Gibson GA40 guitar amp . . .

[SirJackdeFuzz]

. . . what can you guys tell me about this amp ?


Is it based on something similar from that (early 60's) era, or is it totally it's own thing ?

I take it, it is a 40W amp (combo) ?

Mater, or Non-Master vol amp ?

Headroom ? Crunch ?



. . . talk to me !

 

[Aceman]

Re: Gibson GA40 guitar amp . . .

It is AWESOME! Originally a Trace Elliott design, sort of rretro modern for the time they were made (early 90's?).

They are the "Goldtone" series. MONSTER amps!

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Gibson GA40 guitar amp . . .

The vintage GA40 or the 90s Gibson amp with the same name?


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[Aceman]

Re: Gibson GA40 guitar amp . . .

I'm assuming the reissue….

A [whatever year] real GA 40….ouch! Assuming it works.

 

[SirJackdeFuzz]

Re: Gibson GA40 guitar amp . . .

The vintage GA40 or the 90s Gibson amp with the same name?


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I believe it is the REAL Deal this time !

. . . not the 90's RI.

 

[zzmoore]

Re: Gibson GA40 guitar amp . . .

I am no expert.
But these are kind of their own thing to a certain, basic extent. And they Are Basic.
The Mic/Number 1 Channel would be your Lead/Hot Channel.

The Tremolo channel has less gain, and a very nice sounding Trem.

The preamp has a pentode for each channel. Kind of an EF86...so they get A Lot of gain from a single tube.
The tone stack, for lack of better term, is kind of a Tweed fender Single Knob Tone Control.
But it is in a unique spot...in the output section of the circuit, between the PI and the Power Tubes.

It is Cat Biased, and they ran the Power Tubes at much more reasonable numbers than some of their Fender brethren....I believe about 300-320 VDC.

No, there is not going to be a MV on these amps.
They are a 2x6V6...so about 15-20 watts.

Speakers will add or subtract headroom of course.
Why do you ask, are you buying one.?

 

[SirJackdeFuzz]

Re: Gibson GA40 guitar amp . . .

I am no expert.
But these are kind of their own thing to a certain, basic extent. And they Are Basic.
The Mic/Number 1 Channel would be your Lead/Hot Channel.

The Tremolo channel has less gain, and a very nice sounding Trem.

The preamp has a pentode for each channel. Kind of an EF86...so they get A Lot of gain from a single tube.
The tone stack, for lack of better term, is kind of a Tweed fender Single Knob Tone Control.
But it is in a unique spot...in the output section of the circuit, between the PI and the Power Tubes.

It is Cat Biased, and they ran the Power Tubes at much more reasonable numbers than some of their Fender brethren....I believe about 300-320 VDC.

No, there is not going to be a MV on these amps.
They are a 2x6V6...so about 15-20 watts.

Speakers will add or subtract headroom of course.
Why do you ask, are you buying one.?

. . . there is a guy on this side of the pond who is selling his, so yes, i am looking into one right now

Thanks for the info mate !

 

[zzmoore]

Re: Gibson GA40 guitar amp . . .

I see.
Nice amps...worth buying for sure.!

All concerns for amps of this age apply.
Maintenance, cleaning, caps, grounded cord, etc.

Are you in the UK.?
This amp will be wired for 110-117 Volts...but more importantly...60Hz.
If it has been in use there...these concerns may very well have already been addressed.
good luck

 

[SirJackdeFuzz]

Re: Gibson GA40 guitar amp . . .

I see.
Nice amps...worth buying for sure.!

All concerns for amps of this age apply.
Maintenance, cleaning, caps, grounded cord, etc.

Are you in the UK.?
This amp will be wired for 110-117 Volts...but more importantly...60Hz.
If it has been in use there...these concerns may very well have already been addressed.
good luck

Many thanks for the info.

The seller has been using it form some time, so the 110/220 thing is not an issue.

The amp also went for a service with a well respected amp-builder.

Yet, i can not find any youtube samples of this amp.
And yes, i will buy un-heard.

 

[zzmoore]

Re: Gibson GA40 guitar amp . . .

If he is a decent hand, I would not feel uncomfortable. They are kind of like a good mechanic and a Chevy 350...it will be fine.
FWIW...here are some random vids. The last one is a clone, but Leon knows how to build an accurate copy.
best

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIeJ4NaTapQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFDd51enJkQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWqjRMcCjWk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzTjyMAiZMM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X11MsZAMkW4

 

[toneseeker74]

Re: Gibson GA40 guitar amp . . .

If you live close enough, go check it out. It is a unique beast, and Gibson frequently made circuit changes so you can't go by a printed schematic. You'll just have to hear it to decide if it'll work for you. Personally, I love those old Gibson amps because they really have their own thing going on!

 

[SirJackdeFuzz]

Re: Gibson GA40 guitar amp . . .

If he is a decent hand, I would not feel uncomfortable. They are kind of like a good mechanic and a Chevy 350...it will be fine.
FWIW...here are some random vids. The last one is a clone, but Leon knows how to build an accurate copy.
best

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIeJ4NaTapQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFDd51enJkQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWqjRMcCjWk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzTjyMAiZMM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X11MsZAMkW4

Thank you very much

Gonna watch them right now !

 

[Aceman]

Re: Gibson GA40 guitar amp . . .

Original? Yowza - check it out.

I still say the reissue is a monster amp.

 

[SirJackdeFuzz]

Re: Gibson GA40 guitar amp . . .

Original? Yowza - check it out.

I still say the reissue is a monster amp.

. . . will do

 

[blues]

Re: Gibson GA40 guitar amp . . .

I have a Gibson catalog from 1958. 16 watt output,12" Jensen. $199.50 new.$7.50 for the cover. Also called a Les Paul amplifier. Thought it would be fun to post.