Holland Gibb Droll 2x10 Combo

Tan leather covered. 2-10 fane axioms. 5F6A bassman clone. Kt-66.

See below

See below

See below

Posted for your consideration, a review of the Holland Gibb Droll.
Forgive any bias I may exhibit in these ramblings.
Purchased used on eBay for a very modest cost. I was looking for an easy to move "gigable" amp.
Visually stunning, in a understated way (it that is possible), the Gibb is covered in tan leather, with a gold basket weave grill cloth. A smooth contrasting brown leather handle, black chicken heads on a shiny chrome faceplate. The Holland logo top front, dead centre, with chrome metal corners all around. Based on the 5f6-A bassman circuit my amp arrived loaded with KT-66 power tubes (brown base GEC copy by Valve Art, China). Other tubes: Sovtek GZ34, Sovtek 12AX7WXT (first stage), two N.O.S. RCA 12AX7A. Secured by springs (output and rectifier) and standard aluminium caps (preamp). A thoughtful touch, Mike covers the retainer springs with a clear "gunk" (can't think of a better word) to help prevent plate rattle from these large tubes. All Gibbs offer: solid pine cabinet, and a solid-core fir baffle board. Mine is a 2-10 model loaded with fane axioms. A peek at the innards was in order, phenolic eyelet-style circuit board and if I may quote from Mike's web site " low noise carbon films for the power supply, carbon comps for the signal circuit, and metal films (for stability) in the bias supply. Sprague coupling capacitors and electrolytics"
Folks I wouldn't know a carbon comp resister if it bit me on the ass, so I asked a local tech to confirm this, verdict, they ain't lying. The same power and output transformers found in the Victoria line, this thing is built!
Over all fit and finish is very good, with a few minor flaws. The grille cloth could be a bit tighter on one side, it almost looks like someone was pressing on it. (the material is large weave?.it looks like it could "give" a bit if this happened)
The day it arrived, was jam night! The first time I plugged in was at home, with my 68 tele, sans effects, into normal channel 1, low volume (wife and kids present).
Amazing!
Full, rich, sparkle, almost like hitting the loudness button. Tons of bottom end with the dispersion of an open back cab. A great first impression! I plugged into bright 1 to compare. Truths reveal themselves, a scratchy pot! Gave it a quick twist???????..
This thing is LOUD!
That almost seems like an understatement, how about RIPPING LOUD!
I think you get the point. After getting a handle on the volume (scared kids, wife not impressed, peeled cat from curtains) I could compare the tonal differences of the bright vs. normal. Think old Marshall vs a strong twin. At home I couldn't get any degree of break up.
I belong to a private club in west Edmonton. It's a place where local musicians get together to hang out and jam. Open stage on Wednesday and Friday nights. Sign in, order a beer. There is a board with half hour time slots. You write your name under an open slot, and hit the stage with some friends when your time comes up.
Armed with the Gibb (channels jumped), a TS-9 reissue, Boss CE-1, Line-6 DL-4 and above mentioned 68 tele I was prepared to rock! Again truths reveal themselves, from the first note I knew I was in over my head. Playing with another guitarist, bass and drums, I was far and away the loudest guy in all of west Edmonton. God damn!
The tones produced when pushed were stellar! Man she is sweet! The rich bottom end (normal input), combined with the smooth mids ( bright input) produced an intoxicating effect. I was loud as hell, with devastating tone!
I was forced to turn down,??. way down.
I had the channels jumped, the tubescreamer cranked but unless I had the Gibb at painful levels, I could not get the degree of sustain I needed for the nights selections.
For potential owners, this may not be a bad thing, depends on your situation.
All I know is, after experiencing fulltilt, having to throttle back was a major bummer.
I tried my back up amp (super champ, using the line out feature

1999 Holland Gibb Model. 2x10 35 watts. No reverb. Compact Cabinet
Dark Green Tolex with a Wheat colored grill. The Control Panel
is on the top of the amp very much like the Tweed era
Fenders that it is based upon.
Two channels non switchable, four inputs. No effect loop and
no reverb. I custom ordered this amp, with a lineout jack.
The features are classic but I have to deduct points because
there is no reverb, and channel switching would be nice. 8/10
But, I respect the fact that Holland is re-creating a classic
design.

The amp sounds wonderful. When I ordered this amp, I had several
conversations with Mr. Holland regarding the sound that I wanted.
My requiremnts were 2x10, 35 watts in a lightweight cabinet.
The easiest way for me to verbalize the sound that I wanted
was "Kenny Burell in the one channel and Larry Carlton in the
other channel". He knew what I meant and he delivered.
The bright channel inputs are voiced specifically to be used
with an archtop guitar and/or semi hollow (L-5, ES-335, etc).
All four input have a distinct sound, and this amp has the most
incredible warm, thick tone which is perfectly suited for
jazz. The Normal channel overdrives easily at low volumes, which
is great for me because I don't play at high volumes.
The 35 watts are loud enough to play in a club band situation.
The overdrive is really sweet and versatile. The amp
is lightweight, around 35 lbs. It is very quiet (much more so
than the Tone King that I sold in order to buy it).

Haven't owned it long enough to tell how reliable it is.

They are nice people to deal with, although they didn't
always return my phone calls. When Holland found the time
to call me back, he was very helpful and made good suggestions.
Likewise, he was open to my suggestions and desired sound
specifications.

This is a superb amp that is very similar in tone and
size to a Fender Vibrolux (my favorite amp of all time).
I purchased a Songworks Reverb for this amp, and it
sounds great. I play an ES-335 with Seth Lover pickups
and also a PRS McCarty Soapbar through this amp. The sound
is, for me, perfect.