From iguan–(at)–wis2.circ.gwu.edu Thu Jan 26 11:44:43 CST 1995
Article: 33510 of alt.guitar
Path: geraldo.cc.utexas.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!pipex!uunet!gwu.edu!not-for-mail
From: iguan–(at)–wis2.circ.gwu.edu (Dario Capriotti)
Newsgroups: alt.guitar
Subject: Re: Gibson GA-5 Amp
Date: 26 Jan 1995 12:26:52 -0500
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In article <3g63c1$l1--(at)--alcon.ccs.uwo.ca>,
Keir Spilka (SysAdmin) wrote:
>I was wondering if anyone knew anything about these amps. It says SKYLARK
> on the front and seems to be a GA-5 model. How many watts is it? Is
it worth Anything?

It is a single-ended output amp with a 5Y3, 12AX7, and a 6V6. It is
similiar in “configuration” to other single-ended output amps such as
Fender’s Champ, Princeton, and Harvard series.

Here is the text of the original Gibson product literature for
this amp from the early 60s (courtesy The Tube Amp Book, 4th ed., A.
Pittman. p117):
———————————————————————–

GA-5 SKYLARK
GA-5T SKYLARK With built-in tremelo

The ideal student amplifier – yet powerful enough for professional use.
Lightweight, easy to handle, with easily accessible top-mounted control
panel. Amazing quality and fine tone reproduction.

Features: Attractive gold covering, new slant grill, 3/4″ solid wood
lock-joint construction. Top mounted, nickel-plated chassis. Quality 8″
speaker, 4 1/2 watts output . . . three tubes. Two instrument inputs.

13 1/2″ wide, 13 1/2″ high, 7 1/4″ deep

GA-5T Amplifier with tremelo
GA-5 Amplifier
5-C Cover

—————————————————————————-

I have a GA-40T. Love it! I’ll never sell it. I’ve sold too many other
things in the past and regretted it.

> This amp hums at every setting. It hums louder than the guitar sounds
> coming out of it. I have never really used it, but I think if I could
> get rid of the really loud hum, it would be a great recording amp. How
> can I get rid of this hum? >
>Keir

If you are experienced at troubleshooting tube amps, check the power supply
caps. The original caps should long be dried out and they in all probability
could be the source of the problem. If you haven’t worked on high
voltage tube amps before, take it to a reputable amp repair shop and they
should repair it for a nominal fee.

If I were in your position now, I would get the amp fixed and keep it if
you like the tone. In fact, I would keep it anyway. My new philosophy is:
NEVER SELL ANYTHING OLD!

Cheers,

Dario
–
——————————————————————–
Dario Capriotti
iguan–(at)–wis2.circ.gwu.edu