Gibson EH-185 - Tweed

Here we have an early 40s Gibson EH-185 amplifier.  Based on the tube configuration, it was made in either 1941 or 1942.  

The amp is in pretty remarkable condition for its age.  There is of course some wear to the covering, but far less than can be expected for an 82 year old amp.  The handle has seen better days, but it is there and the remainder of the leather and interior is holding well.  

Prior to arrival here, a major capacitor update was performed on the amp. The original power transformer and field coil speaker are intact.  The speaker is tired.  I assume the original cone is still there.  It gets a little rough sounding when pushed. 

Electronically, the amp works well and sounds like it is running strong, however the tone control is mostly ineffective.  I can really only hear it working when set all the way to the Bass side.  I assume a capacitor change could remedy this.

Gibson's early cabinet work isn't quite like Fender's.  Lighter, thin wood is used.  One internal brace is loose, but everything else looks solid.  When the amp came in, two of the speaker mounting screws were missing.  I added a couple that didn't require alteration to the amp.  We will update pics to show this. 

All in all, this is a really cool piece that operates well.  It isn't really an amp that most people turn to for everyday use, it is more of a collector's piece.  

We will ship the chassis separate from the cabinet to prevent any damage to the cab from the weight of the chassis during shipment.  Tubes will be removed, wrapped separately and labeled for simple reinstall.

Mahar's Vintage Guitars is a brick-and-mortar and web-based retailer. We are happy to talk with you before you make a purchase.   Please reach out if you feel so inclined! We cross market our items here and on our own site, so items are subject to sale elsewhere at any time (however we will never cancel a sale if it happens here first). See our profile here, our Google reviews as well as our 100% positive Reverb feedback. Also, Reverb limits us to only 25 pictures of our items. There is a good chance we have more. Contact us if you’d like to see them.

No sales tax for direct sale customers outside California. Reverb sales are always taxed.

• Case/Cover?: No
• Color: Tweed
• Dimensions: W16.5" x H18.5" x D10.25"
• Weight: 40 lbs
• Watts: Approx 20 Watts
• Date: 
• Where is Date Noted?: 
• Speaker 1 Brand: Unknown Field Coil
• Speaker 1 Size: 12"
• Speaker 1 Code: 12141
• Speaker 1 Cone: 
• Power Transformer Brand/Codes: Original, See Pics
• Output Transformer Brand/Codes: Original, See Pics
• Extension Speaker Out? No
• Reverb or other effects?: No
• Rectifier Tube: 5U4
• Rectifier Tube Brand: GE
• Power Tubes: 2 x 6L6
• Power Tube Brand: Philco, Sylvania
• Preamp Tubes: 3 x 6SQ7, 1 x 6N7
• Preamp Tube Brand: RCA, Hytron
• Filter Caps: Repaced
• Pedal: No
• Pots/Codes: Original
• Tolex/Tweed: Original
• Grille: Original
• Knobs: Original
• Handle: Original, still hanging on
• Power Cord: 3 Prong upgrade, Original connection to amp
• Notes:

Shipping policy:

Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions.  If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to .  Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.