'58 Gibson GA-20 Amp Repair

Hello everyone, it's been a while! Watch me refurbish and demonstrate this incredible amp. It's so gritty, I love it!
Also, I have more merch in stock: www.fazioelect...
Keep up with more repairs & updates on my Instagram! (@fazioelectric)
Thank you :)

[@bobwasmycat]

You don't have to wait for a special amp to document. I'd watch you work on just about anything. You're an amazing tech. I love how all your leads go through and get wrapped around before soldering, your attention to detail is fantastic!

[@dilbyjones]

Yes.

[@chrismerridan101]

It is nice to see someone using wire cutters to strip wire the correct way.

[@RustyStrings1]

It’s the way I’ve always done it too

[@LouisianaGator]

I thought it was common knowledge.

[@stringlocker]

I used to use my teeth but now I don't have any teeth. So now I use a razor blade it's convenient because when I cut my finger I can check my blood sugar.

[@cpetty4305]

I used to use my teeth too ! 😂

[@stringlocker]

Just make sure its unplugged 🤓

[@deanmccaskill5495]

Hey sister! Just wanted you to know you gave me the confidence to fix my Blues Jr! And I did! You’re a superhero and we all know it

[@michaelyolch79]

I'm a moron when it comes to electronics; but I LOVE watching these videos! What separates you from others is your very down-to-earth and humble approach without all the "engineery" talk. Go you! :)

[@Deathclown333]

The “Just Got Paid” bit at the end was the best part. Amazing work, and I subbed instantly.

[@dyamariv3628]

Just an FYI, your ground wire on the power cord should be the longest of all 3 so if the power cord ever gets pulled out for some reason, the ground is the last wire attached. Love the videos!

[@johnbravo7542]

She has a bigass knot, it aint go'n no where!

[@RogierYou]

Tribal knowledge 👍

[@fl7210]

This amp is so clean it looks like a reissue

[@beatmueller5119]

For me As an old solder soldier , that video was a pure pleasure to watch, not to mention the awesome sound.👍👍👍👏👏👏🇨🇭

[@CleoKawisha-sy5xt]

viva CH

[@Grant_Ferstat]

Good to see you back! That amp is off the charts beautiful.

[@defaultuser1447]

This was another fine video. Once again, your calm voice and thorough explanations were not only informative but relaxing. For an old electronics test engineer like, me, it's a treat.

[@CleoKawisha-sy5xt]

a treat especiale

[@jlore6344]

That amp is a beaut and it sounds awesome!!! Nice troubleshooting to get it going, thanks for sharing your processes with us. Look forward to the next vid.

[@goodun2974]

At 4:53, please don't use a cordless screwdriver for removing straightblade, slotted-head screws! It's way too easy for the bit to slip out of the screwhead and then the drill and bit go skidding across the cabinet of a mint-condition vintage amp. Cordless screwdrivers should only be used with Philips or similar screws where the powered bit is unlikely to slip out of the screwhead (Robertson square-drive, Torx, Allen, and hexhead screws are similarly ok for use with a cordless driver-drill, but not straightblade screws!). Also, try several screwdrivers and select one with a really snug fit to the slotted screwhead ---- These types of vintage screws vary a lot in the size of the slot, and if you use a screwdriver that's just a little too small you'll chew up the screwhead.

[@ginoames]

Totally awesome that an amp of that age is up and rocking. Fantastic video.

[@shotgunrebels]

I’ve got an early 50’s GA-20. Absolutely love it. Currently my favorite tube amp. Thanks for showing the process of changing the caps.

[@slamcrank]

Same! Mine has been my full time touring and studio amp for the past 15 years. I've had people offer me stupid amounts of money for it, but I'm not really interested in selling. It's got such a unique sound and gorgeous tone. Unfortunately, as you can imagine, mine isn't in this good of shape lol... like Colleen said, my amp's logo is broken. Also, I've replaced the handle at least three times since the late 90's. Other than that, it's a joy to work on and keep running.

[@shotgunrebels]

@@slamcrank that’s rad! I can relate. Very recently sold off my old Marshall and Laney tube amps. The Gibson not only sounds great at a lower volume, it’s super light and easy to carry. Some people think they are dark sounding. Works quite well with the p90’s I use though. Great little amps. Glad I got one when they were flying under the radar. Everyone was buying up the tweed fenders.

