1959 Gibson GA-80 Vari-tone Tweed Guitar Amp Tweed
No Sales Tax For Customers Outside Of California.
I've been holding this rare Gibson GA-80 back for a while, but here we go!
The reason for the hold is this... The original speaker has some writing on it in sharpie. It says TROWER and R.T.B. I was hoping to find a connection with Robin Trower to see if I could get some confirmation of his prior ownership of the amp. I have no connection whatsoever to people who know him, so it hasn't worked out the way I hoped. I assume that my direct outreach wasn't on a priority list for him, which is completely understandable.
But, I would say this: Why would anyone write that on the speaker? There is no good reason to fake it. When I traded the amp in, the previous owner had said he had heard that Mr Trower had used the amp in the studio as the overdrive was something that couldn't be replicated elsewhere. That is definitely true - this amp absolutely rips and blows minds! It has been a blast plugging people into it in the shop!
So, Trower or no Trower, the amp is a beast, and a rare one at that. 594 GA-80s were made by Gibson in total. 1959 was the first year of production - 282 were made.
This example has been professionally and responsibly serviced. There is a vintage looking, grounded power cable. 4 caps were swapped out as part of the work. Otherwise, the amp is perfect and truly sings. It is like nothing else in the shop, and that's saying something!
Case/Cover?: No
Color: Tweed
Dimensions: W22" x H20" x D9-3/4"
Weight: 40lbs
Watts: 25 Watts
Date: 1959
Where date is noted: Pots, Transformer
Speaker 1 Brand/Model: Jensen Alnico V, P15N
Speaker 1 Size: 15"
Speaker 1 Code: C 5597 2
Speaker 1 Cone: Reconed 12/23
Power Transformer: Original
Output Transformer: Original
Choke Transformer: Original
Extension Speaker Out? No
Reverb or other effects?: Vari-Tone, Tremolo
Rectifier Tube: 5AR4 / GZ34
Rectifier Tube Brand: ?
Power tubes: 2 x 6L6 Tested
Power Tube Brand: Phillips
Preamp Tubes: 2 x ECC83, 2 x 5879
Preamp Tube Brand: ? and Phillips
Filter Caps: Recapped 2/23
Pedal?: No
Pots, codes: Original 134 930
Grille: Original
Knobs: Original, some chipped see pics
Handle: Original
Power cord: 3 Prong
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 sales@maharsvintageguitars.com. 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.
Buyer to pay prior to shipment via Paypal, wire transfer, credit card or other electronic means. Payment must clear before shipping. Certified checks and trades are accepted, however checks must clear before we will ship and trades must be received here and evaluated prior to shipment of our item.
All orders ship within three business days of the receipt of an order, usually faster. Tracking information will be automatically forwarded to all buyers. Buyers must retain all shipping materials in the event a return is necessary.
Returns accepted if the purchaser responds within 48 hours of receipt of an item and there is a discrepancy relating to the condition or originality of an item. Returns are not accepted for items that do not meet the needs or sonic tastes of clients due to the subjective nature, unless such concern is stated prior to the purchase. Any return for reasons other than incorrect advertising of condition or originality on the part of Mahar's Vintage Guitars shall be the responsibility of the buyer, which shall result in the buyer paying all shipping costs (to and from) their location.