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. No negative feedback. Two fixed bias 6V6’s drive a single 12″ speaker. The amp features a two stage 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 classic tweed era, and comes straight out of the 5E3 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 black panel amps, but almost never used in the tweed era. There’s no other Leo-designed amp that combines this preamp and this phase inverter. The power section is built around fixed bias 6V6 tubes (more power, tighter sound) with a choke on the power rail and extra filtering in the form of four 20uf capacitors. This means smooth, quiet power without a ton of sag. Finally, there’s no negative feedback, resulting in more dynamic and slightly grittier sound. The tremolo that Leo featured in this amp is a two stage “bias wiggle” affair for the deepest swampiest trem you’ve ever heard. The crowning touch for the Tremolux was to house this relatively low powered amplifier in a big 20″ x 22″ cabinet with a single 12″ speaker. This gives the 5G9 impressive presence and sound stage.

The 5G9 Tremolux 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 the modern player.

BASE CONFIGURATION
Weber A12Q speaker, Mercury Magnetics and Soursound transformers, Vishay MKT1813 coupling capacitors.

Base Price $1950