Gibson GA19 RVT low output?

[drewl]

I guess the output of these is only 13 watts.

Real clean one owner thinks volume is low and I was only getting about 9 volts out into an 8 ohm load, tweaked a couple things and am now getting about 10.5 v out, which is about 13.5 watts.

20vac at 6v6 grids, about 166vac at plates.
I think if it had a better OT they would put out more or sound fuller.

It just sounds thin through the C12 Jensen in it.

Any ideas to fatten the sound?

Tried swapping all tubes, no difference, still sounds wimpy.

[g1]

Sometimes with oddball little amps, I find they are mismatched as far as impedance goes.
In this case, I would try a 4 ohm load, then 16. It doesn't really get me anywhere, but at least if it puts out more power, I just say 'oh well'.

[Enzo]

Ask him if it always sounded this way or if it changed recently.

I personally hate the sound of those old Gibson amps.

[drewl]

Agreed.
I think it was always this way.

I installed a cathode cap on V3 that is on schematic but not on the amp and bumped up the 500pf plate coupling cap.

Sounds fuller and output is up a bit.

[Enzo]

I think the GA19 is the one I have SIX different schematic versions. You can never trust the schematics for Gibson amps of that era.

[drewl]

Yes, I noticed that while researching.
He had bought a tube kit that included a 7199 and an OC4 to cover the different versions.

The original tubes sound better.


Hey, Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

[Jazz P Bass]

The Gibson GA19 RVT (Falcon) was rated at 14 watts.

[Enzo]

That sounds remarkably close to 13 watts.