5G9 Tremolux

TOPOLOGY
Two channels, each with high and low sensitivity inputs. A 12AY7 is used for the first gain stage and is followed by a simple one knob tone stack as found in the Deluxe and Princeton amps. Separate but interactive volume controls lead straight into a long tail pair phase inverter. There’s no negative feedback. Two fixed bias 6V6’s drive a single 12″ speaker. The amp features a two stage 12AX7 tremolo circuit which varies the bias on the power tubes, providing a deep rich tremolo effect.

DESCRIPTION

The Tremolux is a rather unusual combination of typical Leo Fender ideas. The preamp is straight out of a tweed Deluxe: 12AY7 tube, interactive volume controls, simple one-knob tone control. This leads into a long tail pair phase inverter. The LTP was common in the blackface amps, but rarely seen in the tweed era. I can’t think of any other Leo-designed amp that combines this preamp and this phase inverter. The power section is built around fixed bias 6V6 tubes with abundant filtering (four 20uf capacitors) and a choke on the power rail. This means smooth, quiet power without a lot of sag. Surprisingly, there’s no negative feedback. The tremolo is a two stage, bias wiggle affair for the deepest swampiest trem you’ve ever heard. The crowning touch was to house this relatively low powered amp in a big 20″ x 22″ cabinet with a single 12″ speaker. This gives the Tremolux a unique presence and sound stage.

This is the best tweed amp you’ve never heard. They were made in relatively small numbers originally, and there are few reproductions available today. For some reason, modern players stampede to the 5E3 Deluxe looking for “the tweed sound,” and pass this gem by. But I’d say it was one of the best amps Leo ever designed. It straddles the line between tweed and blackface and features one of the best tremolos ever. At 20 watts, it’s right sized for home, studio, or stage.

BASE CONFIGURATION
Weber A12Q speaker, Mercury Magnetics transformers, Jupiter Yellow capacitors, carbon composition resistors.

Base Price $1850