$299 Gibson tube amp - Made in USA! - Page 18

TNO · March 25th, 2008, 07:42 PM

Well, I swapped a 70's Aria tele thinline for a NIB GA-5 today. Got it home and did the trinity mods plus bumped the first filter to 30uF. Much better, no sparkle at lower volumes tho so I added the 22pF cap to the volume control. YES!!!!

I built a Weber 5F2A last year and never got it to sound as good as this amp. I have an alnico Sig10S I'd love to cram in there.

Rob DiStefano · March 25th, 2008, 07:47 PM

I've got that 8A125T on order, but I should have also ordered out that Chicago Vintage CAV8 to try out - that could be a killer cheap GA-5 speaker. I heard a GA-5 with a Brit AlNiCo Blue Pup - NICE! - cheap, too ($35).

Guitarslinger1 · March 25th, 2008, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob DiStefano

GA-5 problem ... and solution.

Weeks ago I posted that after lotsa active and aggressive "testing" I had damaged the stock Sig 8 speaker - it was farting out with a heavy attack, particularly on the bottom end.

The new Weber 8F150 speaker arrived and, yep - same problem, farting out when pushed hard. Something had happened, or was happening, with the circuit.

After going over the mods already accomplished, doing a buncha testing, and conferring with Paul, there were several things to try.

What I did first was to add a 1.5k resistor between the preamp socket pin 8 and the shielded signal wire off the vol pot. This is the way some of the stock GA-5 amps are setup. Paul thought it might have been added by Gibson to cure some parasitic issues. Well, it fixed my GA-5, no more farting out, and the tone really blooms out as both the Jupiter caps and Weber are "breaking in".

Something to take note of and keep in mind if yer GA-5 develops a severe case of "gas".

You mean pin 7 right?

Yeah, there had to be a reason some of these amps came out of the box with that resister installed...and you found it!

red57strat · March 25th, 2008, 08:04 PM

I just installed the Carling 3-way switch, Jupiter caps and put switches on the bias bypass cap, NFB and tone stack mods.

The switch is nice. It gets the job done and feels great doing it.

The Jupiter caps sound great right off the bat. The amp already sounds slightly less constipated.
These things are supposed to sound even better after several hours?!?!

The switches on the three mods are for evaluation of the mods only. I won't leave them on there.

The fixed tone stack lowers the gain a lot and stifles the sound. The lack of a negative feedback loop and the bias bypass cap make up for that.

With the fixed tone stack removed and no other mods, the amp has a lot of gain (for what it is) and is somewhat shrill.

Removing the bias bypass cap reduces the gain quite a bit without messing with the tone much.

Adding the NFB resistor lowers the gain even more.

So far, I like the amp best with the tone stack removed (mod), the bias bypass cap in place (stock) and the NFB resistor (mod). For me, it's the right combination of gain and control.

I don't like the bias bypass cap removed and NFB resistor in place. The amp is too polite.

I'm going to leave the switches in place for a few days and reserve the right to change my mind on the bias bypass cap and NFB resistor mods.

Now for some smaller filter caps...

Rob DiStefano · March 25th, 2008, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by specialty guitars

You mean pin 7 right?

Yeah, there had to be a reason some of these amps came out of the box with that resister installed...and you found it!

Oops, yeah - pin 7 - I had too much NFB thinking going on at the same time.

TNO · March 25th, 2008, 08:20 PM

"but I should have also ordered out that Chicago Vintage CAV8 to try out - that could be a killer cheap GA-5 speaker"

This is so funny-right after my previous post I surfed over to Weber and placed an order for that very speaker :)

boris bubbanov · March 25th, 2008, 09:05 PM

I'm playing catch up here.

The images of the Signature 8 and the Chicago Vintage 8 look precisely the same. Same price. Should I assume that they are the same, and that they both come from overseas?

Guitarslinger1 · March 25th, 2008, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boris bubbanov

I'm playing catch up here.

