Gibson GA19RVT

Probably a 1964 or '65. Used strictly for harmonica. Has one channel, two inputs and a line-out. A pretty basic amp, just the way I like 'em ... volume, tone, reverb, and tremolo (with depth and frequency knobs). Reverb and trem effects are turned on/off via the original footswitch which was with the amp when I got it and still works just fine. The Falcon has a 12" speaker, which are not generally considered great harp speakers, but this one sounds red hot. Rated at about 12 watts, I'd like a little more stage power. But I use that line-out to run it in tandem with my Fender Princeton Reverb, giving me a bit more power and a nice stereo effect. Someone else mentioned the amp's ugliness. Well, ugly is in the eye of the beholder. Has a cool, retro look, if you ask me, complete with clear plastic suitcase handle.

I generally use an Astatic JT-30vc harp mic for playing blues and rock. My Shure SM57 sounds good too. The Falcon is not one to produce a clean jazzy or country tone at high volumes, but for that bluesy crunch it's great. And from what I've heard, it would me a nice sounding practice amp for most any style of guitar.

This amp was in a shambles when it was given to me. I took it to the good folks at SoFlo Tube Amps in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. and they were able to resurrect it with some minor cabinet work, a second-hand reverb pan, a vintage Rolla speaker, NOS tubes, some new caps and a general tightening of the amp. It seems pretty sturdy, for what that's worth, and I haven't had any problems yet. But I've only had it for a few weeks now.

Gibson has long-since quit making tube amps like this. (Too bad.) But I did send in a request for info about it to the Gibson customer service people in Nashville. A week or so later, I received a Xerox copy of the original owners manual. Very cool on Gibson's part. If it does crap out on me, I'm sure I can have it fixed by any competent tech.

I've owned two other good harp amps (Fender Pro Junior and Princeton Reverb). I liked both but nothing yet can touch the Falcon for crunch. I should also note that this is the only amp I've owned that sounded so damn good with the stock tubes in. Usually, to get good harp tone without a lot of feedback, you need to monkey around with the pre-amp tubes, but not with these 6EU7s. Gibsons of this era seem to abound on the internet and in second-hand shops. And because they're less collected than, say, Fenders, you can usually pick one up at a bargain price.

This amp has limited features as compared to todays multi bells and whisltes amps but it does the job and then some. Basic controls, volume, tone, reverb, depth and frequency. A little history on the amp. The modlel GA19RVT stands for Gibson Amp model 19 with reverb, vibrato and tremelo. This amp was actually manufactured by Thomas organ for Gibson. I acquired this info directly from Gibson.

This amp was made my '62 Fender Jazzmaster. While it will not rock the house it has the sweetest jazz sound going. You should mike it if playing a club. I don't drive it to distortion as I have other amps for that purpose. It was made clean to play clean.

I have never had this amp break down on me at a critical time. I don't play it more than once or twice a month so I would expect it should continue to run.

Support from Gibson is great but this amp is a one of a kind (different kind of dog) I perform all of my own repairs and service and purchased Aspen Pittmans Tube Amp Book to get the schematics. The schematics listed in Mr Pittman's book did not match the Falcon (GA19RVT) I then contacted Gibson and requested a copy of the schematics and found that I received the same one as in the Tube Amp Book. This was when I found out that Thomas Organ actually manufactured the amp and that the circuitry had been changed and that no proper schematics were available. I was able to determine the correct parts and wiring. (the tube chart is incorrect!!!)

This is my second Falcon. I owned one for a number of years and traded it. Kicked myself a many times and looked for six years to locate another. I finally found one about 4 months ago and had to do some work on the wiring but am very happy now. Overall I am very pleased with this amp but it is a specialty amp in my opinion. There is no comparison to the overall flexability of my Fender tweed 4x10 bassman or Super Reverb but then it is 1/10 the price. If you want a smooth sounding blues/jazz amp that loves old soap bar pickups this is the one. If anyone needs info on tube charts or wiring feel free to contact me via email.