Fender Narrow Panel Tweed Super

May 31, 2011 in Amplifiers
Tweed Super Front
Schematic(s) super_5e4a.pdf, super_5f4.pdf
Brand:
Era: ,
Line:
Configuration:
Production: , , , , ,

Model/Circuit Number: 5E4 (55), 5E4-A (55), 5F4 (56-60)
Years of Production: 1955 – 1960
Era: Narrow Panel
Configuration: Combo
Controls: Chrome top facing w/ white screened labels, controls numbered 1-12
Knobs: Black Chicken Head
Faceplate

  • Front: Ground Sw, Fuse (3A), Power Sw, Standby Sw, Pilot Lamp, Presense, Bass, Treb, Vol, Mic Vol, In, In, Mic In, Mic In
  • Rear:

Cabinet

  • Dimensions: 18½ x 22 x 10½
  • Hardware:
  • Handle: Leather
  • Feet: Chrome Glides
  • Corners:

Covering Material

  • Tolex/Tweed: Diagonal Tweed
  • Grill Cloth: Brown Grill Cloth

Logo: Cabinet mounted, Script
Weight:
Speaker

Effects:
~Watts:
Tubes

  • Pre amp: 5E4-A: Mic: ½ 12AY7, Inst: ½ 12AY7, 12AY7 and ½ 12AX7 shared by both channels 5F4: Mic: ½ 12AY7, Inst: ½ 12AY7, 12AX7 and ½ 12AX7 shared by both channels
  • Power: 5E4, 5F4: 2 x 6L6G 5E4-A: 2 x 6V6GT

Bias: 5E4-A, 5F4: Fixed bias, nonadjustable
Rectifier: 5E4, 5F4: 5U4G ; 5E4-A: 5U4GA

Comments: A speaker and ex. speaker jack were located under the chassis. A selenium rectifier was used in the bias circuit for models 5E4-A and 5F4. The spearkers were mounted off center in the lower left and upper right corners of the baffle.

  • ruk

    of all the Fender tweeds I really think this model has to be considered one of the best if not the best. Unless you’re playing a friggen’ stadium, I don’t imagine that you would need a tweed Twin (ever had to tell a drummer to play louder?). I am not a tech, but I know the circuit is similiar to a tweed Bassman (two 5881s and tube rectifier; 10″ Jensen Alnicos, presence, etc…). Imagine having that same gorgeous vintage tube tone just drenched with vintage Mojo and Tube Screamer like tone. But it is 1/2 the size and weight making it MUCH easier to carry and you don’t have to shatter the windows to reach clipping levels. Just mic’ it into the mix and you have pure tweed magic. I was lucky to find an all stock original. I would recommend buying a Victoria 35210. This, a Pro and a Bandmaster are the king of the tweeds, unless you are a true professional then you would want the Bassman and if you want to say completely clean with that magic tweed compression, then go for the Twin. I had a Victoria 80212 and for some reason it was not as loud as my old ’59 Fender and it broke up really easy. Sounded AMAZING, but if you can spare the extra $15,000, then I’d go with the Fender…. IF you can find one!

  • Guest

    I just picked-up a vintage 1955 Super.  Great amp!  “ruk” is right-on in terms of tone.  Similar to the Bassman, but breaks up earlier.  Its also very lightweight.  Here’s a minor refinement/clarification to the tube compliment listed above.  The tag on the inside of the cabinet lists the following specs and tube compliment:
    Circuit: 5E4
    tube order: 5u4ga, 6v6gt, 6v6gt, 12ax7, 12ax7, 12ay7