Description
A rare vintage 1980 Fender Model 140 tube amp head. Designed by the legendary Ed Jahns, the 140 was produced for less than a year and very few examples still exist. At a time when Fender was losing market share to relative newcomers like Mesa Boogie, this amp was clearly an attempt to break into that market. With its cascading gain stages and graphic equalizer, its features resemble those of the Mesa Mark series. At 140 watts, this amp is LOUD, but it does feature a half-power setting for playing slightly smaller arenas. The amp has plenty of available gain, and the tone controls offer a tremendous variety of sounds between the push-pull knobs and the graphic EQ. The optional original footswitch is not present. It will be required if you want to utilize the Lead Master section. Superior Music makes a modern repro, or if you're tech savy, there's lots of info online on how to build one.
The 140 is one of the last of the hand-wired, point-to-point Fender amps, and it is built like a tank--with huge Schumacher transformers. A modern amplifier built to these standards of quality would cost hundreds if not thousands more. This rare amp has a lot of bang for the buck and will make a great conversation piece after your ears stop ringing. It has been cleaned and serviced. It is fully functional and sounds great.
Overview
-Serial #: A742306
-Power Output: 140 or 70 Watts RMS
-Tubes: 6L6 (4), 12AT7 (3), 12AX7 (2)
-Controls: Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, Lead, Reverb, 90Hz, 240Hz, 750Hz, 2300Hz, 6200Hz, Lead Master, Master
-Dimensions: 26'' x 12.5'' x 10.5''
-Weight: 53 lbs
Cosmetics (see phtotos)
-original Tolex
-original grillcloth
-original handle
-original back panel
Electronics
-original transformers
-original circuitry
-original power cord
-no footswitch
