5e3, 5c1, 5F1? Newbie question, what do these numbers mean?

[joel_ostrom]

I'm new to amp building in general, but i've seen a lot of these numbers and codes thrown around on amp building sites but i'm wondering what it is that they refer to? I realize that they're obviously referring to different types of amps with different specs but i just wanted to know if anybody could explain them or give me a link to an info site that categorizes them and explains the differences and meanings of these codes.

Thanks!

[tribi9]

Im not a 100% sure but could it be revisions?

[martin manning]

These are the Fender model numbers for 1963 and earlier amps. They are basically a date, model, and revision code for the circuit.

[Firestorm]

Fender model numbers from the 50's and early 60s tell you the whole history of the line. The numbers are arranged Number-Letter-Number. The first number indicates the decade (5 is 50s, 6 is 60s); the letter indicates the revision number to a particular circuit (A is essentially the prototype version -- we don't see many amps with As (or Bs for that matter)). The final number is the model in order of its development or introduction: 1 is the Champ; 2 is the Princeton; 3 is the Deluxe; 4 is the Super; 5 is the Pro; 6 is the Bassman; 7 is the Bandmaster; 8 is the Twin; 9 is the Tremolux; 10 is the Harvard; 11 is the Vibrolux; 12 is the Concert; 13 is the Vibrasonic; 14 is the Showman; 15 is the Reverb unit; 16 is the Vibroverb. In 1963, the naming system changes, so you start seeing different amps with the same circuit number: AA763, AB763, AC568 and so on.

[tribi9]

So the letter part IS the revision. Good to know I wasn't wrong. I thought the OP was asking what the different letters meant based on the examples he gave. I assumed that he did know they were Fender codes.

My bad carry on.

Firestorm thanks for the complete info you got 2 birds with one stone.

Just the other night I was looking at the differences between the 5C3 and the 5D3 at first I thought it was only the preamp tubes but I think there may be a couple of other differences as well. Im gonna go ahead and take a better look later on today.

[John_P_WI]

Joel,

Off topic - I have not talked to him in nearly 20 years and do not know if he is still in the business, but John McIntyre of MusicTech was one of the best amp techs going and he was located in Calgary. Might be someone you could look up and learn from.....

John

[labb]

I really like the older Deluxe amps..I have built two of the 5B3's. I think they are really good sounding amps..Only change that I made to the circuit was to change the 6SC7 tubes to 6SL7.

[joel_ostrom]

Joel,

Off topic - I have not talked to him in nearly 20 years and do not know if he is still in the business, but John McIntyre of MusicTech was one of the best amp techs going and he was located in Calgary. Might be someone you could look up and learn from.....

John

I have not heard of John McIntyre. There is an amp builder here in Calgary by the name of Keith McNiel who builds amps under the name of Clara Amps. I've spoken with him once before and he's well known in the area and is highly regarded as the best when it comes to amps in Calgary.

Cheers!

[M Fowler]

I have not heard of John McIntyre. There is an amp builder here in Calgary by the name of Keith McNiel who builds amps under the name of Clara Amps. I've spoken with him once before and he's well known in the area and is highly regarded as the best when it comes to amps in Calgary.

Yes he is a member here and on Hoffman forums.

Mark