'58 Gibson GA-20 Amp Repair

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  • Опубліковано 27 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 397

  • @bobwasmycat
    @bobwasmycat Рік тому +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 Рік тому +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 Рік тому +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 Рік тому +15

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

  • @defaultuser1447
    @defaultuser1447 Рік тому +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.

  • @ginoames
    @ginoames Рік тому +7

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

  • @michaelyolch79
    @michaelyolch79 5 місяців тому +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! :)

  • @fl7210
    @fl7210 Рік тому +5

    This amp is so clean it looks like a reissue

  • @jlore6344
    @jlore6344 Рік тому +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.

  • @shotgunrebels
    @shotgunrebels Рік тому +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 Рік тому +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 Рік тому +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 Рік тому

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

  • @Deathclown333
    @Deathclown333 6 місяців тому +1

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

  • @MK-xl9tt
    @MK-xl9tt Рік тому +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.

  • @TunedupFlat
    @TunedupFlat Рік тому +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!

  • @timmooney7528
    @timmooney7528 Рік тому +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.

  • @lostreb
    @lostreb Рік тому +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!!!

  • @SeanKerns
    @SeanKerns Рік тому +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.

  • @davidpepper442
    @davidpepper442 Рік тому +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

  • @DeWittPotts
    @DeWittPotts Рік тому

    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.

  • @duroxkilo
    @duroxkilo Рік тому +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 :)

  • @josephhemrich6515
    @josephhemrich6515 7 місяців тому

    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!

  • @19815389
    @19815389 Рік тому +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

  • @hairnsap
    @hairnsap Рік тому +8

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

  • @gigmandrew8975
    @gigmandrew8975 Рік тому +3

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

  • @michaelmerritt1722
    @michaelmerritt1722 Рік тому +5

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

    • @stix7662
      @stix7662 Рік тому +1

      My thoughts exactly!

  • @Eddy63
    @Eddy63 Рік тому +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

  • @KeritechElectronics
    @KeritechElectronics Рік тому +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.

  • @MichaelSmith-rn1qw
    @MichaelSmith-rn1qw Рік тому +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 Рік тому

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

  • @theshamannik
    @theshamannik Рік тому +1

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

  • @mikewithers299
    @mikewithers299 Рік тому

    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". ❤❤

  • @SIXSTRING63
    @SIXSTRING63 Рік тому +6

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

  • @weschilton
    @weschilton Рік тому +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!

  • @chrismerridan101
    @chrismerridan101 Рік тому +39

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

    • @RustyStrings1
      @RustyStrings1 Рік тому +1

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

    • @LouisianaGator
      @LouisianaGator Рік тому +3

      I thought it was common knowledge.

    • @stringlocker
      @stringlocker Рік тому +17

      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 Рік тому +1

      I used to use my teeth too ! 😂

    • @stringlocker
      @stringlocker Рік тому +1

      Just make sure its unplugged 🤓

  • @Pillwas
    @Pillwas Рік тому +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

  • @GIBKEL
    @GIBKEL Рік тому +1

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

  • @A14b19
    @A14b19 Рік тому +3

    You make it look so easy. A true professional 🎉

  • @brianstuart3499
    @brianstuart3499 Рік тому +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 Рік тому

      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.

  • @rpkett
    @rpkett Рік тому

    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 Рік тому +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 Рік тому

      @@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.

  • @Breakrite
    @Breakrite Рік тому +1

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

  • @beautifulinstrumentals2866
    @beautifulinstrumentals2866 Рік тому +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.

  • @PapaSancho666
    @PapaSancho666 Рік тому

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

  • @NickGranville
    @NickGranville Рік тому +2

    Wow, that’s a museum grade amp. Amazing

  • @dyamariv3628
    @dyamariv3628 Рік тому +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 Рік тому

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

    • @RogierYou
      @RogierYou 5 місяців тому +1

      Tribal knowledge 👍

  • @dalestreeter341
    @dalestreeter341 Рік тому

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

  • @fernandonichols7168
    @fernandonichols7168 Рік тому +2

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

  • @eternaldoorman5228
    @eternaldoorman5228 Рік тому

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

  • @fredfloyd68
    @fredfloyd68 Рік тому +1

    A real tech...this girl knows electronics.

  • @michaelknight4041
    @michaelknight4041 Рік тому +1

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

  • @daveWoody
    @daveWoody Рік тому

    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.

  • @f.k.burnham8491
    @f.k.burnham8491 Рік тому

    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.

  • @ryanintopeka
    @ryanintopeka Рік тому +4

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

  • @jozsefizsak
    @jozsefizsak Рік тому +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.

