Gibson GA-5 Tube Amplifier (1957)
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Item # 10367
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Gibson GA-5 Model Tube Amplifier (1957), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 15984, white tolex finish.
This fearsome little beast is Gibson's GA-5, Kalamazoo's equivalent to Fender's ubiquitous tweed Champ. Much like that familiar stalwart it puts out a big 5 watts of very serious growl through a 6" speaker. Paired in 1960 with the Korina Skylark steel guitar as a student level set, the GA-5 had previously been designated the "Les Paul Jr. TV" amp. The sound of a late 50's Junior, or any other guitar with a similar output through this golden blonde honker is inspiring, to say the least! Despite an impressive total of over three thousand of these amps being shipped in 1957 and again in 1958, they do not show up as often as we might like today.
Like the Fender Champ, the Skylark sports a single volume control and two instrument inputs, though, unlike that competitor it is provided with the luxury of a wholly separate power switch! The tubes are the expected compliment of a 12AX7, a single 6V6 and a 5Y3, in this case all Gibson-branded RCA made. This GA-5 cabinet is covered in white textured Tolex with a rear-mounted control panel, built slightly less heavily than the nearly indestructible Champ but still designed to survive the abuses of teenage (and younger) student players. While at the bottom of Gibson's amp line the GA-5 is a tonal monster, ranging from sweet to searing all as under-the-desk recording-friendly volume levels.
Height is 13 in. (33 cm.), 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm.) width, and 7 in. (17.8 cm.) deep.
This Skylark is a very clean specimen, with only occasional scuffs and wear to the tolex. The original handle has been replaced with a very high quality reproduction made by Bob Brookwood of Brookwood Leather. The faceplate shows some light staining but is overall in excellent shape with most of the stenciled graphics intact. The original gold plastic Gibson logo is present and the grille cloth is in immaculate shape, showing no notable signs of tearing or fraying.
Electrically, the amp is nicely original, retaining both the original power and output transformers, marked GA-5 and 549-732, respectively, dating the latter to the 32nd week of 1957. The volume pot is original and dates to the 24th week of 1957. The speaker is a newer 8" Jensen C8R ceramic speaker which compliments the amp wonderfully, allowing it to be cranked convincingly without endangering a fragile original cone. The amp has received our standard servicing, including replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, a 3-prong power cord as well as all jacks, sockets and pots cleaned and output tubes biased to spec.
This is a great example, in very fine condition with a truly roaring sound and will make a fabulous gigging companion or studio recording amp. Excellent Condition.
This fearsome little beast is Gibson's GA-5, Kalamazoo's equivalent to Fender's ubiquitous tweed Champ. Much like that familiar stalwart it puts out a big 5 watts of very serious growl through a 6" speaker. Paired in 1960 with the Korina Skylark steel guitar as a student level set, the GA-5 had previously been designated the "Les Paul Jr. TV" amp. The sound of a late 50's Junior, or any other guitar with a similar output through this golden blonde honker is inspiring, to say the least! Despite an impressive total of over three thousand of these amps being shipped in 1957 and again in 1958, they do not show up as often as we might like today.
Like the Fender Champ, the Skylark sports a single volume control and two instrument inputs, though, unlike that competitor it is provided with the luxury of a wholly separate power switch! The tubes are the expected compliment of a 12AX7, a single 6V6 and a 5Y3, in this case all Gibson-branded RCA made. This GA-5 cabinet is covered in white textured Tolex with a rear-mounted control panel, built slightly less heavily than the nearly indestructible Champ but still designed to survive the abuses of teenage (and younger) student players. While at the bottom of Gibson's amp line the GA-5 is a tonal monster, ranging from sweet to searing all as under-the-desk recording-friendly volume levels.
Height is 13 in. (33 cm.), 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm.) width, and 7 in. (17.8 cm.) deep.
This Skylark is a very clean specimen, with only occasional scuffs and wear to the tolex. The original handle has been replaced with a very high quality reproduction made by Bob Brookwood of Brookwood Leather. The faceplate shows some light staining but is overall in excellent shape with most of the stenciled graphics intact. The original gold plastic Gibson logo is present and the grille cloth is in immaculate shape, showing no notable signs of tearing or fraying.
Electrically, the amp is nicely original, retaining both the original power and output transformers, marked GA-5 and 549-732, respectively, dating the latter to the 32nd week of 1957. The volume pot is original and dates to the 24th week of 1957. The speaker is a newer 8" Jensen C8R ceramic speaker which compliments the amp wonderfully, allowing it to be cranked convincingly without endangering a fragile original cone. The amp has received our standard servicing, including replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, a 3-prong power cord as well as all jacks, sockets and pots cleaned and output tubes biased to spec.
This is a great example, in very fine condition with a truly roaring sound and will make a fabulous gigging companion or studio recording amp. Excellent Condition.