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Before the Skylark, one of Gibson's small
amplifier offerings was the Gibsonette. They
also were produced in several styles over the
years (including styles as in Figures 2 and 3).
The style shown at left (see figure 1) was made
in 1952-53. It has a 10" Jensen field coil
speaker and a tube compliment of: 1-6SJ7 (pre
amp)
2-6V6 (power amp; run in a parallel, single
ended design)
1-5Y3 (rectifier)
The controls were located at the bottom rear
of the cabinet directly on the chassis and
consist of: 2 input jacks, on/off switch and a
volume control.
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This is a beautiful example of the earliest style
GA-5, made in 1954-56 these first three years
the GA-5 model designation was "Les Paul
Junior". The Skylark name came in 1957. Note
the "TV" front panel (see Figure 2).
This model had a 10" Jensen speaker and a
tube compliment of: 1-6SJ7 (pre amp)
1-6V6 (power amp)
1-5Y3 (rectifier)
The circuit in these is very nearly the same as
the Fender 5C1 model "Champ".
The controls were mounted on a slanted panel
at the upper rear and consist of: 2 inputs,
volume control, fuse holder, on/off switch and
a jeweled pilot light.
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Beginning in 1957 until 1961 the first true
"Skylark" model was introduced. Note the
blond tolex and the disappearance of the "TV"
styling (see Figure 3). Some Gibson models
sported a "tweed" looking vinyl covering in
1960-61, but not the Skylark.
Through these years the Skylark featured a 8"
Jensen "special design" speaker. Tube
compliment for GA-5:
1-12AX7 (pre amp)
1-6V6 (power amp)
1-5Y3 (rectifier)
The GA-5T of this period used:
1-12AX7 (pre amp)
1-6BM8 (power amp and tremolo)
1-5Y3 (rectifier)
Like the earlier Les Paul Junior, the controls
were mounted on a slanted panel at the upper
rear and consist of: 2 inputs, volume control,
fuse holder, on/off switch and a jeweled pilot
light.
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In 1962-?? Gibson introduced the "Crestline"
models, and the venerable Skylark got a
complete re-design and significant circuit
changes, including the addition of a tremolo
circuit in the GA-5T.
The T in the model number stands for
"Tremolo" (see Figure 4). The GA-5 minus the
tremolo was still available (see Figure 5).
Note the differences between the rough, dark,
black "elephant hide" tolex and silver grill
cloth on the GA-5T (Figure 4), and the
very dark brown, wood grain imprint tolex and
rectangular patterned brown grill cloth on the
GA-5 (Figure 5 ). Whether these differences
were specific by model (GA-5/GA-5T) or a mid
model/year update is an unanswered question.
The changes included: a 10" Gibson Ultrasonic
speaker and a tube compliment for the GA-5T
of:
2-6EU7's (pre amp/ phase inverter and tremolo)
2-6AQ5's (in a push-pull power amp design)
1-6X4 (rectifier)
The GA-5 tube compliment during this period
was:
1-6EU7 (pre amp)
1-6C4 (phase inverter)
2-6AQ5's (in a push pull power amp design)
1-6X4 (rectifier)
With this design, the tubes were mounted
horizontally on the back of the chassis (top of
tubes pointed to rear).
Approx. size is 20.25" x 15" x 6.5".
The controls, now located on a sloping *front*
panel, are; 2 inputs, volume, rotating on/off
knob, jewel pilot light and fuse holder. The
GA-5T includes a frequency control knob to
control tremolo speed.
Figure 6
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In 1965 and 1966 Gibson gave the Skylark
another major design overhaul. These are
commonly referred to as "white panel" amps.
These are notable for their rough black
"elephant hide" tolex, silver grill cloth, and
Fender style 1-10 marked knobs
(see Figure 6).
These featured a 10" Gibson Ultrasonic
speaker. The tube compliment for the GA-5 in
this series is:
1-6EU7 (pre amp)
1-6BQ5 (power amp)
1-6X4 (rectifier)
The GA-5T used:
1-6EU7 (pre amp),
1-6C4 (phase inverter),
2-6BQ5 (in a push-pull power amp design)
solid state rectification via 2 diodes.
Control panel layout is: 2 inputs, volume,
treble, bass, speed and frequency (tremolo),
and a rotating on/off knob with a small pilot
light above it (the fuse holder is on the back
panel).
It is notable that this design used a box type
chassis that is attached to the cabinet by
screws through the top like the 60's
Fender amps. Also, the tubes hang down from
the chassis.
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In 1967-?? Gibson changed the design again to
the Medalist? series styling? (see Figure 7).
These have the 10" Gibson Ultrasonic speaker
and a tube compliment of:
2-12ax7's (pre amp and tremolo)
1-6BQ5 (power amp)
1-6X4 (rectifier)
Control panel includes: 2 inputs, tone, tremolo
knob (controls speed), rotating on/off switch
and a pilot light.
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Gibson Skylark EH-500 lap steel, 1956-1968,
Eight string version available in 1958. Korina
wood body.
Gibson amps, were often sold as a companion
to (surprise!) a Gibson guitar or lap steel.
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