~1953 Gibson GA-30 Brown

Offered for sale;

Used c1953 Gibson GA-30 combo amp.

This amp is in good condition. Cosmetically the tolex is somewhat tattered and worn. There are nicks and marks and patina everywhere. This amp has seen untold numbers of playing situations, if only it could talk! (new leather amp handle on the way).

The first versions of the GA-30 were manufactured between 1948 and 1954.

The GA-30 is somewhat of a “split personality” - it can be very sweet and warm, then turn it up and it has abundant vintage growl, particularly in the “microphone” input.

The very early GA-30s had a two-knobbed control panel, as on the GA-25. This GA-30 had evolved to separate volume controls for the mic and three instrument inputs. An extra 6SJ7 preamp tube was in the circuit of the mic input to accommodate the extra volume control, in turn requiring the twin 6J5 phase inverter of the GA-25 to be replaced with a single 6SC7 to maintain a six-tube design. The two 6V6 power tubes and 5Y3 rectifier were basically unchanged.

"A bass “Tone Expander” switch bypasses a low-frequency blocking capacitor in the negative feedback loop of the instrument channel circuit. This "expands the tone", making the amp's frequency response more full range. Combine all this with a 12” and an 8” speaker and you have a vintage “tone monster.”"

Fantastic piece of electric guitar amplification history and evolution.

Own this!

AMP SPECS:

Weight lbs.: 28.8

Width in.:22

Depth in.: 7

Height in.: 17

TUBES:

Rectifier: 5Y3

Preamp: 6SN7, 6SN7

Inverter: 6SC7

Power: 6V6, 6V6

Speaker Codes: Not familiar with the codes on these speakers.

Both the 8” and the 12” are original.

Both have the number 51618 and 145. [145 is the manufacturer’s code for Illinois Capacitor. I can’t find any info as to whether they ever made speakers]

The 8” has the number 1974 and what appears to be a model # P8SUN9

The 12” has the number 850105A-1

TRANSFORMER CODES:

Power: 166037 (Magnetic Components 1950)

Choke: 220041 (Jensen 1950)

Output: 166116 (Magnetic Components 1951)

*Please note: we do our best giving descriptions of used pieces. We have found it impossible to describe every mark on an instrument or amp that is not in the "mint" category. Also, what's important to you may not be important to someone else. For example, you may say, "I don't care what it looks like as long as it plays or sounds well." Another person may say, "Body cosmetics are very important to me so tell me about every scratch, nick and blemish." So, please ask the questions that are most important to you. If you ask they will be answered. They are free and there's no limit. Additional photos can also be made available.

This is a specific item that is also being offered for sale in our brick & mortar location. It is possible that it has just been sold. Please ask if it is still available before purchasing.

*It is our policy to require a signature on delivery of all musical instruments. Please let us know if you prefer no signature required when ordering or we will automatically require a signature.

If you prefer your item to be sent without a required signature Imperial Guitar and the selected carrier can no longer be responsible for the security of the package once it has been delivered.