$12,995.00
1958 Fender Tremolux Tweed
This is an amazing Fender Tremolux tweed amplifier in excellent condition, one of the cleanest tweed amplifiers we have seen. The tube chard date code “HD” indicates April 1958, confirmed by erial number 01384. Definitely one of Fender’s golden era amps, among the rarest and most sought-after bigger-box Tweeds. It was introduced in 1955 alongside the Vibrolux, the two amps pioneering the company’s first built-in tremolo effect. The initial Tremolux circuit was basically a 5E3 Deluxe with the added on-board tremolo effect, inside a taller cabinet.
We note the rectifier tube in this amp is a 5U4GB which identifies this as a Tremolux model 5GY update version. “In ’57 the power rating was upgraded from 15 to 18 watts ” (Fender Amps – The First 50 Years, Teagle & Sprung p. 94). The tube chart on this amp reads”5E9-A” and this appears to have been standard for 5GY models as reported by Dave Hunter’s detailed 5G9 Tremolux article (The Fender Tremolux – Vintage Guitar magazine, 29 Jan 2024).
This amp also retains an original piece of masking tape inside the chassis with the initials of (we believe) Lupe Lopez, one of the Fender employees in the 1950s. The only departures from original are the replaced Weber Alnico speaker and the original power transformer having been rewound to Australian 240v along with a grounded three-prong power cord, removal of line-to-ground capacitor and some resistors, caps and tube replacements by Martin Kell in Sydney,
The larger Tremolux cabinet gives this amp a bit more breadth, letting the bass-response develop beyond the smaller Deluxe cabinets. The tremolo is lush and deep and has an impressively wide range due to the 5GY tremolo circuit modulating the phase inverter bias, effectively making the effect consistent regardless of the volume setting.
This amplifier is in great shape for its age and performs perfectly with no issues. The original lacquered tweed cabinet and grill cloth are both in great shape with minimal wear, as are the original amp feet and leather handle. Overall, a truly great sounding and collectable amplifier from Fender’s golden age.
1958 Fender Tremolux Tweed
