Gibson GA-17RVT Scout - any chance this speaker could be original?

[nmiller]

I just acquired this amp and wow, it really kicks! Despite the push-pull 6AQ5 power section, the volume is closer to a Champ than a Deluxe, albeit with less breakup than either but a much nicer sound. And while there's just one preset tone, it comes with onboard reverb and tremolo at just 27 lbs.

I think the speaker is probably a replacement, but I'm not sure. On one hand, I haven't seen any other Oaktron speakers in Gibson amps. On the other hand, its date code is only a year off from the transformers (unless I'm in the wrong decade altogether) and Gibson seemed to use a lot of different speakers on their cheaper amps in the mid '60s. I'm curious to hear your thoughts.

 

[shihan]

Congratulations on getting a Scout. I use mine all the time. Fantastic Tremolo, and I dig the cool, non Fender sounding reverb. Yours looks to be a ‘64; they changed knobs the next year. It’s in great shape. You scored.
That’s a different speaker than the one mine came with; an Oxford with a Gibson brand sticker. But it could be original; you never know with Gibson. My original was a very poor quality speaker. I cut a new baffle and installed an 12” Eminence GA64. Huge improvement in every way.
If you’re interested, there’s an easy mod that removes what is known as the ‘tone suck’ part of the circuit. This really opens the amp up and gives it some authority. Either way, enjoy it.
Here’s mine, posing with it’s partner.

 

[jp]

Wish I could tell you, Noah. I had one once, but it was completely gutted of speaker, footswitch, and a host of chassis elements. I sold it as a project, but I knew it had potential.

 

[SFIV1967]

Multiple pictures I have seen show this type of speaker as the original speaker:



Ralf

 

[shihan]

Ralf, that’s what was in mine originally. Very underwhelming speakrer.