Gibson Makes Resounding Comeback with Falcon 5 and Falcon 20 Amplifiers

By DaMarko Webster

After a notable hiatus, Gibson triumphantly announces its reentry into the guitar amplifier realm with the introduction of the Falcon 5 and Falcon 20. Meticulously crafted in Petaluma, California, these amplifiers seamlessly blend vintage inspiration with a contemporary redesign, catering to the discerning tastes of today’s players. The Falcon models pay homage to the pioneering 1960s Falcons, revered as the trailblazers of reverb in guitar amplifiers, thereby upholding Gibson’s enduring legacy of amplifier innovation since the 1930s.

Now available in North America at authorized Gibson dealers and on www.gibson.com, the Falcon Amplifiers are set for a global launch in April 2024. These amplifiers stand as epitomes of versatility, exceptional build quality, quiet operation, and captivating voicings, catering to the demands of both modern stages and home studios.

The compact Falcon 5 and Falcon 20 combos embody the spirit of Gibson amplifiers from the late 1950s and early 1960s. Beneath their vintage-style Cream Bronco vinyl and Oxblood grille cloths, however, lie innovative circuits meticulously crafted by Gibson Master Pioneer Randall Smith, the visionary founder of MESA/Boogie®, in collaboration with the Gibson Amps Design Team in Petaluma.

The Falcon 5, despite its modest size, packs a dynamic punch, delivering around seven watts of single-ended, pure Class A power from a single 6V6 power tube, switchable down to approximately three watts. Boasting volume and tone controls with an expanded, usable range, the Falcon 5 features a lush onboard all-tube spring reverb, controlled by a dedicated level knob. The 10-inch Jensen® Blackbird 40 Alnico speaker complements the Falcon 5’s touch-sensitive, harmonically rich tube tones.

Expanding both in power and features, the Falcon 20 incorporates a dual 6V6 power stage utilizing patented Multi-Watt™ technology. It offers 12, five, or bedroom-friendly one-watt Class A power modes. The onboard effects section includes an all-tube tremolo, in addition to the spring reverb, switchable remotely via the supplied two-button footswitch. With a 12-inch Jensen Blackbird 40 Alnico speaker, the Falcon 20 ensures greater spread, projection, and enhanced bass response.

Both Falcon circuits provide the option to substitute the supplied 6V6 power tubes with optional 6L6 tubes, enhancing flexibility, headroom, and punch. With their elegant aesthetics and boutique build quality, the Falcon 5 and Falcon 20 emerge as the ultimate companions for Gibson’s finest stringed instruments.

Cesar Gueikian, President, and CEO of Gibson Brands, expresses pride in the team’s accomplishments, underscoring the collaborative effort that culminated in the creation of the new Gibson amplifiers. Mat Koehler, Vice President of Product at Gibson Brands, echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the significant return to the amplifier game with the Falcon 5 and 20, offering historic DNA, modern build quality, and unparalleled value for players. Gibson’s resounding comeback in the amplifier arena is poised to leave a lasting mark in the world of music.