A Rare Species Discovered at Musicmaker
Here we find them joined by another Keystone Species, the Gibson Les Paul.
In the hushed halls and dells of Musicmaker, a new sound has taken flight…
Is it possible? Is this truly what we have discovered? The return of the Gibson Falcon amplifiers. Long thought a legend of a bygone era, these majestic creatures have resurfaced, newly evolved, shimmering in their natural habitat of tubes, tweed, and thunder.
Three distinct breeds have been spotted in the shop — the Falcon 5, the Falcon 20, and the Falcon Dual 20. Each one a study in sonic behaviour, each singing its own unique mating call of reverb, tremolo, and glorious valve-driven warmth.
And yes, dear listener… they are every bit as magnificent as you’ve heard.
Also spotted lurking in the grasses - the lesser spotted Gibson SG.
The Gibson Falcon 5 – The Little Bird with a Golden Song
The Falcon 5 is a creature of intimacy and grace. Compact and understated, yet capable of melodies that flutter effortlessly between clean clarity and vintage grit.
- 5 watts of Class A power – driven by a single EL84, it sings sweetly at home and in the studio.
- 12AX7 preamp feeding a 10” Jensen Blackbird speaker, giving a velvety midrange and crisp, articulate highs.
- Built-in reverb and tremolo – lush, organic, and utterly musical.
The Falcon 5 doesn’t scream. It breathes. Its overdrive blooms naturally as you push it — a warm, singing breakup that feels alive beneath your fingers.
You can almost hear it in the wild, perched in a studio corner, capturing takes that shimmer with authenticity.
Such a joy to see the Gibson Falcon 5 in its natural habitat....
The Gibson Falcon 20 – The Elegant Mid-Range Predator
Step quietly now. The Falcon 20 emerges — confident, radiant, perfectly balanced between vintage subtlety and modern muscle.
- 20 watts of cathode-biased power, powered by two EL84s, gives it the headroom to soar above a band mix.
- 12” Jensen Blackbird speaker – the perfect partner, rich and dynamic.
- Three-way voicing switch: Tweed, Blonde, and Black panel. Three distinct American flavours, all living harmoniously within one amplifier.
- Tube-driven reverb and tremolo – deep, dimensional, and unmistakably Gibson.
This amp feels alive. From sparkling cleans that glisten like sunlight through leaves, to throaty, dynamic overdrive that growls when provoked. It’s the kind of amp that makes a player stop mid-chord and smile, half in disbelief, half in joy.
The Falcon 20 is equally at home in studio sessions or on small stages — articulate, touch-sensitive, and blessed with that unmistakable Gibson warmth.
This little Gibson Falcon 20 seemed curious about our camera.
The Gibson Falcon Dual 20 – The Apex Tone Creature
And now… the sighting of the century. The Falcon Dual 20 — majestic, powerful, and utterly uncompromising.
This is the alpha of the flock.
- Dual-channel design, each with its own personality: one side pure vintage shimmer, the other rich, overdriven authority.
- Footswitchable channel select and independent tone stacks, giving players instant control of their soundscape.
- 20 watts of dual-6V6 power – smooth and strong, capable of both studio delicacy and stage dominance.
- Custom 12” Jensen Blackbird speaker – a perfect sonic lens, capturing every harmonic feather.
The Dual 20 commands attention. Its cleans are cathedral-clear; its drive, a cascade of harmonics that feels endless. Yet even at volume, it never loses its composure. It’s the sound of Gibson history reborn and roaring.
Even the vulture seemed unaware of the Dual Falcon 20s presence.
Behaviour & Habitat – Comparing the Falcons
- Falcon 5 – The studio companion. Ideal for home players, recording artists, and tone purists. Low wattage, big character.
- Falcon 20 – The versatile hunter. Enough headroom for small gigs, enough warmth for quiet sessions. Three vintage voices, one heart.
- Falcon Dual 20 – The apex performer. Two channels, pure control, perfect for professional players seeking the ultimate all-valve flexibility.
Each Falcon is hand-built, elegantly finished, and dressed in that iconic cream tolex with brown grill cloth — a look that whispers “classic Gibson,” reborn for the modern age..
Where to Witness Them in the Wild
All three Falcons — the 5, 20, and Dual 20 — have landed safely at Musicmaker Dublin, roosting comfortably in the amp room and awaiting curious players.
Come, plug in, and observe their behaviour up close. Gently roll up your guitar’s volume, and listen as the tone unfurls like plumage in sunlight.
Because sometimes, evolution doesn’t mean more features — it means rediscovering the magic of sound done right.
Is It a Bird?
Few instruments command reverence like a Gibson guitar — but the Gibson Falcon amplifiers remind us that the company’s heart still beats in tone and craftsmanship.
Every note has a mating posture, every chord shines with iridescent plumage. Witness the beauty of nature's majesty.
Come experience the Falcons at Musicmaker Dublin — the only place to experience their full, feathery glory.
Check out the three models HERE.
