Fender Narrow Panel Tweed Super

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

Covering Material

Logo: Cabinet mounted, Script
Weight:
Speaker

Effects:
~Watts:
Tubes

  • Pre amp: 5E4-A: Mic: 1/2 12AY7, Inst: 1/2 12AY7, 12AY7 and 1/2 12AX7 shared by both channels 5F4: Mic: 1/2 12AY7, Inst: 1/2 12AY7, 12AX7 and 1/2 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.

6 thoughts on “Fender Narrow Panel Tweed Super

  • July 19, 2011 at 2:23 am
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    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!

    Reply
    • June 21, 2012 at 9:33 am
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      I’ve got a orig bassman 5F6-A  all original but rough looking,as it was when I bought it in 62′ used. Still plays well. I crank it up every few months to keep the caps charged. I’m going to list it on e-bay in a few months. Sounds like you know your amps so I mentioned this.can be reached at 973 838 9403 in NJ. Curt Bradbury

      Reply
  • January 10, 2012 at 8:43 am
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    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

    Reply
    • May 3, 2015 at 11:11 am
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      I have a 1955 Super in my shop right now with the 5E4 circuit. The tube chart does list the tubes as 5U4GA, 6V6GT, 6V6GT, 12AX7, 12AX7, 12AY7.

      However, according to the schematic and layout diagrams, it should be: 5U4GA, 6V6GT, 6V6GT, 12AX7, 12AY7, 12AY7. It is not uncommon for Fender tube charts to be wrong. I think that an error was made in printing the tube charts, but rather than throw them out, they just used them up.

      Reply
  • December 25, 2016 at 4:05 am
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    I did not find the schematics of the 5E4, but the Tweed Super is the 5E4-A. But I agree, it is confusing, and on some webpages you will find just the opposite !!! You will also find” Fender Super -amp ” which is the 5F4, and has 1 x 12ay7 and 2 x 12ax7.

    Reply
  • October 23, 2021 at 9:56 pm
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    bonjour je suis a la recherche d un logo fender pour 1 tweed 5f4 super amp narrow panel ( 1956) je suis a limoges en france. quelqu un peut t il me dire ou en trouvee un ou bien est il possible de le faire faire quelle entreprise peut faire ca ….. merci

    Reply

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