$299 Gibson tube amp - Made in USA! - Page 3

KC · February 26th, 2008, 09:17 AM

just checked the tracking number & mine will be here Thursday . . . I need another amp like I need another nostril, but AAS has struck. Thanks, fellas!

(note: sarcastic. I'm as guilty as anybody 'round here.)

as to the GA15: mine, the 1x10 non-verb model, says "designed in the UK, built in the US" on the back. PC board, yes. I think the Velocette version was built in England, though I'm not sure. Great little amp. BB King always said the key to good tone was a Gibson guitar through a Fender amp -- I'm starting to think that a Fender guitar through a Gibson amp is a pretty good combo, too.

nasonm · February 26th, 2008, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC

BB King always said the key to good tone was a Gibson guitar through a Fender amp -- I'm starting to think that a Fender guitar through a Gibson amp is a pretty good combo, too.

Somehow Willie Nelson never could quite get the "Beat Martin through a Baldwin amp" sound to catch on.

I joke, but it's still a beauty of a sound.

Cassady · February 26th, 2008, 10:11 AM

There's an advantage in living fairly close to the MF warehouse--I ordered on Saturday evening and my amp is currently out for delivery.

I'm very excited about this amp, thanks again for the tip Sidney.

Cassady

cotecj · February 26th, 2008, 11:38 AM

Damn, I just bought a Fender Champ 600. It's pretty sweet, but I'm wishing I held out for this... Made in USA, 8" speaker, etc...

furrfurrfurr · February 26th, 2008, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mistermullens

Got my tracking number yesterday and it's scheduled to be here tomorrow!!! Man, I can't wait!

me too!

ryokan · February 26th, 2008, 02:29 PM

Would a 12" speaker fit in the cabinet?

mistermullens · February 26th, 2008, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryokan

Would a 12" speaker fit in the cabinet?

I doubt it. I think the cab is only 14in tall. I think a 10in is going to be pushing it. I would just run it through an external cab. Probably your best bet. I'll most likely be running it through a 2x10.

tombm3 · February 26th, 2008, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassady

There's an advantage in living fairly close to the MF warehouse--I ordered on Saturday evening and my amp is currently out for delivery.

I'm very excited about this amp, thanks again for the tip Sidney.

Cassady

Hey Cassady, I'm sure a bunch of us would like to hear your initial report and any pictures you could post would be a bonus. Thanks

boris bubbanov · February 26th, 2008, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC

as to the GA15: mine, the 1x10 non-verb model, says "designed in the UK, built in the US" on the back. PC board, yes. I think the Velocette version was built in England, though I'm not sure. Great little amp. BB King always said the key to good tone was a Gibson guitar through a Fender amp -- I'm starting to think that a Fender guitar through a Gibson amp is a pretty good combo, too.

Thank you kind sir. I may keep an eye out for that. I know this sounds strange, but one of my justifications for holding onto this stupid building is I can make tons of noise. The GA-5 might be fun at my parents house in California, however. Anything bigger might not be welcome; I'm not sure they've recovered from 1967-9 yet.

NewOldStock · February 27th, 2008, 11:04 AM

Well, I couldn't pass it up and ordered one also. After placing my order the ad still reads, "In-Stock & ready to ship!" in case anyone here's still contemplating one. I can't wait to receive the shipping confirmation e-mail this afternoon.

Below was my '55 Gibson GA9 amp that I owned/played for several years. I believe it was rated at 6-watts. Most of you guys already know this, but I found I could easily control headroom with input tube choices. It will be no different with this GA5, I'm sure. Tube choice loosely acts as a gain knob.

12AX7= 100% gain
5751= 70% gain
12AT7= 60% gain
12AY7= 45% gain
12AV7= 41% gain
12AU7= 19% gain

Mine was a 6V6 amp, but the choice of power tubes here GREATLY changes the sounds of these things. Again, I'm sure this GA5 will be no exception. So order a bunch of EL84's and see what suits your ears the best.

androo · February 27th, 2008, 11:18 AM

I bit too! Late last night. I GAS'ed over it for three days, thinking it would say "sold out"....but alas, it never did, and I gave in!

droo

Blues Hurler · February 27th, 2008, 11:28 AM

Mine shipped out on Monday, but still no tracking number. We'll see how long it takes to make the trip to Toronto. I've got some spare tubes to experiment with standing by. I'll look forward to speaker swap reviews.

Blewbyou · February 28th, 2008, 09:52 PM

Aggghhhhhhhh you guys are killing me here! I'm really gassing for one but am trying to hold back as I just bought a Fender HRD but this is such a great deal and I've heard such great things about this amp........... I hope it says sold out soon or I may not be able to control myself!

Rob DiStefano · February 29th, 2008, 05:53 AM

Mine arrived yesterday. I need another - it's that good. Really. No kidding.

