Gibson gibsonette GA-8 1961 - cream

Gibson GA-8 Gibsonette Model Tube Amplifier (1961),

made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 115835, white tolex finish.

 Height is 16 in. (40.6 cm.), 20 in. (50.8 cm.) width, and 9 in. (22.9 cm.) deep.

 This lovely little Gibson amp is the final version of the GA-8 "Gibsonette" from 1960-61; the model would be reborn as the "Discoverer" for the space age decade in 1960. It is a small excellent-sounding combo unit offering 9 watts output through a single Jensen 10" speaker. There are two inputs with controls as simple as can be: an on-off switch, volume, and tone.

 This period may well be the best for Gibson Amps, soundwise anyway. This very sturdily built combo has a more Fenderlike overdrive sound than earlier darker-toned Gibson amps but still maintains its own character. Just over 967 of these high-quality but affordable amps were shipped in 1961, making it one of the most successful in Gibson's line.

 This amp is a parallel single-ended design -- a rare output tube configuration, unique to these early non-tremolo GA-8s. Electrically this is not unlike having two single-ended Fender Champ power sections in parallel. This results in a rich and thick overdrive, unlike any other low-wattage amp we've heard!

 Externally the cabinet on this amp is covered in textured cream Tolex, a feature specific to the 1960-1 Gibsonette. The control panel has been through a lot and the printed graphics are no longer visible. The handle has a clear plastic center featuring an embedded "Gibson" logo.

The amp works at its original 110v.

 Internally the amp is largely unaltered mounting the original Jensen 10" speaker dated 220116. The original transformers are intact coded GA-23P / 166 (power) and 5498134 (output) and the pots are from the 46th week of 1960. Recent service included and typical internal maintenance including a full cap job, re-bias to spec, and cleaned pots, sockets, and jacks. The interior remains otherwise original. This is a nice example of this great-sounding amp, one of Gibson's unsung gems.