GA-5 LES PAUL JUNIOR AMPLIFIER
OWNER’S MANUAL
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE AND
OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHOULD NOT
BE PLACED ON THIS APPARATUS.
The lightning bolt warns of the risk of shock from high voltage. Do not tamper with
or attempt to open any areas where this warning is present.
The exclamation point alerts the user to an important operating or maintenance
instruction.
Conforms to EU directives.
Conforms to North American standards
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Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with dry cloth.
Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produces heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized
plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for
your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where thy exit from the apparatus.
11. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
12. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
Importanti istruzioni di sicurezza
Tenere l’apparecchio lontano da gocciolamenti o schizzi. Evitare di appoggiare recipienti pieni
di liquido sull’apparecchio.
Collegare l’apparecchio solo a prese di corrente dotate di messa a terra di protezione.
La spina all’estremità del cavo elettrico è il dispositivo che consente di scollegarsi dalla rete.
“Rete” è il termine ufficiale per designare la fonte di alimentazione elettrica. Inserire la spina
nella presa in modo da consentirne sempre un facile accesso.
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW
GIBSON GA-5 LES PAUL JUNIOR AMPLIFIER
As the new owner of the Les Paul Junior amplifier, you have joined a great Gibson legacy.
When the electric guitar emerged in the 1930s as an instrument with its own voice, Gibson
amplifiers powered that voice. In the 1940s and 1950s, Gibson’s continuing advances in
amplifier design matched the company’s celebrated guitar innovations. In 1956, four years after
Gibson’s historic partnership with legendary guitarist Les Paul, Gibson introduced the GA-5
Les Paul Junior guitar amplifier.
This compact powerhouse became Gibson’s most popular guitar amp of the 1950s.Thousands
of aspiring young electric guitarists got their first taste of pure guitar tone from the Les Paul
Junior’s classic all-tube design with point-to-point wiring.
Almost 50 years later, Gibson and Les Paul once again teamed up to create a new Les Paul
Junior, inspired by the original all-tube design but with the advantages of modern technology.
Today’s Les Paul Junior is handbuilt, featuring original style, single-ended Class A tube circuitry
with point-to-point wiring and only a single Volume control. Its performance is enhanced with
a solid-state rectifier for better low-frequency response, a custom-designed Gibson Goldtone
speaker for cleaner tone, and top-quality cabinet components that make it more powerful
than any other comparable amp.
With a purity of tone that hasn’t been heard in generations, the new Gibson Les Paul Junior
invites you to plug in, turn up, express yourself and become a part of a great Gibson tradition.
If you ever have a question or concern about anything, any day, any time, please call Gibson
Customer Service at 1-800-4GIBSON (444-2766) or email service@gibson.com
From the Gibson Tone Team at
Gibson Labs Technology Group
Suite 330
159 South Jackson Street
Seattle, WA 98104
www.gibsonamps.com
Power Light
Input Jacks
Volume Control
On/Off Switch
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
PLUG YOUR AMP IN
CAUTION: The power cord plug is the designated mains disconnect device. “Mains”
is the official term for the electrical power source. Visually inspect the power cord
plug for damage before each use. Do not use it if it appears damaged. Keep the power
cord plug accessible at all times. Always use a grounded/earthed AC socket. Never use a
socket adapter that will not ground the amplifier.To reduce the risk of fire or electrical
shock, do not expose your amplifier to rain or moisture.
NOTE: Your Les Paul Jr. amp was wired for the country in which you bought it – 120VAC for
U.S., 100VAC for Japan, 230-240VAC for United Kingdom or 220VAC for continental Europe.
The voltage specification is on a manufacturer’s tag on the amplifier. If you are in a different
country, if the plug on your amplifier’s power cord does not fit the receptacle, or if you have
any doubt about power compatibility, do NOT plug in. See Universal Power Transformer
below.
TURN IT ON
The Power Switch turns your amplifier ON and OFF.The indicator light glows when the amplifier is turned on.
CAUTION: Your amplifier is not disconnected from the mains when the Power Switch
is in the OFF position.
