65 years later, amps like this 1957 Fender Harvard remind us that some of the simplest amplifier designs from this period need no evolution.

Why We Love This

The Fender 5F10 Harvard is widely considered to be the very best of what Fender had to offer in a smaller, low wattage combo.

Fender's 5F10 Harvard was positioned between the Tweed Princeton and Deluxe models of the period, offering players a true sweet spot in the lineup. Louder than a Princeton, but quieter than a Deluxe, and with a more unique preamp stage and overall feel that's a little cleaner and clearer sounding that both of those other amps. Legendarily affiliated with session ace Steve Cropper, the Harvard delivers that Tweed-like immediacy and bounce with some great natural tube compression. The original Jensen P10R provides that classic American alnico voice, with a reedy top end and wonderful compression when pushed.

This particular amp was built in late 1957 and has remained in great overall condition. The tweed exterior is in great shape with very light fraying throughout and great color from the aging lacquer. The transformers are original to the amp and the circuit received some fresh filter caps just a few years ago. The grill cloth has been replaced with a proper Oxblood replacement, and a vintage style leather handle replaced the original some years ago.