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info    updated 31/1/2010

G2D

"G2D Started commercially selling pedals in 1999. Our serial numbers are written on the base of the pedal as well as on an internal label, these numbers are kept on our database and people are welcome to email us and we can pretty much tell them to the Year/week their pedal was made. There is also a "History" link on our website that shows the origins of G2D." [Source: Grant Wills, G2D Limited, email, 22/3/2008]

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Effects/brand/G2D

Gabriel Sound Garage

Since 2004. Gabriel Bucataru, Arlington Heights, Illinois.

Manufactured since "2004. In my basement Chicago, USA.

Dating GSG amps

I keep a record of all of them. The serial number is actually the name of the original owner." [Source: Gabriel Bucataru, email 20/2/2009]

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/brand/Gabriel+Sound+Garage

Images courtesy Gabriel Bucataru.

Galanti

Italian amps

Fetish Guitars

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/brand/Galanti

Image ebay

Gallien-Krueger was founded in 1968 in Stockton, California. Robert Gallien sold his first amplifier to Carlos Santana. In 1969 Carlos used a GK amp at Woodstock. GK continue to build amps in California and their cheaper line is produced in Taiwan. [Source: Blue Book]
Gallien Krueger dating
From this site the story appears to be" The 4 digits of the serial number before the "E" indicate YYWW where YY is the digits of the year (01 for 2001) and WW is the work week (01-52) in which the unit was manufactured". http://www.toddh.net/music/gk/
General info
Gallien-Krueger: survivor, innovator, and leading bass amp manufacturer Robert Gallien reflects on his nearly 40-year legacy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallien-Krueger

Gallien Krueger Catalog

2002 Gallien Krueger catalog

2003 Gallien Krueger catalog

2007 Gallien Krueger catalog

Gallien Krueger schematics

http://www.freeinfosociety.com/electronics/schempage.php?cat=1

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/brand/Gallien-Krueger

Gallien Kruger forum http://www.gallien-krueger.com/community_board.html

Image eBay:

Garcia

Since 2004. Matthew Garcia makes tube amps and effects, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Garen amps

http://vintage.catalogs.free.fr/Index.htm

Garnet

1960s-1989. Canadian amp company founded by "Gar" Gillies and sons Russell and Garnet. Excellent Garnet amp resource site at http://www.garnetamps.com/

Dating Garnet amps

http://www.garnetamps.com/dating.htm

Other Garnet amp resources

http://www.lynx.net/~jc/garnetAmps.html

http://www.fenderbronco.com/id11.html

Register http://www.garnetamps.com/ampreg.htm

Garnet schematics

Garnett amp catalogs

http://tone-lizard.com/Made_In_Canada.htm

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/brand/Garnet

Images Sonic Circus, ebay

GBX

see Ahed

GDS Amplification

GDS Amplification LLC, started 2001 in Flint, Michigan.  Now in Fenton, MI.  The year of manufacture is the first four digits of the serial number.  All amplifiers built by GDS Amps have the "GDS Amplification" logo on the cabinet. GDS now also owns Guytron amps" [Source: Graydon, D. Stuckey, email, 13/1/2009]

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/brand/GDS+Amplification

Image GDS web:

Geib

Geib was a cabinet maker in Chicago pre World War II.  They made cases for Gibson guitars. According toGruhn's Guide To Vintage Guitars, Gibson made amps with chassis by Lyon & Healy and cabinet by Geib, and these amps were made with Recording King brand.  Kalamazoo made amps with a Geib medallion on the side [Source: Pre WW II amps] so suspect the Recording King and Kalamazoo amps came from the same line.

According to Vintage Guitar  a 1936ish Supro/Bronson amp was made in Chicago by Chicago Electric, with cabinets built by Geib.

