New Gibson Goldtone GA 15rv
Goaty76
to try. I have been looking at princeton reverbs but maybe the Gibson is
another way to. I know they are two totally different amps. Anyone want to
talk about the pros and cons of each.
thanks
Phil
Kurt Shapiro
local stores seem to have one.
I tried a GA-15 (not RV), which is the same thing but without reverb, about
a year ago and really liked it. I recently heard from someone at Banjo
Center that Gibson is going to be discontinuing this line soon.
"Goaty76" <goa...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20040324010054...@mb-m21.aol.com...
oas...@oasysco.com
in news:xeidnciraIM...@comcast.com:
> I've been thinking very seriously about the GA-15RV. Unfortunately,
> no local stores seem to have one.
>
> I tried a GA-15 (not RV), which is the same thing but without reverb,
> about a year ago and really liked it. I recently heard from someone
> at Banjo Center that Gibson is going to be discontinuing this line
> soon.
Do yoursef a afavopr and try Fender's Pro JR. Nor everb, but essentially
same tube line up as the Gibosn amp. Wodnerful wamr clean tone nd 15 W just
like the Gibbie, but at les than 1/2 the price.
greg
Kurt Shapiro
better to my ear.
Yes, the GA-15 (versus GA-15RV if you want reverb) is more expensive than
the Pro Junior, but not twice as much.
The GA-15 I played through was one of the best-sounding amps I've ever
heard. Ever.
The Gibson is a Class A amp and uses a 12" Celestion speaker -- I think it's
a Celestion Vintage 30. The Pro Junior uses a 10 inch speaker. The Pro
Junior is not a Class A amp.
The Gibson GA-15 RV has a reverb tank and triode/pentode switch -- Though I
haven't actually tried one. But if the GA-15 I tried (no reverb, no
triode/pentode switch) is any indication, the Pro Junior isn't even close to
the same league.
Your mileage may vary, of course, but I do not think the amps are
comparable. Yes, the Pro Junior is $279 at Musicians Friend, but I would be
more inclined to spend $449 and get the Gibson GA-15 -- or spend $300 and
buy a used GA-15.
<oas...@oasysco.com> wrote in message news:XKu8c.5945$_U.3355@lakeread05...
Max Smith
>
>
> Do yoursef a afavopr and try Fender's Pro JR. Nor everb, but essentially
> same tube line up as the Gibosn amp. Wodnerful wamr clean tone nd 15 W just
> like the Gibbie, but at les than 1/2 the price.
>
> greg
>
Yes, the Pro Jr *and* Blues Jr. sound really good, especially for the
money (with a speaker and tube change - but in my opinion, the Goldtone
stuff is on a higher level altogether, especially if you use a Les Paul
- my LP Custom sounds good through many of Fender's tube amps, but
really *fantastic* through my GA-30RV Super Goldtone Combo.
Max S.
--
Peter: "Oh my god. Brian, there's a message in my AlphaBits. It says
'oooooooooo.' "
Brian: "Peter, those are Cheerios."
- "Family Guy"
oas...@oasysco.com
> The Gibson GA-15 I heard sounded much better than the Pro Junior. WAY
> better to my ear.
>
> Yes, the GA-15 (versus GA-15RV if you want reverb) is more expensive
> than the Pro Junior, but not twice as much.
You're right for the moment... MF hs a Pro JR or $279 and has the GA-15
(not RV) onl sale right now for $449 (a full $100 less than their usual
price of $549). Discounting that temporary sale price, the GA15 is almost
exactly twice as much as the PJ using street price, not list.
The GA-15RV is almost 3X times as much at $800 street! And it uses SS
reverb!
>
> The GA-15 I played through was one of the best-sounding amps I've ever
> heard. Ever.
Then at $449, you should buy it because there will never be another amp
that is the best you have ever heard for under $500.
> The Gibson is a Class A amp and uses a 12" Celestion speaker
Ummm, the GA15 uses a 10" speaker like the PJ. The PJ uses a USA
Emimence, where as the GA15 uses a Celestion Vintage 10.
