Gibson and Epiphone Expand Amplifier Offerings

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Designed by Gibson Labs, the technology division of Gibson Guitar, the new Gibson and Epiphone amp lines offer models ranging from hand-crafted, 5-watt, all-tube practice/studio amps to a 100-watt head with 4 x 12" cabinet, from the affordability of the Epi line to a new amplifier design resulting from Gibson's collaboration with noted amp builder Michael Soldano on the "Gold Top" model.

First up are Epiphone's all-tube, Class A Valve Series, some available with built-in DSP effects:

• Valve Series Junior (MSRP $199.99): a single-ended, Class A amplifier in a retro cabinet with a special design 8" speaker and 5 watts of power.
• Valve Series Special (MSRP $369.99): the same amp as the Junior with 16 DSP Selections and separate DSP Reverb, a 10" speaker.
• Valve Series Standard (MSRP $659.99) is a 15-watt Class A, push-pull monster, with 16 DSP Selections, separate DSP Reverb, a 12" speaker and a gutsy musical preamp section.

The E-Series models are solid-state designs with DSP:

Firefly 30 DSP

• 30 watts, featuring E-Valve Tube Tone Circuitry
• 2 Channels
• 16 DSP Selections
• Separate DSP Reverb
• Special design 10" speaker
• MSRP $249.99

Triggerman 60 DSP

• 60W, Featuring E-Valve Tube Tone Circuitry
• 2 Channels
• 16 DSP Selections
• Separate DSP Reverb
• Special Design 12" speaker
• MSRP $389.99

Triggerman 100H DSP

• 100-watt head version of Triggerman 60
• MSRP: $499.99 Trigger Cab
• 4 X 12" special design speakers
• Mono/Stereo
• 280-watt handling
• MSRP: $389.99

Regent 230 DSP Acoustic Amp

• Two channels, 1 instrument, 1 vocal/instrument
• 2 Individual channels of 16 DSP selections
• XLR Input on vocal channel
• 2 X 6.5" special design speakers
• Notch filler
• HF horn for highs
• MSRP: $389.99

The Gibson Guitar Amplification Line is also getting some new additions to the hand-built, premium line: GA-5

• 5-watt, Class A, single-ended, hand built, point-to-point
• 8" special design ceramic magnet speaker
• Available in vintage Tolex, plexiglass and hardwood cabinets
• Starting MSRP: $719.99

GA-20RVT

• 15-watt Class A, hand built, point-to-point with 2 channels plus mix
• Tube Reverb
• Tube Tremolo
• Pentode/Triode switch
• 12" Eminence Legend speaker
• In two-tone Vintage Brown and Tan Tolex
• MSRP $1199.99

GA-40RVT

• 30-watt Class A, hand built, point-to-point with 2 channels plus mix
• Tube Reverb
• Tube Tremolo
• Pentode/Triode switch
• 12" Eminence Legend speaker
• Constructed of 13-layer Baltic birch plywood
• In two-tone Vintage Brown and Tan Tolex
• MSRP $1439.99

GA-50H

• 50-watt Class AB head, hand built, point-to-point with 2 channels
• Tube-driven FX loop
• Pentode/Triode switch
• Constructed of 13-layer Baltic birch plywood
• In two-tone Vintage Brown and Tan Tolex
• MSRP $1559.99

GA-412

• Stereo and Mono switch
• Constructed of 13-layer Baltic bBirch plywood
• 4 X 12" Eminence Legend speakers
• In two-tone Vintage Brown and Tan Tolex
• MSRP$959.99

Power Stealth (Best of Breed power attenuation)

• Available in 4.8 and 16 ohm models
• XLR balanced and 1/4" Line Outs for recording and live
• Bright and Deep switches
• Auto On/Off fan helps to minimize fan noise an reduce heat
• Gibson Goldtop finish
• Allows high powered amp tone at small studio volumes
• MSRP:$399.99

A total of five additional models of amplifiers are being produced as a joint partnership between Gibson Labs and Soldano Custom Amplification. The partnership's first offering, the "Gold Top" will be followed by four other amplifiers to be announced in mid-2005. The Gibson "Gold Top" is a distinguished take on Michael Soldano's flagship amplifier the SLO100. Each amplifier will be hand-signed and numbered by Michael Soldano. Along with the signature, each amplifier will come with a hardcover photo album documenting its specific crafting from start to finish.

For more information, visit their web sites at www.gibsonamps.com and www.epiphone.com.