drevv
1 post
Jul 24, 2015
1:07 PM
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I'll start out by saying im not an amp expert, but have been learning as I go. Existing threads here have been super helpful so thanks to evryone who contributes here!
I recently came across a Gibson Amp that seems like a very nice find, it's a GA-35 RVT Lancer at a local music shop. It's on consignment for $350 - seems to be in good shape—the reverb sounds great. According to the guy I spoke with everything works except for the tremelo (this isnt something I'd likely use anyway).
Here is my main Hangup—the thing has a pretty loud hum/buzz. I was told turning the power to a second 'on' position would flip the polarization and resolve this, and it helped but it was still quite noisy. Long story short: I understand older amps can get noisy and its a little bit the nature of the beast, but if this is my main hangup on the amp are there things I should investigate to see if it can be quieted? When pressed they called their amp tech who basically said if it's super noisy it could be something, but it's likely that if it's been sitting around it might be reduced by using it more frequently... Not sure if that's total hogwash. Do any of you have any experience / opinions on this amp? Well, I guess that wasn't too short... I can try to add video soon so ya'll can see and hear...
Much thanks!
Drew
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Barley Nectar
861 posts
Jul 24, 2015
1:37 PM
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A good amp should not be humming/buzzing loudly. That amp needs new electrolytic capacitors at the very least. May also need tubes and other parts. These guys know this and I would not trust them! If you do buy it for a reduced price finding someone to repair it correctly, will be a PITA and costly. Gibson amps are notorious for not matching their schematics. Also that amp uses a transformer for the phase inverter that may be hard to source if it fails. Personally, I would move on...BN
Last Edited by Barley Nectar on Jul 24, 2015 1:38 PM
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6SN7
560 posts
Jul 24, 2015
1:39 PM
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Well, first off, I wouldn't bring it to that tech. That's some of the dumbest advise I have ever heard. It hums dude, its an issue.
The amp itself is a better guitar amp, research the internet and cruise the guitar gear sites and you'll find more info. Price sounds good but it sounds like its going to cost some money to fix it and I've read a speaker upgrade is a good idea. if your gut screams go for it, but your head says, exercise restraint, listen to your head. good luck.
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drevv
2 posts
Jul 24, 2015
2:21 PM
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Thanks for the insight! It sounds like I should probably move on. Especially since I don't need the amp right away, it seems like being patient is an important part of the hunt :)
Thank you!
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6SN7
563 posts
Jul 24, 2015
2:25 PM
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drevv, i wish I practiced that restraint many years ago.
Today, i happy to say I own 2 amps, 4x10 Sonny Jr and a 5 watt Valco.
One for practice/studio/teeny weeny combos and gigs and one for gigging on med/large stages or w/ two or more guitarists.
I have had amps in the "middle area" like the Gibson you looked at, but in time, they ended up as coffee tables.
Last Edited by 6SN7 on Jul 24, 2015 2:27 PM
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Thievin' Heathen
571 posts
Jul 25, 2015
6:22 AM
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Amp Purchase Restraint - Where can I buy some of that?
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LSC
738 posts
Jul 25, 2015
5:17 PM
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From The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy -
"Amp Purchase Restraint, also known as "The Mrs".
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LSC
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