The following photos were sent to me by Pat Maguire for help.   The amp was purchased in Conway N. H. in 1997. The proprietor of the pawn shop told Pat it was pawned by some member of The Smashing Pumpkins. There are no other identifying marks except for the Geib medallion. The silver foil sticker inside the back next to the Geib badge states:  "Licensed by Electrical Research Products Inc. under U.S. patents of American Telephone and Telegraph Company and Western Electric Company Inc. for use only in public address systems, phonograph distribution systems, systems for distribution from a radio broadcast receiving set and systems for distribution from musical instruments."

If anyone is able to add more please let me know.

GEM

GEM were an apparently Italian maker of amps with a penchant for naming amps after planets. Mars, Venus...Saturn head... slightly 'space age' graphics, but were made in the '70s." [Source: Vintage Amps Forum]  But the GEM amp pictured here from eBay is made in USA (the speaker was made in Mexico)

GEM Guitar amp schematic

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/brand/Gem

Images GEM TR7 eBay:

Genesis

1980s student line by Gibson.

Genz Benz

Since 1984. Amps made in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA

Genz Benz Pricelists

2005 Genz Benz pricelist

2006 Genz Benz pricelist

2008 Genz Benz pricelist

Genz Benz catalogs

2006 Genz Benz catalog Bass  Guitar  Acoustic

2008 Genz Benz catalog

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/brand/Genz+Benz

Image eBay:

George Dennis

Since 1991 George Dennis amps was founded by George Burgerstein, starting with effects pedals and amps were introduced in 1996. Located in Prague, Czech Republic.

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/brand/George+Dennis

Image eBay:

Image eBay:

Gerhart

Since 2000. Amps and kits from Gary Gerhart, West Hills, California.

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/brand/Gerhart+Amplification

Gerlitz

? - 2007. Harvey Gerlitz made the Revelator dual amp.  It appears from a comment made by a dealer on the Gear Page  that Harvey stopped making the Revelator in 2007.  The web site is no longer operating as at Jan 2009 with the last wayback machine page Jan 2008 (the first 1999). The following pdfs and image are from the archive:

Gerlitz Amplification Home Page 2006

Gerlitz amp why?

Gerlitz Revelator Product Features 2002

Gerlitz amp technical information - design and construction 2002

Gerlitz amp pricelist 2002

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/brand/Gerlitz+Amplification

Germino

Greg Germino worked with Mojo Musical Supply in January 2001 and late that year was commissioned to build the Mojo "Tone Machine" amplifier consisting of a run of 30 pieces.  In May 2002 Germino Amplification began with the first production pieces being shipped to dealers at that time. Greg builds tube amps and cabs  in Graham, North Carolina, USA.

Germino amplifer dating

"All Germino amplifiers have a date written on the chassis of when they were built.
Very early 2002 this was written in permanent maker on the top or side of each chassis. Additionally each back panel was engraved with a three digit serial number.

By 2003 I was applying a label which I hand signed and wrote serial number corresponding to the back panel s/n. This has continued throughout production.

In early 2007 beginning April I began using a different chassis with new panels that use reversed silk screened lettering/numerals on clear perspex that was painted gold after the lettering. This gives the exact appearance
of the old original plexi panel amps.

The earlier panels were gold acrylic that were reversed engraved and engraved lettering painted black on the backside.

Beginning April 2007 along with the new panels a serial numbering system came in to use with the last two digit os the year being used followed by the serial number sequence of a given model. Ex: Club 40 S/ 07 075,
indicating built 2007 and the 75th piece in the run.

2002 used a very large Germino Badge logo for the first 10 pieces of each model in production. This style logo was followed by a smaller plexi block logo with "hobo" font. This was used thru 2005. Beginning 2006 the script
logo came into use as you see currently.

I keep a build sheet and voltage chart for every amplifier I have made. This has voltage information as well as s/n and date of manufacture.

