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GIBSON | AMPLIFIERS | LAB SERIES

Lab Series

..is what tonal flexibility is all about

Lab Series logo

Gibson had a long history of producing guitar amplifiers, and although some of these were pretty good, they never had the commercial success of their main rivals (Fender); or indeed of their guitars. The cycle of design, launch, and demise of amp series a total contrast to the continuity of Fender models such as the Twin Reverb. In the mid 1970s, a new tranche of Gibson products were envisaged, bringing in the latest innovations in electronics, courtesy of another Norlin company, Moog. Guitars, like the Gibson RD series combined Moog electronics with Gibson design and luthiery, whilst the Lab Series amplifiers, were designed exclusively by Moog, but marketed by Gibson. Technically LAB Series was a brand in its own right, but with the Gibson name on the vast majority of advertising, they are often considered Gibson amplifiers.

1979 Lab Series L5 guitar amplifier

The 100w 2x12" Lab Series L5

The rationale behind the Lab Series was a line of high-end solid-state guitar and bass (and latterly keyboard) amplifiers, in competition to amps like Fender Twin Reverb and the Roland JC 120. And they were pretty successful (especially the Lab Series L5) with a lot of high profile users: B.B. king, Alan Holdsworth, Ronnie Montrose, Jimmy Messina, Gary Cooper and Bernie Marsden all appearing in contemporary advertising.

Lab Series amplifier models

The models are summarised below:

guitar amps
modelpowerspeakersconfiguration
L360w1x12"combo
L5100w2x12"combo
L7100w4x10"combo
L9100w1x15"combo
L11200w2x4x12"head + 2 cabs
bass amps
L2100w1x15"head + cab
L4200w2x15"head + cab
L6100w1x15"combo
1979 Lab Series L7 guitar amplifier

The 100w 4x10" Lab Series L7 guitar amplifier

Lab Series L2

The 100w 1x15" Lab Series L2 bass amplifier

Lab Series controls

The controls for channel 1 were simple: volume, bass, mid and treble. Channel 2 was a bit more complicated, with controls described as follows. This diagram applies to the guitar amps L5, L7, L9 and L11. The bass amps were the same, but without the Multifilter and Reverb.

Lab Series controls

Hi/Lo

Hi for instruments with high-output pick-ups. Also cleaner sound. Lo for instruments with lower output pick-ups. Boosts signal. Also 'dirtier' sound.

Bright switch

Boosts treble response.

Volume

Adjusts gain of channel 2. Works in conjunction with master volume control.

Bass

Adjusts bass frequency response.

Frequency

Works in conjunction with Midrange control. Scans audio frequencies the way a radio dial scans frequencies.

Midrange

Works in conjunction with Frequency control. Adjust volume of octave band of frequencies that frequency control is centred on. (Set midrange at +4, sweep frequency control and listen to the mid range passing through the frequency range).

Treble

Adjusts treble frequency response.

Multifilter

Rearranges the upper harmonics to give valve-like or acoustic sound. Adds sparkle without harshness.

Reverb

Controls amount of reverberation (channel 2).

Compressor

(channels 1 & 2)
Limits and spreads final output power level without affecting harmonics and overload factors already in the signal. It's variable two. Result - capture that sustain and overdrive at the volume level you want. (With on/off switch and LED peak indicator)

Master volume

Adjusts gain of entire amp (channels 1 & 2). Works in conjunction with separate channel volume controls.

Lab Series Advertising

Amplifier advertisements originally published from 1978 onwards. Click on the images for larger copies. Check out other vintage Gibson advertisements

Gibson Lab Series L5 - A new instrumental album featuring a man, his guitar, and our amplifier

Gibson Lab Series L5 - A new instrumental album featuring a man, his guitar, and our amplifier (1978)
One of the earliest publicity pieces for the Lab Series amplifiers placed in mid 1978. Unlike the majority of adverts for these amplifiers to follow, this one is short on text, letting the images d...
[more]

Gibson Lab Series L5 - LAB Series

Gibson Lab Series L5 - LAB Series (1978)
June 1978 advertisement for the Lab Series amplifier range, picturing the 2x12" Lab Series L5 combo.
[more]

