Gibson GA-5 Skylark Tube Amplifier (1960)
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Gibson GA-5 Skylark Model Tube Amplifier (1960), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 26430, white tolex finish.
This fearsome little beast is Gibson's equivalent to Fender's ubiquitous tweed Champ, putting out a big 5 watts of very serious growl. Paired in 1959 with the Korina Skylark steel guitar as a student level set, the GA-5 had previously been designated the "Les Paul Jr. TV" amp. The sound of a late 50's Junior, or any other guitar with a similar output through this golden blonde honker is inspiring, to say the least! Despite an impressive total of over 3200 being shipped in 1960 these do not show up as often as we might like today.
Like the Fender Champ, the Skylark sports a single volume control and two instrument inputs, though, unlike that competitor it is provided with the luxury of a wholly separate power switch! The tubes are the expected compliment of a 12AX7, a single 6V6 and a 5Y3, in this case all Gibson-branded RCA made.
Height is 13 in. (33 cm.), 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm.) width, and 7 in. (17.8 cm.) deep.
Cosmetically, this little Skylark is a very clean specimen, with only occasional scuffs and wear to the tolex. The original handle is still intact and in good enough shape for many hauls. The faceplate is in great shape with most of the stenciled graphics intact. The upper rear panel is a tastefully attempted reproduction.
Electrically, the amp is nicely original. The original 8" Jensen speaker bears the code 220-942, dating it to the 42nd week of 1959. Both the power and output transformers are original to the amp, marked 996-607 and 549-6005, dating them to the 7th and 5th week of 1960, respectively. The amp has otherwise received our standard maintenance and servicing, including replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, a 3-prong grounded power cord as well as all jacks, sockets and pots cleaned and output tubes biased to spec.
This is a great example, in very fine condition with a truly roaring sound and will make a fabulous gigging companion or studio recording amp. Excellent - Condition.
This fearsome little beast is Gibson's equivalent to Fender's ubiquitous tweed Champ, putting out a big 5 watts of very serious growl. Paired in 1959 with the Korina Skylark steel guitar as a student level set, the GA-5 had previously been designated the "Les Paul Jr. TV" amp. The sound of a late 50's Junior, or any other guitar with a similar output through this golden blonde honker is inspiring, to say the least! Despite an impressive total of over 3200 being shipped in 1960 these do not show up as often as we might like today.
Like the Fender Champ, the Skylark sports a single volume control and two instrument inputs, though, unlike that competitor it is provided with the luxury of a wholly separate power switch! The tubes are the expected compliment of a 12AX7, a single 6V6 and a 5Y3, in this case all Gibson-branded RCA made.
Height is 13 in. (33 cm.), 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm.) width, and 7 in. (17.8 cm.) deep.
Cosmetically, this little Skylark is a very clean specimen, with only occasional scuffs and wear to the tolex. The original handle is still intact and in good enough shape for many hauls. The faceplate is in great shape with most of the stenciled graphics intact. The upper rear panel is a tastefully attempted reproduction.
Electrically, the amp is nicely original. The original 8" Jensen speaker bears the code 220-942, dating it to the 42nd week of 1959. Both the power and output transformers are original to the amp, marked 996-607 and 549-6005, dating them to the 7th and 5th week of 1960, respectively. The amp has otherwise received our standard maintenance and servicing, including replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, a 3-prong grounded power cord as well as all jacks, sockets and pots cleaned and output tubes biased to spec.
This is a great example, in very fine condition with a truly roaring sound and will make a fabulous gigging companion or studio recording amp. Excellent - Condition.