Amplifiers

Gibson EH-185 1x12 Combo 1940's, Tweed

$2,500.00

We accept Credit Card, ACH, Wire Transfer, Cash, Check, Affirm* & Split Payments. Contact to discuss payment methods

Authenticated by Vintage Experts

Shipments Protected at Full Value

48-Hours Return Window (3.5% Processing Fee for Credit Cards)

Want us to sell your instrument or get trade-in credit?

Click here to submit your instrument details

Got questions? Call Us

+1 (615) 915-1851

Specs


Instrument	Amplifiers
Brand	Gibson
Model	EH-185 1x12 Combo
Finish	Tweed
SKU	AP3830-A
Made In Year	1940
Preamp	6J7 (x3), 6N7
Power	5881 (x2)
Rectifier	5U4
Wattage	15 Watts
Speaker	Original Field Coil (re-coned)
Transformers	Changed PT (Toneclone), OT original

Description

While many find these at estate sales, or tucked away in an attic, it's rare to come across a 40's Gibson EH in working condition. Thankfully this one has been serviced, with a new power cord, electrolytic caps, and a couple of changed resistors. The speaker has a fresh re-cone as well, so it's ready to go! The end result is a legendary sound, that needs to be heard in order to be fully understood. The power transformer has been swapped for a Mercury Toneclone, which is probably a good thing for reliability sake. Thankfully all of the other transformers are original. This is one of the earliest amplifier designs, and has all kinds of tricks inside that are long since forsaken. The combination of octal tubes and interstage transformers for DC coupling translates to huge, warm sound, vaguely reminiscent to a Tweed Fender. Many have compared these to sounding like a tiny Marshall, as they do have great low end, along with a midrange bark to rival the best of Great Britain!

It should be noted that this is a very primitive amp design and may lack the refinement found in later models. As is common with octal tubes, these can have minor microphonic issues. The cabinet design is such that the user might experience some mechanical rattle when the amp volume is cranked, so any prospective buyer should take note.

*When using Affirm, we charge an additional 3.5% fee on the total at checkout. The majority of our instruments are consignment, where CVG keeps a small percentage of each sale. To be able to cover the additional costs required to offer financing, we have to include a higher fee to the customer. The 3.5% fee will be included in and spread across your Affirm payments.