Gartone 5E3

RickLucas

Did a gig last night, testing out a new Gartone 5E3 for Martin. Sounded fantastic and felt great "under the fingers" too. I'll make a few clips this week and post them for anyone interested.

koss59

Was it a standard 5E3 spec or anything t different? 

I just picked up an older one from a fretboard member and very happy so far.

RickLucas

I don't have any details at the moment but will find out on Tuesday.

Dominic

They are a fantastic amp ......to my ears much nicer than the LazyJ but that's personal.
There is some talk that the older ones are more sought after for some specific reason but I can't remember what it is.
Anybody tell me please ?

RickLucas

I prefer the Gartone too. As for the idea that the older ones are more sought after, I think that's down to "internet wisdom".

RickLucas

A few clips here. I tried to capture the "squidgy touch sensitivity", for want of a better term. This one is now signed off and ready to go.

https://youtu.be/
https://youtu.be/FAR-VMXnxLs

RickLucas

Petepassion

Wow, that sounds great

JezWynd

Love that clean sound with the Strat, perfect amount of amp compression. 

mattacjones

Fantastic sound (and some very nice playing on wish I could do that). What sort of volume settings was that?

RickLucas

mattacjones said:

Fantastic sound (and some very nice playing on wish I could do that). What sort of volume settings was that?

Thanks Matt. I think it was just below half way up, maybe a little more with the Tele. Not deafening. The great thing about these amps is how they compress when you dig in a bit. 

RiftAmps

Martin's amps are exceptional. Built, engineered, and fettled far beyond the requirement of the price point. He makes the more popular boutique brands look fairly amateurish in comparison.

If I didn't build my own gear, there are only two builders I'd approach for an amp. Gartone and Modulus.

RickLucas

RiftAmps said:

Martin's amps are exceptional. Built, engineered, and fettled far beyond the requirement of the price point. He makes the more popular boutique brands look fairly amateurish in comparison.

If I didn't build my own gear, there are only two builders I'd approach for an amp. Gartone and Modulus.

Agreed.

menamestom

Sounds great Rick.  Did you find out if it was standard?

RickLucas

menamestom said:

Sounds great Rick.  Did you find out if it was standard?

It's the 5E3 circuit yes, but this is lower voltage and thus a bit less output. Still very giggable though.

markj

Dominic said:

They are a fantastic amp ......to my ears much nicer than the LazyJ but that's personal.
There is some talk that the older ones are more sought after for some specific reason but I can't remember what it is.
Anybody tell me please ?

I've got one of the early ones Martin made around 19 yrs ago.
When mine went in for a service early last year Martin said that he made approximately 10 of the early ones.
Martin  used the finest parts on them, some NOS parts.
The Cab on Mine has been made by the late Larry Rodgers in antique pine. 
I changed the original Celestion Blue for a Alnico cream to give the amp a little bit more warmth.
Absolutely superb amp I would never part with it.
Still in fine condition after all the years.
Would like to try some NOS valves at some point.

Greatape

RickLucas said:

That's the sound. Love it. And i don't often say this about demo vids, but: 'excellent playing  '

RickLucas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Z0yuW86bno

RickLucas

@Greatape thank you.

twangydave

Killer demo! Great playing that really showcased that magical 'squish'. I'll bet Gartone's order list is about to get a bit longer! 

slugelise

RickLucas said:

RiftAmps said:

Martin's amps are exceptional. Built, engineered, and fettled far beyond the requirement of the price point. He makes the more popular boutique brands look fairly amateurish in comparison.

If I didn't build my own gear, there are only two builders I'd approach for an amp. Gartone and Modulus.

Agreed.

If you want to try the rift 5e3 (americana LP) give me a shout. Seems a long time ago watching you at the bank.