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Description

Experience the rich, vintage tones of the Gibson EH-150 Amp, a classic choice for guitarists seeking a timeless sound. Originally introduced in the 1930s, this combo guitar amplifier has been celebrated for its warm, full-bodied tone that's perfect for a variety of musical styles, from jazz to blues and beyond. It effortlessly blends historic charm with modern functionality, making it a staple in any musician's collection.

The EH-150 is renowned for its iconic circuit design, which delivers a distinctive, resonant sound with a touch of harmonic richness. This amplifier is equipped with a single-channel setup, granting straightforward control without compromising on tonal complexity. Its simplicity is ideal for musicians who appreciate the pure, unadulterated sound of their instrument.

The amplifier features a robust build, reflecting Gibson’s commitment to quality craftsmanship. It’s not just about the sound; the EH-150 is constructed to withstand the rigors of regular use, whether in the studio or on stage. This enduring amp remains a favorite for those who appreciate the nuances of classic guitar amplification.

Key Features:

  • Single-channel design for straightforward operation
  • Renowned for its warm, full-bodied tone
  • Iconic circuit design delivering rich harmonic content
  • Durable construction suitable for studio and live performances
  • Historically celebrated for its contribution to jazz and blues genres

Product specs

Amp Type tube
Uncle Doug

Uncle Doug

Museum-Grade Pre-War Gibson EH 150 gets a "Stealth" Overhaul

Video thumbnail for Museum-Grade Pre-War Gibson EH 150 gets a "Stealth" Overhaul by Uncle Doug

Museum-Grade Pre-War Gibson EH 150 gets a "Stealth" Overhaul

Uncle Doug

Uncle Doug

Video thumbnail for 1936 Gibson ES-150 Charlie Christian & EH-150 Amp by Dream Guitars

1936 Gibson ES-150 Charlie Christian & EH-150 Amp

Dream Guitars

Dream Guitars

Video thumbnail for '36 Gibson EH-150 | Part 1: Amp History on the Bench by Psionic Audio

'36 Gibson EH-150 | Part 1: Amp History on the Bench

Psionic Audio

Video thumbnail for Vintage Amp comparison: 1938-41 Gibson EH 185 v Gibson EH 150 by Paul Linden

Vintage Amp comparison: 1938-41 Gibson EH 185 v Gibson EH 150

Paul Linden

Paul Linden

Video thumbnail for Vintage 1930s Gibson Amplifiers Compared, EH-125 vs EH-150 (both with 1936 Gibson ES-150 Guitar) by That Rhythm Man Guitars

Vintage 1930s Gibson Amplifiers Compared, EH-125 vs EH-150 (both with 1936 Gibson ES-150 Guitar)

That Rhythm Man Guitars

That Rhythm Man Guitars

Video thumbnail for The Backline Demos (Ep.2) - 1938 Gibson EH-150 Amp demo - by Sugarbird Recordings - Vintage amp by POORTER

The Backline Demos (Ep.2) - 1938 Gibson EH-150 Amp demo - by Sugarbird Recordings - Vintage amp

POORTER

POORTER

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson EH-150 Amplifier.

Features and functionality

  • The EH-150 has an extra preamp tube added, possibly for increased gain, allowing it to run both with and without the modification.

    Source
  • Plugging a guitar into the mic input is reported to yield particularly cool sound characteristics.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the 6SN7 tube in the EH-150's preamp spot with a 6SL7 can improve sound quality.

    Source

Build quality

  • The BR-9 amplifier may require new tolex as it's prone to peeling, exposing bare wood.

    Source
  • The EH-150 may have been refurbished with a field coil speaker replacement, suggesting potential for improved sound.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The BR-9 is noted for its clean sound but is compared to a thinner-sounding Fender Champ.

    Source

User experience

  • The BR-9's cycle hum knob may function as a volume control, affecting volume from 50hz to 60hz.

    Source
  • The EH-150 reportedly emits a warm sound, compared to "melted butter" when used skillfully.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners note the tight fit of the speaker and tubes, which may complicate maintenance and repairs.

    Source

Other

  • The amp often comes with a grounded three-prong plug, indicating past electrical safety updates.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson EH-150 | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The Gibson EH-150 Amp is a quintessential pre-WWII amplifier that has left a lasting impact on the world of guitar music. Its historical significance is undeniable, with pioneering features such as tone manipulation and an extension speaker output that allowed for innovative soundscapes. The amp's design and build quality were ahead of their time, contributing to its legendary status. However, while it set a new standard, its power may be considered low by modern standards. Overall, the EH-150 remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its contribution to music history and its association with guitar greats like Charlie Christian.

positive

Vintage Vault: 1937 Gibson EH-150 Guitar and Amp - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Matthew Bellamy uses Gibson EH-150 Amplifier

Matthew Bellamy

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

Listed as an amp used recording the album Will Of The People at the bottom of the article

See how George Benson uses Gibson EH-150 Amplifier

George Benson

Singer, Guitarist

The George Benson Quartet

...
Verified via YouTube

in the whole video for the Musical Instrument Museum exposition "The Electric Guitar -Inventing An American Idol", Benson plays using a GIBSON EH-150 amp.

See how T-Bone Walker uses Gibson EH-150 Amplifier

T-Bone Walker

Guitarist

T-Bone Walker Quintet

...
Verified via Pasosdepato

T-Bone Walker used a Gibson EH-150 Amp during his Imperial Recordings from 1950 to 1954, as detailed in the Pasosdepato article.

See how Charlie Christian uses Gibson EH-150 Amplifier

Charlie Christian

Guitarist

The Benny Goodman Sextet

...
Verified via Photo

Charlie Christian was known to use the Gibson EH-150 Amp, often paired with the Gibson ES-150 guitar during his performances. This combo, popular in its time for its affordability and distinctive warm, classic sound, is now highly valued by collectors and musicians alike. A user-uploaded photo from Hendrixguitars provides evidence of this iconic pairing.

Album Usage

The Gibson EH-150 Amplifier has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson EH-150 Amplifier, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1 alternative for Gibson EH-150 Amplifier, curated by the Equipboard community.

The Nocturne Brain Jr Barnyard

 

similar sound cheaper alternative

The Jr Barnyard is an octal preamp pedal, inspired by the pre-war Gibson amplifiers such as the EH-150.

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