Vintage 1955 Fender Twin Amp Tweed Amplifier

Vintage 1955 Fender Twin Amp Tweed Amplifier

Overview
For sale is a vintage Fender Twin-Amp--circuit 5D8-A. This rare tweed amplifier was manufactured in July of 1955 and has a serial number of A 00191. The 5D8-A Twin was a transition circuit between the 5D8 and 5E8 models. The most notable change from the 5D8 circuit is that the 5D8-A introduced fixed biasing of the power section. This offered more output power than the 5D8's cathode-biased power amp. The 5D8-A delivers 40-50 watts into 2 12-inch speakers. It feature two channels: 'normal' and 'bright' with separate volume controls for each. Tone controls are bass, treble, and presence.

Cosmetics
-original tweed in poor condition (frayed, burned, and nonexistent in some places)
-non-original handle
-non-original back panel

Electronics
-original transformers
-replacement speakers (Jensen P12Q of uncertain vintage) -new capacitors (some originals included)
-new tubes (some old stock tubes included)
-replacement power cord

Electrically this amplifier is in much better shape. As the amp tech here at Cream City Music, I personally checked it out. Here's the lowdown...

The transformers are original. The power transformer is a Triad 7993, and the output is a Triad 2818. The speakers are most likely replacements. They are Jensen P12Qs with serials #220037and #220245. We are not sure what decade they are from. All of the capacitors had been replaced--the electrolytics with Sprague Atoms and the film caps with a mix of Orange Drops and ERO polyesters. However in a bag that came with the amp were five Ajax blue molded film caps and two Astron red paper caps. These will be included with the amplifier. All of the original carbon comp resistors are present as is the original selenium rectifier for the bias supply. The tubes are all new Electro Harmonix 5U4GBEH (x2), 6L6EH (x2), 12AY7EH--plus a vintage Zenith 12AY7 and a vintage Telefunken 12AX7 for the driver/PI tube. Also included with the amp will be a selection of tubes that came with the amp. These include GE 5881 (x2), RCA 5881, Tung-Sol 5881, GE 5U4, and a bag of miscellaneous preamp tubes--mostly 12AX7.

The original power cord was long gone when we got our hands on this amp. Therefore, for safety's sake, a standard 3-prong modern power cord was installed. The polarity switch and the infamous "death cap" were disconnected from the circuit. These components are still in place, however, if you ever wish to return the amplifier to vintage electrical safety standards. In addition, all pots, sockets and jacks were cleaned before the amp left my bench. All solder joints were reflowed. The amplifier is in full working order.

Sound
Sound-wise this amp is exactly what you'd expect from a 50's Twin-deep lows, shimmering highs, and a smooth breakup that comes on early. A Telecaster plugged into the normal channel gets pretty gritty with the volume at 4. Of course it cleans up nicely by backing off on your picking or your guitar's volume control. This Twin is the ultimate player's amplifier-a museum piece that you won't have to sweat about taking to your next gig or recording session. This is a one of a kind buy.