$299 Gibson tube amp - Made in USA! - Page 4

infrapista · March 1st, 2008, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sidney Vicious

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.

Sorry, yes made in America is on the chassis, but this amp is build in the same Chinese factory who make Epi Valve Jr.
Made in America, mean that the Original GIBSON Amp is designed and develloped in USA but my friend who is Gibson Official Dealer in Europe say they are build in China, and come directly in Europe without transit in USA.
You know, many other things like bicycles, Hifi, electronic,... are really made in China and sold under American or European Factory name, and are labelled made in USA or Italy or Germany, because the original design and engenering is American or European.
Made in China is the cheapest way to make money...
The business is the business, my friend, money is money...
Infrapista

Rob DiStefano · March 1st, 2008, 06:42 PM

I never for once suspected the GA-5 was fully USA born - not at the $300 vendor price point. Personally, after inspecting the overall quality of materials and build, of both the cab and chassis, I doubt it could be built better on American soil. This is just a killer li'l tube amp that's got the right goods.

Sidney Vicious · March 1st, 2008, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infrapista

Sorry, yes made in America is on the chassis, but this amp is build in the same Chinese factory who make Epi Valve Jr.
Made in America, mean that the Original GIBSON Amp is designed and develloped in USA but my friend who is Gibson Official Dealer in Europe say they are build in China, and come directly in Europe without transit in USA.
You know, many other things like bicycles, Hifi, electronic,... are really made in China and sold under American or European Factory name, and are labelled made in USA or Italy or Germany, because the original design and engenering is American or European.
Made in China is the cheapest way to make money...
The business is the business, my friend, money is money...
Infrapista

Hmmmm . . . . Gibson says its made in the USA, Gibson is a 100 year old company with a reputation to protect, Gibson would lose millions in judgements and bad publicity if it tried to pull such a stupid and easily exposed stunt . . . .

but Gibson - that huge smart international corporation - nonetheless lets some "Gibson Official Dealer in Europe" - you know, a guy who runs a store licensed to sell Gibson stuff - in on their big secret?

No offense, but Gibson says its Made in the USA - Gibson is subject to huge litigation from private lawyers and the Federal Trade Commission if it is lying as blatantly as you state . . . .

I think your friend doesn't know what he's talking about.

Sidney Vicious · March 1st, 2008, 07:00 PM

You guys may have missed yesterday's lesson:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sidney Vicious

Your law lesson for today:

The Standard For Unqualified Made In USA Claims

What is the standard for a product to be called Made in USA without qualification?
For a product to be called Made in USA, or claimed to be of domestic origin without qualifications or limits on the claim, the product must be "all or virtually all" made in the U.S. The term "United States," as referred to in the Enforcement Policy Statement, includes the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories and possessions.

What does "all or virtually all" mean?
"All or virtually all" means that all significant parts and processing that go into the product must be of U.S. origin. That is, the product should contain no — or negligible — foreign content.

From Federal Trade Commission website:

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/...s/madeusa.shtm

Brent Hutto · March 1st, 2008, 07:39 PM

I dunno anything about product labeling laws or what a company might or might not get sued for. But I know that if the product is making it into the hot little hands of consumers for $299 it's being assembled for a cost that doesn't afford very much hand-wiring labor from an American factory worker.

If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck then a label saying "This is a Eagle" does not entirely convince me that it is anything other than a duck. And this bird looks a lot like all the ducks coming out of Chinese factories and it's selling for the same price as those duck to boot.

Rob DiStefano · March 1st, 2008, 07:45 PM

There are lotsa ways around the "Made in USA" label - the amp components could all be of US origin but the final labor assembly is China. A moot point, as I could care less either way - the GA-5 amp speaks for itself.

Walker · March 1st, 2008, 08:05 PM

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.

Rob:

How does it compare to The Epiphone Valve Jr combo? I know you really liked that when it came out.

Sidney Vicious · March 1st, 2008, 08:06 PM

I suspect that if we rewound the tape back when the street price for the GA-5 was 700 everybody was saying

"well yeah of course - look at the build quality - by hand in the USA yada yada yada"

Now that its 299 its "the same" as the Chinese made Epi and Benton Hartley?

