The tweed covering has been replaced with a very high-quality material. Judging by its appearance, this work seems to have been done quite some time ago, possibly decades ago, although we do not have a confirmed date. The original front grille cloth and leather handle remain intact, and the control panel retains its natural wear. Much of what makes this amp special has been preserved, including its original speaker, original transformers, and a large portion of its period-correct circuitry.
Built in Fullerton, California, it retains its original tube chart, identifying it as model 5B5, with serial number 3301, dating it to 1952. The tube complement consists of two 6L6G power tubes, three 6SC7 preamp tubes, and one 5U4G rectifier. It features separate Instrument and Microphone inputs, with individual volume controls for each channel and a shared tone control.
The original 15-inch Jensen P15N speaker, featuring an Alnico 5 magnet, carries the code 220231, corresponding to the 31st week of 1952, consistent with the amplifier's production year. It retains its original blue and gold “Alnico 5 – Concert Series” label, as well as the red sticker on the magnet cover, now worn but still present. A nice detail that has survived the passage of time.
Both the power and output transformers are original. The circuit is very well preserved, retaining numerous original Astron capacitors, period-correct resistors, and original wiring. The filter and cathode bypass electrolytic capacitors have been replaced, along with one signal capacitor (the orange one visible in the photos) and the power cord, which has been upgraded to a three-prong grounded cable.
Inside the chassis, it also retains the original paper tape marked “Esper.” Fender used these paper tags to identify the technician responsible for wiring the circuit.
The amplifier has been thoroughly inspected and tested by Salviani, and a complete setup and servicing have been carried out to ensure optimal performance.
