Vintage 1961 Gibson GA - 8T Discoverer Amp, 1x12, W/ Tremolo. Time - Capsule Minty
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:6810873 | Model: GA-8T |
| Brand: Gibson |
Superior tone, great tube break-up, awesome tremolo, and in stunning near-mint all-original shape!
Don’t confuse this amp with the earlier, smaller GA-8, this is the GA-8T big brother, with tremolo and all.
Here’s what Gibson’s 1961 promo sheet had to say about their new amp: “Fine tonalities, a powerful voice...smart styling with slant grille...gold-patterned covering...faithful 12” best quality speaker...one of the fastest selling amps on the market.”...r> All true, but here’s what I have to say, in a few less words: this amp rocks!
Plus the condition is so fine it looks like it left the 1961 Kalamazoo factory a week ago. Other than a little tarnish on the brass handle guard, the amp is so clean and original it looks new. It even has its original Gibson-brand tubes.
Even better is the tone. The big Jensen 12” speaker puts out surprising volume. Yet even at lows the tone is rich and warm. Yet turn it up past 4 or 5 and you get a rowdy overdrive. The distortion was so kick-ass it blew my mind. Now click the footswitch. The tremolo tone is superb, with a deep almost liquid-like pulse.
Best of all, besides being near-mint, the amp has never been modded or molested in any way. It’s original down to every molecule, every cap, every resistor. From the gleaming chrome control panel, to the gold-veined cream tolex, to the perfect grille cloth, it’s all original and in sterling, gorgeous condition.
Plus, it’s got that “goldilocks” size. Not so huge it breaks your back, yet big enough to seriously push some sound. Perfect for home, studio, practice, or travel, whether you play harp or guitar. I’d say this amp belongs in a gallery behind glass, but it sounds way too good to ever hide away.
Complete with the original footswitch and original brown canvas cover.
$1, 350 or best offer. $95 shipping.
The 1961 Gibson GA-8T Discoverer amplifier:Serial number 104203.Style: 1 x 12 combo amp, with tremolo.Condition: near-mint, all original.Color: off-white tolex with fine gold veins.Cabinet: lock-jointed all wood.Speaker: original 12” Jensen Special Design, dated 220144 (44th week of 1961).Tubes: 5Y3-GT, 6BM6/ECL82, 6BM6/ECL82, AX7.Control panel: In 1, In 2, Volume, Tone, Tremolo Depth, Tremolo Freq, power toggle-switch, fuse, ruby jewel lamp.Also original: transformer, handle, brown “chickenhead” knobs, power cord, and all else.Approx size: 20” wide x 16” high x 9” deep.Weight: 21.6 lbs, Includes: original footswitch plus original tan canvas cover.
Rest assured that all my descriptions are accurate, with no disappointments, no unpleasant surprises. I know you’ll enjoy owning this beauty as much as I have. I also pack well. Your amp will arrive to you safe, sound, and ready to thrill you.
Don’t confuse this amp with the earlier, smaller GA-8, this is the GA-8T big brother, with tremolo and all.
Here’s what Gibson’s 1961 promo sheet had to say about their new amp: “Fine tonalities, a powerful voice...smart styling with slant grille...gold-patterned covering...faithful 12” best quality speaker...one of the fastest selling amps on the market.”
Plus the condition is so fine it looks like it left the 1961 Kalamazoo factory a week ago. Other than a little tarnish on the brass handle guard, the amp is so clean and original it looks new. It even has its original Gibson-brand tubes.
Even better is the tone. The big Jensen 12” speaker puts out surprising volume. Yet even at lows the tone is rich and warm. Yet turn it up past 4 or 5 and you get a rowdy overdrive. The distortion was so kick-ass it blew my mind. Now click the footswitch. The tremolo tone is superb, with a deep almost liquid-like pulse.
Best of all, besides being near-mint, the amp has never been modded or molested in any way. It’s original down to every molecule, every cap, every resistor. From the gleaming chrome control panel, to the gold-veined cream tolex, to the perfect grille cloth, it’s all original and in sterling, gorgeous condition.
Plus, it’s got that “goldilocks” size. Not so huge it breaks your back, yet big enough to seriously push some sound. Perfect for home, studio, practice, or travel, whether you play harp or guitar. I’d say this amp belongs in a gallery behind glass, but it sounds way too good to ever hide away.
Complete with the original footswitch and original brown canvas cover.
$1, 350 or best offer. $95 shipping.
The 1961 Gibson GA-8T Discoverer amplifier:Serial number 104203.Style: 1 x 12 combo amp, with tremolo.Condition: near-mint, all original.Color: off-white tolex with fine gold veins.Cabinet: lock-jointed all wood.Speaker: original 12” Jensen Special Design, dated 220144 (44th week of 1961).Tubes: 5Y3-GT, 6BM6/ECL82, 6BM6/ECL82, AX7.Control panel: In 1, In 2, Volume, Tone, Tremolo Depth, Tremolo Freq, power toggle-switch, fuse, ruby jewel lamp.Also original: transformer, handle, brown “chickenhead” knobs, power cord, and all else.Approx size: 20” wide x 16” high x 9” deep.Weight: 21.6 lbs, Includes: original footswitch plus original tan canvas cover.
Rest assured that all my descriptions are accurate, with no disappointments, no unpleasant surprises. I know you’ll enjoy owning this beauty as much as I have. I also pack well. Your amp will arrive to you safe, sound, and ready to thrill you.
