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

Gibson  GA-8T Gibsonette Tremolo Owned by Steely Dan
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Item # 9063
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Gibson GA-8T Gibsonette Tremolo Owned by Steely Dan's Walter Becker Model Tube Amplifier (1960), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 102070, 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. This one is an 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 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 1960 Discoverer is spec'd with a 12" speaker and tweed-covered cabinet, neither of which are featured here.

This amp mounts an original Jensen 10" speaker coded 220 034 (34th week of 1960) and pots from the 14th week of that year. The larger "Discoverer" style cabinet is covered in textured cream Tolex, also an unusual feature for this model. The 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 amp is an oddity for sure, but a really cool great-sounding amp with a great history nonetheless!
 
Height is 17 in. (43.2 cm.), 20 in. (50.8 cm.) width, and 9 in. (22.9 cm.) deep.

Overall a nice clean amp, with some light wear to the Tolex and minor dulling and wear to the nickel plating and stenciling on the faceplate. There is a new 3-prong grounded cord added and a typical light cap job, but the interior remains otherwise original. The original hardwired trem pedal is intact. The Steely Dan studio markings are on a piece of red tape on the upper side of the cabinet, and could be removed if you *really* want to. 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. Overall Excellent Condition.