'58 Gibson GA-20 Amp Repair

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  • Опубликовано: 17 янв 2025

Комментарии • 398

  • @bobwasmycat
    @bobwasmycat Год назад +50

    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!

  • @deanmccaskill5495
    @deanmccaskill5495 Год назад +6

    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

  • @beatmueller5119
    @beatmueller5119 Год назад +12

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

  • @Grant_Ferstat
    @Grant_Ferstat Год назад +15

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

  • @nealbrown2294
    @nealbrown2294 Месяц назад

    My dad worked for General Electric after he graduated from Syracuse University. He started in radio design and then went into sonar and radar design. I used to build Heathkit and Knight kits and dad would as always check my work. Watching your videos brings back some very fond memories! This is a lost art! Thanks for the videos!

  • @fl7210
    @fl7210 Год назад +5

    This amp is so clean it looks like a reissue

  • @defaultuser1447
    @defaultuser1447 Год назад +21

    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.

  • @chrismerridan101
    @chrismerridan101 Год назад +39

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

    • @RustyStrings1
      @RustyStrings1 Год назад +1

      It’s the way I’ve always done it too

    • @LouisianaGator
      @LouisianaGator Год назад +3

      I thought it was common knowledge.

    • @stringlocker
      @stringlocker Год назад +18

      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
      @cpetty4305 Год назад +1

      I used to use my teeth too ! 😂

    • @stringlocker
      @stringlocker Год назад +1

      Just make sure its unplugged 🤓

  • @michaelyolch79
    @michaelyolch79 7 месяцев назад +1

    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! :)

  • @jlore6344
    @jlore6344 Год назад +21

    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.

  • @Deathclown333
    @Deathclown333 7 месяцев назад +1

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

  • @ginoames
    @ginoames Год назад +7

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

  • @lostreb
    @lostreb Год назад +3

    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!!!

  • @timmooney7528
    @timmooney7528 Год назад +2

    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.

  • @duroxkilo
    @duroxkilo Год назад +2

    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 :)

  • @shotgunrebels
    @shotgunrebels Год назад +5

    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
      @slamcrank Год назад +1

      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
      @shotgunrebels Год назад +1

      @@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.

  • @user-qm7nw7vd5s
    @user-qm7nw7vd5s Год назад

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

  • @TunedupFlat
    @TunedupFlat Год назад +5

    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!

  • @dyamariv3628
    @dyamariv3628 Год назад +25

    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
      @johnbravo7542 Год назад

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

    • @RogierYou
      @RogierYou 7 месяцев назад +1

      Tribal knowledge 👍

  • @michaelmerritt1722
    @michaelmerritt1722 Год назад +5

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

    • @stix7662
      @stix7662 Год назад +1

      My thoughts exactly!

  • @brianstuart3499
    @brianstuart3499 Год назад +2

    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
      @michaelknight4041 Год назад

      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.

  • @fernandonichols7168
    @fernandonichols7168 Год назад +2

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

  • @mikewithers299
    @mikewithers299 Год назад

    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". ❤❤

  • @davidpepper442
    @davidpepper442 Год назад +2

    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

  • @19815389
    @19815389 Год назад +2

    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

  • @mirkocaserta
    @mirkocaserta Год назад +1

    Your soldering game is elite, kudos.

  • @MK-xl9tt
    @MK-xl9tt Год назад +3

    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.

  • @gigmandrew8975
    @gigmandrew8975 Год назад +3

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

  • @hairnsap
    @hairnsap Год назад +8

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

  • @theshamannik
    @theshamannik Год назад +1

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

  • @GIBKEL
    @GIBKEL Год назад +1

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

  • @SeanKerns
    @SeanKerns Год назад +3

    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.

  • @Breakrite
    @Breakrite Год назад +1

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

  • @KeritechElectronics
    @KeritechElectronics Год назад +2

    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.

  • @DeWittPotts
    @DeWittPotts Год назад

    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.

  • @SIXSTRING63
    @SIXSTRING63 Год назад +6

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

  • @MichaelSmith-rn1qw
    @MichaelSmith-rn1qw Год назад +3

    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
      @garthkolbeck8674 Год назад

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

  • @ampcharge5509
    @ampcharge5509 Год назад +1

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

  • @Zildjian_DW
    @Zildjian_DW Год назад

    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 RUclips. Thank you for making these videos! You Rock!

  • @PapaSancho666
    @PapaSancho666 Год назад

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

  • @Pillwas
    @Pillwas Год назад +1

    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

  • @rpkett
    @rpkett Год назад

    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
      @Patrick-857 Год назад +1

      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
      @eDoc2020 Год назад

      @@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.

  • @A14b19
    @A14b19 Год назад +3

    You make it look so easy. A true professional 🎉

  • @jozsefizsak
    @jozsefizsak Год назад +1

    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.

  • @NickGranville
    @NickGranville Год назад +2

    Wow, that’s a museum grade amp. Amazing

  • @Eddy63
    @Eddy63 Год назад +1

    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

  • @weschilton
    @weschilton Год назад +3

    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!

  • @boxerfencer
    @boxerfencer Год назад

    You playing at the end was a real treat!

  • @josephhemrich6515
    @josephhemrich6515 9 месяцев назад

    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!

  • @giulioluzzardi7632
    @giulioluzzardi7632 Год назад

    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.

  • @vanceerickson2538
    @vanceerickson2538 Год назад

    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
      @eDoc2020 Год назад

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

  • @eatmarth
    @eatmarth Год назад +1

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

  • @f.k.burnham8491
    @f.k.burnham8491 Год назад

    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.

  • @ryanleung9663
    @ryanleung9663 Год назад

    So good to see you back!

