Here is a chart to help “decode” the model numbers of vintage Fender amplifiers. There is usually a model number on the tube chart on the inside wall of the amplifier’s cabinet. Some examples of a model number would be 5E3, 5F6-A and 6G3. See what these numbers mean below.
The 1st number denotes the year:
5 = 1950’s era
6 = 1960’s era
The 2nd letter denotes the year that corresponds to the cabinet type:
A = 1950-51, TV Front
B = 1952-53, TV Front, Wide Panel
C = 1953-54, Wide Panel
D = 1954-55, Wide Panel
E = 1955-61, Narrow Panel
F = 1956-61, Narrow Panel
G = 1960-64, Brown, Blonde, and Early Black Tolex
The 3rd Number denotes the amp model:
1 = Champion or Champ
2 = Princeton
3 = Deluxe
4 = Super
5 = Pro
6 = Bassman
7 = Bandmaster
8 = Twin
9 = Tremolux
10 = Harvard
11 = Vibrolux
12 = Concert
13 = Vibrasonic
14 = Showman
15 = Outboard Reverb Unit of the Pre-CBS Period
16 = Vibroverb
A Letter following the 3rd number denotes a revision of the amps circuit. For example 5F6-A or 5E4-A.
Photos provided by MyFenderChamp.com. A really cool blog about the mighty Fender Champ!
My shop is located at 1 Executive Dr Unit L Toms River, NJ 08755
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions or are in need of some tech work.
- Monday: 10am - 5pm
- Tuesday: 10am - 5pm
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 10am - 5pm
- Friday: 10am - 5pm
- Saturday 10am - 2pm. (I am in every other Saturday).
I am also an Eminence, Mercury Magnetics, Mojo Musical Supply dealer.
I do all the tech work myself so you deal directly with me. I am a one man shop and my hours can vary so please contact me to confirm that I will be open.
Email me: billy@300guitars.com
Call or text me: 848-218-0362
Shipping Info for all repair work:
Please ship all repairs to: 1 Executive Dr Unit L Toms River, NJ 08755
I am currently offering all phases of guitar work which includes:
- Set-ups
- Fret dressing
- Re-fretting
- New hand cut custom bone nuts & saddles
- Electronics work
And amplifier work which includes:
- Basic maintenance
- Bias adjustment
- Repairs and restorations
- Modifications
- And more....
Testimonials:
David Nicholas - The 20watt amp is sounding fantastic! Delivered the goods at the gig and I'm finding cool tones all over the place with it. Love the cab w Emenince Tonkerlites too- perfect for my sounds! Makes the 12 string sound like a grand piano!
Peter Lacis - I had an audition for something recently that was all about Led Zeppelin I -- my custom Pennalizer BLEW THE MINDS of the guys I was playing with. They couldn't believe the sounds coming out of that amp. That album was never in my mind when I came up with the idea....so that's yet another testament to the amazing work that you do.
Scott Goldberg - I am very satisfied with the set-up, and the fast turn around. With the "lower" action it feels easier to play. I will definitely spread the word.