- Fender Tweed Deluxe
The Fender Tweed Deluxe was produced by Fender during the 1950s from approximately 1955 to 1960. It is a relatively small amplifier, having one twelve inch speaker. It has four inputs and two channels. Each channel has a volume control. Both channels share a tone control. The inputs and controls are mounted at the top of the amplifier. It is referred to as the tweed deluxe because of its covering - a brown tweed material.
At the time, Leo Fender produced amplifiers with the intention of having the amplifier stay clean even at high volumes. The Tweed Deluxe is not known for producing a clean tone at high volumes, and as such, was regarded as being a beginner's amplifier. Ironically, the saturated tone this amplifier produces at higher volumes is the reason why it is one of the more famous amplifiers Fender ever produced. It is part of the signature tone for many musicians, a few notable examples being Neil Young and Don Felder.
The amplifier has a
5Y3 rectifier, 2 6V6GT power tubes operating in push/pull mode, and a 12AY7 and a12AX7 in the preamp. The output is rated at 15 watts.The amplifier's simple circuitry has made it a favorite of home builders. Fender recently reissued the amplifier as the '57 Deluxe.
Fender Field Guide entry: [http://www.ampwares.com/ffg/deluxe_narrow.html]
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