Gibson "Gibsonette" amp

[mikeslub]

I hadn't pulled out the late '50s "Gibsonette" amp in a while (middle amp in this photo), and thus I "rediscovered" its charm yesterday afternoon while playing an early '57 Goldtop with P-90s. I couldn't stop playing! What a glorious sound, with very early breakup, even with volume at "2" or "3". It has all the grind and swirl that one would dream of from a small vintage amp! Rectifier tube, two 6V6 power tubes and only one pre-amp tube does the job. Anyone else have one of these? :jim

 

[Dan Silverman]

Hey Mike, Believe it or not, I've got two. The first one I bought in 1970 to be used with my Firebird 1, Treasure, just an amazing sound!

 

[Trennasol]

I nearly bought one a few years ago. After reading your tone description I'm now kicking myself for not going for it.

 

[Texas Blues]

"Gibsonette" sounds like it should come with a gum poppin' gal with a beehive hairdo fresh from the beautician. I like it.

Those sure do look nice Slubo. Wish I had one or five.

 

[Mitchell]

Luv those amps Mike... :dude:

 

[63sg]

They seriously kick out the jams.

 

[Big Al]

I have two. A 57 and a 59. They are my favorite low wattage amp ever!!! One knob that does it all! How much fun are they? TONNES!!!!!

 

[jrr]

thx Mike,i want that amp!...there's a ga 20 available locally that i've had my eyes on for 6 mos.Originally 1150$ asking...he's knocked it down to 850$.Still seems high tho. Its not as clean as those examples,but gawd what a tone!
Two Historics took hold of my bank account so that purchase is on hold.But i will eventually grab one.The perfect casual late night living room amp for me.Just for very low volume clean slide noodling/picking on the couch while watching some netflix.My cannons are in the basement:biggrin:

 

[Big Al]

The really cool thing about them is they are DUAL SINGLE ENDED. In effect much like a tweed Champ but with twice the poop! True Class A tube goodness in a fantastic amp. My 57 has the speaker with a field coil transformer and the 59 has an alnico V Jensen, actually both speakers are the same except for the field coil. Not much tonal difference between them, but the 59 is my favorite. I've had mine since 1978 and would not part with it.

This amp is the reason I have so many low wattage amps now. From Tweed/Blackface/Silverface Fenders, Gibsons vast array of sonic wonder and the also rans built by Valco and National. I even have some little known el cheapo X brand stuff that sounds cool. Newer things too. All because back in 78 I made a deal for a 57 Jr and scored this amp. Now I can't get enough!!!!

 

[jrr]

so no biasing required,thats cool...the one i was looking at has a newer(60's) jensen,but sounds!I'm an amp and lespaul kinda guy,so more amps is always good.I'm doing a loadout this afternoon.reherse with my band at a country farmhouse.Originals kinda somewhere in between classic rock,early 90's sound/ new country.Marshall crunch is mandatory so my trusty JTM 45 is coming.My 87 Black standard has been the mainstay with this band,but,i might take out the R8....it would her first public play:frank:
thanks for the info

 

[RAB]

I've had a number of late 1950's Gibsonettes and GA-9 amps which are similar. Great overdriven sound and about 8 watts output. My current fav small Gibson amp is a 1962 GA-8 Discoverer, blond covering. It has a 5Y3GT, pair of 6V6GTs and a single 12AX7 preamp tube. One advantage it has over the Gibsonettes is it has a 12" vs. 10" speaker...it sounds like a wall full of Marshalls! Great recording amp IMHO...

 

[city sirens]

I'd like to have one.

Right now, I just have a BR-6 and a GA-50...

 

[akstrat61]

Did Gibson make amps back then?:wah :ganz

Great Mike, the word is out,........again! :3zone

My fav is the tweed GA20T with the four inputs!:dude:

 

[maxwedge]

Be careful if you have cats! Look what got into my Gibsonette...

 

[city sirens]

Ratty tone?

 

[maxwedge]

How's about Gibsonette sound but smells like a rat?:rofl

 

[Big Al]

I've never felt the need to use a Rat as the Gibsonette distorts in a mighty way. Your problem appears to be in utility. I think you are supposed to plug into the Rat then the amp. That is the messiest effects loop I have ever seen, it looks like a rats nest in there!!!:rofl

 

[maxwedge]

I was not a happy camper! I come home from work, the kid says our cat brought a mouse in the house (again) and tells me she thinks it's in my room. I go look, don't see anything and say whatever! Later I'm in there and hear rustling in the corner where I have 3 combos sitting and figure out that damn thing is in my Gibsonette. I could see that it wasn't in the speaker area and I was going to just remove the panel and flog it out but then I was just so pissed I plugged the amp in and electrocuted it!:tri

Anyway, my complements on your Gibson amps Mike, they look and must sound awesome! The others too.:salude

 

[Triburst]

That does it. I'm convinced Mike has a time machine. :wah