[@lostreb]

As always, it's a pleasure to watch you work, Colleen. Stripping wires with your cutters???? You are totally aware that is a very tricky, acquired skill that most cannot master. No matter how many times I tried, the failure rate was so astronomical, I've been related to using strippers. Only a true master as you, can achieve the results you do using your cutters. Be proud and do not let those that may not have acquired the skill you have mastered bother you. (I'm not trying to p*$$ anyone off, but maybe they are more in my category than your master craftsman category, so be proud and keep on keepin' on!!) That amp looks like my amps do now that I'm in retirement...Very pampered and well taken care of. While I was playing in 1962, I was gigging then (back then we called it playing because a gig was not a term we used in my rural locale, but I digress, and totally age myself) and my amps...well...were far from pampered (Today's term "road worn" is more applicable, but, back then it was a detriment, not something desired in the least). This gem is priceless. The Logo and face plate still being basically perfect is totally amazing. Fantastic job of a perfect restoration to better than original sound while keeping everything as close to original as possible. Please keep the great videos coming!!!

[@CleoKawisha-sy5xt]

simp

[@michaelmerritt1722]

Beautiful old amp from my birth year. Great video, as always!!

[@stix7662]

My thoughts exactly!

[@josephhemrich6515]

I have an old (1954 Gibson GA5 Les Paul) amp that I've had fixed 3 different times. It sounds great, but if I ever have problems, I plan to repair it myself. Your videos are absolutely a great help. Thanks!

[@GIBKEL]

Great bare bones maintenance…just what it needed. I have a 55’ GA45 Maestro that’s needing this same tlc!

[@MichaelSmith-rn1qw]

To clean the input jacks, fold a thin strip of fine wet/dry sandpaper over on itself, insert a plug to separate the contacts, insert the sandpaper, remove the plug and move the sandpaper back and forth a few times. As a Texan, it was nice to hear some ZZ Top for your playing test! 😃

[@garthkolbeck8674]

I just stick the Jack in my mouth and gnaw on the contact with some horseradish and pepper

[@timmooney7528]

It was nice to see an amp that was kept with it's cover on, and looked well designed on the inside. You made light work of the old power cord and dried up caps.

[@19815389]

Very nice little amp , great condition, I like that you show everything you do most videos that people make just snap their fingers and it’s all done you show us the procedure, very well done

[@fernandonichols7168]

Cool video as always. It takes skill to use side cutters to strip wire.

[@MK-xl9tt]

I’ve always used (30yrs) wire cutters to strip wire. You develop a feel for what your doing. Keep up the great work. Luv your channel.

[@silasfatchett7380]

That's what I was taught sixty years ago.

[@TunedupFlat]

Man that top panel was super clean! Great video and always a pleasure watching you walk us through your thought process as you sort it out!

[@Bloozestringer]

Love the old Gibson Amps. I just built a GA-18T from scratch as I can't afford to buy a real one.

[@gigmandrew8975]

The amp matches your decor! Thank you so much for this video. I learned a lot!

[@brianstuart3499]

You just brought me a major nerd moment. Your mention of the 6L6 and 6V6 tubes caught my attention, because those were two of the tube types that were used on the ENIAC. :) Although I don't play much guitar, I do love watching you refresh these classic amps. It's wonderful to see their lives continue.

[@michaelknight4041]

I didn't know they were used in the ENIAC 🤔. Very interesting! Both are very popular guitar amp power tubes, fender used 6v6s in their smaller amps up to about 25 watts and 6L6 in their mid to higher wattage amps.

[@Eddy63]

Thx for actually showing your soldering and wire stripping technique's ... That's what makes your vids so interesting to see you do the repairs in real time ... And I wore my Fazio Electric cap in your Honor

[@davidpepper442]

What a gorgeous, clean amp. Even a layperson like myself can appreciate the beauty in its circuitry and the skill and knowledge of a pro like you. This amp looks and sounds amazing! Cheers Colleen

[@hairnsap]

That is a clean amp for sure !!! Thanks for the video ❤

[@user-qm7nw7vd5s]

Never saw an amp with so few components, love that point-to-point wiring. Simple, elegant. What a treat!

[@wndrlndx5402]

my boyfriend laught to hard as we looked this video😂 Hes always down for inputjack repairs and other things such as powercables updates…use exactly the same techniques, but he loses all by this freakin green bic lighter😂😂😂😂😂 greetings from Germany!

[@I.M.Guitar-Nerd]

Now that Gibson owns Mesa I keep looking for a reissue of some of these old Gibson-branded amps. Oops, I forgot something. Hello, Hank! Who's a good boy, you're a good boy!

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

Beautiful clean old amp and well done documenting. I noticed the dust on the speaker, I swear there is a well known singer songwriter Guitar nut in Liverpool that used to collect that dust cos he honestly believed that there is magic in the dust. He used to sprinkle it on his amp and Guitar before recording. Gather the dust and put in a little glass bottle labelled (1958, magic fairy dust)?. True story I swear. I won't ask for a discount if I get my amps serviced because the dog will bite me and then "old faithful" would weld my shoes to a lamp post...happy to pay full price..always! Still can't believe how clean that Gibson amp is, looks like it was built last year..and sounds like a new amp too! Brava.

[@SeanKerns]

Great to see you back. I love that you always explain what you're doing and why. What a beautiful amp. I very briefly had a 1960 version, but I was stupid enough to do a video on it, and my friend offered me too much money for it to turn down.

[@PapaSancho666]

Watching your videos makes me want to sharpen up on my electronics knowledge and relearn the things I used to know.

[@moroboshidan7960]

Wouldn't it be better/safer to attach the ground wire to the chassis with a bolt/washer/nut set? I know you did a nice job there, but somehow I think the other way is safer.

[@mikewithers299]

Colleen i loved seeing an antique come back to life under the skilled hands of a pro like yourself. It has been a passion of mine that only stayed at a "hobby" level. But i will dive into it more at another time. Love your shop "mascot". ❤❤

[@NickGranville]

Wow, that’s a museum grade amp. Amazing

[@jozsefizsak]

It's always satisfying to watch a dedicated professional like you. I do wonder if that IEC cord has sufficiently fine stranding to stand up to flexing for a long time though. Most gear I use those on is not portable.

[@terryeaster1]

Holy crap!!!! That thing is in amazing shape!!! Thanks for sharing this

[@weschilton]

Nice work troubleshooting that hiss and crackling. It can be hard sometimes to figure that out (for me anyway!) The amp sounds great too! Thanks for the video!

[@SIXSTRING63]

Nice work as usual Colleen! Keep these classic amp videos coming. Always enjoy watching the revival of gear from yesteryear.

[@KeritechElectronics]

A thing of beauty, a joy for ever! Lovely work on that amp. Your videos may be few and far in between but I always love watching them. I always use heatshrink tubing for mains connections not just for splices, but also for soldered connections on switches and fuse holders. The rule is to insulate as much on the mains side as practically possible. For the sake of original look, I'd consider gutting the old electrolytics and restuffing them with new ones, and leaving a service note, Uncle Doug style.

[@daveiacov8858]

This was a pleasure to watch. I'm so glad I found this channel. I have tried so hard to get younger people in my life interested in old school electronics but no luck. this makes me happy

[@Breakrite]

The camera work was top notch. Loved the explanation of each step in the thought process.

[@malfunction5448]

the bloody knuckle is so relatable! Thanks for a great video!

[@lonanderson3238]

OMG! That amp is as old as I am! (Not sure how I feel about that) 😄

[@theshamannik]

It’s just great to see that you utilize the old while installing the new … just fantastic!

[@ampcharge5509]

Excellent video. Hank is just adorable, by the way. He deserves much more screen time in future vids, too.

[@daveWoody]

I got a GA-20T, been using it cranked for years as my main amp, love the trem. Haven't had to do any repairs in the 13 years I've had it. caps were replaced probably 15 yrs ago, and new speaker installed. Was nice to get a bit of a run down on the insides. Probably should replace the filter caps one day soon.

[@A14b19]

You make it look so easy. A true professional 🎉

[@DeWittPotts]

This was a beautiful amp. Thank you for posting. I am 65 years old and have several real 'wire strippers' in my tool box. Out of all of them I find using the clippers much more comfortable for me. I can feel when I cut through the insulation and get to the wire.

[@ryanleung9663]

So good to see you back!

[@goodun2974]

The varnished cloth tubing is called Cambric insulation. And as for cleaning the switched input jacks so they ground out when unused, pull a strip of thin paper in between the contacts. Paper usually has a little bit of silica in it, and in conjunction with some contact cleaner or a spritz of alcohol it should take off the oxidation.

[@tylerholloway_gitpikin]

Love to see someone with knowledge and skill ... . THAT is a sweet amp...

[@mirkocaserta]

Your soldering game is elite, kudos.

[@ryanintopeka]

Definitely one of the less spaghetti innards Gibsons! Nice work as always!

[@dalestreeter341]

Hi Colleen, it's a pleasure to watch you work. So confident, thorough, and calm. Thanks for the video.