Other than pulling off the rear screen and "cord box", I see no need to change a thing on this amp ... not even the speaker. Wow. I'm speechless.

Sidney Vicious · February 29th, 2008, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob DiStefano

Mine arrived yesterday. I need another - it's that good. Really. No kidding.

Other than pulling off the rear screen and "cord box", I see no need to change a thing on this amp ... not even the speaker. Wow. I'm speechless.

Coming from you RobD . . . that is something!

FMA · February 29th, 2008, 07:01 AM

You guys are killing me...
Resistance is futile...

Filthy McNasty · February 29th, 2008, 07:24 AM

I ordered one last night. Resistance truly is futile. I have been looking for a small tube amp and I just could not stay away from this one any longer.

infrapista · February 29th, 2008, 07:47 AM

Hi friends, sorry but this little Gibson Amp, is an American conception but made in China like the Epiphone Valve Junior and Harley Benton GA5.

I leave in Belgium and i have a friend who work in a big musical instument European Import and they are Gibson Official Dealers.

This amp is made in China just for cheapest cost, you could not build and sell it at this price in USA or Europe...

Friendly, infrapista

infrapista · February 29th, 2008, 07:51 AM

Anyway it's a very good little amp.
Like is brother, Epiphone valve Jr and Harley Benton GA5.
Regards, infrapista

Sidney Vicious · February 29th, 2008, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infrapista

Hi friends, sorry but this little Gibson Amp, is an American conception but made in China like the Epiphone Valve Junior and Harley Benton GA5.

I leave in Belgium and i have a friend who work in a big musical instument European Import and they are Gibson Official Dealers.

This amp is made in China just for cheapest cost, you could not build and sell it at this price in USA or Europe...

Friendly, infrapista

I think you are wrong on the country of origin for the GA-5 - the Gibson is indeed Made in America as stated on the chassis - the guidelines for making that declaration are strict - and strictly enforced.

Brent Hutto · February 29th, 2008, 08:06 AM

I too am extremely skeptical that the actual wiring of these amps was done in the USA. I know that's what the label says but I don't believe it anyway.

endzone · February 29th, 2008, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infrapista

Hi friends, sorry but this little Gibson Amp, is an American conception but made in China like the Epiphone Valve Junior and Harley Benton GA5.

I leave in Belgium and i have a friend who work in a big musical instument European Import and they are Gibson Official Dealers.

This amp is made in China just for cheapest cost, you could not build and sell it at this price in USA or Europe...

Friendly, infrapista

You make that statement and don't explain. What makes you think it's made in China?

I don't believe that Gibson would or could say it was ''Made in USA'', if that weren't true. Their lawyers know eventually they would get caught and in some trouble.

endzone · February 29th, 2008, 08:30 AM

I got my GA-5 in on wednesday. I've got to be honest fellows, I was ready to pack it up and return it by Thursday morning. I've yet to get a decent tone out of it. At very low volume the cleans are OK, but anything with any volume is very harsh, brittle and dark. My Tele sounded the best through it, but I've tried a Casino, a Melody Maker, a Les Paul and a Strat. They all sound bad. I've got a 45 day return window to see if it'll break in and open up, but it's gonna have to really open up to be a keeper. Comparing it to my Champ, there's no comparison. I'm really disappointed, especially when I read how much everyone else is liking theirs.

mistermullens · February 29th, 2008, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob DiStefano

Mine arrived yesterday. I need another - it's that good. Really. No kidding.

Other than pulling off the rear screen and "cord box", I see no need to change a thing on this amp ... not even the speaker. Wow. I'm speechless.

Same here. As to the comments about where its made...I got the amp I've been looking for for quite some time, got it for $270, and its PTP. They could've made it in Antartica and I'd still be just as happy. I think Gibson should make more amps.

February 26th, 2008, 09:17 AM	#81 (permalink)
KC Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Missoula, Montana Posts: 1,111 15 Photos	you people are the Devil! just checked the tracking number & mine will be here Thursday . . . I need another amp like I need another nostril, but AAS has struck. Thanks, fellas! (note: sarcastic. I'm as guilty as anybody 'round here.) as to the GA15: mine, the 1x10 non-verb model, says "designed in the UK, built in the US" on the back. PC board, yes. I think the Velocette version was built in England, though I'm not sure. Great little amp. BB King always said the key to good tone was a Gibson guitar through a Fender amp -- I'm starting to think that a Fender guitar through a Gibson amp is a pretty good combo, too.

