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1959 Gibson GA-80T Varitone Vintage Tweed 1x15 Guitar Tube Amp Jensen GA80T
Estimated price for orientation: 2 499 $
Category: Guitar Amplifiers
Class:
Description Brand: Gibson Exact Year: 1959 Model: GA-80T Vari-Tone Country/Region of Manufacture: United States MPN: Does Not Apply UPC: Does not apply
Up for sale, a 1959 Gibson GA-80T Vari-Tone tube amplifier in excellent condition and in good working order. A first year example of one of Gibson's rarest amps, the GA-80T was produced only from 1959-61 and only roughly 600 were produced total across all three years. A true tonal powerhouse with a preamp that boasts a pair of the revered 5879 pentode tubes, this amp is particularly rich, detailed, and dynamic sounding. Essentially the 5879 is a more stable and less microphonic version of the EF86, and paired with a 6L6 output section and Jensen P15P alnico speaker, the tone can be glassy or gritty, chiming or guttural with the twist of a knob.Of course at the heart of the circuit is the six position push-button Vari-Tone circuit, which lifts the same sweet, scooped, and distinct tones found in the ES-345 and 355 of the era. Activating a Varitone setting disengages the pedestrian Tone knob and the way this tone circuit shapes the sound of the guitar is truly astounding. Many of these settings really highlight Chicken Pickin, with a musical twang and quack, and the often robust and unique nature of these tones really makes the Varitone settings stand out in a mix. The Tremolo is also one of the most pronounced and throbbing circuits we've ever heard on a vintage tube amp. The pulse of the trem is strong without being too choppy, and for an effect that essentially is just volume modulation, it really has a three dimensional quality.The circuit has just been throughly serviced and recapped, and both original transformers are intact, although the output transformer has been mounted in a new spot on the chassis. One quarter-sized hole on the underside of the chassis has been plugged, a three-prong power cord has been installed, and the amp has in short been meticulously gone through to retain the integrity and power of this circuit. The original CentraLab pots (most of which are still present) date to the 12th week of 1959, while the date stamp on the speaker frame is from the 35th week of the same year.Cosmetically, the original tweed and oxblood grillcloth are both intact, with a minty and stock raised "Gibson" logo on the face of the amp. The tweed does show some modest staining and its fair share of scuffs, but overall is remarkably intact (always a rarer feat the larger the tweed amp). All of the stock knobs are present, including the chicken head knobs for Volume and Tone, the cream knobs for the Tremolo circuit, and the tall black batons for the Vari-Tone. Most of the original black silkscreen lettering is present on the faceplate as well. Other original features include three of the stock rubber feat and the original luggage-style handle. A new wooden wedge footswitch has been wired into the circuit using the original cable to activate the Tremolo.This first year Gibson GA-80T Vari-Tone amp is very original, thoroughly serviced, and a true force to be reckoned with, standing up to the Fender competition of the era with an incredible array of on-board features.
Please check out our shop "Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar" on the web, and feel free to call us directly with any questions at 206.399.8518.
Shipping in the continental USA will be by FedEx Ground and will be $115, fully insured. We use double thick boxes, 1" hard foam, and industrial 1/2" bubble wrap to assure that your item arrives safely. We will happily ship WORLDWIDE, but please contact us for an accurate international shipping quote before bidding or buying, as cost varies by buyer location.International orders will be declared as “merchandise,” and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. No exceptions! The customer is responsible for all taxes and duty, which may be collected upon delivery.We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please contact us with any questions or concerns prior to bidding or buying. We require payment within 48 hours of auction end. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs. Your positive feedback and five star ratings are very important to us, and we appreciate your communication in resolving any issues!