PLUG YOUR GUITAR IN
First, turn the Volume knob down – counterclockwise – as far as it will go.Then plug
your 1/4-inch plug (standard guitar cord) into one of the two inputs. Input #1 goes direct to
the amplification circuitry and produces a bright, loud tone. Input #2 has a “pad” (of 3 db)
which produces a softer, darker tone.
TURN IT UP
The GA-5 Les Paul Junior has a single Volume control and no Tone control. With no extraneous circuitry to add unwanted tone coloration, the tone is pure and clean.You can change the
tone considerably, however, by changing the volume settings on the amp and on your guitar.
The Single-ended Class A circuit allows incredible sensitivity to the strong touch response, so
for the cleanest tone, start with the volume control down on your guitar.The amp will reach
“break up” at various points depending on the guitar’s volume setting and the type of pickpup.
MORE TECHNICAL INFORMATION
CIRCUIT TOPOLOGY
The preamp and power stage signal paths are both 100% tube.The combination of a single
ECC83/12AX7A based preamp and a single 6BQ5/EL84 based power amp yields 5 watts
RMS output.The top quality cabinet materials and the custom-designed efficient Gibson
Goldtone speaker produce a sound far louder than one would expect from a 5 watt amp.
Additionally, the GA-5 Les Paul Junior amp is enhanced with a solid state rectifier to improve
low frequency response.
INPUTS
Impedance is at least 47k with a 3 db pad on input #2.
TUBES/VALVES
The Les Paul Junior has two tubes/valves.Viewed from the back of the amp, the
ECC83/12AX7A is on the left.The 6BQ5/EL84 is on the right. When replacing tubes/valves,
be sure to use the same part number as indicated on the amplifier or in the owner’s manual.
Always consult your authorized Gibson Amplifier Service Center.
FUSE
The line fuse, located on the underside of the chassis, protects your amplifier against irregularities in the A.C. source, tube failure, component failure, severe overload to the output amplifier
and other conditions that can be unsafe or damaging to the amplifier. If your amplifier continually blows the line fuse, there is a problem that must be corrected before the amplifier is put
back into service. Contact an authorized Gibson Amplifier Service Center.
For 100V~/120V~ (Japan/U.S.A) use a 5 x 20mm T500mAL250V (Slo Blo) fuse.
For 220V~/230-240V~ (Europe/U.K.) use a 5 x 20mm T250mAL250V (Slo Blo) fuse.
To replace the fuse, first remove the power cord. Then use a thin blade prying tool to pop
out the fuser holder. Remove the old fuse and put the new fuse in the holder. Push the holder in until it snaps into place.
NOTE: Never replace the line fuse with a higher amperage rating. It is not only unsafe, but it
leaves your amplifier unprotected in the event of a tube or component failure and invalidates
your warranty.
UNIVERSAL TRANSFORMER
The Mains AC voltage for your GA-5 Les Paul Junior Amplifier was wired for the country
where it was originally sold, but each amplifier is equipped with a universal power transformer
so that it can be rewired to work in any country that uses V A.C. 50/60Hz. We recommend
that you do not attempt to do this yourself. Please contact your authorized Gibson Amplifier
Service Center. A list of Gibson Amplifier Service Centers can be found on
www.gibsonamps.com.
SPEAKER
The GA-5 Les Paul Junior amplifier is equipped with an 8" custom-designed Gibson Goldtone
loudspeaker with 15 watts RMS rated power and output impedance of 4 ohms.
IEC SOCKET
An IEC socket allows for connection with various power cables used in different parts of the
world.
AMPLIFIER MAINTENANCE
Besides the normal replacement of the indicator light and vacuum tubes/valves, your Les Paul
Junior amplifier should require very little maintenance. However, if you notice a change in the
performance or the sound of the amp, or if have any questions regarding your amp’s performance, please contact your authorized Gibson Amplifier Service Center.
Amplifier Dimensions: 14" H (without handle or feet) x 8 1/2" D x 13 5/8" W
Amplifier Shipping Dimensions: 16" x 16" x 10"
Amplifier Weight: 17.4 lbs
Amplifier Shipping Weight: 20 lbs.
Suite 330 | 159 South Jackson Street | Seattle, Washington USA 98104
1.800.4.GIBSON | service@gibson.com | http://www.gibsonamps.com
Gibson Labs is a Division of the Gibson Guitar Corporation