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The Lab Series L9 is a vintage solid-state guitar amplifier designed in the late 1970s to early 1980s by Norlin-era Gibson, with circuitry contributions from Bob Moog (of Moog synthesizers). It's part of the Lab Series amp line (L3, L5, L7, L9, L11), all renowned for delivering clean, powerful tones with studio-level headroom and intelligent solid-state design.
The amp has been well used and shows significant signs of wear and the speaker cover can be removed easily, if it functions well and as intended.
Power Output: ~100 watts RMS into 8 ohms
Speaker Configuration: 1x15" speaker (commonly a heavy-duty CTS or Eminence driver)
Amplifier Type: Solid-state
Channels: Single channel with dual inputs (Hi and Lo)
Tone Controls:
Bass, Mid, Treble EQ with interactive circuitry
Parametric Midrange: Switchable "frequency" knob to target specific midrange zones
Features:
Multiband Compressor/Expander: Known as the “Multifilter,” it dynamically adjusts frequencies based on playing input—similar to how tube amps behave
Bright Switch for added treble presence
Presence Control (rear panel)
Reverb: Analog spring reverb
Effects Loop: For integrating external effects
Line Out and Preamp Out for DI or external amplification
Heavy-Duty Cabinet: Designed for stage durability; typically features a black Tolex finish and silver control panel
Weight: Roughly 60–70 lbs
Very clean and high headroom — designed for articulate jazz, funk, and fusion styles.
Warm and full low-end from the 15" speaker, making it great for semi-hollow guitars.
The Multifilter system mimics tube-like compression and sag, making the amp feel more "organic" despite being solid-state.
Reverb and EQ section are responsive and detailed—capable of subtle tone shaping or aggressive scooping.
BB King famously used the Lab Series L5, but many jazz and blues players adopted the L9 for its deeper low-end and power, especially with archtop or hollow-body guitars.
The Lab Series line was co-developed with input from Bob Moog, which explains the synth-style filtering and signal processing.
Despite being solid-state, Lab Series amps have developed a cult following due to their tube-like responsiveness, durability, and now-vintage tonal character.