Gibson Lab Series L3 - It

Gibson Lab Series L3 - It's no big thing. 'Til you turn it on. (1979)
March 1979 advert for a new amp in the Lab Series line up. The L3 was the smallest amp in the Lab Series range: a 60w combo with a single 12" speaker. It was also slimmed down in terms of controls....
[more]

Gibson Lab Series amplifiers - Win a grand guitar

Gibson Lab Series amplifiers - Win a grand guitar (1979)
This ad features Mr. Les Paul equipped with a rather nice Les Paul Custom, and sitting on a Lab Series L7 (100w 4x10") amplifier. It was to promote a competition launched a few months earlier (June...
[more]

Gibson Lab Series L2 - Employment Assurance

Gibson Lab Series L2 - Employment Assurance (1979)
"Whether you're a star, a sideman, a session player, or a serious student, the Lab Series works"
[more]

Gibson Lab Series L7 - It

Gibson Lab Series L7 - It's got to be about the best tranny amp I've ever heard – damn it, it's got to be one of the best apps I've heard, tranny or not! (1980)
This 1980 advert for the Lab Series amplifier range was published in Guitar Player in 1980, and is made up of quotes by Gary Cooper (who proffered the title), Alan Holdsworth, and Whitesnake's Bern...
[more]

Gibson Lab Series L5 - Try my sound.. See if you like it!

Gibson Lab Series L5 - Try my sound.. See if you like it! (1980)
This interesting advert from June 1980 features Jimmy Messina and the Lab Series L5. Like many of the other Lab Series ads, it includes quotes from the artist describing the amp, but also gives one...
[more]

Gibson Lab Series L2 - Lab Series. They

Gibson Lab Series L2 - Lab Series. They've never sounded so good (1980)
December 1980 United Kingdom advert for the Lab Series amplifiers - available at a big discount due to the favourable exchange rate. Models listed are the: L2 (100w 1x15" bass head/cabinet), L3 (60...
[more]

Gibson Lab Series L5 - "My Lab Series amp takes all the bumps, and still gives a smooth performance."

Gibson Lab Series L5 - "My Lab Series amp takes all the bumps, and still gives a smooth performance." (1981)
This Lab Series advert featuring bluesman B.B. King and his L5 appeared in Guitar Player magazine in May and August 1981 - just one of many 'artist' adverts for the amp line. King's bassplayer, Joe...
[more]

Gibson Lab Series amplifiers - Lab series. If only you could see how they sound.

Gibson Lab Series amplifiers - Lab series. If only you could see how they sound. (1981)
One of the last Lab Series advertisements, from 1981, and one of very few printed in colour. The L-5 is pictured, but the text also highlights the 100w 1x15" L6 bass combo.
[more]

Lab Series video clips

Subscribe to the vintageguitarandbass youtube channel for more vintage guitar and bass demos. Also, check out the other videos of these guitars in the supporting members area.

1981 Gibson Marauder / 1979 Lab Series L7 (short version, 3m 39s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1981 Gibson Marauder, 1979 LAB series L7

The Marauder was quite atypical when it was first developed by Bill Lawrence for Gibson: with its maple fretboard and bolt-on neck. This clip shows a late period mahogany body, rosewood neck Gibson Marauder, played through a contemporaneous (actually 1979) 4x10 100w LAB series L7. The guitar is strung with Gibson bright wires (10-46). The L7 was created by Moog and Gibson (both Norlin companies) and is a seriously underated amp. The snarlier sounds are featured here, but it has a lot of really nice clean tones too. Watch the long version of this video in the vintageguitarandbass supporting members area, to hear a bit more of this guitar / amp under different settings.

There are three clips: first a demo of the pickup blend pot, then a clean/glassy tone demonstrating the LAB series midrange boost, and finally some really dirty fuzz from the lower boosted input. This amp has a HUGE range of sounds!

Recorded here with a Heil PR-40 (left channel) and a Shure SM57 (right channel), through a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface - highly recommended gear!

1987 Gibson 20/20 bass / Gibson Lab Series L2 - part 2 (L2 midrange settings) (9m 35s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1987 Gibson 20/20, LabSeries L2

The Gibson 20/20 is a superb playing instrument. It has a wide tonal range, is comfortable to play, and, frankly sounds immense. It's paired in this video, with a late 70s/early 80s Gibson/Norlin Lab Series L2 100w bass amp with 1x15 speaker. And this is an awesome (solid state) bass amp, designed by Bob Moog.