[@Zildjian_DW]

Hello! I enjoy your talent. It's very refreshing to see someone who is actually doing something besides making ducklips for likes. I have always loved electronics. My parents bought me a Radio Shack 150-in-One electronics project lab one Christmas. I ended up becoming a Xerox copier repairman. Watching you repair vintage amplifiers is the coolest thing I've seen a lady do on KZbin. Thank you for making these videos! You Rock!

[@eternaldoorman5228]

Wow, it's so peaceful and quiet there. All I can hear are the birds!

[@rstuartcpa]

I have a ‘54 GA5 and LOVE it. It sound as good or better than a Champ from the same era at a fraction of the cost.

[@michaelknight4041]

Good choice on the F&Ts and that SG was a perfect pairing for this amp! Nice work!

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

It's a Time Machine, Colleen! [wolf whistle] indeed!

[@robertkise]

That's amazing. That thing looks like it just came from the music store. Wow!!!

[@rpkett]

As a tech who also uses cutters to strip wires on a daily basis, I solute and commend you. We are a dying breed.

[@Patrick-857]

Wire strippers are for pansies. I'm not a tech per se, more like a jack of all trades, but I used to be a telecommunications technician, and I've done electrical work, electronics assembly ect. I've always had my hands in electrical stuff since I was a kid, so I'm a little surprised that people are critical of her using side cutters to strip wire, because wire strippers are a terrible idea when you you're working on older gear with random wire guages and different insulation types. Wire strippers require you to think about what size the wire is, carefully put the wire in the correct notch and are actually slower to use. OK if you have an unskilled person stripping the same wires all day in a factory, because quality ones are consistent, but madness for this kind of work. Plus they don't go in tight spaces well.

[@eDoc2020]

@@Patrick-857 I usually use old-style "adjustable" wire strippers. They're kept on the smallest setting (works great for 24awg solid) and for larger wires I'm just careful about how much I squeeze.

[@theseoldhands532]

This Chanel is my favourite ❤️ as a musician and amp enthusiast I can’t thankyou enough for your videos and wealth of knowledge not to mention your soothing voice and electronic skills 😊

[@dskim5848]

Wow! Looks mint...unbelievable!

[@jeffallen3382]

Fitting song to a great repair!

[@argocat99]

HI! I would have connected the hot cable first to the switch then I would have gone to the fuse holder, in doing so in the eventual need to change the fuse I would have had no voltage in the fuse holder, obviously it is my consideration since it works in both ways to work. One could also say that pulling the plug solves the "problem" anyway but that would be my preference as a connection. Everything else is fantastic, excellent professionalism and, as in the other videos, impeccable knowledge of the job. Note: The amp is wonderful!!! Beautiful!!! Also great as a guitarist 🙂

[@fredfloyd34]

A real tech...this girl knows electronics.

[@beautifulinstrumentals2866]

Really do love watching and listening to you work your way through these wonderful old amps. Thanks for sharing your talent and knowledge with us. Also love to see the smile at the end, tells us you know the job was well done and you are happy with the result.

[@justinguitarcia]

Wow literal time machine. So rad

[@jameskaihatu6209]

Thanks for this. Great work on a wonderful amp. Head skritches to Hank...

[@robertcollins224]

Youre not lying! Amazing amp.

[@klepetar]

ooh..that little bit at the end.. she's happy she got the amp fixed.. !!

[@TangerineMagazeen]

thanks for making videos, its very helpful for someone new to this like myself, keep doing what you do

[@henryhunter5026]

Nice video. These little old amps are so simple to fix and sound great. I’m sure that they would sell like hot cakes if somebody could manufacture them today and sell them for a reasonable price.

[@f.k.burnham8491]

It has been many decades since I saw Astron caps in equipment. The old tubular ceramics of that style I have not seen except in post WW2 TV sets or military equip. Nice job on the repair.

[@Patrick-857]

These old amps pre-date safety for sure, but they were made to be worked on. What an incredible example.

[@eatmarth]

Have you seen the heat shrink that has saulder inside? Your comment just reminded me of that product

[@geemac7267]

How about a round of applause for the camera man too! Nice job by both of you.

[@joedimora9026]

Fantastic video, excellent work on one of the best amps. The 20T is also an awesome amp.

[@75YBA]

All the best as always from the Great White North! 🇨🇦

[@TheShakeylee]

Fantastic amp!! Colleen Fazio is a super star

[@PerpetuallyTiredMusician]

Holy heck that is almost like time travel.