Only the GA15RV uses the 12" Celestion. Hey, I've got two like new 1980's
vintage Celestion 80W each speakers that the 10" Eminence in he PJ puts
to shame as far as warm tone vs shrill is concerned. Celestion doesn't
neccesarily make the best speakers out there. It's all matter of taste.
The GA15 does operate in class A, but there is a mod for the PJ to do the
same, but doing so raises the gain structure of the PJ, which I wouldn't
want.
Let's compare further... the PJ weighs a measly 20lbs; the GA15 weighs a
hefty 42lbs. They both use the exact same tube complement of 2xEL84 +
2x12AX7. They each have a single tone control and a single volume
control, excpet that Gibson takes the old Race Elliot tact and places the
controls and input on the very bottom back of the amp, whereas Fender had
enough sense to topmount everything.
Both amps have a high impedance 1M input.
Both amps have a single input, but the GA15 has a bright switch and the
PJ does not. Eh, you like bright switches? I don't. Wish my DRRI didn't
have a bright channel as I prefer the non-bright channel for everything
from rock/blues to jazz.
-- I
> think it's a Celestion Vintage 30. The Pro Junior uses a 10 inch
> speaker. The Pro Junior is not a Class A amp.
>
> The Gibson GA-15 RV has a reverb tank and triode/pentode switch --
> Though I haven't actually tried one. But if the GA-15 I tried (no
> reverb, no triode/pentode switch) is any indication, the Pro Junior
> isn't even close to the same league.
How so? In price? You're right about that!
>
> Your mileage may vary, of course, but I do not think the amps are
> comparable.
But I did just compare them. See above.
> Yes, the Pro Junior is $279 at Musicians Friend, but I
> would be more inclined to spend $449 and get the Gibson GA-15 -- or
> spend $300 and buy a used GA-15.
Yeah, $300 is what the used GA-15's go for. $300 for used amp or $279 for
a new one with a 5 year warranty with excellent naked amp tone, loves
pedals and is giggable.
One says Gibson and the other Fender. Hmmm, which is the better amp
company? That's a matter of choice, but of the 4 amps I own (3 of which
are tube amps) all 4 are Fenders.
20lbs vs 42lbs, both 15W, same tube complement, same size speaker, same
sparse tone/volume controls.... you choose.
Greg
oas...@oasysco.com
news:2Iw8c.10797$KD1....@newssvr22.news.prodigy.com:
> oas...@oasysco.com wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> Do yoursef a afavopr and try Fender's Pro JR. Nor everb, but
>> essentially same tube line up as the Gibosn amp. Wodnerful wamr clean
>> tone nd 15 W just like the Gibbie, but at les than 1/2 the price.
>>
>> greg
>>
>
> Yes, the Pro Jr *and* Blues Jr. sound really good, especially for the
> money (with a speaker and tube change - but in my opinion, the
> Goldtone stuff is on a higher level altogether, especially if you use
> a Les Paul - my LP Custom sounds good through many of Fender's tube
> amps, but really *fantastic* through my GA-30RV Super Goldtone Combo.
The 30RV is like comparing a PJ to a Twin Reverb. Not exactly a fair
comparison 2x12 vs 1x10.
Greg
>
> Max S.
>
>
Kurt Shapiro
> > heard. Ever.
>
> Then at $449, you should buy it because there will never be another amp
> that is the best you have ever heard for under $500.
Actually, it was $299 for a used one. But I want reverb and I like the
pentode/triode switch on the RV model. I'm not talking about the bright
switch, which I agree is useless -- But it's easy enough to leave the bright
switch off.
> Ummm, the GA15 uses a 10" speaker like the PJ. The PJ uses a USA
> Emimence, where as the GA15 uses a Celestion Vintage 10.
Oops. Yep. I stand partially corrected. The GA15 uses a 10" and the GA15
RV uses the 12".
As far as the rest goes, I just like the sound of the Gibson GA15 better.
Admittedly, I only played one GA-15. But I've played quite a few Pro
Junior's. The Gibson sounds better. Much better. Granted tone is
subjective, but I found it easy to decide which one I liked better.