This video (part2) demonstrates some of the wide range of sounds you can get solely by adjusting the L2 midrange frequency control - and, to some extent, playing style.

As you can hear, just this one control has an enormous effect on the sound - the Lab series amps really are awesome, and hugely underrated

Recorded here with an Electrovoice RE-20 (left channel) and a Shure SM57 (right channel), through a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface - highly recommended gear!

1987 Gibson 20/20 bass / Gibson Lab Series L2 (4m 27s)

Find out more about these instruments here: 1987 Gibson 20/20, LabSeries L2

The Gibson 20/20 was not (visually, at least) to everyone's taste, but it is actually a superb playing instrument. It has a wide tonal range, is comfortable to play, and, frankly sounds immense. It's paired in this video, with a late 70s/early 80s Gibson/Norlin Lab Series L2 100w bass amp with 1x15 speaker. This video (part1) demonstrates the variance in instrument settings. Part 2 demonstrates some of the great sounds you can get by using the amps midrange frequency control.

Wonderful bass, brilliant amp: AWESOME combination.

Recorded here with an Electrovoice RE-20 (left channel) and a Shure SM57 (right channel), through a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface - highly recommended gear!

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RARE Lab Series K5 Keyboard / Guitar Amp. Working. Fair. 70s Gibson, Norlin, Moog

RARE Lab Series K5 Keyboard / Guitar Amp. Working. Fair. 70's Gibson, Norlin, Moog

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I've had this for about 20 years, and it has never been on stage. It has some damage to the Tolex cover and to the grill, but still functions as it did when I got it. It has two 12 in. speakers with 16 Ohm co-axial tweeters. The original tweeters were in bad shape, so I replaced them. Very hard to find 16 Ohm 3" speakers, but I found some and they sound good. I will include the original tweeters. This was designed in the late 70's as a keyboard amp, presumably to play your MiniMoog through, but... more
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Vintage LabSeries L6 Model 331A Guitar Amplifier

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Vintage LabSeries L6 Model 331A Guitar Amplifier
Used Condition * SEE PHOTOS FOR DEFECTS WITH THE CABINET **... more
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Vintage Lab Series L7 Guitar Amp 4 X 10" 100 watt Combo all Original PICKUP ONLY

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This vintage Lab Series L7 guitar amp is a rare find for any musician. With 4 speakers and 2 channels, this combo amp has a power output of 100 W, making it suitable for both acoustic and electric guitars. The solid state amplifier technology ensures a high-quality sound that is sure to impress any listener. The product line of Lab Series is known for its exceptional performance and durability, making this amp a great addition to any collection. The vintage look and feel of this amp will add a ... more
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Lab Series L2 Amp Head 100w Rare amp.

Lab Series L2 Amp Head 100w Rare amp.

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Vintage Lab series L2 amplifier used in great condition
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Gibson LAB Series L6 Guitar Amplifier model 331A 15" Bass Combo Amp 331 A

Gibson LAB Series L6 Guitar Amplifier model 331A 15" Bass Combo Amp 331 A

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Lab Series L3 60 Watt 1x12 Guitar Combo Amp Moog Norlin Gibson

Lab Series L3 60 Watt 1x12 Guitar Combo Amp Moog Norlin Gibson

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$400

Here's a really cool amp .It was made by the Norlin Corporation that owned Gibson the 1970s and 80s. The circuitry was designed at least in part by Bob Moog. They have become known for their fantastic sound, response and versatility. If you Google them you'll see they were used by artists like Ty Tabor Ronnie Montrose and BB King
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Norlin Lab Series L11 200 watt Guitar Amp (5061)

Norlin Lab Series L11 200 watt Guitar Amp (5061)

Weinheim, 69***, GERMANY

€399

Das Gerät funktioniert
Nur bieten wer damit einverstanden ist

Falls Sie ein Problem mit der Ware haben nach dem Kauf können Sie sich telefonisch oder per Nachricht bei mir melden . Wir finden bestimmt eine Lösung die für beide Seiten optimal ist . Daher bitte vor der Abgabe einer Bewertung bei einem Problemen sich melden

Bilder sind Bestandteil der Artikelbeschreibung

Lieferumfang siehe Bilder

Die Versandkosten beinhalten zudem das ... more
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Lab Series L7 guitar combo amplifier