  • @dalestreeter341
    @dalestreeter341 Год назад

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

  • @argocat99
    @argocat99 Год назад +1

    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 🙂

  • @malfunction5448
    @malfunction5448 Год назад

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

  • @terryeaster1
    @terryeaster1 9 месяцев назад

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

  • @michaelknight4041
    @michaelknight4041 Год назад +1

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

  • @ryanintopeka
    @ryanintopeka Год назад +4

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

  • @theseoldhands532
    @theseoldhands532 Год назад

    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 😊

  • @tylerholloway_gitpikin
    @tylerholloway_gitpikin Год назад

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

  • @beautifulinstrumentals2866
    @beautifulinstrumentals2866 Год назад +1

    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.

  • @eternaldoorman5228
    @eternaldoorman5228 Год назад

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

  • @daveWoody
    @daveWoody Год назад

    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.

  • @fredfloyd68
    @fredfloyd68 Год назад +1

    A real tech...this girl knows electronics.

  • @fordsrestorations970
    @fordsrestorations970 2 месяца назад

    Fantastic so far this might be my favorite video it's a beautiful amp and it is pristine pretty inside

  • @75YBA
    @75YBA Год назад +1

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

  • @TheShakeylee
    @TheShakeylee Год назад

    Fantastic amp!! Colleen Fazio is a super star

  • @jeffallen3382
    @jeffallen3382 Год назад +1

    Fitting song to a great repair!

  • @wndrlndx5402
    @wndrlndx5402 Год назад +1

    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!

  • @henryhunter5026
    @henryhunter5026 Год назад +1

    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.

  • @dskim5848
    @dskim5848 Год назад +2

    Wow! Looks mint...unbelievable!

  • @GORF_EMPIRE
    @GORF_EMPIRE Год назад

    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.

  • @edd2771
    @edd2771 Год назад

    She’s back!

  • @shakesquire84
    @shakesquire84 Год назад

    Aww what a supportive dog ❤

  • @rstuartcpa
    @rstuartcpa Год назад

    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.

  • @Les537
    @Les537 Год назад +1

    That's as clean as it gets. Makes me want to build that circuit.

  • @thedevilinthecircuit1414
    @thedevilinthecircuit1414 Год назад +1

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

  • @robertcollins224
    @robertcollins224 Год назад

    Youre not lying! Amazing amp.

  • @adamnewman5225
    @adamnewman5225 Год назад

    Glad to see you back!

  • @geemac7267
    @geemac7267 Год назад +3

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

  • @justinguitarcia
    @justinguitarcia Год назад

    Wow literal time machine. So rad

  • @Bloozestringer
    @Bloozestringer Год назад +2

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

  • @TangerineMagazeen
    @TangerineMagazeen 8 месяцев назад

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

  • @OW79
    @OW79 Год назад

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

  • @Tonetwisters
    @Tonetwisters Год назад

    I love these amps! I had one but was told it needed parts that couldn't be found and I needed two hips replaced so I sold it: but mine was older than this one. And Girl. You are a cutie!! Lucky shop dog!

    • @Patrick-857
      @Patrick-857 Год назад +2

      Hmm, sounds suspect to me. Really nothing on this amp that I can see that can't be replaced. It's incredibly basic.

    • @Tonetwisters
      @Tonetwisters Месяц назад

      @@Patrick-857 Yessir. I thought the same. I think the grumpy old amp tech just did not want to have to deal with it. But I did not have the strength to deal with it at the time and since it was dead, my wife was clamoring for more space in the house. Hence, someone got a nice amp at a very good price. Thanks for responding.

  • @joedimora9026
    @joedimora9026 7 месяцев назад

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

  • @Strumbum01
    @Strumbum01 Год назад

    Thats such a killer looking amp! Sounds great too. Nice work!

  • @aftertheendtimes
    @aftertheendtimes Год назад

    So nice to see you ina new video and yet another amp project.🥰

  • @robertstrickland2121
    @robertstrickland2121 Год назад +2

    So what,s that under the coffee table? Looks interesting.

  • @moroboshidan7960
    @moroboshidan7960 Год назад +5

    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.

  • @Proriin
    @Proriin Год назад

    I admire your skill and work you do. I only know about amps from this.

  • @I.M.Guitar-Nerd
    @I.M.Guitar-Nerd Год назад +1

    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!

  • @russculley3619
    @russculley3619 Год назад

    Brown varnished cloth insulation (time mark 22'30"): Back in the 1960s, I knew the 'Brown varnished cloth insulation as "Systoflex". This was extensively used right up to the 1970s, and possibly later.
    The 1958 Gibson amp looks as if it had just left the factory; fantastic condition!
    I notice you don't measure the output tube (Valve (in the UK)) bias (Plate Dissipation). If you do, could you include this in future videos please.
    Finally: Thank you for yet another excellent video!

  • @knifeswitch5973
    @knifeswitch5973 Год назад

    Wow you’re back! Great vid and incredibly luscious couch!

  • @miguelrichartmellado2834
    @miguelrichartmellado2834 Год назад +2

    Great job ! Very good video.

  • @melvinallenallen7424
    @melvinallenallen7424 Год назад

    Cool to watch that Amp being repaired.

  • @RobinJackson-ty9pt
    @RobinJackson-ty9pt 8 месяцев назад

    Wow...nicely done. I thoroughly enjoyed watching....and you gave us a demo at end!! (sometimes people don't)...I have this same amp..serial #39828....its "almost" as nice as yours....it sounds killer with a tele......

  • @canaan_perry
    @canaan_perry Год назад

    Cryogenically clean example!