When Gibson's engineers set out to create a new amplifier in 1999, they envisioned a more modern-day, multichannel version of what Gibson amps used to be 50 years ago. Gibson Goldtones, with their retro-looking metal grill and black leatherette cover (also available in brown) are stylistically similar to Gibson's popular 1952 GA-8 Gibsonettes. The controls are located at the bottom of the back in both models, and the compact physical size of the amps is comparable. The Goldtones, like the Gibsonettes before them, use Class A all-tube technology, with 12AX7 preamp tubes and EL84s in the power amp.

"The whole concept of it was to have a vintage-styled amp with a minimum of controls necessary to get a good range of tones," explains engineer Paul Stevens. "Gibson hadn't made amps in quite a while, and we wanted to design something that people would do a double take at when they walked into a music store. We use tubes that have been around for a while, have lasted the test of time and are still being manufactured."

The series includes the GA-15 and GA-15RV (15 watts), and the stereo combo GA-30 RVS (15 watts per side); low wattage is a requirement of Class A technology. Gibson also makes a Super Goldtone series, which extends the Goldtone range using a flexible preamp with two independent channels, allowing more creative options when using reverb controls and effects supplied by external processors. This series includes the GA-30RV, a large GA-60RV combo (60 watts) and a GA-30RVH - a head that partners with the 240-watt Super Goldtone cabinet to make a half stack.

Scott James, guitarist with UK supergroup Stereophonics, uses the Super Goldtone GA-30RV combination amplifier and the GA-30RVH head with a Super Goldtone cabinet in a variety of performance situations from television appearances to concerts in massive live venues like the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. He appreciates their versatility.

"I like the fact that the [Super Goldtone GA-30RV] has the two different speaker sizes," James says. "You've got the 12-inch speaker, which handles the rock stuff really well, which can be quite heavy stuff sometimes, and then for the things like the slide work or the cleaner sounds, the 10-inch is really good. The wah sounds really good through them, too."

When playing the stadium shows, James finds that the stack complements what the other band members are using. "They kick enough forward just to be able to hear it nicely. I have them pretty loud sometimes - I have to, to compete [with the other instruments] in Stereophonics, and there's a good tone in them, I'm very happy with them," he continues. "When you're playing big gigs, obviously you've got to be happy with your sound. There's also the added fact that you're onstage and you want your gear to look good, and the Gibson amps are the first ones, in my opinion, that have made an effort in that department without trying to look too rock. I know you can get them in black leather, but the brown, it's different enough that I like it. It doesn't have silly blue lights on it or anything. It looks like somebody's taken some time over it, really, it's got kind of a classic look. People have a tendency to make everything too shiny now with too many buttons. I like the way the buttons, on the combo, are mounted on the top."

Dave Malone, guitarist for New Orleans roots rock band The Radiators, uses the GA-30RVS as a reverb amp. In a recent interview with the ToneQuest Report, Malone talks about his obsession with coming up with the right signal chain to augment his guitar sound. "I was in International Vintage Guitars in New Orleans and I had seen pictures of these Gibson GA-30s, and I plugged into it, and it freaked me out. Probably the best sounding reverb I've ever heard. And that's saying a lot, because as I said, I did have the best Twin Reverb ever made."

Despite their low wattage, the Goldtone amps are surprisingly loud with very musical distortion. "The amps sound better when they're working almost at their maximum output, that's when you get the best tone," Stevens explains. "That's when the tubes start imparting their own sound onto the guitar tone and you get the distortion occurring. You can get a good range of clean tones, but when you work it up with, say, a humbucker guitar like a Les Paul, it drives the tubes harder and produces more tone."

Another vintage characteristic of the Goldtones is the capacitors in the tone circuit, which are known as silvered mica. They're usually found in high-end audio components, but have been replaced in recent years by capacitors made out of ceramic and other materials. Stevens says there are audiophiles who can hear the difference. In addition, the Goldtones utilize slightly different resistors.

Many artists appreciate the simplicity of the amplifier. Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen sums this up in his typical humorous fashion: "I love the fact that my Goldtone only has three knobs and sounds musically monstrous. I'm using two at the moment, and someday I'll find out what that third one is for." Cheap Trick will release an album early next year, and Nielsen recorded the guitar tracks using the GA-30RVS.

Guitarist Joe Perry plays exclusively Goldtone amps on Aerosmith's current world tour, setting up a "wall of Goldtone" with 13 separate amplifiers, driving the point home just how powerful these amps sound in concert situations. Joe Survis, Perry's guitar tech, expounds on his preference, saying "with Goldtone amps, a Strat sounds like a Strat, a Les Paul like a Les Paul and a Rickenbacker, well, you get the idea."

For a classic style, super performance and low maitenance, Goldtones and Super Goldtones have passed the test with many of today's hottest artists, as well as a number of producers including Marti Frederiksen, who has worked with Aerosmith, Mick Jagger, and Jonny Lang, among others. The funky black box with the gold grill and modern slant is sure to be a favorite for years to come.