Fender Tweed Deluxe Model 5D3 1954

anthony — Tue, 19 May 2009 15:52:23 +0000

Fender’s Tweed Deluxe line of amps was one of their most popular, and out of that line, the 5D3 boutique amp is certainly an amp to take note of. This model of the Fender Tweed Deluxe series was released in 1954, and it bore more than a passing resemblance to the 5B3 and the 5C3. However, there were some differences between the 5D3 and the models that came before it. The largest difference was that it used a self-balancing paraphrase inverter. The earlier Tweed Deluxe amps had used conventional style inverters.

When it comes to preamp tubes, there are some 5D3 models out there that use 6SC7s. There are others, though, that feature a large socket located in the chassis (the chassis was punched out). This allows a 12AY7 tube and a 12AX7 to be used in place of the 6SC7s. A pair of 6V6s provide power to the amp. As far as the speakers go, all of the Tweed Deluxe boutique amps featured Jensen speakers. Some used the P12R and some used the P12Q—there are 5D3s out there with both. The amp was build in a solid pine case.

When it comes to pricing, these boutique amps run anywhere from around $1,000 to upwards of $2,250. However, since this line of amps is quite popular, you may have a hard time finding someone willing to part with their Tweed Deluxe, whether it be the 1954 5D3 or one of the earlier or later models.