The images of the Signature 8 and the Chicago Vintage 8 look precisely the same. Same price. Should I assume that they are the same, and that they both come from overseas?

Never assume...

The CV8 is made in USA, and have a nicer thiner cone. They are different speakers.

TNO · March 25th, 2008, 09:20 PM

So far as I know all the Webers are made in the US. Sometimes they farm out the Sig series to other US companies. The cone on the Chicago looks like the classic Jensen-style cone and might be deeper. 10w vs. 15w on the Sig. Usually lower power handling=more responsive.

red57strat · March 25th, 2008, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boris bubbanov

I'm playing catch up here.

The images of the Signature 8 and the Chicago Vintage 8 look precisely the same. Same price. Should I assume that they are the same, and that they both come from overseas?

The prices aren't the same.

The alnico Signatures are $35. The ceramic Signatures are $24.
The alnico Chicago is $50 and the ceramic Chicago is $35.

The frames on the Signatures and Chicagos appear to be similar but the cones are definitely different.

I thought the Signatures were imported.

Guitarslinger1 · March 25th, 2008, 10:10 PM

I have a Weber CVA8 in my 5F1. It is very nice and lively. Its cone is made from the same paper as the older Kendrick 8"s, which I happen to have one of in GA5 Ri.

I also have a CVC8 that is not broken in.

I used Weber Sig 8s quite a bit before the CV8s became available.

The CV8s and Sig 8s are VERY different speakers.

boris bubbanov · March 25th, 2008, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by specialty guitars

Never assume...

The CV8 is made in USA, and have a nicer thiner cone. They are different speakers.

Thank you kind sir. Appreciate that.

boris bubbanov · March 25th, 2008, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TNO

Usually lower power handling=more responsive.

My recent experiences seem to support that. I got the 12F Blue Dogs from Weber in 8 ohm 30 watt for my Classic 50 2 x 12 and they seem real well suited to the volumes I play at, responsive and fairly quick break in. Without tutoring I'd have bought the highest wattage they sold, probably.

boris bubbanov · March 25th, 2008, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red57strat

The prices aren't the same.

The alnico Signatures are $35. The ceramic Signatures are $24.
The alnico Chicago is $50 and the ceramic Chicago is $35.

The frames on the Signatures and Chicagos appear to be similar but the cones are definitely different.

I thought the Signatures were imported.

This is intriguing. The price on the bigger alnico Webers has jumped a lot. They're approximately twice the price of the ceramic counterpart. And yet the alnico Chicago is less than 50 percent more. I wonder why? Is the clip on an 8 inch alnico speaker less sought after? Supply and demand?

any others have any personal preferences on the CV8 between A and F (C)?

Much obliged.

Jack · March 25th, 2008, 11:45 PM

Guy's, I think I'm going to send mine back. It's a great value for what we paid with these being PTP and all, but I finally got a chance to play a Fender Super Champ XD this today and now I want one.

I wasn't really expecting it to live up to the hype, especially with this amp having a digital pre, modeling, etc., but was really surprised at just how good it sounded. I never really gave the modelers much of a listen as I was quite happy with the clean channel.

Don't mean to heist the thread, but thought I'd share the experience. Too bad this one was already spoken for as everyone is out of stock at the time being, but I'm willing to wait as this is sound I've been looking for.

Rob DiStefano · March 26th, 2008, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boris bubbanov

This is intriguing. The price on the bigger alnico Webers has jumped a lot. They're approximately twice the price of the ceramic counterpart. And yet the alnico Chicago is less than 50 percent more. I wonder why? Is the clip on an 8 inch alnico speaker less sought after? Supply and demand?

any others have any personal preferences on the CV8 between A and F (C)?

Much obliged.

