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Post subject: Fender 57 Tweed Deluxe - PCB?
Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 8:10 pm
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Curious as to why Fender hasn't added the Fender tweed, 5E3, amps to its Vintage Reissue line where they could sell the same circuit, albeit PCB vs. handwired, for a more reasonable price. I don't know how many people out there are buying the Fender custom amps like the Fender 57 Deluxe starting at $2,000 when equivalent quality 5E3 handwired amps can be had new for less than half that price. Is this type of amp just not popular enough to warrant adding to the Vintage Reissue line?


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Post subject: Re: Fender 57 Tweed Deluxe - PCB?
Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 10:36 pm
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Simple answer, really.

Demographics.

Most of the folks who even know what a 5E3 is are a very small portion of the overall amp market -- for Fender, or anybody else for that matter. Thus, the market share for these "niche" models is relatively miniscule. And FMIC is geared to produce equipment types by the tens of thousands, not just a couple of hundred units as was typical in the early Fullerton days. As well, Fender's mark-up structure demands that these specialty amps be priced to allow for sufficient corporate profits -- hence the obscenely-high MSRP on the labor-intensive Custom Amp Shop gear (Vibro King, 5E8 Twin Amp, the now-discontinued Vibroverbs, etc). Even a PCB version of a 5E3 wouldn't sell the units needed to justify tooling up the plant to build it since this amp, legendary though it may be, is basically a one-trick pony (relative to a modern full-featured model such as the DRRI, Supersonic, Pro Tube Series, etc). And you've hit the nail on the head re the numerous 5E3 clones currently available from a number of custom builders -- those repros can be bought for about half the pound of flesh that FMIC would insist on exacting. Many of those clones are just as nice as a "genuine" re-created Fender article might be and one need not be an MBA to understand the math.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: Fender 57 Tweed Deluxe - PCB?
Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2011 12:52 pm
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It is a testament to the relative simplicity of the 5e3 circuit that the clones are equal to the fender product. Whichever way you go, one of the simplest ways to craft your tone with a Tweed Deluxe is a simple speaker change to suit your style. A Blue will give more clarity and Jensens give more boom and drive.


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Post subject: Re: Fender 57 Tweed Deluxe - PCB?
Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 2:55 am
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Hi I think i need a 57 tweed now...


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Post subject: Re: Fender 57 Tweed Deluxe - PCB?
Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 6:40 am
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Those answers are spot on....and I have a '57 Deluxe Fender amp...one of the new ones.
It's a great little amp,but so are the numerous clones out there....the ones from Victoria would probably be more authentic than the Fender amp.


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Post subject: Re: Fender 57 Tweed Deluxe - PCB?
Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 9:04 am
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Rebelsoul wrote:
Those answers are spot on....and I have a '57 Deluxe Fender amp...one of the new ones.
It's a great little amp,but so are the numerous clones out there....the ones from Victoria would probably be more authentic than the Fender amp.


The Victoria's are some of the best amps on the market, period. No scrimping, no cut corners, built right and built to last.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: Fender 57 Tweed Deluxe - PCB?
Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 9:51 am
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I'm taking a hard look at the Cox Amps 5E3 Ultimate - have heard very good things about their amps.


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Post subject: Re: Fender 57 Tweed Deluxe - PCB?
Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 2:15 pm
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The Tungsten Crema Wheat is well worth a look too, if you're chasing a 5E3 and aren't stuck on Fender.

If I were looking for a well built 5E3 based clone it would be high on my list with a Victoria 20112. The Crema Wheat is a real nice take on the 5E3 and built to last.
Image


Snowy


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Post subject: Re: Fender 57 Tweed Deluxe - PCB?
Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 3:46 pm
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No457 Snowy wrote:
The Tungsten Crema Wheat is well worth a look too, if you're chasing a 5E3 and aren't stuck on Fender.

If I were looking for a well built 5E3 based clone it would be high on my list with a Victoria 20112. The Crema Wheat is a real nice take on the 5E3 and built to last.
Image


Snowy


That looks mighty sweet, Snowy -- any more pics available?

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: Fender 57 Tweed Deluxe - PCB?
Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 4:33 pm
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Hi Arjay,

Here's a couple more. The website has more info and great You-Tube clips.

Image

Image


Snowy


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Post subject: Re: Fender 57 Tweed Deluxe - PCB?
Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 5:59 pm
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I looked into the Crema Wheat on their website, technically not a true 5E3. I'm sure it sounds nice but its twice the cost of the handbuilt Cox 5E3. Same with the Victoria - its a "5E3 type circuit" and more than twice the cost of the Cox.


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Post subject: Re: Fender 57 Tweed Deluxe - PCB?
Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 6:03 pm
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Unadan wrote:
I looked into the Crema Wheat on their website, technically not a true 5E3. I'm sure it sounds nice but its twice the cost of the handbuilt Cox 5E3.


Twew dat.

It does have a few more bells and whistles than a by-the-book 5E3.

I sure do like what I see within the chassis though -- thoughtful craftsmanship throughout.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: Fender 57 Tweed Deluxe - PCB?
Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 12:19 am
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Unadan wrote:
I looked into the Crema Wheat on their website, technically not a true 5E3. I'm sure it sounds nice but its twice the cost of the handbuilt Cox 5E3. Same with the Victoria - its a "5E3 type circuit" and more than twice the cost of the Cox.


Hey, I can't help it if I have Champaign taste (on a beer budget!!) :lol:

Snowy


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