[@jeromestevenfaigin6059]

That 20 watt (?) Gibson sounds OK. I still like Fender's stuff. I still have test equipment, I was gifted a Hot Rod Deluxe Mod 3! Sounds majestic with my JBL 1990 - model 2130 with a 2-way SF20M JBL and a Sansui tweeter. Nice dog, I hope it was rescued by you. I don't like breeders. There are way too many animals without intervention. I didn't cause that problem, but it takes kind people in helping to fix people with what they started cause, so our future children have a chance to not kill people. My Fender was giving me this amp cause he can not play an instrument that he inherited by his loving Uncle and I admit I was feeling bummed out and started talking out of nowhere and I was sharing what I inherited from 2017 I lost my Uncle, then he started talking that his Uncle passed away. We swapped inherited stuff. I gave him all of my dad's fishing stuff for the amp. The end, except, It needs nothing now, I understand I should replace the caps and 2 ceramic high volt resistors and other heating issues. Again, I'm 65 and making electric guitars and small block diagrams to wiring guitars, or foot pedals,but amps it's been to long and no SAM photo fax or subscribe if they are still in business or died. If you know somebody in Ventura, California then send a name for me, please. Last, I also run a T50 from Bugera. Is this amp likeable? I only bought it when Guitar Center sold it for $200. A 50 tube amp with GT-tubes 2 of EL-34 and 4 of 12AX7s and my huge speaker cabinet with 2, JBL's (D123e)12s and 2, 10s by Warrior's also 4 horns and 3 tweeters - ported. I call her "Junior". Enough - Cheers.

[@Patrick-857]

I have two of those Hotrod Deluxe IIIs. Caps go bad in them, and there's a big 5W ceramic resistor that can roast the board. Great sounding amps, but when you start to hear that random crackling in the background, take it to a tech, or go watch the videos from techs online on how to do the fix. They are not particularly easy to work on, as is typical of modern amps, but it is done, and it gives them a new lease on life. I've been too busy to do it yet, and I'm getting into modeling amps lately. But it will happen eventually. Edit: sorry, I re read your comment and you actually did mention the issue with the Hotrods. It's not really a major from what I've seen, but just a PITA with the position of things, and how these amps are built now.

[@waynead754]

My 1960 GA-79 still has most of its original Gibson branded tubes

[@vanceerickson2538]

A new generation inheritor of Uncle Doug's legacy complete with pets and "trusty" tools! I mean that as a compliment, by the way. I don't think Doug would have drilled a hole for a terminal strip, and he probably would have found a way to stuff the new caps into those old cardboard cylinders. But it's all good, "originality" is a rabbit hole with no end. Great video, as usual.

[@eDoc2020]

I thought the terminal strip was using the same hole the old capacitor brackets were using.

[@duroxkilo]

may i suggest a thicker solder wire for this type of work.. you deposit the solder quite a bit faster so there's considerably less heat dissipating into old terminals/wires/components. to give it a try, twist together 3 or 4 solder wires you currently use... you'll notice it halves the time required to keep the soldering tip on these types of joints. nice choice on shorter cap leads. less wire = less noise :)

[@zapa1pnt]

That, certainly, did need a new power cord. Two-wire/un-grounded. Oi Vey!!! 😖😨😱 I have a Magnatone amp. from 1965 and I thought That was old. P.S.: I love your Betty Boop tat. I always had an affinity for her, even as a child (born '52). She had to take a lot of misogynist crap but she and her friends never stood for it and got their licks in. Go, Betty! Boop boop be doop. 😁✌🖖

[@boxerfencer]

You playing at the end was a real treat!

[@chair8540]

you have that vocal fry, love it.

[@YeatzeeGuitar]

Doing a major rebuild on a '65 Vibrolux Reverb on my channel right now! Love watching this kind of stuff, been about a 2 week project on the Vibrolux so far, lots of care going into it. I was even rocking my Fazio shirt in one of them 😆

[@chair8540]

you have that vocal fry ,love it

[@OW79]

Beaut of an amp, great service and your dog is adorable

[@GORF_EMPIRE]

Your wire cutting tool is perfectly fine for stripping and there is actually a spot ON the blades if you look. that preference is the one I use becaase like you I was shown using those diags by very seasoned tube equipment repairmen. You go right ahead and ignore silly crap like that, especially if you are more comfy with it. Great job as always on the amp as usual.

[@northernthrifter8817]

I watched Brad the guitologist working on a mint 50s champ and he replaced the filter caps by stuffing new ones in the vintage cap cases to retain the originality of the look of the circuit.

[@AMERICANPRIDE1100]

Your doing the lord’s work young lady

[@edd2771]

She’s back!