The fact is it is a distinctly better-made amplifier - that Gibson is taking a hit on BECAUSE it cost too much to move enough units . . . . the 700 price point was way to high.

$299 is a severly discounted price on a well made Made in the USA amp - that's my story until somebody shows me otherwise.

And with all due respect, I'll stack Gibson's reputation - and fear of the court$! - up against anybody's "friend" or somebody else's gut feeling.

Rob DiStefano · March 1st, 2008, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walker

Rob:

How does it compare to The Epiphone Valve Jr combo? I know you really liked that when it came out.

The EJr is/was a good bang for the buck if you need a real tube amp on the cheap, but IMHO it is no way in the same class as the GA-5. And yes, I do have another one on the way.

BrianF · March 1st, 2008, 08:30 PM

Anyone have a schematic of the new (the one for $299) GA-5? Just wondering how close it is to a Tweed Champ... Recently I picked up a new Champion 600 for $135 and have it modded to Tweed Champ specs...sounds just like my 5F1 Champ except with a smaller speaker/cab.

mistermullens · March 1st, 2008, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob DiStefano

There are lotsa ways around the "Made in USA" label - the amp components could all be of US origin but the final labor assembly is China. A moot point, as I could care less either way - the GA-5 amp speaks for itself.

Well said. I was also going to say, as previously stated, if the price was still $699, we wouldn't even be talking about where the amps was made.

From the other thread...

Quote:

Originally Posted by TelZilla

GA-5

Champ (5F1)

KC · March 1st, 2008, 08:41 PM

I don't know why everybody's so confused about origin here. Gibson makes amps here in the USA, among them the GA-5, and tries to sell them for a lot of money. When they don't sell, they blow them out for cheap. If you want one of these dawgs for $299 (and my bet is that you might), better get one now, because the next time they turn up, they're either going to be (a) made in China or (b) really expensive again.

You could argue with Gibson's business model, which seems mildly insane. It's fine with me; I've gotten a GA-15 and a GA-5 on closeout, and they're both pretty lovable amps. But it's really not legal to label something as made in the USA when it's not.

Cassady · March 1st, 2008, 09:06 PM

Here's a link to a schematic for the new (EL84) GA-5:

http://www.diycustomamps.com/images/..._ga5_schem.pdf

Cassady

Blues Hurler · March 1st, 2008, 09:29 PM

Just FYI...I've got the "pre-pack checklist" for mine, and it's got the model and serial numbers handwritten on it, as well as Inspected by "Jesse" and packed by "Juan." Those names don't sound Chinese to me. But frankly, I don't really care where it's assembled as long as the parts and build are quality (which they are) and it works and sounds great (which it does).

And Rob, I can see why you want to rip out that power cord box. What a pain in the butt. Gotta find me a hammer.

tc6969 · March 1st, 2008, 09:41 PM

I got mine from Jesse and Juan also!

Blues Hurler · March 1st, 2008, 09:57 PM

Ha! Mine was done Nov 22 2006 (it's practically vintage already).

furrfurrfurr · March 1st, 2008, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tc6969

I got mine from Jesse and Juan also!

me too.

Nov. 06

I just spent some quality time on it again tonight. Man, that thing sounds great.

younkint · March 2nd, 2008, 12:20 AM

I did quite a bit of research on these little jewels before I picked one up. That was around a year ago. Like others here, I also questioned whether these amps were truly made in the US. There was even a folder in my browsers' bookmarks where I kept all the references. Thinking I wouldn't need that info any longer once I acquired my GA-5, I chucked them all. Now, I'm wishing I'd have kept those bookmarks.

I do remember that I decided they were certainly American made. I'm going on memory now (a dangerous thing...), but as I recall there was some connection with Mojo - maybe even to the point that Mojo was making them for Gibson.

Perhaps we just need to ask Gibson?

I imagine they would be none too happy to find folks were claiming their little amp is of Chinese origin when they've taken such pains to point out that it isn't.

I don't mind asking them ...they don't bite.

~

Guitarslinger1 · March 2nd, 2008, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by younkint

I did quite a bit of research on these little jewels before I picked one up. That was around a year ago. Like others here, I also questioned whether these amps were truly made in the US. There was even a folder in my browsers' bookmarks where I kept all the references. Thinking I wouldn't need that info any longer once I acquired my GA-5, I chucked them all. Now, I'm wishing I'd have kept those bookmarks.