Per TA Weber - "Over the past 6 months, the price per pound of Cobalt, (CO) a vital component in AlNiCo magnets has doubled in price. The sinking valuation of the US Dollar has not helped matters. In order for us to continue to provide the large AlNiCo ring magnet used in such popular speakers as our 12A150, Blue Dog and Silver Bell, we are forced to raise our pricing to match these increases in our costs."

I've got several CV speakers and a pair of CTC10's uses the standard Weber vintage basket and not the one shown in that model's pic on the Weber website. I liked the CTC10 so much I used it to replace a JenNeo 10 in Champster Special. I've gotta order out a CVA8 and check that bad boy out.

WallyArms · March 26th, 2008, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob DiStefano

I've got that 8A125T on order, but I should have also ordered out that Chicago Vintage CAV8 to try out - that could be a killer cheap GA-5 speaker. I heard a GA-5 with a Brit AlNiCo Blue Pup - NICE! - cheap, too ($35).

I sure like the description Weber has for that Brit Alnico.... can you describe the differences from the stock speaker?

I'm not actually planning to upgrade my GA-5, but that sounds like a good speaker to drop into my Valve Junior

Guitarslinger1 · March 26th, 2008, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WallyArms

I sure like the description Weber has for that Brit Alnico.... can you describe the differences from the stock speaker?

I'm not actually planning to upgrade my GA-5, but that sounds like a good speaker to drop into my Valve Junior

Oh hey...I forgot about Weber's Brit 8" speakers! I'd bet that those would be fantastic in this amp!

GuitarFlunky · March 26th, 2008, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuitarFlunky

Yep. Mine is on back order. I do hope they come through.

I called 123 today and asked about yesterday's order. Not going to happen; they have none and don't know about getting any more.

boris bubbanov · March 26th, 2008, 12:31 PM

I got my GA-5 'Blem' or return today from MF.

Seems to be in perfect order; sounds great so far. Might have to play it like this for a good while to get used to this type of amp.

The serial plate on the back cover ends 0406. Does this mean April, 2006?

No flaws, very pleased indeed.

I was convinced the boat had left without me. How about that!

Guitarslinger1 · March 26th, 2008, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boris bubbanov

I was convinced the boat had left without me. How about that!

Welcome aboard!

Rob DiStefano · March 26th, 2008, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boris bubbanov

...The serial plate on the back cover ends 0406. Does this mean April, 2006? ...

yep.

andrenighthound · March 26th, 2008, 12:41 PM

i just plugged my ga-5 and it really doesn't sound that great. i compared it to my lil dawg champster. i got to mess with some more.

TNO · March 26th, 2008, 03:39 PM

Andre-you should let the amp burn in a few hours before you judge it.

Lafayette...I grew up there.

March 25th, 2008, 08:04 PM	#684 (permalink)
red57strat Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,070	I just installed the Carling 3-way switch, Jupiter caps and put switches on the bias bypass cap, NFB and tone stack mods. The switch is nice. It gets the job done and feels great doing it. The Jupiter caps sound great right off the bat. The amp already sounds slightly less constipated. These things are supposed to sound even better after several hours?!?! The switches on the three mods are for evaluation of the mods only. I won't leave them on there. The fixed tone stack lowers the gain a lot and stifles the sound. The lack of a negative feedback loop and the bias bypass cap make up for that. With the fixed tone stack removed and no other mods, the amp has a lot of gain (for what it is) and is somewhat shrill. Removing the bias bypass cap reduces the gain quite a bit without messing with the tone much. Adding the NFB resistor lowers the gain even more. So far, I like the amp best with the tone stack removed (mod), the bias bypass cap in place (stock) and the NFB resistor (mod). For me, it's the right combination of gain and control. I don't like the bias bypass cap removed and NFB resistor in place. The amp is too polite. I'm going to leave the switches in place for a few days and reserve the right to change my mind on the bias bypass cap and NFB resistor mods. Now for some smaller filter caps... __________________ Don

