Gibson Falcon GA19RVT question

[gui_tarzan]

This amp was sold to my customer as a '62. The problem is it's got dark blue tolex instead of tweed or brown, the components are dated late '64 and early '65 and the circuit layout matches the '62/3 version with a 6C4 instead of a 7199 (later amps). My customer is extremely confused but the date codes and layout don't lie. I compared the "correct" schematic with the older one and it matches the older one. I explained that sometimes amp makers use some strange combinations of parts but he's a hi-fi guy and I think he's questioning it in a big way. The chassis hasn't been modified from what I can tell, other than someone changed two of the original filter caps with a no-name can cap and held it in with black tape. Wow.

Do any of you have experience with the '60s Gibson amps so I can verify what I've found?

[Audiotexan]

I'd see why it's an issue. Is he a collector or a player?

If he's a collector, then how much did he pay? And where's his personal 'cut-off' for a good deal vs mis-representation?

If he's a player...it's only an issue if it doesn't sound good to him IMO.

Given you've verified the circuit, that would be good enough for a player IMO. And he got a bonus as it would appear to be the 'last of that generation' in that it uses a "crossover/transitional" cabinet to the newer styled revision. "Bragging rights" to some.

Personally, I have no sympathy for collectors, as they're removing useful items from people's access that would more fully appreciate them. On top of which, if you're trying to make a financial investment in an area that you don't know enough about to be 100% sure, then a learning experience is sometimes the price you pay to play.

You've already explained the simple truth to him. It sounds like he just wants reassurance that he didn't "screw up". Buyer's remorse as it were.

Just my .02

[g1]

"it doesn't match up to the schematic" is a fairly common theme in vintage Gibson amp threads. Probably more so than any other brand.
Tell him there are 2 possibilities:
a) you are correct
b) it's a 62/63 and when it was a couple years old, someone replaced all the parts with newer (64/65) ones.

[gui_tarzan]

I got the filter caps in and it sounds really good, better than I expected. The stock tubes are all working fine and it has a decent sounding reverb. Only problem now is the tremolo doesn't work. I swapped the 6EU7s around with no change anywhere. I'll check the switch where it is soldered onto the board, someone put a piece of 1/8 or so thick fiberboard in the bottom of the pedal and glued it. I don't want to ruin it getting it open so I'll see if the switch is actually working or not on the other end. Then it's on to see if the voltage/current is going up and down in the circuit. If not it's capacitor time more than likely.

[Audiotexan]

I got the filter caps in and it sounds really good, better than I expected. The stock tubes are all working fine and it has a decent sounding reverb. Only problem now is the tremolo doesn't work.

Is it the same as this one?
GA-19rvt Falcon.pdf
/OT If you have a confirmed alternate schem for the 19, I'd love to have a copy! /OT

As you mentioned, probably the first things I'd check would be the caps on V4 (the three .047's, the .22, and the 20), as I'd be surprised (but not shocked) if the footswitch had issues. I think the the greatest thing about 'antique' footswitches is they were just that. A switch. Everything else was always done on board.
I almost wish they'd go back to that (for simplicity' sake). But yes, I do appreciate having the lights on dark stages...so meh. Can't win for losing. lol

[gui_tarzan]

That's the right schematic. I ended up replacing the .22, two 25/50 cathode caps and a resistor off the end of the .22 that was the wrong value. The trem works perfectly now and the switches in the footswitch operate properly so we got lucky there.

[davohilts]

I wonder if someone installed a GA19rvt chassis into an EA28rvt cabinet. I think the EA28rvt was a smooth dark bluish tolex.
Just throwing this out. The Epiphone equivalent to the Falcon is the Pathfinder.

[davohilts]

I just got a ga19rvt falcon in for repair, it came in in pieces but the shocking thing is the transformers and date codes on everything are from '62 and the chassis is aluminum. The circuit looks original with out any changes but the circuit uses the tweed specs except that it uses the 6C4 tube to drive the reverb transformer like the later crest model. The tolex is smooth not like the crest bark like tolex but is brown not like your blue. Is the chassis of yours aluminum?? If so that might explain why your values don't match the crest schematic.
Dave