  • @argocat99
    @argocat99 Рік тому +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 🙂

  • @tylerholloway_gitpikin
    @tylerholloway_gitpikin Рік тому

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

  • @theseoldhands532
    @theseoldhands532 Рік тому

    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 😊

  • @mirkocaserta
    @mirkocaserta Рік тому +1

    Your soldering game is elite, kudos.

  • @terryeaster1
    @terryeaster1 8 місяців тому

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

  • @Zildjian_DW
    @Zildjian_DW Рік тому

    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 UA-cam. Thank you for making these videos! You Rock!

  • @ampcharge5509
    @ampcharge5509 Рік тому +1

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

  • @fordsrestorations970
    @fordsrestorations970 22 дні тому

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

  • @shakesquire84
    @shakesquire84 Рік тому

    Aww what a supportive dog ❤

  • @vanceerickson2538
    @vanceerickson2538 Рік тому

    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 Рік тому

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

  • @dskim5848
    @dskim5848 Рік тому +2

    Wow! Looks mint...unbelievable!

  • @giulioluzzardi7632
    @giulioluzzardi7632 Рік тому

    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.

  • @VocalChainsStudio
    @VocalChainsStudio Рік тому

    Awesome! Thank you for passing on this incredible knowledge and passion.

  • @rstuartcpa
    @rstuartcpa Рік тому

    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.

  • @GORF_EMPIRE
    @GORF_EMPIRE Рік тому

    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.

  • @thedevilinthecircuit1414
    @thedevilinthecircuit1414 Рік тому +1

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

  • @jameskaihatu6209
    @jameskaihatu6209 Рік тому +1

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

  • @75YBA
    @75YBA Рік тому +1

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

  • @aftertheendtimes
    @aftertheendtimes Рік тому

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

  • @wndrlndx5402
    @wndrlndx5402 Рік тому +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!

  • @jeffallen3382
    @jeffallen3382 Рік тому +1

    Fitting song to a great repair!

  • @Patrick-857
    @Patrick-857 Рік тому

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

  • @ryanleung9663
    @ryanleung9663 Рік тому

    So good to see you back!

  • @robertcollins224
    @robertcollins224 11 місяців тому

    Youre not lying! Amazing amp.

  • @TangerineMagazeen
    @TangerineMagazeen 6 місяців тому

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

  • @Tonetwisters
    @Tonetwisters Рік тому

    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 Рік тому +1

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

  • @malfunction5448
    @malfunction5448 Рік тому

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

  • @Bloozestringer
    @Bloozestringer Рік тому +2

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

  • @henryhunter5026
    @henryhunter5026 Рік тому +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.

  • @justinguitarcia
    @justinguitarcia Рік тому

    Wow literal time machine. So rad

  • @I.M.Guitar-Nerd
    @I.M.Guitar-Nerd Рік тому +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!

  • @geemac7267
    @geemac7267 Рік тому +3

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

  • @YeatzeeGuitar
    @YeatzeeGuitar Рік тому

    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 😆

  • @miguelrichartmellado2834
    @miguelrichartmellado2834 Рік тому +2

    Great job ! Very good video.

  • @canaan_perry
    @canaan_perry Рік тому

    Cryogenically clean example!

  • @melvinallenallen7424
    @melvinallenallen7424 Рік тому

    Cool to watch that Amp being repaired.

  • @boxerfencer
    @boxerfencer Рік тому

    You playing at the end was a real treat!

  • @TonyThomas10000
    @TonyThomas10000 Рік тому +1

    I am surprised that one did not end up in Joe Bonamassa's collection! Fun to watch your work. So fast and efficient!

  • @joedimora9026
    @joedimora9026 5 місяців тому

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

  • @knifeswitch5973
    @knifeswitch5973 Рік тому

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

  • @fiddlix
    @fiddlix Рік тому +1

    Great job and a very well produced video. Kudos..!

  • @adamnewman5225
    @adamnewman5225 Рік тому

    Glad to see you back!

  • @OW79
    @OW79 Рік тому

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

  • @TheShakeylee
    @TheShakeylee Рік тому

    Fantastic amp!! Colleen Fazio is a super star

  • @lukkuoi
    @lukkuoi Рік тому

    Love these vids, seeing and learning about these old amps

  • @Strumbum01
    @Strumbum01 Рік тому

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

  • @edd2771
    @edd2771 Рік тому

    She’s back!

  • @AMERICANPRIDE1100
    @AMERICANPRIDE1100 Рік тому

    Your doing the lord’s work young lady