp, but the guitar was gone way before I was in the mix.
They also did whatever it took to deliver an item. They did not look down the road to the potential collectibilty of their products. In fact, the Vibrolux with gold spkl grill may have just been a convenient way to use up the grill cloth supply. CBS owned them by this time.
Many supposed anomalies were actually quite common and were just examples of the companies (all companies) using what was on hand to maximize…drum roll please…profit of course.
i have a 5G4 (yes 5) from 1960 and am looking for more info on it. anyone else have one?
Look up fender Browface Super the Amp that doesn’t exist…that’s the one I have. …got it for $300.00……Best amp ever
Other speaker alternatives would be to find vintage black frame Jensen C10Ns or Celestion Vintage 10s for this amp. The old Oxfords used animal glue to suspend the voice coils. That kind of glue eventually dries up and the voice coil drops. You can get them reconed and it’ll sound pretty good using modern glues. I’ve heard and used both the C10Ns and Celestion Vintage 10s and they sound great.
I have a brown Super, dated 1960 I think, original 10s, with ! Pedal, needs a handle replaced, original just split in half one day. It’s sitting in my basement unused, next to it is a63 original
Reverb tank, and in th closet is a telecaster with a four digit serial number… I’m going older now, I don’t rally wanna lug these around anymore.l. Anybody interested in a purchase, let me know… I have a set of spare caps for the amp, included in sale, gordon
Hi Gordon, I stumbled across your posting and would be interested . Could you send me some photos. Please include photos of the serial numbers and your asking price. Kirk
If you still have the Brown Super I’d be interested in buying. Need pics in and out.
Thanks,
Steve
Hello, Gordan.
Did you sell your Super. I’d be interested if you still have it
Mark
907.460.7239
* Gordon — Looking for a reverb tank and perhaps an old Tele. I know this post is ancient, but should you check it, please contact me —
stampedtandb@gmail.com
Cheers and all the best! — John
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I have what i believe to be a quite rare 5g4 super. I was told at 1 time there was only 127 made like this one .only 1 the speakers is original. IT has the 59 tube arrangement and the “backward buttons” This link is as much as i could find out about it http://wgs4.com/amps-don%E2%80%99t-exist-part-one-1959-brown-fender-super-amp. Anyone else know any more about this. Thinking of selling but need more info.
NAD!
1962 Brown Super. Sounds amazing. The trem is much stronger than my Concert. Most interesting….this model has JBL 110s which appear original to the amp. I’ve read of a few issued w JBLs as an upgrade. If anyone knows anything about this….please share.
Thanks,
Steve
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I bought a 1961 Super amp in 1984 that had 1 – 15″ Utah speaker in it. I still have the ser# 00143
It was clean as a whistle. I didn’t realize (being 17 at the time) that it was supposed to have 2 – 10″ in it. Maybe the previous owner switched a Concert Amp guts to a Super Amp cab? Paid 175.00 at Voigt Music in Beloit Wisc.
I found a 1962 Brown Super in rural Kentucky. The
amp sounds fantastic with Fender Design speakers.
The tremolo circuit is unique to my ears. When set to
a higher intensity, it has a Univibe quality to it.
A wonderful amp for sure! Check out the tremolo
on this thing: https://youtu.be/yGJx0jws2AQ
Why did they make the changes in the tonestack? How does that alter the sound or the function?
I have the prototype Brown Face SuperAmp made in 1960 but parts are 1959 also the control layout is different left to right ….Bass Treble Volume / Bass Treble Volume Speed Intensity Presence …The Nicest Sounding amp I’ve Ever Heard …got it for $300.00 but the cab is from a Black face Super reverb and it has Huge single 15 “er in it as it is ,.it works Beautifully being pushed with this Amp
I have an Original 1960 Fender Super Amp Brown Face. Immaculate condition. Everything original except a grounded power cord added and new tubes. Speakers re-coned and all electronics professionally cleaned. Cleaned and reconditioned tolex, cabinet and grill cloth. No blemishes. Sounds perfect! Must see and hear this amp to believe the pristine condition it is in. I am interested in selling it. Contact me with honest and serious offers.
I have a 1960 Brown Face Super Amp in Immaculate Condition. I am looking at selling it. Any interest here?
