Fender TV Front Deluxe
Model/Circuit Number: 5A3, 5B3
Years of Production: 1948 – 1953
Era: TV Front
Configuration: Combo
Controls: Chrome top facing w/ white screened labels, controls numbered 1-12
Knobs: Black Chicken Head
Schematics
Faceplate
- Front: Pilot Lamp, Fuse (2A), Vol, Mic Vol, Tone/Power Sw, In, In, Mic In
- Rear:
Cabinet
Covering Material
- Tolex/Tweed: Vertical Tweed (Early 48) or Diagonal Tweed
- Grill Cloth: Brown hohair (early 48) or 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: 6SN7 ; 6SC7
- Power: 2 x Metal Envelope 6V6
Bias: Cathode Bias
Rectifier: Metal Envelope 5Y3
Comments:
I’ve got a ’48 TV front, vertical tweed, mohair grille cloth, hand-written serial number 720. My ES135 absolutely rocks through this amp. It truly is a piece of history for Fender, for electronics, and for Rock ‘n’ Roll.
’51 5A3 here. Most resonant amp I’ve ever played thru – even clean notes ring and sustain forever. Lots of guys try to buy it off me, but it’s definitely going nowhere.
same here someone offered me 3000 and i would never sell and it does not even have tweed on it anymore like a 1 third maybe
I’ve got a ’52 Fender Deluxe serial number 2450. I’d like to know as much as possible about this amp.
You have a Fender Deluxe made at the Fullerton factory in 1952 with the serial # 2450. That`s about all I can tell you about your amp.
Actually, the 2450 serial number dates it to mid-1950. 1950 serial numbers range from 1900 to 3000. (1952 serial numbers range from 5400 to 6800.) My serial number 2845 has an original speaker dated to early December 1950, so they probably got at least pretty close to manufacturing all possible serial numbers that year. Some of the 2800s, like mine, use 6SL7 preamp tubes, which are basically the same tube, but they’re substantially easier to find nowadays, though those with 6SC7 preamp tubes can be modded to use 6SL7s instead. Also, be sure to use Jupiter coupling caps and F&T electrolytics. These will get you as close to the original sound as possible; the typical Orange Drop + Sprague caps used sound absolutely awful in comparison (they completely erase the high end while making the bass frequencies virtually all you can hear while really muddying them). Additionally, JJ 6V6 power tubes will increase volume output compared to a standard 6V6, but they’ll also sound just a bit darker. (If you’re using the original speaker with the bell installed, the larger size of the JJs may cause the innermost one to hit the bell, too.) If you want a tad extra volume without increasing darkness, you may want to try 6V6GTA power tubes (although they do cost more).
Modern 715p series orange drop caps don’t belong in ANY vintage amp because the dielectric is polypropylene, making the tone stiff, lifeless, and hifi. I wish charlatan techs would stop stealing their clients’ vintage caps and use proper materials for “restorations”!
I have a 1949 Fender Deluxe, all original and in mint condition. Please and thank you, what is the value of this amp?
Hi. Is your amp for sale ?? I would give you 400.00 cash money for it if it`s for sale. That’s like top dollar.
Hilarious.
I just obtained the same amp. I have it a a local shop. Can’t wait to get it back and plug into it!
I just acquired a 1948 Fender Deluxe, serial 728!
Btw, there is an error in the amp info. The preamp section should list 6SC7’s for both tubes. Originals were metal enveloped
6SC7’s. The info here lists a 6SN7, but that is incorrect.
After 4 years of having this amp, I wanted to give an update. I’ve restored many vintage Fender amps since then and still haven’t found an amp I like more than the 5A3. It has become an indispensable tool for my bench, as it allows me to hear the sound of various tuning/tweaks/improvements/cables upstream more faithfully than other amps. I believe you are going to see the value skyrocket on these soon. I’d not sell my restored and tuned one for even 7-10k. As a tool, this amp is worth way more.
I inherited my dad’s amp which is in really good shape except for the leather strap and missing one pointer knob. My brother re-capped it about 20 years ago, it may be due for another one.
Pretty clean sound, and some great low-end. Original speaker.
Serial number 3566
I have ’48 deluxe in about an 8 out 10 condition. All original, with original tubes. Amazing tone and it’s a really nice looking amp. Serial number 669. Would never sell this one. Something about having these Fender amps from the first year of the tweed line that is special.