I do remember that I decided they were certainly American made. I'm going on memory now (a dangerous thing...), but as I recall there was some connection with Mojo - maybe even to the point that Mojo was making them for Gibson.

Perhaps we just need to ask Gibson?

I imagine they would be none too happy to find folks were claiming their little amp is of Chinese origin when they've taken such pains to point out that it isn't.

I don't mind asking them ...they don't bite.

~

Does anyone know what the cabs are made of?

rhinocaster · March 2nd, 2008, 02:54 AM

I've never seen a single thing labled as "Made in the USA" that wasn't made in the USA. There are many ways that companies try to suggest that something is USA made when it isn't, but there is ALWAYS an indication on the final product that the item is made overseas.

Made in the USA on the panel of the amp means MADE IN THE USA. A random post by someone on the internet is not going to make me believe that Gibson has found a way around the rule.

I say, show me proof that this is not an American made product, or stop suggesting otherwise. I'm afraid that, "A friend told me" isn't going to cut it.

Rob DiStefano · March 2nd, 2008, 05:04 AM

Hmmm ... the OT is listed as a Mojo, and looks like there's an 8 ohm tap ...

Cassady · March 2nd, 2008, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob DiStefano

Hmmm ... the OT is listed as a Mojo, and looks like there's an 8 ohm tap ...

On mine there's a lead coming from the output transformer that isn't used--it's doubled over and covered with heat-shrink tubing. I'll bet that it's the 8 ohm output.

In answer to an earlier question, the cabinets appear to be made of plywood.

Cassady

Rob DiStefano · March 2nd, 2008, 05:18 AM

Yep, that's gotta be it ... a Heyboer via Mojotone ...

... mmmmm, this is a good thing ...

March 1st, 2008, 07:39 PM	#125 (permalink)
Brent Hutto Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: South Carolina Posts: 557 6 Photos	Year of the Duck I dunno anything about product labeling laws or what a company might or might not get sued for. But I know that if the product is making it into the hot little hands of consumers for $299 it's being assembled for a cost that doesn't afford very much hand-wiring labor from an American factory worker. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck then a label saying "This is a Eagle" does not entirely convince me that it is anything other than a duck. And this bird looks a lot like all the ducks coming out of Chinese factories and it's selling for the same price as those duck to boot. __________________ ...ain't much you can beat a Tele for.

March 1st, 2008, 09:06 PM	#133 (permalink)
Cassady Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 500	Schematic Here's a link to a schematic for the new (EL84) GA-5: http://www.diycustomamps.com/images/..._ga5_schem.pdf Cassady

March 1st, 2008, 09:29 PM	#134 (permalink)
Blues Hurler Tele-Holic Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 556 6 Photos	Just FYI...I've got the "pre-pack checklist" for mine, and it's got the model and serial numbers handwritten on it, as well as Inspected by "Jesse" and packed by "Juan." Those names don't sound Chinese to me. But frankly, I don't really care where it's assembled as long as the parts and build are quality (which they are) and it works and sounds great (which it does). And Rob, I can see why you want to rip out that power cord box. What a pain in the butt. Gotta find me a hammer. __________________ The blues ain't about theory, they's about therapy.

March 1st, 2008, 09:57 PM	#136 (permalink)
Blues Hurler Tele-Holic Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 556 6 Photos	Ha! Mine was done Nov 22 2006 (it's practically vintage already). __________________ The blues ain't about theory, they's about therapy.

March 2nd, 2008, 12:20 AM	#138 (permalink)
younkint Tele-Meister Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Spring, Texas Age: 54 Posts: 213	I did quite a bit of research on these little jewels before I picked one up. That was around a year ago. Like others here, I also questioned whether these amps were truly made in the US. There was even a folder in my browsers' bookmarks where I kept all the references. Thinking I wouldn't need that info any longer once I acquired my GA-5, I chucked them all. Now, I'm wishing I'd have kept those bookmarks. I do remember that I decided they were certainly American made. I'm going on memory now (a dangerous thing...), but as I recall there was some connection with Mojo - maybe even to the point that Mojo was making them for Gibson. Perhaps we just need to ask Gibson? I imagine they would be none too happy to find folks were claiming their little amp is of Chinese origin when they've taken such pains to point out that it isn't. I don't mind asking them ...they don't bite. ~ __________________ . -- Terry

