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1959 Fender Princeton Narrow Panel Tweed Vintage Amp Near Mint, RCA Tubes

Estimated price for orientation: 2 399 $

Category: Fender Princeton
Class:











Description
Brand: Fender Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Model: Princeton Exact Year: 1959
MPN: Does Not Apply UPC: Does not apply


Up for sale, a 1959 Fender Princeton in exceptional condition, with collector-grade original tweed and a minty chrome faceplate. This narrow panel tweed amp is simply one of the nicest golden age Fender amps we've ever had the privilege of offering for sale here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, and the sound is every bit as desirable as the condition. With its narrow panel configuration, this Princeton is considered the "big box" version, with a cab that's far larger than the single 8" alnico speaker requires, and the resulting sound is deceptively round and rich for the relatively small speaker size. Complete with a Victoria Luggage canvas cover, this amp is a remarkable find with nearly flawless tweed.The design of the amp couldn't be more simple and pure, with single Volume and Tone knobs and a Class A circuit design, powered by a single 6V6 power tube. The tone is articulate, dynamic and commanding, with the sizzle and churning overdrive of a Champ, but with more tonal range and fuller low end. The top end response is just right, and the amp doesn't get too trebly, making the tone control quite usable for dialing in exactly as much zing and snap as you want (as opposed to trying to dial out undesirable frequencies).The circuit has been thoroughly maintained, with a complete recap of the main filters with high quality F&Ts, as well as a couple Sprague Orange Drops in the preamp as well. Both original Stackpole pots are intact (dating to the 16th week of 1959), with one stock yellow Astron capacitor attached to the tone pot, and many of the carbon comp resistors are original too. While the power transformer is the original made by Triad, the output transformer is a modern replacement made to original spec by Hammond. The power tube and 5Y3 rectifier are both RCA valves, while the single 12AX7 in the preamp is a Tung Sol, rounding out the vintage USA made tube compliment. Even the original two-prong gray power cable is present and in flawless shape. The speaker is an era-correct and factory spec Oxford which has been professionally reconed and features the stock cloth covered wiring harness with RCA end. The speaker has a very clean frame and dates all the way back to 1954. The tube chart is notable for its near mint condition as well, with perfect corners, virtually no aging, and the "IE" date stamp which translates to May of 1959.Of course the hallmark of any collector-grade Fender amp of this era is the condition of the tweed, and this amp is quite impressive in that regard. There is light, uniform ambering of the tweed, with only a couple extremely minute scuffs and nicks on the bottom right corner, and one small cigarette burn on the front edge on top. On the bottom, there is some staining from the rubber feet in a ring around the sphinx glides. The faceplate is dead mint, with perfect white silkscreen font, near perfect chrome, and a pair of original chicken head knobs.This amp is a true rarity, given its condition, and this particularly example has been carefully tested and inspected to insure originality and ideal functionality.A dark gray canvas Victoria Luggage cover is included.
Please check out our shop "Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar" on the web, and feel free to call us directly with any questions at 206.399.8518.
Shipping in the continental USA will be by FedEx Ground and will be $80, fully insured.  We use double thick boxes, 1" foam and industrial 1/2" bubble wrap to assure that your amp arrives safely. We will happily ship WORLDWIDE, but please contact us for an accurate international shipping quote before bidding or buying, as cost varies by buyer location.International orders will be declared as “merchandise,” and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. No exceptions! The customer is responsible for all taxes and duty, which may be collected upon delivery.We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please contact us with any questions or concerns prior to bidding or buying. We require payment within 48 hours of auction end. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs. Your positive feedback and five star ratings are very important to us, and we appreciate your communication in resolving any issues!