The weight savings, however, is a very good argument at my age. :-) My
back wants me to get a Clarus. My wallet wants me to get nothing. My ear
wants the Gibson.
Nothing wrong with Fender amps though. Some of them are terrific. My Hot
Rod Deluxe does a great, albeit bright, clean tone. But too much power for
me. I'm not about to get into a Fender versus Gibson debate; they each have
their good and bad points.
I just think those GA-15's are terrific sounding amps. Go try one out and
tell me what you think. I'd be really surprised if you come away preferring
the Pro Junior. But even if you did, I certainly don't see the PJ as a
substitute for the Gibbie or vice-versa; it's a different beast altogether.
<oas...@oasysco.com> wrote in message news:obx8c.6514$_U.1884@lakeread05...
oas...@oasysco.com
> I just think those GA-15's are terrific sounding amps. Go try one out
> and tell me what you think. I'd be really surprised if you come away
> preferring the Pro Junior.
For the next few months, my back demands the PJ and it's light 20lbs. I
will admit I wanted a Gibson RV15, but at the price they charged it was
ridiculous. I bought the PJ because it was lightweight, I tried it with the
BJ at a guitar shop and just loved it's naked amp tone over teh BJ, and the
biggie? It made my Gibson ES-135LE (the one strung with flats) sound every
bit the jazz guitar. I was just floored by how good the PJ sounded without
any effects at all. To my ears, it is the best soounding, lower volume, no
effects amp I own and that's over a DRRI and a FEnder Super amp.
> But even if you did, I certainly don't see
> the PJ as a substitute for the Gibbie or vice-versa; it's a different
> beast altogether.
If I come across $300, I'd probably pickup a GA15 as I prefer outboard
reverb anyway over the SS crap both Gibson and Fender use in many of their
amps.
I'm a Gibson lover anyway when it comes to guitars.
Greg
Mondoslug1
>The Gibson GA-15 I heard sounded much better than the Pro Junior. WAY
>better to my ear.
>
>Yes, the GA-15 (versus GA-15RV if you want reverb) is more expensive than
>the Pro Junior, but not twice as much.
>
>The GA-15 I played through was one of the best-sounding amps I've ever
>heard. Ever.
>
>The Gibson is a Class A amp and uses a 12" Celestion speaker -- I think it's
>a Celestion Vintage 30. The Pro Junior uses a 10 inch speaker. The Pro
>Junior is not a Class A amp.
>
The Gibson is upposed to be the same as the Trace Vellocette...right? These
things are coveted by some I think. AC15ish only less money or something. Tube
Rectifier or not?
Chick singers at:
http://home.comcast.net/~amostagain/sw_mix.mp3
http://home.comcast.net/~amostagain/sw_talk_mix.mp3
http://home.comcast.net/~amostagain/sw_trouble_mix.mp3
oas...@oasysco.com
news:20040325063618...@mb-m20.aol.com:
> Kurt wrote:
>
>>The Gibson GA-15 I heard sounded much better than the Pro Junior. WAY
>>better to my ear.
>>
>>Yes, the GA-15 (versus GA-15RV if you want reverb) is more expensive
>>than the Pro Junior, but not twice as much.
>>
>>The GA-15 I played through was one of the best-sounding amps I've ever
>>heard. Ever.
>>
>>The Gibson is a Class A amp and uses a 12" Celestion speaker -- I
>>think it's a Celestion Vintage 30. The Pro Junior uses a 10 inch
>>speaker. The Pro Junior is not a Class A amp.
>>
>
>
> The Gibson is upposed to be the same as the Trace Vellocette...right?
> These things are coveted by some I think. AC15ish only less money or
> something. Tube Rectifier or not?
Nah. SS, just like the TE's were. Nothing wrong with that as it increases
headroom slightly.
Greg
Mondoslug1
>mondo...@aol.comwaht (Mondoslug1) wrote in
>news:20040325063618...@mb-m20.aol.com:
>
>> Kurt wrote:
>>
>>>The Gibson GA-15 I heard sounded much better than the Pro Junior. WAY
>>>better to my ear.