March 1st, 2008, 06:42 PM	#122 (permalink)
Rob DiStefano Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Park Ridge, NJ Age: 62 Posts: 4,455	I never for once suspected the GA-5 was fully USA born - not at the $300 vendor price point. Personally, after inspecting the overall quality of materials and build, of both the cab and chassis, I doubt it could be built better on American soil. This is just a killer li'l tube amp that's got the right goods.

March 1st, 2008, 07:45 PM	#126 (permalink)
Rob DiStefano Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Park Ridge, NJ Age: 62 Posts: 4,455	There are lotsa ways around the "Made in USA" label - the amp components could all be of US origin but the final labor assembly is China. A moot point, as I could care less either way - the GA-5 amp speaks for itself.

March 1st, 2008, 08:06 PM	#128 (permalink)
Sidney Vicious Tele-Holic Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA Posts: 961 6 Photos	I suspect that if we rewound the tape back when the street price for the GA-5 was 700 everybody was saying "well yeah of course - look at the build quality - by hand in the USA yada yada yada" Now that its 299 its "the same" as the Chinese made Epi and Benton Hartley? The fact is it is a distinctly better-made amplifier - that Gibson is taking a hit on BECAUSE it cost too much to move enough units . . . . the 700 price point was way to high. $299 is a severly discounted price on a well made Made in the USA amp - that's my story until somebody shows me otherwise. And with all due respect, I'll stack Gibson's reputation - and fear of the court$! - up against anybody's "friend" or somebody else's gut feeling.

March 1st, 2008, 08:30 PM	#130 (permalink)
BrianF Friend of Leo's Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Carlsbad, Ca Posts: 2,077 7 Photos	Anyone have a schematic of the new (the one for $299) GA-5? Just wondering how close it is to a Tweed Champ... Recently I picked up a new Champion 600 for $135 and have it modded to Tweed Champ specs...sounds just like my 5F1 Champ except with a smaller speaker/cab.

March 1st, 2008, 08:41 PM	#132 (permalink)
KC Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Missoula, Montana Posts: 1,156 15 Photos	I don't know why everybody's so confused about origin here. Gibson makes amps here in the USA, among them the GA-5, and tries to sell them for a lot of money. When they don't sell, they blow them out for cheap. If you want one of these dawgs for $299 (and my bet is that you might), better get one now, because the next time they turn up, they're either going to be (a) made in China or (b) really expensive again. You could argue with Gibson's business model, which seems mildly insane. It's fine with me; I've gotten a GA-15 and a GA-5 on closeout, and they're both pretty lovable amps. But it's really not legal to label something as made in the USA when it's not.

March 1st, 2008, 09:41 PM	#135 (permalink)
tc6969 Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Rockledge Florida Age: 55 Posts: 105	I got mine from Jesse and Juan also!

March 2nd, 2008, 02:54 AM	#140 (permalink)
rhinocaster Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Oregon Age: 44 Posts: 1,069	I've never seen a single thing labled as "Made in the USA" that wasn't made in the USA. There are many ways that companies try to suggest that something is USA made when it isn't, but there is ALWAYS an indication on the final product that the item is made overseas. Made in the USA on the panel of the amp means MADE IN THE USA. A random post by someone on the internet is not going to make me believe that Gibson has found a way around the rule. I say, show me proof that this is not an American made product, or stop suggesting otherwise. I'm afraid that, "A friend told me" isn't going to cut it. __________________ Just because I "Don't" get it doesn't mean I "Won't" get it!

March 2nd, 2008, 05:04 AM	#141 (permalink)
Rob DiStefano Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Park Ridge, NJ Age: 62 Posts: 4,455	Hmmm ... the OT is listed as a Mojo, and looks like there's an 8 ohm tap ...

March 2nd, 2008, 05:18 AM	#143 (permalink)
Rob DiStefano Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Park Ridge, NJ Age: 62 Posts: 4,455	Yep, that's gotta be it ... a Heyboer via Mojotone ... ... mmmmm, this is a good thing ...