Lab Series L7 guitar combo amplifier

Edinburgh, EH9***, UNITED KINGDOM

£300

Lab Series L7 guitar combo amplifier. This is a spectacular amplifier, designed by Moog for Gibson (under the brand name Lab Series). BBKing used the L5 (2x12 " ) for live performances. This is the L7 and has 4x10" speakers (albeit, I sometimes switch to a separate 1x15" cab) The amp has a distinctive sound and an amazing clean (mosfet) headroom. The compressor does not work, but is likely fixable. Pots have a little bit of roughness when they are moved, but not much (these have been recently ... more
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Gitarrenverstärker LAB SERIES L9

Gitarrenverstärker LAB SERIES L9

Ahrensburg, 22***, GERMANY

€515

Der Gitarrenverstärker LAB SERIES L9 vereint hochwertige Klangqualität mit beeindruckender Leistung, ideal für Musiker, die Wert auf klare Akustik und lebendige Live-Sounds legen. Mit seiner robusten Bauweise und den vielseitigen Einstellungsmöglichkeiten ist dieser Verstärker aus der renommierten LAB SERIES eine hervorragende Wahl für Bühne und Studio. Er gehört zu den Must-Haves für jeden Gitarristen, der nach einem zuverlässigen und ... more
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Verstärker LAB SERIES L9

Verstärker LAB SERIES L9

Haltern am See, 45***, GERMANY

€799

Dieser Verstärker war seinerzeit spektakulär mit seinen 15 Zoll Elektro Voice Speaker
Der Combo war zum damaligen Zeitpunkt mit führend in der Transistortechnik
Der Amp wurde z B. von BB King und anderen Rockgrößen gespielt, bekannt für seinen Superklang
Da sehr schwer bitte nur Selbstabholer
Weitere Fragen an Helmut [phone removed by eBay] (AB, Rückruf)
Wichtiger Hinweis für Auktionsbieter: Dieses Angebot ist privater, nicht gewerblicher Natur. Die angebotene Ware ... more
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1969 Fender catalog, Fender Lovin Care Catalog scan. The 1969 Fender Lovin' Care catalog consisted of 48 pages of electric guitars, basses, amplifiers, steel guitars, acoustic guitars, banjos and keyboards. Like the previous catalog, this featured the company's guitars in a variety of interesting settings around California, from the Whiskey-A-Go-Go, to the Hollywood Bowl. Several instruments were making their first appearance amongst it's pages: the Telecaster bass, Montego and LTD jazz guitars, and the Redondo acoustic. It was the final catalog appearance, however, of the Electric XII, Bass V, Duo-Sonic, Coronado I and Coronado Bass I.

1973 Eko Ranger Folk

1973 Eko Ranger Folk The Eko Ranger series of guitars was incredibly popular in the second half of the 1960s and through the 1970s, selling in very large numbers. The Ranger Folk was 1 1/4" smaller, and 1" shallower than the Ranger VI and XII - and with a narrower waist. Not a bad guitar; a little quiet, but pretty playable. These were great value in 1973, and because they sold so many, they are easy to find and excellent value today.

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar

1966 Vox Symphonic bass guitar The Symphonic bass was built in the UK, by Vox parent company JMI. It was the Vox equivalent to the Fender Precision bass, and was one of the most expensive Vox guitars produced. It was actually a great playing bass, rather similar to the Precision in feel and sound, but was probably just too expensive compared to an actual Fender and consequently sold poorly. When Vox hit financial problems in 1968, unsold guitars and basses were passed on to Dallas Arbiter, who briefly sold the excess Symphonic bass stock as model 4537. This bass, although with a neck date of February 1966, was most likely one of the unsold Vox guitars sold on by Dallas Arbiter. Check out the bass, and the two video demos through 1960s Ampeg and WEM amplifiers.

