1964 Gibson Scout GA-17 RVT

You're looking at an excellent condition 1964 Gibson Scout GA-17 RVT. The amp functions perfectly and sounds great.

The Gibson Scout GA-17 RVT is a vintage tube combo amplifier known for its classic mid-century sound and compact design. It was part of Gibson's "Crestline" series of amps from the early to mid-1960s.

Here is a detailed breakdown of its features and characteristics:

Key Features and Design

Period: The GA-17 RVT was manufactured between 1963 and 1967. Your 1964 model places it squarely within this production era, which is often considered a "golden age" for many vintage guitar amplifiers.

Controls: The control panel is simple and straightforward, located on the top of the chassis. It typically features knobs for Loudness (Volume), Reverberation (Reverb), and Tremolo Frequency. Some sources note that the amp may lack a dedicated tone knob.

Effects: The "RVT" in its name stands for Reverb and Tremolo. Both effects are tube-driven and can be activated via a footswitch.

Aesthetics: The amp has a distinctive vintage look, often featuring Indian Brown covering with a Spanish Crush brown cloth grille. Some models from this era may also have a black covering with a silver grille.

Inputs: It has two inputs, allowing for connection of one or two instruments.

Technical Specifications

Power Output: The amp is rated for approximately 10 to 12 watts. While this may seem low by modern standards, it is a very loud and functional volume for practice, studio recording, and even small-venue gigs.

Speaker: It is equipped with a single 10-inch speaker. This speaker size contributes to its focused and articulate tone. The original speaker was often a Jensen or CTS Alnico.

Tube Complement: The GA-17 RVT uses a specific set of tubes that define its tone:

Power Tubes: A pair of 6AQ5 tubes. These are often described as a 7-pin miniature equivalent of the more common 6V6 tube, providing a rich, American-style sound.

Preamp Tubes: Typically, two 6EU7 tubes and one 12AX7.

Rectifier Tube: A 6CA4 tube, which provides a classic tube-rectified sag and compression to the sound.

Sound Profile

The Gibson Scout is prized by enthusiasts for its unique sonic character, which differs from its Fender counterparts of the same era:

Clean Tone: It is known for its warm, rich, and "sparkly" clean tones. It's often described as being fuller than the chimey cleans of a Fender amp, making it great for jazz, blues, and other styles where a full-bodied clean sound is desired.

Overdrive: When pushed to its limits, the amp produces a nice, natural overdrive. It's not as aggressive as some amps but offers a smooth, musical breakup that is well-suited for classic rock and blues.

Reverb and Tremolo: The built-in effects are a highlight of this amp. The spring reverb provides a classic, lush ambience, while the tremolo is deep and adds a significant "wobble" to the sound.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Serial Number: 733866
• Model: Scout GA-17 RVT
• Manufactured Date: 1964