Relics of Rock - '51 Deluxe
1951 Fender Deluxe 5A3 - Part I
I can’t remember the exact year that I was gifted this relic of the past… but it was definitely pre-COVID. That seems to be the way I date events lately. If I had to guess, it was between 2015-2018. For the sake of anonymity, I won’t reveal who gifted me such a treasure. However, I will tell you that I’ve known this person since I was 15 years old. The connection and story is so personal and special to me, as it is also a relic of my past.
To this wonderful, kind human… you know who you are; thank you. Thank you for this generous gift - but most importantly, thank you for being a most gracious guide to a young musician.
This blog is for you!
The Reveal
Yes, that’s the original cover.
When I received this ol’ gem, I was told (by a pal in Nashville) “do not plug this in and turn it on under any circumstances.” So, for once, I actually followed directions. For the past 5-8 years, it just sat in storage in Nashville. Over the summer, I brought it to Ohio for safe storage at my family’s homestead. Something told me to bring it here - and I did. While visiting three weeks ago exactly - I plugged it in and turned it on. I couldn't resist anymore. I knew the place I was storing it had very low power (old house)… and thought, “what the hell.” Pandel was there too - and my, oh my… were we ever shocked (not literally, thankfully - definitely was worried about that). Check out that old plug. Yikes.
So, anyways… we didn’t get zapped. What we did experience was the sweetest sound we’ve ever heard coming out of an amp. This beauty is everything I’ve imagined the holy grail of amps sounding like… crystal clear, clean, simple, and at just the right volume it colors with the most intensely beautiful overdrive. Wow.
Actually, when Pandel plugged in his vintage Gold Top… he actually said that, multiple times. Wow. Wow. Wow. He was like a little kid playing guitar for the first time… it made my heart so happy to see and hear.
I should mention that this 72 year old amplifier fired right up and worked. It probably hadn’t been turned on in around 40 years (maybe I’m wrong - but the dust and dirt say otherwise). They truly don’t make them like this anymore. When my newer top-of-the-line gear sat in storage (in my house, mind you) for months on end due to COVID - it had gremlins for months when I finally used it again. Gremlins from sitting for roughly 8-10 months. Months, people… not 72 years.
After we relished in its pure sonic bliss for awhile… we turned it off. However, Pandel made me promise him that I wouldn’t plug it in, turn it on, or try to play it again (until it was safe to do so). Once again… I actually listened and followed directions. Not my usual MO.
Some observations and history:
Someone over its life-span covered it in spray-on truck bed liner (or something of the sort). Why? I have no idea… but it definitely makes for good conversation and speculation. I’m overjoyed that the original tweed still pops through.
This amp was sitting in the back of a closet for decades (with the original cover on it). That blows my mind.
Look at that handle. I was recently told to cradle this amp like a baby and never use the handle again… because most of them become dry rotted and will break. Thanks for the sound advice, Nick.
Original speaker (which seems to be in outstanding shape).
Serial number is 4436… dating it back to 1951.
Here’s a full glimpse into the original condition of this amp.
So, where is it now? Last Thursday it made the journey back to Nashville… I took it straight to my friends at Hime Amplification. Jeff and Nick do amazing work… I’ve truly left it in the best hands. I can’t wait to see and hear new life breathed into this relic of rock.
Maybe I’m a fool, but I plan on touring with this amp - using it every chance I can. Will I be stressed all the time watching it like a damn hawk? Yes, yes, I will.
Will it be sonically worth that stress? Abso-fucking-lutely. I believe so.
I can’t wait for you all to hear this… actually, I can’t wait to hear it again!
Part II coming soon.
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