Gibson GA Series

[Kahli]

Hi Folks,

I was wondering if anyone out there knew anything about the 1950s GA series, mainly the GA 40. There was an article in Vintage Guitar Magazine this month that sparked some interest in me. What does the 40 signify? How are the 40s different from the GA-20s? What is the value on these models if they're all original? The article stated the the late 50s versions are the best for bluesy rock as they have the best break up. Does anyone have an opinion on which are the best?

[Wally]

The '40' is jsut a model number...generally although not always, the larger the number the higher the wattage rating. One exception...the GA-6 is a 14 watt amp whiile the GA-8 is a 9 watt amp. The Ga-40, as youmight have read, is a 16 watt, 2X6V6 amp with tremolo. The tremolo functions on one channel only. There is a difference in the gain of the channels...at least there is with my two-tone Ga-40 from '55.
The GA-40 has wonderfully creamy, smooth distortion. I recapped a tweed GA-40..late '50's.. for a customer. IIRC, the amps were very similar. Unfortunately, that tweed amp is currently missing. The owner moved back to OZ. The tweed Ga-40 is the only amp that has not made the trip safely. I am the 'return address' and I had to tell him yesterday when he called that I haven't seen it, either.
The two-tones from '52-59 are more valuable in the market. ...maybe $1,000-1,500 in exc. all original condition. The tweed cames out in '59, and the values drop a bit from there through '61...$800-1,000 or so maybe. the last 4 years '62-'65 drop even more$500-
$750. The article may have moved themarket a bit upward, who knows.