>>>
>>>Yes, the GA-15 (versus GA-15RV if you want reverb) is more expensive
>>>than the Pro Junior, but not twice as much.
>>>
>>>The GA-15 I played through was one of the best-sounding amps I've ever
>>>heard. Ever.
>>>
>>>The Gibson is a Class A amp and uses a 12" Celestion speaker -- I
>>>think it's a Celestion Vintage 30. The Pro Junior uses a 10 inch
>>>speaker. The Pro Junior is not a Class A amp.
>>>
>>
>>
>> The Gibson is upposed to be the same as the Trace Vellocette...right?
>> These things are coveted by some I think. AC15ish only less money or
>> something. Tube Rectifier or not?
>
>Nah. SS, just like the TE's were. Nothing wrong with that as it increases
>headroom slightly.
>
>Greg
>
Just asking. Vox's have the tube that's why I was always curious about the
comparisons other than the Class A Hype.
Mike Coston
"Kurt Shapiro" <kurtWITHOUTT...@hotmailNOSPAMTHANKS.com> wrote in message news:<1PGdnazwlsl...@comcast.com>...
LarryV
Totally different beasts. The Gibson is Class A operation and the Pro
Jr is Class AB. However, if you want a Gibson GA15, contact EM Shorts
at http://www.wichitaband.com for a great price that blows away
everyone else. A friend of mine just bought a GA30RV from them for
$200 less than it could be had anywhere else.
The Gibson amps cut like a laser, great sounding amps, but personally
not my cup of tea. I think they're too in your face presence wise. I
have not heard that Gibson would be discontinuing the line as it's a
pretty hot item for them.
oas...@oasysco.com wrote in message news:<_sz8c.12069$_U.5820@lakeread05>...
Pt
<kurtWITHOUTT...@hotmailNOSPAMTHANKS.com> wrote:
>The weight savings, however, is a very good argument at my age. :-) My
>back wants me to get a Clarus.
My, My, are we getting so old that we can't lift 40 pounds?
Pt
Pt
One guy swears that the Fender is best and the other swears that the
Gibson is best.
Don't you guys know that the one that costs the most is the best?
Pt
Kurt Shapiro
you know?
I tried a Heritage 575 in a store last week. I might have to give up on
Korean slave products.
"LarryV" <lar...@rcn.com> wrote in message
news:68514a82.04032...@posting.google.com...
oas...@oasysco.com
oas...@oasysco.com
> There's no comparison between the Gibson GA15 and a Fender Pro Jr.
> Totally different beasts. The Gibson is Class A operation and the Pro
> Jr is Class AB.
Ah, but there is a huge comparison to be drawn. I did it in a prev post
on this thread. Class A, A/B operation isn't as much a factor as folks
would think tone-wise not when everything else is the same - same tube
complement, same small wattage, same size speaker, one amp weighs 22lbs
less.
We're talking about 15W tube amps here, both with SS rectifiers and PCB
construction, single tone control, single volume control, single 1M
input, 10" speaker, no reverb.
Yet, almost double in price!
> However, if you want a Gibson GA15, contact EM Shorts
> at http://www.wichitaband.com for a great price that blows away
> everyone else. A friend of mine just bought a GA30RV from them for
> $200 less than it could be had anywhere else.
Yeah, but that's a dual 12" cab, twice the wattage, more tone controls.
Big dif.
>
> The Gibson amps cut like a laser, great sounding amps, but personally
> not my cup of tea. I think they're too in your face presence wise. I
> have not heard that Gibson would be discontinuing the line as it's a
> pretty hot item for them.
Slap a WeberVST in a Pro JR or hook it up to another cab and you can get
the same deal. Me? I prefer the stock US Eminence - warmer, richer.
Greg
LarryV
pickups but yet widely varying in price. If you listen to these two amps
side by side, they sound totally different. There is a significant
difference in the way CLASS A amps sound. I think that the Gibson amps are
pricey myself, but the folks who have bought them really seem to love them,
and stores have a hard time keeping the GA15's in stock. I just find them
way too bright for my taste.
