Gibson GA-5 Les Paul Junior Model Tube Amplifier (1957), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 13845, textured tolex finish.

1952 was a watershed year for Gibson with the introduction of the revolutionary Les Paul electric guitar, marking the beginning of a period in which Gibson would shift a significant portion of its resources from acoustic to electric guitars and amplifiers. Gibson introduced a number of new amplifier models to capitalize on the success of the Les Paul and its budget understudy the Les Paul Junior, including the legendary GA-40 amplifier expressly designed to accompany the Les Paul. Gibson identified a similar opening in the market for a small, entry-level practice amp to accompany the Les Paul Junior, and as a result the GA-5 was introduced in 1954. The market for young students wanting to play electric guitars exploded in the 1950s, and this affordable "Bedroom' amp helped Gibson ride that wave.

The Les Paul Junior amplifier features a circuit largely borrowed from the Fender Champ 5C1, featuring a single channel with two inputs and a single volume knob. One 6SJ7 preamp valve feeds a single 6V6 for an output of roughly 4 watts. This model features the earlier 5" x 7" oval speaker, in the final production runs this was replaced by a standard 8" round speaker. This model bears the serial number 13845 and dates to early in 1957, the last year of production in which Gibson shipped 3,481 Les Paul Junior amplifiers out of a total production of 10,420. This great sounding little amp would make for a perfect recording or practice amp, just about loud enough for smaller coffeehouse gigs as well, where it will really rip if turned up -- especially if you happen have a 1957 Les Paul Junior guitar to plug into it!

Height is 13 in. (33 cm.), 15 1/2 in. (39.4 cm.) width, and 7 in. (17.8 cm.) in depth at deepest point.

Cosmetically, this amp is in excellent vintage condition, especially considering its age. The fragile tan cloth covering is exceptionally well-preserved with no major areas of concern, though it does show signs of a past professional restoration at the corners and edges. The brown grille cloth is clean, taut and free of rips or tears. The light tan leather handle is original and in shockingly good condition. The oft-damaged brown enameled control panel is unusually well-preserved in this example, with minimal signs of rust and the tan-stenciled lettering sharp and clear almost everywhere, there is only one minor chip through the enamel in the lower right corner near the "s" of Les Paul. The single brown "chicken head" volume knob is original, as are the jewel power indicator and power switch. The cabinet is signed "Bart" with a flourish in pencil directly on the wood. Also included is the original instruction booklet that came with the amp in a protective plastic sleeve.

Electrically, the amp is in beautiful working order. The unusual oval 5" x 7" Rola alnico speaker is original and dates to the 8th week of 1957, It has been re-coned by our in-house professionals and sounds fantastic. The volume pot bears the code 134625, indicating that it was manufactured by Centralab in the 25th week of 1956. The power and output transformers are original, though neither bear date codes. It has been fully refurbished by our in-house professionals, a grounded 3-prong power cable installed, electrolytic and failure-prone wax paper capacitors replaced and all other components thoroughly tested, all sockets, pots and jacks cleaned and the power valves biased to spec. Excellent - Condition.