I have a completely original 1960 Fender Super Amp, “JA” Production 1, 5G4 tube chart, 5 pre-amp tubes, the “Pulse” plug rear panel. Sounds freakin’ awesome! I re-capped it and got rid of the death cap and put in a grounded plug. All the parts date 1959 but the tube chart clearly says it was made January 1960. Serial 00013. I have not seen one with a lower serial number, yet!
Hi Art,
Sounds like a cool amp. Please contact me if you’re interested in selling.
760-419-4672
info@cutthroataudio.com
Ron
Hi Ken I just read your thing about your Super Amp on the ampwares web page I have the same 5 tube preamp chassis it has the reversed control panel layout Bass Treble Volume left to right on both channels and the pulse plug cap…… I was wondering about adding a grounded cord to it .,..did you mod it yourself ? I was curious about where it’s grounded at .,I heard somewhere about a problem with just grounding it to the chassis ., PS my amp is in a black super reverb cabinet and has a Huge single 15 ” er in there. But these are the best soundingamps I’ve ever owned or heard best part is I bought it for $300.00 Pease Reply Thanks
I have an original ’62 Super. Very clean. Has the fantastic tremolo. But, it is not vey loud and has a dark dirty tone. I was hoping it was just the Oxford speakers, but I AB ed a pair of Eminence Legends that sounded just as bad. So, any ideas here? It has replaced caps etc. but could it be the output transformer? Help welcome.
I own a 1963 fender brownface super. Many years ago the Output transformer crapped out and I had it replaced along with a cap job. As with these amps the tremolo wasn’t working properly, it had a pulsating effect. The amp circuit (6g4) was restored by a competent tech and this amp has some great tones. I bought his amp used when I was 16 and stated playing in bands. (High school friends). I paid $75 for it and played it for a long time. Still use it today. You can’t beat the vintage gear.
In 1966 at age 14, I had a brown face Princeton amp (no reverb) and my band mates all had more powerful amps. In early ’67 at age 15, I bought a like-new brown-face Super (for peanuts) that I played with my cherry red ’58ish double cutaway Les Paul Junior. When I appeared at my first rehearsal with the Super, I cut through everyone else and was always heard with that band from then on. In ’68 the amp had degraded considerably so I took it to Fender in Fullerton and had it serviced for $60 (I thought that was very expensive but left it there a week). When I picked it up, they’d replaced tubes, transformer, some pots and really cleaned it up. It was then even louder than before! The elusive “Presence” control was also something else! Wikipedia says “In an amplifier, a presence control boosts the upper mid-range frequencies to make the sounds of voices and instruments with similar tonal ranges seem more “present”. All I know is that setting it at “7” created a miraculous sound. The presence control was replaced with a “Reverb” control in the late ’63 2-10 Vibroverb, that also replaced the Jensen P10R speakers with Oxfords (I prefer the Jensens)…I later sold the brown Super and bought a mint condition Vox Royal Guardsman (big mistake!).
I’m about to begin my ’63 Super Amp project. All of your comments encourage me to have it, at least, started. Thanks to everyone.
One question (the first): what material was the original bafle board? Same as the blackface era (particle board and plywood stripes)? Or all plywood?
Thanks in avance.
Just purchased GE Smith’s 1960 “5G4” Brownface Super. It is not entirely stock but with a 1963 AC30 sitting right next to it, I can state that the Super is the best amp I’ve ever played. I’ve owned a lot of the “greats” and this one just takes the cake. The EQ range and touch sensitivity is amazing. I don’t understand how these are so overlooked. Even at “40W” I find the headroom/break-up line to be very obtainable and perfect for a home studio or stage. I can’t say enough great things about this amp! Hope everyone gets to experience one in their time!
I own two ‘62 Supers with stock Oxfords. The 5881’s are a complement to the midrange in these circuits.
The 6V6 power tube doesn’t open up tweed and brown circuits like anything in the 6L6 family.
The brownface Super is the best recording amp I’ve ever owned. With 2 10” speakers, the bottom end is tight and well defined, the top end is sweet. This amp is SO overlooked.
Coming in a close 2nd, is the brown 1×12 Vibrolux. Another amazing recording amp with a little more bass response than the Super. You can’t go wrong with either amp.