1952 Gibson GA-40 "Les Paul" Amp-A Story as Good as the Sound

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

..so it was raining outside on a icey March evening and the only thing I could think of listening to to make me forget my "Flu" was Freddie Kings Hideaway LP. After it put me into "Positive" mode I got curious as to the amps he used and I was informed he used a Gibson GA40 like yours on that LP...and then your viddy popped up and it all became clear to me where that smoothe high mid came from. I know you got hooked as soon as you plucked the 1st Low E string. The best part is the amazing story of "Maggie" and her Sons warmth to you. From a rainy day in London " Thankyou" for sharing this very personal episode in your life.

[@reedj112]

Thanks so much for watching and for commenting. I have a such a deep connection with that amp for personal reasons, but you nailed the musical reason, too...it's so smooth.

[@incredifunk]

Not what I expected when I first punched on this video... Truly a loving, heartfelt and warm legacy this amp carries.. Not to mention the sound and my gosh the aesthetics are just crazy. I mean come on, redwood?!? I've never even heard of an amp made from such quality woods. Truly incredible

[@reedj112]

Love how amps like this amp connect people!

[@incredifunk]

​@@reedj112You've got a new sub in me

[@chokkan7]

Gibson routinely made their cabs in the '50s and into the '60s from redwood, just as Fender famously used pine...which is a bit odd when you think about it, because Fender was on the West Coast, where redwood grows (although quite a bit north of Fullerton), and Gibson's facilities were in Michigan (quite a bit north of the southern sources of yellow pine). I'd love to know more about how that came about, but fear that those those who knew are long gone...

[@garylowzik9187]

I just got my grandfather's 52 ga40 going with all the original components. Just had to carefully replace the cords and power it up slowly. It's an amazing amp.

[@jpalberthoward9]

You play like you're into it for the right reasons. You sound like you have put in the time sweating the details of making it sound right, and you have the kindof finesse that makes it a pleasure to listen to. Many people play the right notes, but they sound like they're playing with their feet. I've been told most of my life that the way a person plays reveals a lot about who they are. Then you tell us the story. You must be one of the good guys.

[@reedj112]

I so appreciate the kind words as well as you taking the time to comment. Reveals a lot about you, too. Many thanks!

[@jpalberthoward9]

@@reedj112 When I saw the documentary on Clapton where some of the guys who knew him as a kid were talking about how he would drive everybody nuts, obsessing over the nuances of bends and slurs, or what part of the neck to play a riff, I felt vindicated for doing this same thing. I can't compare myself to Clapton, but I know that my own limited skills are all the better for having done the same thing, including the part about driving everybody nuts. It's worth it in the long run, for you, for me, for Eric, or anybody else. Cheers, and Hats off!

[@rikkousa]

We should do this more often What a story! Vintage gear, Honoring family, Improving Lives/Health, and Amazing gear!

[@reedj112]

It's one reason I love old instruments and the community they create!

[@ClarkMcglothin-ky2fv]

It is so nice to hear a beautiful story from a kindred soul. You are trying to answer that question: why are some instruments magic and some not.

[@noams210]

Reed- great amp and associated story but you playing is just SLAYiNG me. Soulful and so creative. I am hoping to find more of your music.

[@reedj112]

Thanks so much for saying that, I truly appreciate the kind words! I checked out your channel, great stuff! That tweed pro...wow. It would be cool to collaborate sometime.

[@bretfuzz925]

I have a similar vintage ga40 LP that was supposedly owned by Tal Farlowe. I can’t be sure. It sounded awesome 20 years ago after some caps were replaced. I fired it up more recently and it needs some serious circuit restoration as I suspect some resistors have drifted to far and some blocking caps are leaky. Those pentodes in the preamp sound really cool.

[@tfrost33elkhunter]

New sub! What a great story!

[@jeffricharda1053]

Awesome video great story super great tone love it!

[@reedj112]

Thanks, Jeff!

[@fredcox961]

Perhaps the "GA" stands for "Gibson Amplifier"? Great sound with that guitar and amp. Creamy rich yet with nuanced overdrive.

[@reedj112]

I've always thought the "GA" likely stood for guitar amplifier, but you may well be right. I'm more curious about the number "40." There were GA-20 amps, as well as others, I'm guessing just a designation of where they fell in the product line, not a reference to some feature. I'm not sure, but I am sure that I LOVE that amp! Thanks for watching!

[@picapoyito]

Congratulations! You got a very nice one indeed. I have the one of 1956, two-tone version. Really nice sounding amp, but still underrated. Much better than expensive Fender tweed amps.

[@concretehomestead5742]

That's a great story Reed. I'm sitting here wondering, Do you think any of your kids will carry on your love for vintage instruments?

[@reedj112]

That's a great question. I guess time will tell...

[@michaeladams6716]

There's a clean 1954 module for sale right now for $1650.00 right now

[@williamfuller9633]

i also have a L. P. amp, 1955 working.

[@nighsterify]

I have the same one for sale parts or restore the 12' jensen is missing.

[@snowboxer1992]

I have a 1953 ga-40 that’s missing the original tremolo pot. Could you tell me what that one is?

[@raedwulfone]

It's a 3 way switch not adjustable 3 settings look for the schematic

[@Gretsch6120]

That's a great sounding amp. Can you tell me about your 335? Is it vintage or reissue. Nut looks a little wider than late 60s and 70 models.

[@reedj112]

Thanks! The 335 is '67 and just about all I ever use.

[@kpbattlesword6062]

I have one that was handed down to me. Unfortunately, it needs repair. Thumps like a MF when I turn it on. I need to investigate what tubes and caps need replacing, but I have also heard to be careful not to hurt the value by doing to many modern mods right?

[@jessehernandez3688]

I got a 1948

[@brockgillam9980]

This is the same man who talks for 7 hours in a class room to 8th graders

[@particul4r24]

That he is brock

[@raedwulfone]

I thought(Know?) it's a 5V4G rectifier....not a 5y3 ......Big difference

[@jessehernandez3688]

Original leather I can send you pictures of g a 30

[@atomicflash1753]

If you want Distortion why don't you just buy a modern piece of shit instead of destroying this one