1960 Fender Vibrolux 5F11

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this 1960 Fender Vibrolux (Model 5F11, Serial No. 03765)—a superb example of Fender’s classic tweed-era tremolo amplifier and one of the most musically versatile small-format combos of the period.

Introduced in 1956, the Vibrolux holds a special place in Fender history as the company’s first amplifier to feature built-in tremolo, debuting alongside the larger Tremolux. The 5F11 circuit remained essentially unchanged throughout its production run, a testament to how fully realized the design was from the outset. With its fixed-bias, dual-6V6 output section and bias-modulated tremolo, the Vibrolux delivers a unique balance of clarity, warmth, and dynamic response—offering more headroom and authority than many contemporaneous tweed models while retaining the unmistakable sweetness of late-’50s Fender tone.

This 1960 example presents in very good plus cosmetic and operational condition and has been professionally serviced, dialed in, and is ready to play. The original tweed covering remains intact, displaying an attractive, honest patina with moderate wear consistent with age. The chassis chrome is notably clean, with approximately 95% of the original white silk-screen lettering intact, and the original tube chart remains present and legible, bearing a 1960 date stamp.

Importantly, this Vibrolux is largely original where it matters most. It retains its original tweed, cabinet, grille cloth and baffle, back panels, knobs, pots, press-on tube shields, tube chart, and most hardware. The amp is equipped with its original Jensen Alnico P10R speaker (code 220-945, 45th week of 1959), as well as its original Triad power transformer and Schumacher output transformer—all fully consistent with the production period.

From a service standpoint, the amplifier has been thoughtfully and respectfully maintained with performance and longevity in mind. It has received a professional recap using high-quality components, with new electrolytics discreetly housed inside the original Astron Minimite cardboard sleeves to preserve a period-correct appearance. Original potentiometers have been cleaned and deoxidized for smooth, noise-free operation, and a modern grounded power cord has been installed for safety. The original Astron .005µF tone capacitor remains intact, while select bypass capacitors have been upgraded using blue Ajax-style components for improved reliability and reduced noise. The amp is supplied with quality NOS tubes and performs exceptionally well.

It should be noted that some carbon composition resistors were replaced with carbon film types prior to our ownership—a common and widely accepted modification that typically results in lower noise without materially altering the amp’s character. As with all vintage Fender amplifiers from this era, it is recommended that the amp be operated at period-correct wall voltage (110–115V) using a BrownBox or similar device to ensure optimal performance and long-term health.

A non-original brown footswitch is included, along with select replaced parts and the original handle. The amp has been well cared for throughout its life, including prior ownership by an amplifier technician, and it remains a strong, inspiring example of one of Fender’s most musically complete tweed designs.

Altogether, this is a well-preserved, professionally serviced 1960 Fender Vibrolux that offers exceptional tone, historical significance, and real-world usability. For players and collectors alike, the 5F11 Vibrolux stands apart as a remarkably capable and rewarding vintage amplifier—and this example delivers on every front.

Specifications

Model & Origin

• Model: Fender Vibrolux (5F11)

• Serial Number: 03765

• Year: 1960

• Country of Manufacture: USA

Chassis & Electronics

• Circuit: 5F11 Tweed Vibrolux

• Output Power: Approx. 10 watts

• Controls: Volume, Tone, Tremolo Speed, Tremolo Depth

• Transformers: Original Triad power & Schumacher output

• Power Cord: Upgraded 3-prong

Speaker & Cabinet

• Speaker: Original Jensen Alnico P10R (220-945)

• Cabinet: Original Vibrolux combo cabinet

• Covering & Grille: Original tweed with brown grille cloth

Cosmetic & Functional Condition

• Overall Condition: Very Good+; attractive patina with honest wear

• Originality: Largely original with professional, sympathetic servicing

• Functionality: Fully functional; serviced and ready to play