Description
| Brand: | Gibson | Exact Year: | 1959 |
| Model: | GA-80T Vari-Tone | Country/Region of Manufacture: | United States |
| MPN: | Does Not Apply | UPC: | Does not apply |
Up for sale, a 1959 Gibson GA-80T Vari-Tone tube amplifier in excellent condition and in good working order. A first year example of one of Gibson's rarest amps, the GA-80T was produced only from 1959-61 and only roughly 600 were produced total across all three years. A true tonal powerhouse with a preamp that boasts a pair of the revered 5879 pentode tubes, this amp is particularly rich, detailed, and dynamic sounding. Essentially the 5879 is a more stable and less microphonic version of the EF86, and paired with a 6L6 output section and Jensen P15P alnico speaker, the tone can be glassy or gritty, chiming or guttural with the twist of a knob.Of course at the heart of the circuit is the six position push-button Vari-Tone circuit, which lifts the same sweet, scooped, and distinct tones found in the ES-345 and 355 of the era. Activating a Varitone setting disengages the pedestrian Tone knob and the way this tone circuit shapes the sound of the guitar is truly astounding. Many of these settings really highlight Chicken Pickin, with a musical twang and quack, and the often robust and unique nature of these tones really makes the Varitone settings stand out in a mix. The Tremolo is also one of the most pronounced and throbbing circuits we've ever heard on a vintage tube amp. The pulse of the trem is strong without being too choppy, and for an effect that essentially is just volume modulation, it really has a three dimensional quality.The circuit has just been throughly serviced and recapped, and both original transformers are intact, although the output transformer has been mounted in a new spot on the chassis. One quarter-sized hole on the underside of the chassis has been plugged, a three-prong power cord has been installed, and the amp has in short been meticulously gone through to retain the integrity and power of this circuit. The original CentraLab pots (most of which are still present) date to the 12th week of 1959, while the date stamp on the speaker frame is from the 35th week of the same year.Cosmetically, the original tweed and oxblood grillcloth are both intact, with a minty and stock raised "Gibson" logo on the face of the amp. The tweed does show some modest staining and its fair share of scuffs, but overall is remarkably intact (always a rarer feat the larger the tweed amp). All of the stock knobs are present, including the chicken head knobs for Volume and Tone, the cream knobs for the Tremolo circuit, and the tall black batons for the Vari-Tone. Most of the original black silkscreen lettering is present on the faceplate as well. Other original features include three of the stock rubber feat and the original luggage-style handle. A new wooden wedge footswitch has been wired into the circuit using the original cable to activate the Tremolo.
This first year Gibson GA-80T Vari-Tone amp is very original, thoroughly serviced, and a true force to be reckoned with, standing up to the Fender competition of the era with an incredible array of on-board features.
Please check out our shop "Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar" on the web, and feel free to call us directly with any questions at 206.399.8518.
Shipping in the continental USA will be by FedEx Ground and will be $115, fully insured. We use double thick boxes, 1" hard foam, and industrial 1/2" bubble wrap to assure that your item arrives safely. We will happily ship WORLDWIDE, but please contact us for an accurate international shipping quote before bidding or buying, as cost varies by buyer location.International orders will be declared as “merchandise,” and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. No exceptions! The customer is responsible for all taxes and duty, which may be collected upon delivery.We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please contact us with any questions or concerns prior to bidding or buying. We require payment within 48 hours of auction end. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs. Your positive feedback and five star ratings are very important to us, and we appreciate your communication in resolving any issues!
Shipping in the continental USA will be by FedEx Ground and will be $115, fully insured. We use double thick boxes, 1" hard foam, and industrial 1/2" bubble wrap to assure that your item arrives safely. We will happily ship WORLDWIDE, but please contact us for an accurate international shipping quote before bidding or buying, as cost varies by buyer location.International orders will be declared as “merchandise,” and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. No exceptions! The customer is responsible for all taxes and duty, which may be collected upon delivery.We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please contact us with any questions or concerns prior to bidding or buying. We require payment within 48 hours of auction end. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs. Your positive feedback and five star ratings are very important to us, and we appreciate your communication in resolving any issues!