Whats the best "Fender" 5E3 ciruit amp?

[tonepolice]

The question says it all. Preferably in the low watts (below 30watt). Has to be a 'Fender'. So which is the best one out there? Thanks a lot.

[bluesjuke]

Most are good.
Personally I use the Victoria.
You can go cheaper if you prefer & do well too.

[GuitarsFromMars]

The 5E3 circuit is a cathode bias circuit using two 6V6's,and produces between 12 and about 18 watts.A 25 watt amp is going to require more transformer than a stock Tweed Deluxe circuit provides,and probably larger tubes(say a pair of 6L6's)as well,to get you to that wattage.

[bluetweed]

Hands down the Clark Beaufort!

[teleamp]

Originally Posted by GuitarsFromMars

The 5E3 circuit is a cathode bias circuit using two 6V6's,and produces between 12 and about 18 watts.A 25 watt amp is going to require more transformer than a stock Tweed Deluxe circuit provides,and probably larger tubes(say a pair of 6L6's)as well,to get you to that wattage.

+1

There is no real best 5E3, if a builder minds his/her P's & Q's, uses decent tubes and a speaker suited for the amp, it will sound good PERIOD. It is just a matter of how much you want to spend. When you see all the prices of new boutiques ($2000-$5000), $2500 for an original starts to seem reasonable.

I have a homebrew 5E3 I made using transformers that could run either 6V6 or 6L6's. I am using a set of JAN 6L6WGB's and an alnico speaker......THIS is my favorite 5E3, it sounds fantastic, huge bottom and when I crank it with my tele on the bridge pup, it is truly amazing. Great overdrive and single note soloing sings like no tomorrow. BTW, the circuit is straight up 5E3. The amp is very quiet, much quieter than most.

Mike

[Jim S]

I'd consider Richter, SDG, Mission, Lil Dawg (he's backed up in orders), etc. Why pay double or more for a Victoria when these builder have great solid reputations?

[gkoelling]

I've talked to Scott at Celtic Amps. He builds a 5E3 for just $800.00 and uses Mercury Magnetics transformers and Weber speakers. I'm not ready for one yet but when I am, I'll likely give him a call.

Here's a link with pics, inside and out.

http://www.celticamps.com/Aislinn.html

Good luck in your search.

[noises ten]

I like mine that came from:

www.oldfieldtubeamps.com

I had mine modified a bit, but it started life as a 5E3 circuit. The amp is really great.... and very reasonably priced.

[Boogie92801]

How close to a 5E3 is the Bad Cat Classic Cat? I think it has some black face going on as well? I just bought one but it won't be here for another day. The clips make it sound like a cleaner louder tweed deluxe.. HMMMM just wondreing.

I was actually looking for a tweed deluxe when I ran across the BC for a good price... the build quality is above any of the tweed clone makers including Victoria or clark. But tone is not always a result of build quality.

[tonepolice]

Guys, I said "Fender" Only. Carry on...

[Weathered]

If you want a 'Fender' 5E3, you have two options. Either an original 50's era 5E3, or the new handwired RI 5E3, neither of which are the most cost effective. Is there a reason that you are drawn to owning a 'Fender', apart from the name? A lot of the guys building 5E3 amps out there are making great amps, and aren't charging an arm and a leg to build them.

[gkoelling]

Originally Posted by tonepolice

Guys, I said "Fender" Only. Carry on...

If you're hung up on the logo, your choices are a late 50's Deluxe, or the current reissue, as Weatherhed mentioned.

From what I understand many of the independent builders are using parts as good, or better than the Fender reissue and you'll spend hundreds more for the Fender.

Good luck in your search.

[myles111]

The best tweed deluxe circuit to my ears is the 5E3

[Woodshed]

The best tweed deluxe circuit to my ears is the 5E3

I've read this over and over and still wonder what exactly makes the 5E3 "better" than the 5A3, 5B3, 5C3 or 5D3. Makes me wonder if people have actually played good examples of each circuit or just buy into the internet rumor taken as truth scenario. Obviously Miles has probably played all of the above and made a informed decision but I know alot of people will say all metal envelope Deluxes will be microphonic, not loud enough, and too clean. I have three nice examples right now nd two out of the three sound better than the Clark Beaufort I have to compare them with. No microphonic tubes and grit to spare. They actually sound much more wooly and ragged, probably a testament to the old tubes and original Jensen P12R's. I have owned lots of these amps and to my ears they are every bit as good as a vintage Fender tweed 5E3, which I have played but not owned. It actually works to my advantage as this keeps the prices low on the "inferior" circuits while clean 5E3 are now in the $4000-5000 realm. To my ear the only real difference is a little less volume. Case in point is my "inferior" 5C1 Tweed Champ compared to my "superior" 5F1, the wide panel just plain slays the narrow panel as far as tone goes, but it is a little quieter. Oh well, guess I'll just keep on hording the "inferior" ones.

Scott

[Boogie92801]

Originally Posted by tonepolice

Guys, I said "Fender" Only. Carry on...

???

Well there is only one "Fender" 5E3 circuit; er ah, it's the 5E3 by Fender.

I belive that earlier it was the 5EC (also a good sounding amp but not as poular) and then the 5ED and brown face amps afterwards.

My question was is the Bad Cat a version of a 5E3 or is it a compleately diffrent animal (no pun intended).