1954 Gibson GA-40 Les Paul 14-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo.
An oft-overlooked amp powerhouse from the '50s, the Gibson GA-40 Combo brought in 6V6 power tubes, a dual channel layout, and an offbeat pentode preamp design for a sound wholly distinct from its rivals of the time. Originally sold as the companion piece to the Les Paul Standard, the GA-40's 5879 preamp tube emphasized thick, sustained midrange tone in both the dedicated instrument channel and hotter vocal channel which became the go-to for leads. An absolute classic that sounds nothing like its tweed competitors of the time.
This model is the 1st version to be produced which was manufactured from 1952-1954 and is in absolutely fantastic condition - we have never seen one so clean - it is a proper time capsule example. The original owner bought this amp, in the US, along with a Les Paul Standard, in 1954. Both guitar and amp were played for less than 6 months before being put in storage. Current owner bought both the guitar and amplifier in the 1980s and imported to the UK where the amp was kept in storage and again not used.
The amp was 100% original, however, you will realise the amp needed a bit of work before it could be played safely. Our friends at Time Travel Audio in Edinburgh stripped back the amp, tested all the components, replaced those that had expired and updated power cable with 3 core/3 pin, plugged into an external transformer for use in the UK. Finally, 70 years on from manufacture, the amp is ready to be played - and what a fantastic sound it makes!
This immaculate example of this rare amplifier comes complete with its original hessian dust cover, original instruction leaflet and the original guitar lead sold with the amplifier (the guitar lead has been tested and is working, however the cable cover is a bit fragile now so this is probably just a cool ornament to go with the amplifier). We have also included all the original components replaced as part of the servicing, including the original 2 core power cable that still has the inspection tape on.
The amplifier is available to be played and tested at our shop in Gullane - free collection at Gullane is available. Delivery for the amplifier is only available in mainland UK - the amplifier will be hand delivered by ourselves - delivery cost is £75.00 and delivery will be on a Sunday/Monday following purchase (as these are the days the shop is closed.