<oas...@oasysco.com> wrote in message news:rfF8c.3735$pM.2961@lakeread04...
LarryV
January 2004.
The GA15 is different than the GA15RV in the fact that besides reverb, the
GA15RV has a 12" Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, not a 10" as in the GA15.
"Kurt Shapiro" <kurtWITHOUTT...@hotmailNOSPAMTHANKS.com> wrote in
message news:xeidnciraIM...@comcast.com...
oas...@oasysco.com
> Does that apply as well to guitars - just wood, strings, pots, jacks
> and pickups but yet widely varying in price. If you listen to these
> two amps side by side, they sound totally different. There is a
> significant difference in the way CLASS A amps sound. I think that
> the Gibson amps are pricey myself, but the folks who have bought them
> really seem to love them, and stores have a hard time keeping the
> GA15's in stock. I just find them way too bright for my taste.
Having owned class A and A/B EL84-based amps, I felt the same way about
all EL84 amps (which used to be my fave) until I met the Pro JR. It's the
only EL84 based amp that doesn't have that bright, super crisp tone that
I don't like. It sounds warm, rounded, and rich and tolerates pedals
well. I'm not saying it's the best amp in the world, but if you want an
all-tube preamp/poweramp amp that weighs a measly 20lbs and puts out like
a mutha, the Pro JR is your only choice.
As for GA's around here... nah. Gibson just isn't a big name when it
comes to amps and I don't think there's a local store within an hour of
me in any direction that carries them. They cost way too much for the
average Joe; folks tend to think fo Gibson for guitars, not amps; and
let's face it, few folks like amps with few to no features (ala the Pro
JR). The simpler, the better for me, but most folks gotta have reverb and
digital effects and this and that. Me? I prefer to go outboard for all
thta so I can swap it all out independent of the amp.
I'm not kidding when I say I really, really like the naked amp tone (no
added effects) of the PJ over any other amp I own for jazz. As for
rock/blues, I front-end it with my Digitech GNX3, mic it through the PA
and it has much more oommpf than I've ever needed and at 1/3 the price,
half the form factor, and less than half the weight of my Fender Deluxe
Reverb RI, it's a much easier load out.
For $300 or less, everybody should have one in their arsenal, imo.
Max Smith
>
> The 30RV is like comparing a PJ to a Twin Reverb. Not exactly a fair
> comparison 2x12 vs 1x10.
>
> Greg
>
Point taken - though I'd also take the Goldtone 30RV (it has one 10" and
one 12" Celestion speaker, BTW) over any of Fender's current Twins for a
Les Paul - for a Tele or Strat I might go for the Fender, though.
I may be wrong, but I think the Goldtones are voiced for Les Pauls, or
at least for humbuckers. There's none of the tubby-ness I have
difficulty avoiding with the Les Paul/Twin combo.
Max Smith
No, no - the one that gets the highest rating from the scientific and
independent reviews at harmony-central.com is the best.
For me, the one that results in the highest number of panties thrown at
the stage is the best...
Max
Pt
<sixstr...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>Pt wrote:
>
>> This is funny.
>>
>> One guy swears that the Fender is best and the other swears that the
>> Gibson is best.
>>
>> Don't you guys know that the one that costs the most is the best?
>>
>> Pt
>
>No, no - the one that gets the highest rating from the scientific and
>independent reviews at harmony-central.com is the best.
>
>For me, the one that results in the highest number of panties thrown at
>the stage is the best...
>
>Max
All you need for that is the logo:
MARSHALL
Pt
Kurt Shapiro
logo and put it over his Peavey transistor amp. From 20 feet away, it
looked like a Marshall. Fooled me for a long time until I was around when
the band broke down and kept wondering where the Marshall went.
"Pt" <notAva...@NoPlace.com> wrote in message
news:9pi7601a0mpuujgb3...@4ax.com...
Kurt Shapiro
versatile little fellow, especially since I stuck a Weber speaker in it.
<oas...@oasysco.com> wrote in message news:OZL8c.4450$pM.12@lakeread04...