Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,695

High-end/Boutique

$300

$701+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Dive into the melodic embrace of the past with the Gibson GA-40 Les Paul, a combo amplifier that sings a tale of vintage charisma and distinctive tone. With its roots deeply embedded in the golden era of rock 'n' roll, this amp delivers an auditory experience that transcends the ordinary. Featuring 6V6 power tubes and a unique pentode preamp design, the GA-40 offers a sound that's rich in character, setting it apart from the conventional. Whether you're channeling the raw energy of the '50s and '60s or crafting your own modern classic, this amplifier is your muse, providing a canvas for musical expression that's as boundless as your imagination.

Key Features:

  • Dual channel layout offering versatility in sound
  • Unique pentode preamp design for a distinct tonal character
  • 6V6 power tubes for smooth and rich midrange tones
  • Dedicated instrument and vocal channels to cater to diverse musical needs
  • Originally designed as the companion piece to the Les Paul Standard, ensuring compatibility and synergy

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model GA-40 Les Paul 14-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo
Year 1952 - 1954
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Direct Output No Direct Output
Electronics Tube
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 4 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 14
Power Tube Type 6V6
Reverb None
Speaker Configuration 1x12"

FAQs

What type of tubes does the Gibson GA-40 Les Paul Combo Amplifier use?

The Gibson GA-40 Les Paul Combo Amplifier uses 6V6 power tubes, which are known for their warm, smooth tone and are popular in many classic vintage amplifiers.

Is the Gibson GA-40 Les Paul Combo Amplifier suitable for gigging?

With its 14-watt output and 1x12" speaker configuration, the Gibson GA-40 is best suited for small venues or studio use rather than large gigs, as it may not provide enough volume to compete with a full band in bigger spaces.

How many input options are available on the Gibson GA-40 Les Paul Combo Amplifier?

The Gibson GA-40 Les Paul Combo Amplifier features four input options, allowing for versatile connectivity and the ability to switch between different instruments or settings.

Does the Gibson GA-40 Les Paul Combo Amplifier have built-in reverb?

No, the Gibson GA-40 Les Paul Combo Amplifier does not include built-in reverb, focusing instead on delivering pure tube-driven tones.

What is the primary genre suitability for the Gibson GA-40 Les Paul Combo Amplifier?

The Gibson GA-40 Les Paul Combo Amplifier is well-suited for classic rock and blues genres, offering rich, vintage tube tones that complement the warm sustain of a Les Paul guitar.

The Doug and Pat Show

The Doug and Pat Show

Doug and Pat Show on The Gibson GA40 Les Paul amplifiers.

Video thumbnail for Doug and Pat Show on The Gibson GA40 Les Paul amplifiers. by The Doug and Pat Show

Doug and Pat Show on The Gibson GA40 Les Paul amplifiers.

The Doug and Pat Show

The Doug and Pat Show

Video thumbnail for 1956 GIbson GA-40 Les Paul Amp by The Guitar Podcast

1956 GIbson GA-40 Les Paul Amp

The Guitar Podcast

The Guitar Podcast

Video thumbnail for 1959-1960 Gibson GA-40 Les Paul Amp Initial Inspection and Playing Test by Psionic Audio

1959-1960 Gibson GA-40 Les Paul Amp Initial Inspection and Playing Test

Psionic Audio

Psionic Audio

Video thumbnail for 1960 Gibson GA-40 Les Paul 15-Watt 1x12" amplifier + 2008 Gibson ES-335 by Oscar Guitars

1960 Gibson GA-40 Les Paul 15-Watt 1x12" amplifier + 2008 Gibson ES-335

Oscar Guitars

Oscar Guitars

Video thumbnail for Best Blues Harmonica Amps! pt. 9 - 1957 Gibson GA-40 Les Paul amp 1x12 - Vintage Tube Amp Harp Demo by BadAss Harmonica

Best Blues Harmonica Amps! pt. 9 - 1957 Gibson GA-40 Les Paul amp 1x12 - Vintage Tube Amp Harp Demo

BadAss Harmonica

BadAss Harmonica

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson GA-40 Les Paul Combo Amplifier.

Setup and maintenance

  • Servicing is recommended to avoid potential transformer damage or electrical hazards due to aged capacitors.

    Source
  • A loose speaker magnet may cause distortion at specific frequencies; securing it with tape temporarily resolves the issue.

    Source
  • Checking lead dress by moving wires with a chopstick while the amp is running can help diagnose issues related to modern voltage levels.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Original parts significantly impact value; amps range from $2000 to $3000, with $2100 being a reasonable price for an all-original unit.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Amps from this era often had multiple inputs, allowing use for both vocals and instruments, reflecting their multifunctional design before modern PAs.

    Source
  • The GA-40's internal speaker can be problematic; using the amp with an external cabinet may eliminate unwanted noises.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners detect issues with acoustic resonance when the amp is loud, suggesting potential physical cabinet or speaker problems.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billie Joe Armstrong uses Gibson GA-40 Les Paul Combo Amplifier

Billie Joe Armstrong

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo. One of the amps is a Gibson GA40 1956 with Brown Finish.

See how George Harrison uses Gibson GA-40 Les Paul Combo Amplifier

George Harrison

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, George can be seen playing through a Gibson GA-40 Amplifier at the Cavern Club

See how Buddy Holly uses Gibson GA-40 Les Paul Combo Amplifier

Buddy Holly

Singer, Guitarist

The Crickets

...
Verified via Fretboard Journal - Dedicated to the history of guitars and other fretted instruments.

Holly briefly used Gibson (what appears to be GA-40) Les Paul amplifier in 1955. He bought the amp along with Les Paul Goldtop, although he later switched to Magnatone.

See how Freddie King uses Gibson GA-40 Les Paul Combo Amplifier

Freddie King

Guitarist, Singer

Lula Reed & Freddie King

...
Verified via Guitar World

"Early photos of King show him playing a mid-Fifties Gibson gold-top Les Paul with P-90 pickups, which he used along with a Gibson GA-40 amplifier. Shortly thereafter, he switched to his trademark Gibson ES-345 guitars, cranked to massive volume through Fender Quad Reverbs." - excerpt from Guitar World's Freddie King lesson article.

See how Ariel Posen uses Gibson GA-40 Les Paul Combo Amplifier

Ariel Posen

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

A Gibson GA-40 Les Paul can be seen in this photo from Ariel's Instagram.

See how Tal Farlow uses Gibson GA-40 Les Paul Combo Amplifier

Tal Farlow

Guitarist

Great Guitars

...
Verified via Sessionville

His amps were a Gibson GA and a Fender Deluxe or Twin—all tube amps. He did not use reverb.

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 GA-40 Les Paul Combo Amplifier, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Gibson Combo Guitar Amplifiers

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides