Gibson GA-8 Gibsonette, made in Kalamazoo, MI in 1953, serial number #359. This model would later evolve and be re-named the Gibson "Discoverer" in 1960, the turn of the space age decade. This early example of the Gibsonette is a small and funky tube combo amp with a field coil speaker. Featuring a single volume knob, and a pair of 6V6 tubes in a push-pull configuration, it is not too dissimilar in operation from the Fender Champ's and Princeton's of the era. These old small Gibson amps are well known for their dark and gorgeous tones, excellent for recording and low volume situations.

Although not as popular as the tweed models, this amp is dressed in an attractive -suitcase-like- brown faux leather covering. A sturdy, gold perforrated metal grille covers the opening for the 10" Jensen Field Coil speaker.

Cosmetically this amp is in very good condition, with normal wear around the corners of the cabinet but no signs of heavy abuse. There is a small section of the covering lifting near the top right of the amp The faceplate is very clean with only a few spots and some light pitting on the input jacks. The grille remains very clean and shiny.

Internally the amp has seen some routine service, including the addition of a 3-prong power cord. A few coupling caps and one electrolytic cap have been replaced. The original caps are included in the sale.

8 watts

Tubeset:
Sylvania 5Y3
RCA 6V6
RCA 6V6
RCA 6SJ7