Up for sale, a 1960 Gibson GA-80T Vari-Tone tube amplifier in excellent condition and in perfect working order. An early example of one of Gibson’s rarest amps with date codes spanning late 1959 and very early’60, the GA-80T was produced only from 1959-61 and only roughly 600 were produced total across all three years. A true tonal powerhouse with a preamp that boasts a pair of the revered 5879 pentode tubes, this amp is particularly rich, detailed, and dynamic sounding. Essentially the 5879 is a more stable and less microphonic version of the EF86, and paired with a 6L6 output section and Jensen P15P alnico speaker, the tone can be glassy or gritty, chiming or guttural with the twist of a knob. Of course at the heart of the circuit is the six position push-button Vari-Tone circuit, which lifts the same sweet, scooped, and distinct tones found in the ES-345 and 355 of the era. Activating a Varitone setting disengages the pedestrian Tone knob and the way this tone circuit shapes the sound of the guitar is truly astounding. Many of these settings really highlight Chicken Pickin’, with a musical twang and quack, and the often robust and unique nature of these tones really makes the Varitone settings stand out in a mix. The Tremolo is also one of the most pronounced and throbbing circuits we’ve ever heard on a vintage tube amp. The pulse of the trem is strong without being too choppy, and for an effect that essentially is just volume modulation, it really has a three-dimensional quality. The circuit has just been throughly serviced and recapped, and both original transformers are intact. A three-prong power cord has been installed, and the amp has in short been meticulously gone through to retain the integrity and power of this circuit. The original CentraLab pots date to the 20th week of 1960, while the date stamp on the speaker frame is from the 52nd week of 1959. The speaker has as particularly clean frame and original foil label on the magnet bell, and the speaker has just been professionally reconed. Cosmetically, the original tweed and oxblood grillcloth are both intact, with a minty and stock raised “Gibson” logo on the face of the amp. The tweed does show some modest staining and its fair share of scuffs, but overall is remarkably intact (always a rarer feat the larger the tweed amp). All of the stock knobs are present, including the chicken head knobs for Volume and Tone and the dark burgundy caps for the Vari-Tone push-button controls. Some of the original black silkscreen lettering is present on the faceplate as well which has plenty of sheen on the chrome plating. Other original features the original brown rubber feet and the original luggage-style handle with matching “Gibson” logo and tweed material in a lucite frame. The original wooden wedge footswitch is included to activate the Tremolo. This Gibson GA-80T Vari-Tone amp is very original, thoroughly serviced, and a true force to be reckoned with, standing up to the Fender competition of the era with an incredible array of on-board features. Check out our shop “Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar, ” and please let us know if we can answer any questions! We use double thick boxes, 1″ foam, and industrial 1/2″ bubble wrap to ensure that your amp arrives safely. International orders will be declared as merchandise, and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. The item “1960 Gibson GA-80T Varitone Vintage Tweed 1×15 Tube Guitar Amp Jensen P15P” is in sale since Monday, September 23, 2019. This item is in the category “Musical Instruments & Gear\Guitars & Basses\Guitar Amplifiers”. The seller is “mmguitarbar” and is located in Seattle, Washington. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Number of Channels: 2
- Number of Speakers: 1
- Model: GA-80T
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
- Amplifier Technology: Vacuum Tube
- MPN: Does Not Apply
- Amplifier Type: Combo
- Brand: Gibson
- Suitable For: Performance
