smurph1 Posted December 16, 2013 Posted December 16, 2013 I have always been confused by the term "tweed" when it comes to amps.. My old Gibson GA-8..(1959) is a tweed color, does that mean it's a tweed amp? Or is "tweed amp" pretty much reserved for Fenders? Thanks Scott
koula901 Posted December 16, 2013 Posted December 16, 2013 I don't know for sure, but I think it may have to do with the circuit, like a 5E3.
tulk1 Posted December 16, 2013 Posted December 16, 2013 It has to do more with the era. Most pre-60s, Gibsons included, are considered to be Tweed "Era" amps. Since that was Fender's covering of choice at the time. It was after 1959 that the amp circuits became a bit more complicated. Coverings seemed to change with the mods. But yeah, Scott, your amp could be considered a Tweed Era amp.
fxdx99 Posted December 16, 2013 Posted December 16, 2013 I dunno. Here's an opinion. Yeh, your '59 GA-8 would be considered a tweed amp. Tweed and then brown/black/sliver face referring to cosmetic in name, but intended I think more for common circuit grouping. Can't recall the name of the late 40's amps prior to tweed?... No matter. While the naming convention of covering and circuits kinda aligned to fender, the gibson line especially in that tweed era had some common ground/sounds. I've a predecessor to yours, a '52 Gibsonette that might fall into that pre-tweed designation I can't recall the name of. Don't gig with it much other than bring it to Sat morn jam occasionally. A 'one trick' sound that with the 525 especially just brings you to that early 50s 'jump swing/rock'nroll vibe. It's in remarkable condition with most all original parts including the Jensen field coil speaker. And it just looks cool.
smurph1 Posted December 16, 2013 Author Posted December 16, 2013 Yeah that's a beauty.. Both guitar and Amp!!
TalismanRich Posted December 16, 2013 Posted December 16, 2013 The designation obviously comes from the covering of the time. Like this 53 Fender. My 53 National is definitely a "tweed" amp. Minimalist circuit designs, relatively low powered and usually they break up really easily. They weren't designed to power a rock and roll band. As Randy said, most are a bit of a "one trick pony".
schundog Posted December 16, 2013 Posted December 16, 2013 The first generation of Fender amps were called Woodies. Let the jokes begin....
fxdx99 Posted December 16, 2013 Posted December 16, 2013 Wow, Rich - that amp looks in great shape for 60 years old!
Trouble Posted December 17, 2013 Posted December 17, 2013 The first generation of Fender amps were called Woodies. Let the jokes begin.... You beat me to it. I'll let someone else start with the jokes though.
fxdx99 Posted December 17, 2013 Posted December 17, 2013 The first generation of Fender amps were called Woodies. Let the jokes begin.... Aw, Brian. You're being a little hard on them, ain't cha?...
TalismanRich Posted December 17, 2013 Posted December 17, 2013 Wow, Rich - that amp looks in great shape for 60 years old! Thanks Randy. Believe it or not, it spent about thirty years in my parent's attic. I had it reworked by Terry Dobbs aka Mr Valco. http://www.valcoamp.com/ He had to replace the handle, caps and a couple of tubes. The speaker was still in good shape, and the tweed is in great shape. I had it at PSP 2 years ago. Unfortunately, it couldn't keep up with the Plexis and Soldanos!
smurph1 Posted December 17, 2013 Author Posted December 17, 2013 Yep my 59 is a "one trick pony" also but since I put NOS RCAs in it, it's a nice trick..
schundog Posted December 17, 2013 Posted December 17, 2013 Aw, Brian. You're being a little hard on them, ain't cha?... Oh, no, Randy; Just trying to Bone-Up on my knowledge of all things Fender related....
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