The 5F6 Bassman and the 5E3 Deluxe get the lion's share of attention when it comes to Tweed Era Fender amplifiers. We totally get it. I mean, those amps became classics almost as soon as they rolled off of the production line. But a closer look into Fender's amplifier lineup in the mid and late 50s reveals one of the very best of what Fender had to offer in a smaller, low wattage combo - the 5F10 Harvard.

The 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 and overdrive when pushed.

This 1956 build as identified by the interior tube chart stamp features its original Tweed covering and cabinet along with the back panel, original grill cloth and speaker baffle, and original chassis. The power transformer is original to the amp, and the output transformer is a Stancor OT dated the 40th week of 1959. The amp has been recently serviced with a recap and is currently loaded with a great sounding Warehouse G10 Veteran 20 watt ceramic speaker along with a new speaker lead.

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

• Original 5F10 circuit - 10 Watts output
• Tube chart stamp 'FF' indicates June 1956 production
• 6AT6 preamp tube
• 12AX7 phase inverter tube
• (2) 6V6 power tubes
• Original NYT power transformer
• Replaced output transformer - Stancor made in the 40th week of 1959
• Replaced fuse holder
• Recap and replaced power cord
• Replaced speaker - Warehouse G10 Veteran 20 watt 10"