Early 2002 into 2003.                                                                 Post 2004

[Source and images courtesy of Greg Germino, email 24/1/2009]

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/brand/Germino

Gibson

Observes that "Gibson serial numbers stamped onto amp chassis seems to be quite random and therefore possibly meaningless"   http://hem.passagen.se/ekabjan/Amps/Intro.htm

but more info here:

http://www.superiormusic.com/page199.htm

Gibson Gold Tone amp dating http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Support/SerialNumberSearch/

Product code/production number/quarter and year made

http://hem.passagen.se/ekabjan/GibsonAmps.htm

http://www.harmonicamasterclass.com/vintage_amps.htm

Skylark http://www.angelfire.com/blues/rockinjohn/skylark_ga_5.html

Gibson wiring diagrams / schematics

http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Support/TechSupport/Wiring%20Diagrams/

http://www.freeinfosociety.com/electronics/schempage.php?cat=1

http://www.drtube.com/guitamp.htm

Gibson amp catalogs http://www.gibson.com/Files/Downloads/PDFs/GoldTone/GoldtoneCatalog.pdf

1958-1970 http://www.vintageguitars.org.uk/catalogues.php

2002 Super Goldtone Catalog

Gibson amplifier books

Gibson Amplifiers 1933-2008: 75 Years of the Gold Tone

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/brand/Gibson

Image of Gibson amp on the right is a 1952 Gibson Les Paul amplifier from eBay.

Gibsonette

The Gibsonette was made by Gibson from '54 to '61. At first it was a tweed, then a two tone by '60. It has one-10 inch speaker, 2-6V6s, a single 12ax7 and a rectifier tube. It turns out about 9 watts. [Source: Birds and Moons Forum]
Gibsonette amp schematics

http://www.schematicheaven.com/gibson.htm

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/product/Gibson/Gibsonette/10/1

Image 1950s Gibsonette eBay:

Ginelle

Since 1996, by Rick Emery, West Berlin, New Jersey.

Godlyke

US effects distributor founded by Kevin Bolembach starting with Guyatone in 1998 and others including Bixonic. [Source: Music Gear Resource]

Goldentone

Goldentone amplifiers were made in Melbourne, Australia by Rose, Morris. The best resource for Goldentone amplifiers is Ozvalveamps.

Goldentone schematics

Images below and left 1967 Goldentone model 1742 40-watt "Lead" Reverbmaster amplifier

Gomez Amplification

"Gomez Amps began in 2005.
Rancho Santa Margarita , California (southern California )

I place a hand-written ink serial number on the chassis and the tube chart on each and every amp.

No date code, however it is recorded in the test data per amp. The customer can always request that but I have yet to have anyone do so." [Source: Dario Gomez, email 16/1/2009]

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/brand/Gomez

Goodmans

Goodmans speakers were used in Orange Matamp in late 60 early 70s.   They were made in Wembley, England You can see from the labels below that a date label is placed on the magnet.

Goodsell

"All of the amps are/were made in Atlanta, Georgia.  The first numbered Super 17s were made in my Hammond organ shop in the Summer of 2004.  Serial #0001 belongs to producer Brendan O'Brien and has been featured on numerous recordings made at Southeren Tracks Studios in Atlanta.  Serial #0002 is in Australia with Randall Waller, who was over here playing guitar with Shania Twain at the time.  The first 100 had a large aluminum serial plate on the back with model information.  The earliest of these were identified as "Clairmont Super 17" on the plate, manufactured by Numerous Complaints Music, LLC.  These were replaced by a similar-looking plastic plate, though it was now identified as Goodsell Electric Instrument Co.  with blank white squares for the model name and serial # to be filled in with a Sharpie as each one was made, so there were 17s, 22s, 33s, and 44s made with that plate until roughly s/n 0200, when they were replaced by a non-model specific pre-numbered vinyl sticker, with the now-familiar "Goodsell" script logo in maroon on a white background with black text.  The vast majority of these were Super 17 Mk2s and 33 Customs.  This was the scheme until s/n 0500, used up until mid- 2008." [Source: Richard Goodsell, email 16/1/2009]

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/brand/Goodsell

Gorilla

Since 1980s. Solidstate entry level amps distributed by Pignose, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/brand/Gorilla

Image eBay:

GoudieFX

"I've been manufacturing since 2005 and I sign/date the inside of all the pedal." [Source: Russell, Goudie FX, email 19/3/2008]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GoudieFX

review http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Effects/brand/Goudie+FX

Goya

Mainly a guitar firm but some amps and effects  from the 1960s. The best Goya resource with some information on Goya amps.

