Gibson EH-185

The Gibson EH-185 is a historic amplifier, renowned for its innovative design, rich tonal character, and association with early electric guitar pioneers.

History of the Gibson EH-185

• Introduction (1939): The EH-185 was introduced by Gibson during the late 1930s as part of the first wave of instrument electrification. It was designed to accompany the EH-185 Hawaiian lap steel guitar but was also widely used with Gibson's high-end Electric Spanish guitars like the ES-250 and ES-350.
• Design and Features: The EH-185 featured a 20-watt Class A circuit powered by early 6L6 tubes, paired with a 12-inch field-coil speaker. Its preamp used 6J7 pentode tubes, providing a warm and dynamic tone. Early models included separate bass and treble controls, which were later replaced with a single tone knob around 1941. The amp's removable chassis could be used in a "piggyback" configuration or left in the cabinet for combo-style operation.
• Legacy: The EH-185 became known for its deep, rich tone that worked well across genres like jazz, blues, and swing. Its unique design predated many features found in later amplifiers, such as versatile EQ controls. Although production ceased in the early 1940s due to World War II, the amp remains a sought-after collector's item and has inspired modern boutique recreations.

Popular Settings

• Clean Tones:
  • Use the low-gain "Instrument" input with Volume set around 3-4 for warm, clean tones.
  • Bass and Treble controls (on earlier models) can be adjusted to taste for balanced clarity.
• Breakup/Crunch:
  • Engage the high-gain "Mic" input with Volume set at 6 or higher to achieve natural tube breakup.
  • The amp transitions smoothly from clean to crunch, making it ideal for dynamic playing styles.
• Tonal Adjustments:
  • Early models with separate Bass and Treble controls allow for more precise EQ shaping.
  • Later models with a single tone knob can emphasize bass frequencies when turned up.
• Field-Coil Speaker Dynamics:
  • The field-coil speaker provides throaty grind when pushed but maintains fidelity at lower volumes.

Notable Players

• Charlie Christian: The jazz guitar pioneer used the EH-185 alongside his Gibson ES-250 in live performances and recordings. His melodic runs and clear tone showcased the amp's capabilities during its heyday.
• Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age): Homme has used an EH-185 in live settings to achieve his signature gritty sound, demonstrating the amp's versatility beyond its original jazz/blues context.
• Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top): Gibbons has occasionally employed an EH-185 for its vintage tonal qualities during studio sessions.
• Doyle Bramhall II: Known for his work with Eric Clapton, Bramhall has used an EH-185 in studio settings, further cementing its reputation among modern blues and rock players.

Summary

The Gibson EH-185 remains a celebrated amplifier for its innovative design, warm tonal character, and historical significance in shaping early electric guitar music. Its versatility has allowed it to transcend eras and genres, making it a prized piece of gear among collectors and musicians alike.