The Gibson GA-5 rolled out in 1954 as the companion amp for the Les Paul Junior guitar. This simple, low-powered Class A amplifier was intended as a student model. It was a departure from the earlier Gibson designs, and it was very similar to the 5C1 Fender Champ, but the GA-5 came in a smaller box with Gibson stylings.
This GA-5 dates to 1955, and it is a great example of the early "TV-front" Les Paul Jr. Amp. The earliest version of the circuit features a 6SJ7 preamp tube and a 6x9" speaker that has the output transformer mounted directly to the Alnico speaker magnet. These details make this GA-5 stand apart from later iterations. This amp has been properly serviced for modern use: it has a safe 3-prong power cable, and the filter caps and coupling cap have all been replaced with MOD Electrolytic Capcaticors. Both transformers are original, and the original speaker dates to the 4th week of 1955.
When you plug in, this 1955 GA-5 is a fantastic low-wattage practice amp. Because of the 6x9" speaker and 6SJ7, it is not as much of an overdrive grinder as later models. As you bring up the volume with single coils, the stays cleaner longer than we often expect from vintage amps like this. Of course, it gets dirty when you crank it, but it remains smoother and not as harmonic/raunchy as others. Because of the speaker, there's a woody, lo-fi tone that is fitting for a true relic of the '50s. The tone is definitely in the tweed vein, and unmistakably vintage.
Because of the output—and authentic '50s stylings—this 1955 Gibson GA-5 Les Paul Jr. Amp would be a great choice for the living room. Electric guitar doesn't have to be relegated to your music room. Lower-wattage amps like this fit the bill all around the house, and the wheat grille cloth perfectly matches the brown covering. The original handle is still in tact as well! Too cool.