Goya Boom Box  Bass Booster schematic

Images Goya attache amp eBay:

Grant

http://www.locobox.com/grant.html

Grampian

http://www.vintagehofner.co.uk/britamps/restof.html

http://www.gargantuansound.com/done/Grampianx.html

http://www.gbaudio.co.uk/data/grampian.htm

Greco

http://tix.gozaru.jp/stompbox.html

Image Yahoo auction:

Greedtone

All Greedtone gear is built by hand in Seattle, WA, USA

Green

Green amps have been made since 1993. Line by Matamp, England.

Matamp history

Review http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/product/Matamp/Green+GT-120/10/1

Greene Pedals

Since March 28, 2000. Schematics for this range of pedals are available at the web site.

Greene Axis Fuzz schematic

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Effects/brand/Greene

Greer Amplification

Since 1999. Tube amps and effects by Nick Greer, Athens, Georgia, USA.

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/brand/Greer+Amplification

Image eBay:

Gregory

1950s-1960s. Private brand made by Harmony. [Source: Vintage Guitar Price Guide]

http://www.diyguitarist.com/GuitarAmps/MarkX.htm

Gregory Mark X schematic

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/brand/Gregory

Gretsch

http://gretschpages.com/amplifiers/

Gretsch amp Catalogs

1968  http://www.vintageguitars.org.uk/catalogues.php

2008 Gretsch catalog

2008 Gretsch Price List

Gretsch schematics

http://www.freeinfosociety.com/electronics/schempage.php?cat=1

Gretsch schematics

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/brand/Gretsch

Image Chicago Music Exchange:

Groove Tubes

Since 1986 have made amps, San Fernando.

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/brand/Groove+Tubes

Guild

Guild was founded in 1952 and offered amps in 1960s to 1980s. Guild effects made by Color Sound.

http://www.ggjaguar.com/guild.htm

Guild schematics

http://www.schematicheaven.com/bargainbin.htm

http://analogguru.an.ohost.de/

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/brand/Guild

Images eBay:

Gunn

Gunn amplifiers were made sometime in the 70's ? to early 1980s in Auckland, New Zealand by Gunn Electronics. They made heads, cabinets and combos.

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/brand/Gunn

Image eBay:

Guyatone

Since 1933 offering amps from late 1940s.

Amp

http://www.vguitar.org/features/gear/details.asp?AID=3006

http://tix.gozaru.jp/amp.html

1979 Guyatone Catalog http://brochures.yokochou.com/guitar-and-amp/guyatone/1979/index.html

Effects

http://www.locobox.com/guyatone_box.html

http://www.vguitar.org/features/gear/details.asp?AID=3006

http://tix.gozaru.jp/stompbox.html

Guyatone Catalogs

1979  http://brochures.yokochou.com/guitar-and-amp/guyatone/1979/index.html

1977 + ? http://ushigomepan.cool.ne.jp/darkend/catalogue.html

http://ushigomepan.cool.ne.jp/effect/catalogue.html

Effects Review http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Effects/brand/Guyatone

Guyatone Zip ampifier image pics Yahoo auction:

Guytron

Guytron Guitar Amplifiers, started in 1995 by Guy Hedrick Columbiaville, Michigan, USA.  Now owned by GDS Amplification LLC, based in Fenton, MI.  Serial numbers are simply sequential with no indication of year of manufacture. 

http://www.guitaramplifiermagazine.com/pub/2005/premier_issue/guytron-gt100.html

Reviews http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar+Amp/brand/Guytron