February 26th, 2008, 10:11 AM	#83 (permalink)
Cassady Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 410	Mine Gets Here Today! There's an advantage in living fairly close to the MF warehouse--I ordered on Saturday evening and my amp is currently out for delivery. I'm very excited about this amp, thanks again for the tip Sidney. Cassady

February 26th, 2008, 02:29 PM	#86 (permalink)
ryokan Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 236	Would a 12" speaker fit in the cabinet? __________________ www.inksound.com www.myspace.com/chrisaronnelson

February 27th, 2008, 11:28 AM	#92 (permalink)
Blues Hurler Tele-Holic Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 536 6 Photos	Mine shipped out on Monday, but still no tracking number. We'll see how long it takes to make the trip to Toronto. I've got some spare tubes to experiment with standing by. I'll look forward to speaker swap reviews. __________________ The blues ain't about theory, they's about therapy.

February 29th, 2008, 08:06 AM	#101 (permalink)
Brent Hutto Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: South Carolina Posts: 514 6 Photos	I too am extremely skeptical that the actual wiring of these amps was done in the USA. I know that's what the label says but I don't believe it anyway. __________________ ...ain't much you can beat a Tele for.

February 26th, 2008, 11:38 AM	#84 (permalink)
cotecj Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Maine Age: 30 Posts: 106	Damn, I just bought a Fender Champ 600. It's pretty sweet, but I'm wishing I held out for this... Made in USA, 8" speaker, etc...

February 27th, 2008, 11:04 AM	#90 (permalink)
NewOldStock Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Northern Minnesota Age: 35 Posts: 560	Well, I couldn't pass it up and ordered one also. After placing my order the ad still reads, "In-Stock & ready to ship!" in case anyone here's still contemplating one. I can't wait to receive the shipping confirmation e-mail this afternoon. Below was my '55 Gibson GA9 amp that I owned/played for several years. I believe it was rated at 6-watts. Most of you guys already know this, but I found I could easily control headroom with input tube choices. It will be no different with this GA5, I'm sure. Tube choice loosely acts as a gain knob. 12AX7= 100% gain 5751= 70% gain 12AT7= 60% gain 12AY7= 45% gain 12AV7= 41% gain 12AU7= 19% gain Mine was a 6V6 amp, but the choice of power tubes here GREATLY changes the sounds of these things. Again, I'm sure this GA5 will be no exception. So order a bunch of EL84's and see what suits your ears the best.

February 27th, 2008, 11:18 AM	#91 (permalink)
androo TDPRI Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 69	I bit too! Late last night. I GAS'ed over it for three days, thinking it would say "sold out"....but alas, it never did, and I gave in! droo

February 28th, 2008, 09:52 PM	#93 (permalink)
Blewbyou TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Age: 41 Posts: 39	Aggghhhhhhhh you guys are killing me here! I'm really gassing for one but am trying to hold back as I just bought a Fender HRD but this is such a great deal and I've heard such great things about this amp........... I hope it says sold out soon or I may not be able to control myself!

February 29th, 2008, 05:53 AM	#94 (permalink)
Rob DiStefano Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Park Ridge, NJ Age: 62 Posts: 4,378	Mine arrived yesterday. I need another - it's that good. Really. No kidding. Other than pulling off the rear screen and "cord box", I see no need to change a thing on this amp ... not even the speaker. Wow. I'm speechless.

February 29th, 2008, 07:01 AM	#96 (permalink)
FMA Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 961	You guys are killing me... Resistance is futile...

February 29th, 2008, 07:24 AM	#97 (permalink)
Filthy McNasty Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: upstate N.Y. Age: 38 Posts: 659	I ordered one last night. Resistance truly is futile. I have been looking for a small tube amp and I just could not stay away from this one any longer.

February 29th, 2008, 07:47 AM	#98 (permalink)
infrapista TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Belgium Age: 50 Posts: 50 12 Photos	Hi friends, sorry but this little Gibson Amp, is an American conception but made in China like the Epiphone Valve Junior and Harley Benton GA5. I leave in Belgium and i have a friend who work in a big musical instument European Import and they are Gibson Official Dealers. This amp is made in China just for cheapest cost, you could not build and sell it at this price in USA or Europe... Friendly, infrapista

February 29th, 2008, 07:51 AM	#99 (permalink)
infrapista TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Belgium Age: 50 Posts: 50 12 Photos	Anyway it's a very good little amp. Like is brother, Epiphone valve Jr and Harley Benton GA5. Regards, infrapista

February 29th, 2008, 08:30 AM	#103 (permalink)
endzone Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Louisiana Age: 52 Posts: 1,378 30 Photos	I got my GA-5 in on wednesday. I've got to be honest fellows, I was ready to pack it up and return it by Thursday morning. I've yet to get a decent tone out of it. At very low volume the cleans are OK, but anything with any volume is very harsh, brittle and dark. My Tele sounded the best through it, but I've tried a Casino, a Melody Maker, a Les Paul and a Strat. They all sound bad. I've got a 45 day return window to see if it'll break in and open up, but it's gonna have to really open up to be a keeper. Comparing it to my Champ, there's no comparison. I'm really disappointed, especially when I read how much everyone else is liking theirs. __________________ *I'm Makin Progress*