Just read an old post about Gibson Goldtone GA 15 RV. I have one that has been fully restored. I would like to elicit options and fixes

[Bufordstumpwater]

Just read an old post about Gibson Goldtone GA 15 RV. I have one that has been fully restored. I would like to elicit options and fixes regarding this amp

 

[bluesky636]

If the amp is fully restored, what fixes do you think are needed?

Options to do what?

 

[Bufordstumpwater]

The amp is perfect. The only issue I have is that it is extremely bright. I replaced the Celestion with a Weber to cut some of the brightness. It did make a difference. I am fortunate to own several vintage tube amps and the Gibson has never been a favorite. I know of no cure for the crystalline tone. As an aside, most of them do not have the foot switch. A single button Marshall switch works just fine. I just bought a clone for $29.00.

 

[bluesky636]

Looking at photos of this amp, I see a bright switch, and a tone control. So what is the problem?

 

[bluesky636]

Duplicate

 

[bluesky636]

Duplicate

 

[bluesky636]

Duplicate

 

[bluesky636]

Duplicate

 

[bluesky636]

Duplicate

 

[Bufordstumpwater]

First of all, I am in my late 60's and have been playing 40 plus years. I guess I just don't care for the really bright tone. I read posts by folks that rave about this amp . I have played Hamers,Heritages, and Fenders through it and I guess it just isn't my thing. Tonal preference is personal . The amp was restored by the best amp guy I have ever been lucky enough to find. New caps,output transformer,changing the pots from 250K back to the 500k's it came with. You get the idea. After reading so many great reviews, I just wonder what I am missing. My current favorite amp is a Marshall 1958x .

 

[Bufordstumpwater]

Just noticed your pic. You have as much grey as I have

 

[bluesky636]

You still haven't answered my question about the bright switch and tone control.

 

[bluesky636]

Just noticed your pic. You have as much grey as I have

I'll be 71 in a few months.

 

[Bufordstumpwater]

70 in September..........I turn the bright switch off and turn the tone knob for less treble ........also use the guitar controls..........I just played through it yesterday, As I said, I guess I just don't care for the tone. I used to own a vintage 70's Orange 80 watt 2x12 combo(of course all tube) and I never warmed up to the sound of it either and sold it.

 

[bluesky636]

Then sell the amp.

 

[Bufordstumpwater]

you read my mind.........a pleasure conversing with you

 

[renderit]

I have played many and in my earlier years I felt the same way you do.

Tone is great, but not what I wanted.

I suspect it's because "the sound in my head" that everyone had in the 60's thru the 80's is not that.

Same reason why I never bonded with PRS and others.

 

[Bufordstumpwater]

the amplifier version of "in search o the lost chord"

 

[michaelarrington]

Focus on tube rolling, speaker replacement, and ensuring the amp is properly biased. These are the most common and impactful tweaks. If you're experiencing any noise or stability issues, have a tech check the capacitors, resistors, and grounding.
PolyTrack

 

[Gitfiddler]

An EQ pedal will help adjust the frequencies, but selling the rig might be the best long term solution.