Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $4,047

High-end/Boutique

$300

$701+

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Description

Step back in time with the Fender Deluxe (1960s), a classic amplifier that has captured the hearts of musicians for decades. This legendary combo amp is not just a piece of history; it’s a living testament to the evolution of electric sound. Born in the golden era of rock 'n' roll, the Fender Deluxe combines vintage aesthetics with iconic tone, making it a beloved choice for guitarists seeking authenticity and warmth in their sound.

The Fender Deluxe offers two channels and four inputs, allowing for versatile configurations that suit any playing style. Its sleek narrow panel design is both a nod to its mid-century origins and a testament to its timeless appeal. With 15 watts of pure tube power, it delivers a rich, dynamic sound that's perfect for both practice sessions and intimate gigs. The 1x12-inch speaker ensures that every note resonates with clarity and depth, providing a full-bodied sound that guitarists crave.

Whether you're channeling the spirit of legendary players like John Fogerty and Neil Young or carving out your own path, the Fender Deluxe (1960s) is more than just an amplifier—it's a bridge between eras, a tool for expression, and a partner in your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • 15 watts of tube power
  • Two channels with four inputs
  • Single 1x12-inch speaker
  • Narrow panel front design
  • Revered by artists such as John Fogerty and Neil Young

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Deluxe 5E3 Narrow Panel 15-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo
Finish Tweed
Year 1955 - 1960
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Color Family Yellow
Direct Output No Direct Output
Electronics Tube
Model Family Fender Deluxe Amp
Model Sub-Family Fender Deluxe Amp
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 4 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 15
Power Tube Type 6V6
Reverb None
Series Fender Vintage Tweed Amps
Speaker Configuration 1x12"

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Fender 'Black Panel' Deluxe Amp (1963-1966)?

The Fender 'Black Panel' Deluxe Amp is renowned for its warm, rich tones with a smooth overdrive when pushed. It offers classic Fender clean sounds with a slight midrange emphasis, making it versatile for various music genres.

Is the Fender 'Black Panel' Deluxe Amp suitable for gigging?

With its 15-watt output, the Fender 'Black Panel' Deluxe Amp is ideal for small to medium-sized venues. It delivers enough volume for live performances while maintaining its tonal integrity.

Does the Fender 'Black Panel' Deluxe Amp work well with pedals?

Yes, the Fender 'Black Panel' Deluxe Amp is known for its compatibility with effects pedals, handling both overdrives and modulation effects beautifully, enhancing its already rich sound palette.

What type of power tubes does the Fender 'Black Panel' Deluxe Amp use?

The Fender 'Black Panel' Deluxe Amp uses 6V6 power tubes, contributing to its smooth, creamy overdrive and dynamic response.

How many channels does the Fender 'Black Panel' Deluxe Amp have?

The Fender 'Black Panel' Deluxe Amp features two channels, providing options for different tonal settings and input configurations.

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1960 Fender Stratocaster and 1964 Deluxe Amp

Video thumbnail for "Pick of the Day" - 1960 Fender Stratocaster and 1964 Deluxe Amp by Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1960 Fender Stratocaster and 1964 Deluxe Amp

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Iconic, rare, and historically significant

  • Exceptional tone quality, especially in mid-range sounds

  • Unique tube distortion at low volumes

  • Wide array of tonal options via controls

  • Maintains crisp, clean tones at various volumes

  • Compatible with a variety of guitars for versatile sounds

  • Quality improves with specific vintage tube replacements

  • Despite age, considered a timeless, top-tier amp

CONS

  • Original components may produce "flabby" bass

  • Requires careful tube selection and potentially costly maintenance

  • Limited availability due to its vintage status

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender 'Black Panel' Deluxe Amp (1963-1966).

Comparisons

  • The Fender ToneMaster Princeton offers a smoother play feel and lower volume capabilities compared to the GTX, making it ideal for home use without a master volume issue.

    Source
  • The Sweetwater exclusive Princeton 65 with a 12-inch speaker is described as having a bigger sound, likened to a mini-Deluxe Reverb rather than a traditional Princeton.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Mesa Boogie California Tweed 6V6 4:40 is recommended for its clean tones and attenuation options, suitable for various volume requirements.

    Source

User experience

  • The Princeton ToneMaster is praised for its exceptional sound texture and feel, even compared to high-end tube amps, offering a distinct playing experience.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Mesa Boogie California Tweed 6V6 4:40 provides a range of wattage settings (40W/30W/20W/10W/2W), enhancing versatility for different playing environments.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

look, the no reverb amps sound better, sorry guys its true

They only made a blackface deluxe for a year or so before switching to just deluxe reverbs.... having played one it just plain sounds better without the reverb. The way a tremolux head or a blackface concert kicks butt on a super reverb with the reverb off. Sorry reverb people.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Joe Walsh uses Fender 'Black Panel' Deluxe Amp (1963-1966)

Joe Walsh

Guitarist, Singer

Eagles

...
Verified via reverb.com

Joe Walsh is confirmed to use the Fender 'Black Panel' Deluxe Amp (1963-1966) as detailed by Bill Worrell in the article "The Gear of The Eagles' Guitarists" on Reverb.com.

See how George Lynch uses Fender 'Black Panel' Deluxe Amp (1963-1966)

George Lynch

Guitarist

Dokken

...
Verified via YouTube

shown in detail at 2:33 in this video.

See how Van Mccann uses Fender 'Black Panel' Deluxe Amp (1963-1966)

Van Mccann

Singer, Guitarist

Catfish and the Bottlemen

...
Verified via YouTube

in the beginning of this video it looks like Van's 335 is plugged into this amplifier

See how Gilby Clarke uses Fender 'Black Panel' Deluxe Amp (1963-1966)

Gilby Clarke

Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via reverb.com

This Fender Deluxe Amp (Non-Reverb Black Panel) is owned by Gilby Clarke

Serial: A00780

See how Wayne Krantz uses Fender 'Black Panel' Deluxe Amp (1963-1966)

Wayne Krantz

Guitarist

...
Verified via Guitarplayer

Krantz used this amp during the "Two Drink Minimum" and "Greenwich Mean" era.

According to the GP interview posted above:

"The beginning of my sound was in 1993, when I got rid of a bunch of amps and just plugged a Strat directly into a Fender Deluxe turned all the way up. That sounded terrible for a year or so, but the good thing is that I had to figure out how to make such a thin tone sound good just by using my hands rather than relying on an amp."

See how Taylor Goldsmith uses Fender 'Black Panel' Deluxe Amp (1963-1966)

Taylor Goldsmith

Singer, Guitarist

Dawes

...
Verified via YouTube

At 10:13min it can be seen that Goldsmith choice is a Blackface era Fender Deluxe Amp.

See how John Bohlinger uses Fender 'Black Panel' Deluxe Amp (1963-1966)

John Bohlinger

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video John plays his Gibson ES-355 into his Fender 1966 Deluxe Amp. He talks about the features and qualities of the amp and why he likes it.

See how James Vincent McMorrow uses Fender 'Black Panel' Deluxe Amp (1963-1966)

James Vincent McMorrow

Singer

...
Verified via Photo

You can see his amp in this picture he posted.

See how Gary Lucas uses Fender 'Black Panel' Deluxe Amp (1963-1966)

Gary Lucas

Guitarist, Music Producer

Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

Gary Lucas uses a Fender Deluxe amp, as noted in the Premier Guitar article on him.

Album Usage

The Fender 'Black Panel' Deluxe Amp (1963-1966) has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender 'Black Panel' Deluxe Amp (1963-1966), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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