1965 Fender® Tremolux Black, Excellent

Offered for sale;

1965 Fender Tremolux

Truly, one of the holy grails of ampdom. 

Many feel that Leo Fender had reached amplifier perfection in the mid-1960s when he developed the famed "black face" series. Rich lows, sparkling highs and lots of headroom.

Born in 1955 as a 12 watt amp with an open back tweed cabinet, it ultimately evolved to the 40 watt piggy back amp head with a closed back 2 x 10" cabinet.

This specimen is in superb condition.

We did notice something interesting regarding the transformers:
Every manufacturer's code that we can see is dated 1965, except for two. The output transform is dated 1964. This sort of thing is normal. Parts often can hang around before they are shipped or installed. 

What is odd is the power transformer is dated July 1966 (606 635). Our first notion would be to date the amp as 1966. But the date code on the tube chart ("O I" stamped in black) is Sept 1965. Since all the solder connections look "factory" how can this be? We have a couple of educated guesses.

The "O I" stamp in green was used in 1966. Did someone on the production line in 1966 run out of green and use a black stamp pad that day? Maybe, but it would be unusual (although not impossible) for all the other codes to be 1965.

Maybe there was a problem with the original power transformer before the amp was shipped and it took almost a year before they got around to replacing it. CBS had only owned Fender for 9 months in Sept 1965. Who knows how quickly they could deal with a QC problem.

Maybe there was a problem with the original power transformer shortly after the amp was shipped and it was sent back to the factory for the repair.

All interesting theories. In any case it doesn't affect the amazing tone of this amp and it does make for interesting conversation (at least among history scholars and vintage amp fanatics).

The original 10" speakers were replaced with Eminences. These speakers were made specifically for an amp manufacturer so Eminence is not allowed to give me exact details about it (or who the manufacturer is). But they did say it is closest to their Alpha 10A. This is a very clean speaker with lots of head room, rated at 150 watts. The frequency response is 57hz to 4500hz.

All that said, they seem to be a great match to the cabinet and head. 
Own this significant piece of electric guitar amplifier history, collect it or play it. Just enjoy!

*Please note: we do our best giving descriptions of used pieces. We have found it impossible to describe every mark on an instrument or amp that is not in the "mint" category. Also, what's important to you may not be important to someone else. For example, you may say, "I don't care what it looks like as long as it plays or sounds well." Another person may say, "Body cosmetics are very important to me so tell me about every scratch, nick and blemish." So, please ask the questions that are most important to you. If you ask they will be answered. They are free and there's no limit. Additional photos can also be made available.

This is a specific item that is also being offered for sale in our brick & mortar location. It is possible that it has just been sold. Please ask if it is still available before purchasing.

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