Gibson GA-8T Gibsonette Tremolo Previously Owned by Steely Dan's Walter Becker Tube Amplifier (1960)

Gibson  GA-8T Gibsonette Tremolo  Previously Owned by Steely Dan
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Item # 9062
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Gibson GA-8T Gibsonette Tremolo Previously Owned by Steely Dan's Walter Becker Model Tube Amplifier (1960), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 101239, white tolex finish.

This lovely little Gibson amp from the dawn of the 1960s was previously part of an extensive collection of similar amps in the arsenal of the late Walter Becker of Steely Dan. This one is a rare and unusual "Not in the books" example of the GA-8T, one of the company's best period designs. It is labeled on the faceplate "Gibsonette Tremolo", but a match in most other ways for the "Discoverer", which is what the GA-8T model amp was renamed in 1960. This would be one of the very first of the new style models, made just before the redesign was completed and a name change effected. The original pots are coded to the 5th and 15th weeks of 1960.

This amp is largely original but mounts a modern replacement Jensen 10" speaker, in place of an original Jensen of the same type. The 1960 Discoverer is spec'd with a 12" speaker and tweed-covered cabinet, neither of which are featured here. The larger "Discoverer" style cabinet on this amp is covered in textured cream Tolex, a feature of the earlier 1958-9 Gibsonette.

The nickel-plated faceplate has controls for volume, tone, trem speed, and depth. The amp puts out about 10 watts with a great breakup curve and a fine-sounding tremolo. Even the handle is extra cool, with a clear plastic center featuring an embedded "Gibson" logo. This transitional amp is an oddity for sure, but a really cool great-sounding unit with a great history. Walter Becker must have had a particular affinity for this rare model, as he had two nearly identical one in his collection.
 
Height is 17 in. (43.2 cm.), 20 in. (50.8 cm.) width, and 9 in. (22.9 cm.) deep.

Overall this is a nice clean amp, with some general light wear to the Tolex including a few deeper dents. There is minor dulling and wear to the nickel plating and some light loss to the stenciling on the faceplate. There is a new 3-prong grounded cord added and typical internal maintenance including a full cap job, re-bias to spec, and cleaned pots, sockets and jacks. The interior remains otherwise original except for as noted the replaced Jensen speaker.

The original hardwired trem pedal is intact, as is the fragile plastic GIBSON logo plate on the face. The Steely Dan studio markings are on a piece of red tape on the upper side of the cabinet, and oddly enough mis-identify the amp as having a 12" Jensen. This could be removed if you *really* want to, but it is a great piece of history. This is a super cool and rather unique amp, as selected by one of the greatest tone connoisseurs we knew. The Walter Becker auction tag is included. Excellent - Condition.