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1960 Fender Vibrasonic 5G13 Amplifier - Collector Quality RARE - $6,500 (Denver)
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A rare opportunity.
I am listing this for a couple reasons. First, I wanted to share the extensive research I've compiled about this rarity and piece of "Fender history" since I've owned the amp the last 30+ years. Also, since this amp only rarely gets used, I thought there might be a collector or player who has interest in becoming its next "custodian". I've always cherished this amp, along with my '61 (first year) spring reverb unit.
One of the rarest of Fender amps, and also a trailblazer: Fender’s first Tolex-covered amp with forward-facing control panel (the controls faced out instead of being on top like on the tweeds), the Vibrasonic debuted as the “top of the line” (aka "most expensive") Fender amp at the time. It had briefly replaced the “Twin”, which was taken out of production due to warranty issues. It also had features that distinguished it: 40w, an “interleaved” O/P transformer that was larger and had more headroom; a larger cabinet size than amps such as the “Pro”, and… the JBL speaker, which could handle more power. The Vibrasonic, in 1960, was part of what Fender called the "Professional Series", that also included the Bandmaster, Concert, Pro, Super and Twin). It was certainly one of the first "brownfaces" that Fender debuted in 1959. This one is a rare-- only made late ’59 to ’62 in the early “Brown-face” version. (In general, the brown-face amps debuted in 1959 and were made transitionally in between the “tweed” and the “black-face” amps in the later 60’s.) This specimen is an early rare one that is in mostly original VG/EX condition. The tube chart is stamped “JB” (1960, February), and also stamped with the model/circuit: “5G13” (the 5 in 1st digit is for the 50’s decade). With its dual 5881 power section, this 40w amp has what appears to be the original awesome sounding JBL D130F 15” 8-ohm speaker (serial number 49458 but no other codes stamped; JBL speakers cannot be dated). The speaker may be original cone but it has a small old cone repair. This was the first Fender amp in production to use a JBL speaker. Power transformer (made by Triad) is stamped on top 66233 (part number). The smaller choke is 14684 (on the paper) and the other “Fender” o/p transformer is stamped 45550 (also a Triad). Inside, visible pot codes are 137-6008 (1960, week 08). Chassis # in metal is 00099, which makes it one of first 100 off the production line! Correctly, for earliest ones, the back of amp has a plugged hole called “pulse adj”-- this was originally going to be to adjust the waveform of the tremolo. There are several other plugged holes that go nowhere on the back as well; not sure why. The brown (“gold stripe) grill cloth looks to be original and has a few scuffs and small tears but is still very nice. Fender started using wheat cloth in 1962. Fender shifted from tweed to Tolex in 1960 and the light brown Tolex here is also in pretty good shape, maybe a little faded in color, mostly on top of amp (it is the pinkish-brown Tolex). There are some stains on top (I am told they are from knots in wood that stain the Tolex… very common on lighter colored ones, especially white ones.) The top plywood baffle has a small wood filler repair to fix a burn mark from a hot tube. It even has the original dark brown plastic Fender "dogbone" handle.
This amp has the exact same control panel as the '60 Bandmaster. The original 50 or so of these amps had anodized aluminum knobs. Here, we have the original brown bakelite knobs, as well as the logo badge and nickel hardware (not rusted!). Speaking of the knobs-- only the first Vibrasonics had the center VOL knob! Both VOL knobs are to the right of the BASS and TREBLE knobs-- a feature that did not last long (how many times did I attempt to turn up the volume but only got a "bass boost"!?) The Vibrasonic featured the “presence” control knob. What the heck is this, you ask? This boosted mids/highs (hence, “presence”) and has a special effect when amp is distorting. A very long 3-prong chord was added. New feet were added at some point. This amp has 2 Sovtek power tubes (6L6GC’s) that have spring holders. There are 5 12AX7 tubes, 2 of which are for the tremolo circuit. Amp is pretty loud for its power size, and the JBL really sings for certain kinds of music and sound. Inside I can see a couple newer capacitors, but most of the yellow Astrons are there. Also has original footswitch (sans bottom plastic). Checked out by NBS Electronics. Since the FIRST one of these had serial 00001, this one is the 98th one made—the oldest I’ve seen. The Vibrasonic was only made until 1964, so it is also rare from that standpoint. Lots of clean headroom, so the heavy-duty transformers from the 80watt showman were used. (This amp has same chassis as the Showman, with half the 626 tubes). The Vibrasonic featured a new “harmonic vibrato” tremolo system, that emulates true “pitch shifting” and is Leslie-esque! How this tremolo was designed is a fascinating study of its own! It was quite an innovation. This amp has a replacement special-order cover, and believe it or not, still has the original footswitch that operate the tremolo! These amps are loved by steel players, jazz players and quintessential for surf music sound (think Beach Boys). I'm thinking it would pair nice with that $40K 1960 Fender Stratocaster!
Just had a guitarist from New York put this amp through some serious paces-- very high volumes, both channels (we were literally shaking the walls, and my puppy is wounded for life!). What we both noted was this amp had literally no breakup until pushed very loud. The brightness and clarity of the 15" JBL and the headroom from the electronics are simply stunning. It is easy to see why this amp could be the best there is for pedal or steel players (also clean for jazz). The amp is certainly a bit of a "niche" amp-- very unique, very focused. There was not even a hint of noise-- no pops, sizzle, crackle, hum... anything. Remarkable, considering the age and how long-ago servicing was for caps and 3-prong. Also of note-- the tremolo circuit was simply ridiculous, as was the impact and nuance of the "presence" feature and circuit. You kind of have to hear it to really get it. What a vibe. This particular amp is also in better and more-original condition than any other currently on the market, and it also has the lowest serial number of any I've seen. While the tube tag shows Feb 1960, the circuit board and internals all hail from 1959, that is for sure. This amp can be shipped, but a local sale would be best.