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Amp Auction: Original 1957 Fender Pro Amp (MODEL 5E5)The Holy Grail

Amp Auction Description: This is an original 1957 Fender Pro amp (MODEL 5E5), not a reissue. This is the 15" version of the Bassman. These are considered the "Holy Grail" of guitar amps and the model for Marshall amps and most other tube guitar amps that came after it. Everything is completely original except for the handle and two preamp tubes. The handle looks like it was fashioned out of a thick piece of leather sometime a long time ago. I would not recommend using the handle, but rather keep the amp in a road case if you're gigging. Given that this is an absolute original amp of collector quality, I would also recommend having the speaker reconed, if you intend to gig or record with it, as it has some buzzes at high volume. The 15" Jensen Alnico 5 had the original cone when I got it, which had dry-rotted a bit and come off the frame, and I was able to repair it to a point, but as I say, it does buzz at higher volumes. All electronics appear to be original, but if you know this amp, feel free to ask questions. The pots are pretty clean, but act a little differently than most tube amps I have. The first volume needs to be turned down if you're using channel two, or you'll lose gain and volume. Also, the bass pot adds mids when turned down. If you want to do more than keep this as a collector's item, it will have to be tweaked by a good amp tech, probably new capacitors. Fifty-three year old caps probably don't do exactly what they're supposed to at their age. The tweed covering was loose in spots, and it was glued with white glue to tidy it up a bit, but is actually in good shape. This is an antique and a collector's item; a piece of early electric guitar history. It should travel OK, but I would definitely have it insured for shipping. It works fine right now, but I can't insure that it will travel well as it's age, so I will not take any returns. Serial number S 01302 ( 1957)Controls- Presence, Bass, Treble, ON/OFF, Ground, (2) Volume (INSTRUMENT/MIC)4-1/4" Inputs15" Jensen Alnico 5 PM SpeakerTweed coveringChicken Head KnobsTubes- 5U4GA, (2) 6L6G, 12AU7, 12AX7, 12AY7*I accept Paypal and Visa, Mastercard, and Discover (I have my own credit card machine, so you don't need a Paypal account to buy with a credit card).On Nov-24-10 at 09:06:07 PST, seller added the following information: If you're planning on gigging/recording with this amp, you should buy a Jensen P15N reissue speaker or have this original speaker reconed, as it buzzes at all but the lowest of volumes. Also, the tube chart has the "X" in 12AX7 scratched-out and changed to a "U" and the "Y" in 12 AY7 changed to and "X". I think this may have been done at the Factory, as I seem to recall seeing this on another amp of the same vintage. I think all three preamp tubes installed are 12AX7s and at least one is probably original and maybe two. The other one is a Ruby 12AX7A. The power amp tubes and rectifier tube are original, as far as I know, although I can't verify this.

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