1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog

1968 Shaftesbury catalogThe 1968 Shaftesbury 'Electric Guitars' catalog was just four pages long, and contained four guitar models: the six string Barney Kessel-style 3264; and three Rickenbacker-styled semi-acoustic models: the six-string 3261, the twelve string 3262 and the 3263 bass. Shaftesbury was the house-brand of major UK distributor Rose-Morris, and seems to have been launched as a response to the company's loss of it's distribution deal with Rickenbacker. The guitars were mid-priced, and built in (initially) Japan, and later Italy, by Eko

1970 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns Celebrated Classics' catalog

1970 Rose_Morris catalog1970 Rose-Morris catalog, dated April 1970. It featured 6 electric guitars, 32 acoustic guitars, 3 basses and 1 steel guitar. It contains the following instruments, over 20 pages: Electric guitars: Shaftesbury 3261, 3262, 3264, 3265, 3400; Top Twenty 1970; Bass: Shaftesbury 3263, 3266; Top Twenty 1971; Acoustic guitars: Eko Rio Bravo, Rio Bravo 12, Ranchero, Ranchero 12, Colorado, Ranger, Ranger Folk, Ranger 12; Aria 1674, 1675, 1676, 1679, 1680, 1695, 'John Pearse' Jumbo, 'John Pearse' Folk; Rose-Morris 15-11, Kansas, Georgian, Florida; Suzuki 1663, 1664, 1665, 3054, 3055, 3060; Tatay 1713, 1714, 1715; Peerless 3052; Steel guitar: Aria 3425

1971 Rose-Morris 'Exciting Electrics Wonderful Westerns' catalog

1971 Rose_Morris catalogThe sixteen-page 1971 Rose-Morris catalog featured electric guitars by Rose-Morris' own brand, Shaftesbury, and budget brand Top Twenty; aswell as acoustics by Eko, Aria, and for the first time Ovation. The catalog contains the following instruments: Electric guitars: Shaftesbury 3261, 3264, 3265, 3400, 3402; Top Twenty 1970; Bass: Shaftesbury 3263, 3266; Top Twenty 1971; Acoustic guitars: Ovation: Balladeer, 12 String, Glen Campbell, Glen Campbell 12 string; Eko Rio Bravo, Rio Bravo 12, Ranger, Ranger Folk, Ranger 12, Colorado, Ranchero, Ranchero 12, Studio 'L'; Rose-Morris Florida; Aria 'John Pearse' Jumbo, 'John Pearse' Folk

1972 Fender Precision bass

1972 Fender PrecisionA detailed look at an early 1970s Fender Precision bass guitar in custom black finish, with rosewood fretboard. 1972 list price, $307.50. The Fender Precision had been shipping since at least very early 1952 - with just one re-design circa 1957. This example, then, shows a model already two decades old, but barely changed since the '57 revamp. Fender got it right first time around, and although there are numerous minor cosmetic differences, the essence of this bass is effectively the same as it was in '52: a simple, single pickup instrument with a GREAT sound. Check out the demo video through an old Ampeg B15. It's no wonder this is the bass that everybody wants!

1967 Vox Stroller

1967 Vox StrollerThe Vox Stroller was the brand's entry level electric solid body guitar, fitted with just one pickup and a fixed tailpiece. Although aimed at student guitarists, it wasn't a terrible instrument, but did lack somewhat in adjustability, having no accessible truss rod and only a floating rosewood bridge. But this example is actually quite an improvement on earlier versions, with a standard 1/4" jack and a solid mahogany body. 1967 price £18 2s. JMI ceased UK guitar production in late '67, and combined with decreasing demand for the Stroller, this surely must be one of the last examples shipped.

1963 Vox Clubman Bass (left handed)

1963 Vox Clubman Bass left handedA nice example of the Vox Clubman II bass, built by JMI in Dartford, Kent in 1963. This is a lightweight bass, short (30") scale and very easy to play. It is an early example, and as such has a thin black scratchplate and side mounted, coaxial output jack. JMI offered left handed examples of their solid body Vox guitars and basses at 10% premium. Production numbers are unclear, but left-handed examples rarely come up for sale

1977 Gibson ES Artist 'prototype'

1977 Gibson ES Artist prototypeNot to be confused with the Gibson ES Artist launched by Gibson in 1979; this ES Artist was an early model designed by the Gibson research and development team in Kalamazoo in 1977, the instruments themselves constructed by Gibson artist Chuck Burge. It was planned for launch as a high end semi acoustic with 335-style construction (central maple block) and innovative circuitry - but was pulled at the last minute, being deemed too expensive. Apparently, several examples were produced with varying specifications, though exactly how many actually left the Kalamazoo plant is unclear. Certainly two guitars were sold to LaVonne Music by Gibson in around 1980. Read more about the development of this guitar, with details from Chuck Burge and the story of it's sale to LaVonne music