On Cathode Bypass Capacitors

Cathode bypass capacitors are not absolutely necessary in a circuit. However, their presence or absence in an amplifier affects three things: gain, frequency response, and hum.

If you feel that your amp is lacking in any of these aspects, determining whether the cathodes are bypassed is a good place to start.

Paulina Salmas 6/4/19 Paulina Salmas 6/4/19

Gibson GA-5 vs Fender 5F1: Circuit Analysis

We’ve written about the history of the Gibson GA-5 before. Basically, the GA-5 was Gibson’s first practice amp offering. Not only was the circuit nearly identical to the Fender Champ, but the GA-5’s cabinet was suspiciously similar as well. Eventually, Gibson adopted a more original exterior design, but the circuit remained pretty much the same. This means that a GA-5 of any vintage is an extremely affordable equivalent to a 5F1 Champ.