Fender '57 Deluxe head

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Page last updated Apr 02, 2026

Pricing and availability

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Price

Average Price: $2,626

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

Price Tier

In the Guitar Amplifier Heads category, Fender '57 Deluxe head is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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Step back in time and experience the vintage allure of the Fender '57 Deluxe head, a faithful reissue that nods to the golden era of rock and roll. Crafted for the purists, this amplifier head exudes the unmistakable warmth and character that only all-tube circuitry from the '50s can deliver. With its authentic 5E3 circuit design, the '57 Deluxe head offers 12 watts of pure, unadulterated power, perfect for capturing those classic tones that defined a generation.

Its simplicity is its strength, featuring two instrument and two mic inputs, making it versatile enough for both studio and live settings. The iconic "chickenhead" EQ knobs provide intuitive control over your sound, allowing you to shape your tone with precision. Whether you're seeking that sweet, overdriven grit or smooth, clean tones, this amp head delivers with remarkable authenticity.

Ideal for vintage enthusiasts and modern players alike, the Fender '57 Deluxe head combines nostalgic appeal with reliable craftsmanship. It's not just an amplifier; it's a bridge to the past, where every note you play connects you to the rich tapestry of music history.

Key Features:

12 watts of power
Authentic '50s 5E3 circuit design
All-tube circuitry
Two instrument inputs and two mic inputs
Three "chickenhead" EQ knobs for precise tonal control

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	'57 Deluxe 12-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish	Tweed
Year	2014 - 2016
Made In	United States
Categories	Guitar Heads
Color Family	Yellow
Electronics	Tube
Impedance	8 ohms
Model Family	Fender Deluxe Amp
Model Sub-Family	Fender '57 Deluxe Amp Reissue, Fender Deluxe Amp
Number of Channels	2 Channels
Number of Inputs	4 Inputs
Output Power (Watts)	12
Power Tube Type	6V6
Reverb	None
Series	Fender Custom Tube

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Fender '57 Deluxe head?: The Fender '57 Deluxe head offers classic tweed-era tones, characterized by warm, rich clean tones and a smooth, creamy overdrive when pushed. It's ideal for blues, rock, and country genres.
Is the Fender '57 Deluxe head suitable for gigging?: With 12 watts of power, the Fender '57 Deluxe head is best suited for small venues or studio settings. It may require additional amplification or mic'ing for larger gigs.
Does the Fender '57 Deluxe head have built-in reverb?: No, the Fender '57 Deluxe head does not include built-in reverb, maintaining a pure vintage design focused on its core tonal qualities.
How many channels does the Fender '57 Deluxe head have?: The Fender '57 Deluxe head features two channels, providing flexibility in tone shaping and input options for different instruments or playing styles.
What type of power tubes does the Fender '57 Deluxe head use?: The Fender '57 Deluxe head utilizes 6V6 power tubes, contributing to its warm, vintage tone and dynamic response.

Videos

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Premier Guitar

NAMM '14 - Fender Vaporizer, '57 Deluxe Head, and Ramparte Demos

Premier Guitar

Fender '57 Deluxe Head - Custom Shop

Johan Segeborn

Fender '57 Deluxe Head Amplifier Demo - Sweetwater at Winter NAMM 2014

Sweetwater

Fender '57 Deluxe Guitar Amp Head

Musician's Friend

Fender 57 Deluxe Tweed Head | N Stuff Music Product Review

N Stuff Music

NAMM 2014: Fender '57 Deluxe Head AND '68 Custom Deluxe Reverb Video Demo

sonicstate

Fender Tweed Deluxe 57' Head

Santi Guillén - Roadhouse Guitar School

Kraft Music - Fender 57 Deluxe Head NAMM 2014

Kraft Music

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender '57 Deluxe head.

Features and functionality

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The amp's low end flabbiness is attributed to the saggy power section with an overloaded phase inverter and large coupling caps, affecting its suitability for punk.
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Users highlight the amp's interactive volume controls, which can alter tonality and gain significantly, providing a dynamic and versatile sound palette.
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The amp's lack of negative feedback results in a more midrange-focused, woolly sound at lower volumes, differentiating it from the cleaner blackface models.
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Mods and upgrades

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Modifications such as switching to diode rectification or increasing filter section capacitance can tighten bass response, but may alter the amp's classic character.
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Swapping the stock Eminence speaker for a Celestion Alnico Blue or a Celestion A-Type is recommended to tighten low-end response and enhance tonal clarity.
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A popular setup involves connecting to Bright 1, jumping Bright 2 to Normal 1, and setting all knobs to 10.5 for a dynamic sound.
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Use cases and applications

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The '57 Deluxe head is favored for classic rock and blues tones, suitable for Neil Young, Rolling Stones, and Cream, but not ideal for punk.
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The amp's 12 watts are surprisingly loud, suitable for small gigs but requiring an attenuator for home use to achieve desirable breakup levels.
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Described as producing a "ragged and raw" tone, the amp is likened to the guitar sound in Steely Dan's "Kid Charlemagne" when paired with an ES-335.
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Setup and maintenance

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The amp's volume controls interact with each other, affecting tone; adjustments can significantly change compression and distortion characteristics.
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Comparisons

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A JCM800 or a Bassman rig is recommended for tighter response and more midrange grind, better fitting punk and blues styles.
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The Princeton amp is noted as a sweet spot for live settings, offering a balance of clean and breakup tones at 12-13 watts, with a similar power level to the Deluxe.
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The EC Tremolux, while similar, includes tremolo, a different bias circuit, and power scaling, offering a distinct alternative to the '57 Deluxe.
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User experience

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Owners have found that using an EQ pedal to cut lows can reduce the flubby sound and help drive preamp tubes faster.
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Owners describe the amp as addictive, outperforming even a Blackface Pro Reverb from 2003 in terms of tonal satisfaction and playability.
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Owners report that the amp transitions from clean to distorted between 2-3 on the volume dial, with distortion increasing rather than volume.
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