1960 FENDER PRINCETON 5F2-A TWEED

History:

The Fender Tweed Princeton 5F2-A is a classic tube amplifier that was produced by Fender Musical Instruments Corporation in the 1960s. To understand the history of this amplifier, we need to delve into the broader context of Fender’s development and the characteristics of the “Tweed” era.

In the late 1940s, Leo Fender revolutionized the guitar industry with the introduction of his electric guitars and amplifiers. Fender amplifiers were known for their solid construction, simple yet effective circuitry, and distinctive tone. The “Tweed” era refers to the period from the late 1940s to the early 1960s when Fender amplifiers featured a distinctive tweed fabric covering on their cabinets.

The Fender Tweed Princeton 5F2-A was first introduced in 1953 as an evolution of its predecessor, the Tweed Princeton 5B2. The “5F2-A” designation indicates the amplifier’s circuitry and version. This particular model is highly regarded for its compact size and excellent tone, making it a popular choice among guitarists.

The 5F2-A circuit design featured a single 6V6 power tube, a 5Y3 rectifier tube, and two 12AX7 preamp tubes. It had a simple control layout, including Volume and Tone knobs, as well as an input jack for connecting the guitar. The amplifier delivered around 5 watts of output power, making it suitable for small venues and recording sessions.

The distinctive tweed-covered cabinet housed a single 8-inch speaker, typically a Jensen P8R or P8Q, which contributed to the amp’s unique tone. The tweed covering not only provided an appealing aesthetic but also offered some protection to the amplifier’s internals.

Throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, the Fender Tweed Princeton 5F2-A underwent a few minor revisions. These changes included component substitutions and slight circuit modifications to improve reliability and performance. However, the core tone and overall character of the amplifier remained consistent.

The Fender Tweed Princeton 5F2-A gained popularity among blues, country, and rock guitarists due to its warm and rich sound, responsive dynamics, and natural tube overdrive when pushed at higher volumes. It became a go-to choice for recording studios and musicians seeking a compact and portable amplifier with a distinct vintage tone.

In the mid-1960s, Fender transitioned from the tweed era to the “Blackface” era, introducing a new cosmetic design and circuitry changes to their amplifiers. As a result, the production of the Tweed Princeton 5F2-A ceased, making it a sought-after vintage amplifier among collectors and enthusiasts.

Over the years, the Fender Tweed Princeton 5F2-A has maintained its reputation as a beloved vintage amplifier. Its distinctive tone has inspired countless guitarists and has been sought after for its ability to deliver a classic, warm, and responsive sound. Today, vintage examples of the 1960 Fender Tweed Princeton 5F2-A are highly prized, and they continue to be revered for their unique place in the history of guitar amplification.

Specifications: