Product ReviewsMusical Instruments Ser.: Amplifiers and Pedals: Fender Amps : The First Fifty Years by John Sprung and John Teagle (1995, Hardcover)

Good book, just not good enough !

This book does an adequate and thorough job of describing almost any amplifier you might have or are looking to get(up until 1995), which is fine!
However, there are some people like myself that ALSO wanted dating information which the book sorely lacked. Let me explain, I've been looking on-line at "chassis serial number" date info and some sources (E.G Vintage Guitar magazine) which have numbers that conflict with internet sources putting one particular Fender "VIBRO-CHAMP" at two(2) different years.
Wanting accurate conformation, I researched one of Fenders websites which recommended this book as a dating source. Well, I purchased this book and read it from cover to cover. Inside, the section "dating your Fender amp" I read statements like "If there is no master volume control on your Twin-Reverb, then consider it an early seventies model, that's close enough", and in reference to serial numbers,"Someone should compile a gigantic list", WOW!
I found at least one HUGE inaccuracy on dating speakers. The writers claim with Jensen speaker codes, that in the 60's, to clarify the decade of manufacture,the number immediately following #220 was expanded from one(1), to two(2) digits. I know from experience(and written record)that this did not happen until the 80's or 90's ! Also the "Availability Charts with Prices" section was printed upside down! Yes, I had to turn the book upside down to read those six(6) pages!
All that being said, I would recommend anyone looking for info on Fender amps to obtain this book. It is informative, and you'll learn from it. Just don't take everything it states as absolute gospel! Until Fender produces a book of their own (and they may have, and I just don't know it), We are forced to "read around", and judge for ourselves, and that's just what I didn't want to have to do.
MikeRead full review...

A must for Fendet amp collectors

The best reference available for vintage Fender amp collectors... the authors did there homework and it's a great resource!

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Fender Amps

Lots of information, could of been longer but where would you stop, try to cover all the bases on fender amps, different types, variations, years they were made. colored pictures of the different tolexs used as well as the grill cloths that were used. Considering Fender didn't even have records of what they did, when they did it, It is truly amazing these guys were able to compile such an elaborate amount of information as well as pictures of the different amps. If your into Fender amps I would say it is well worth buying if only for a historical reference of the genius that was Leo Fender.Read full review...

Book review

Put together very well. Pretty much covered all of the vintage amps plus

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Fender Amps book review

Great reference source for technical development and historical timelines. Very detailed about electronic circuits, aesthetics and more about all the Fender amps and related products from the companies beginnings until the mid-late 90's.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: zuber

A Must Have for any Fender enthusist

Wonderful and very thorough look into the history of Fender Amps. A collectors resource for sure.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: collectablecraz...

Fender amp history book

The best book about Fender amps.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: zuber

Informative, interesing book. Great color images.

I bought the book as a reference guide. It helped to learn a little more about the Fender amps I own.It also gave a great history about the Fender company.