March 25th, 2008, 09:05 PM	#687 (permalink)
boris bubbanov Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: New Orleans, LA + in the past Posts: 5,945	I'm playing catch up here. The images of the Signature 8 and the Chicago Vintage 8 look precisely the same. Same price. Should I assume that they are the same, and that they both come from overseas? __________________ Bubban0v

March 25th, 2008, 11:45 PM	#695 (permalink)
Jack TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 12	Guy's, I think I'm going to send mine back. It's a great value for what we paid with these being PTP and all, but I finally got a chance to play a Fender Super Champ XD this today and now I want one. I wasn't really expecting it to live up to the hype, especially with this amp having a digital pre, modeling, etc., but was really surprised at just how good it sounded. I never really gave the modelers much of a listen as I was quite happy with the clean channel. Don't mean to heist the thread, but thought I'd share the experience. Too bad this one was already spoken for as everyone is out of stock at the time being, but I'm willing to wait as this is sound I've been looking for. __________________ Fender American Standard Strat, American Standard Tele, American Deluxe Tele FMT HH, SCXD, Boss ME-50.

March 26th, 2008, 12:31 PM	#700 (permalink)
boris bubbanov Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: New Orleans, LA + in the past Posts: 5,945	I got my GA-5 'Blem' or return today from MF. Seems to be in perfect order; sounds great so far. Might have to play it like this for a good while to get used to this type of amp. The serial plate on the back cover ends 0406. Does this mean April, 2006? No flaws, very pleased indeed. I was convinced the boat had left without me. How about that! __________________ Bubban0v

March 26th, 2008, 12:41 PM	#703 (permalink)
andrenighthound Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bronx NY Age: 32 Posts: 184	i just plugged my ga-5 and it really doesn't sound that great. i compared it to my lil dawg champster. i got to mess with some more. __________________ "Blues in a doggy bag, is what I got to eat!" www.andreandthenighthounds.com

March 25th, 2008, 07:42 PM	#681 (permalink)
TNO Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 101	Well, I swapped a 70's Aria tele thinline for a NIB GA-5 today. Got it home and did the trinity mods plus bumped the first filter to 30uF. Much better, no sparkle at lower volumes tho so I added the 22pF cap to the volume control. YES!!!! I built a Weber 5F2A last year and never got it to sound as good as this amp. I have an alnico Sig10S I'd love to cram in there.

March 25th, 2008, 07:47 PM	#682 (permalink)
Rob DiStefano Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Park Ridge, NJ Age: 62 Posts: 4,458	I've got that 8A125T on order, but I should have also ordered out that Chicago Vintage CAV8 to try out - that could be a killer cheap GA-5 speaker. I heard a GA-5 with a Brit AlNiCo Blue Pup - NICE! - cheap, too ($35).

March 25th, 2008, 08:20 PM	#686 (permalink)
TNO Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 101	"but I should have also ordered out that Chicago Vintage CAV8 to try out - that could be a killer cheap GA-5 speaker" This is so funny-right after my previous post I surfed over to Weber and placed an order for that very speaker :)

March 25th, 2008, 09:20 PM	#689 (permalink)
TNO Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 101	So far as I know all the Webers are made in the US. Sometimes they farm out the Sig series to other US companies. The cone on the Chicago looks like the classic Jensen-style cone and might be deeper. 10w vs. 15w on the Sig. Usually lower power handling=more responsive.

March 25th, 2008, 10:10 PM	#691 (permalink)
Guitarslinger1 Tele-Holic Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 877	I have a Weber CVA8 in my 5F1. It is very nice and lively. Its cone is made from the same paper as the older Kendrick 8"s, which I happen to have one of in GA5 Ri. I also have a CVC8 that is not broken in. I used Weber Sig 8s quite a bit before the CV8s became available. The CV8s and Sig 8s are VERY different speakers.

March 26th, 2008, 03:39 PM	#704 (permalink)
TNO Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 101	Andre-you should let the amp burn in a few hours before you judge it. Lafayette...I grew up there.