Gibson GA-20 restoration

[tommad]

I have a '54 (still has the cover as well), but it has 9-pin preamps....original.

[overtone]

Yeah, mine is the later version. I'll rebuild the cab with 3/4" pine and tu-tone tolex, although the original was probably tweed, I think. I have the original hinged handle and the raised letter nameplate.

Too bad the Gibson amps had such flimsy cabinets. I have a late 50's Silvertone amp constructed of pressed cardboard-like material! Sounds good, though.

I recall seeing a picture of a stripped later GA-20 and it had interlocking corner joints. I think that is what you call them, a bit like teeth. They are usually quite strong.
This picture may be of general interest: my old 6SJ7 preamp 1954 GA-40 Les Paul that has also been stripped at some point and a big fat tool box handle added. The joints are butted and have triangular fillets along the inside. Only the top is 3/4" the rest is all 10mm, which is less than 1/2", but it seems strong enough. Perhaps some tolex would make it stronger, but I enjoy it as it is... ...worn and craggy like me.

[rp]

seen this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Gibson-tweed-cabine ... a43d&vil=1

Never know, can't hurt to point it out.