Fender 5E8 Low Power Tweed Twin 1957
$16,750.00No Sales Tax For Customers Outside Of California.
See our shipping policy at the end of this product description.
I am so pleased to have this amazing amp in the shop for you all. As you might know, I've been both focused and lucky over the past couple of years when it comes to amps - tweed amps in particular. From Neil Young's personal Tweed Tremolux and Deluxes, to handfuls of Harvards, to parades of Princetons, the rock never stops. I think I'm going to need to add Amps to Mahar's Vintage Guitars.
This thing sounds outrageously great. It isn't really fair to compare it to other amps! But if I did, I'd say that it has the thickness and headroom that you might want sometimes if you had a tweed deluxe. The overdrive is unbelievable, and it is just as rich and saggy as you might expect. The dual speakers handle the low end better than any single speaker tweed. You don't have to push the amp super loud to get great tones, but when you do you are rewarded with mind melting, crunchy goodness.
You just don't see these amps out there in the wild. I've been at this on and off for about 30 years, and this is the first one I've had in stock. It was worth the wait! I received the amp on load-in day at the Orange County, CA guitar show after closing a deal on an amazing amp collection (which also includes a 50s high-power tweed Twin). It was nice to get the amp back to the shop for the deep dive.
My inspection started with a quick service check of all the grounds, I cleaned the pots, tightened and cleaned the tube sockets, tested the tubes, and checked the caps for leakage. Previous service on the amp was really nicely done. The coupling and filter caps have been replaced and a grounded power cable added. One of the two power tube sockets was replaced years ago, judging by the look of the part. A small bias pot was installed without any chassis modification. The original piece of masking tape that bore the name of the Fender employee who built the amp is in the chassis, but I can't make out the name on it.
The all-important transformers are all original. There are no new holes in the chassis, and the screen printing and chrome are in great shape. The original speakers remain, as does the tube chart inside the original cabinet. The grill and tweed were re-done some years ago. The tweed shows some light use and wear. The back panels are original. The handle is replaced, and some of the back panel screws are not original.
Some 5E8 history:
The Fender 5E8 Low Power Tweed Twin, introduced in the mid-1950s, is one of the most revered amplifiers in the history of electric guitar tone. Designed by Leo Fender, the 5E8-A circuit represented the pinnacle of Fender’s tweed-era engineering, offering a powerful yet harmonically rich sound that would become legendary among musicians. Unlike the later high-powered Twin models, which pushed volume and headroom to new limits, the 5E8 Twin delivered a lower wattage—around 40 watts—using a pair of 6L6 power tubes. This design allowed it to break up into a smooth, organic overdrive at reasonable volumes, making it a favorite for players seeking dynamic touch sensitivity and warmth.
One of the defining features of the 5E8 circuit was its dual rectifier design, utilizing two 5U4 rectifier tubes. This contributed to its signature sag and compression, characteristics that made it highly responsive to a player’s picking dynamics. The amp also featured four inputs and dual channels—bright and normal—giving musicians flexibility in shaping their tone. Its large pine cabinet, covered in the iconic tweed cloth, provided both a resonant, open sound and a vintage aesthetic that has since become synonymous with classic Fender amplifiers.
The 5E8 Twin was famously used by players such as Eric Clapton, who employed it to achieve his smooth yet biting tone, particularly during his early solo career. Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones has also been known to favor the tweed Twin, appreciating its ability to deliver raw, unfiltered tube saturation when pushed. The amplifier’s touch sensitivity and ability to transition seamlessly from clean, bell-like tones to a rich, overdriven growl made it a go-to choice for blues and rock musicians alike.
As the 1960s progressed, Fender moved toward higher-powered amps with more headroom, phasing out the 5E8 circuit in favor of new designs. However, the amp’s legacy endured, and its circuit became the foundation for many boutique amplifiers and reissues in later decades. Today, original 5E8 Tweed Twins are highly sought after by collectors and musicians, often commanding premium prices on the vintage market. Modern reproductions and clones attempt to capture its magic, but for many, the allure of an original Fender 5E8 Twin remains unmatched—a true piece of amplifier history that continues to inspire generations of guitarists.
- Case/Cover?: No
- Color: Tweed
- Dimensions: W24.5" x H20" x D10.5"
- Weight: 45lbs 6oz
- Watts: 40 Watts
- Date: 1957
- Where is Date Noted?: Serial#
- Speaker 1 - 2 Brand: Jensen P12Q
- Speaker 1 - 2 Size: 12"
- Speaker Code: See Pics
- Speaker 1 - 2 Cone: ?
- Power Transformer Brand/Codes: See Pics
- Choke Transformer Brand/Codes: See Pics
- Output Transformer Brand/Codes: See Pics
- Extension Speaker Out? No
- Reverb or other effects?: No
- Rectifier Tube: 2 x 5U4
- Rectifier Tube Brand: JJ
- Power Tubes: 2 x 6L6
- Power Tube Brand: RCA
- Preamp Tubes: 12AX7, 7025, 7025, 12AY7
- Preamp Tube Brand: Lowrey, GE, Fender, GE
- Filter Caps: Original
- Pedal: No
- Pots/Codes: Original
- Tolex/Tweed: Re Tweed
- Grille: Original
- Knobs: Original
- Handle: Original
- Power Cord: Upgrade 3 Prong
- Notes:
Shipping policy:
When you purchase this item you are hereby agreeing to this shipping policy. We remove tubes from amps that could be damaged in shipping. We remove the chassis from some amps so that the large transformers don't damage a chassis or cabinet. We remove heavy speakers from some amps so they don't damage baffles. These cases result in multiple box shipments, and they require the buyer to do some assembly on delivery. We do this because we have experienced shipping issues in the past, and this is our prevention measure. Vintage amps are sold as-is because they can need service intermittently. Everything is tested here in our shop on the way into our inventory, and again before shipping. We will cover shipping damage, but we cannot be responsible for the failure of vintage components in 20-to-50-plus year old amps. Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions. If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com. Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.
