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nickname009
Published on 09/06/11 at 19:59
This is a classic amp!
The Ampeg Jet! 15 watts all tube, class A, point-to-pointm handwired (I think). With 12ax7s and I believe EL84s.
Super retro look, well it's a retro amp! Front panel: volume, tone, and tremolo.
There's been many types and variations of the J-12 so I'm not sure which one mine is but the fact that it has a tremolo feature on it must relate to the J-12T model in some way.
I can't remember what speaker is in it, but I believe it's the original, whatever Ampeg used for the Jet models in the early 90s.
UTILIZATION
Probably the easiest amp in the world to use with just 3 knobs. It's as simple as an effects pedal!
Put the amount of volume you want, set the tone and turn on the tremolo on via the knob if you want to kick it in. There are 2 inputs, as there always usually is with Ampeg combos, one for guitar and one for 'accordian' I really don't know what the difference is, cause I definitely can't hear it.
The only thing is the plug is the older 2 prong style, mine was replaced with a standard 3 prong to eliminate shock hazards etc.
But this is as simple as an amp can get!!
SOUNDS
Great sound! This is a single channel clean amp of course so don't expect massive distortion sounds or high gain sounds. It's a 60s, 70s clean sound. Not too bright like fender, still thick but still jangly. Think the Beatles-esque cleans. Very smooth and lots of headroom!
Just for kicks I seldom max out the volume and get this disgusting crunch. It sounds like complete crap, it's hilarious! I never use it live, though I've also put some distortion and overdrive pedals through this to get some interesting voices.
Definitely not a gain amp however, if you crank the gain and boost it you will get a noisy and probably horrible sounding distortion.
Though it takes pedals well, generally! So if you've got some cool effects or a good distortion pedal you'd probably have a nice Ampeg version of a blues jr but with a more retro style and warmer cleans.
OVERALL OPINION
I really like this amp for what it is. It's so darn simple and sounds so great. With the right pedals you can get nearly any tone and it's all going to sound in the vintage ballpark, smooth and warm yet clear and full of life.
The cleans are the best point, they are the warmer alternative to a fender and are generally more jangly than twangy. I unfortunately didn't keep this amp and wish that I did. How many times have you heard that?
Anyway, good amp, good price. if you can find one used it's a good clean tube amp and practice amp or even gigging amp, 15 watts it more than enough for a jazz/blues or rock band.
The Ampeg Jet! 15 watts all tube, class A, point-to-pointm handwired (I think). With 12ax7s and I believe EL84s.
Super retro look, well it's a retro amp! Front panel: volume, tone, and tremolo.
There's been many types and variations of the J-12 so I'm not sure which one mine is but the fact that it has a tremolo feature on it must relate to the J-12T model in some way.
I can't remember what speaker is in it, but I believe it's the original, whatever Ampeg used for the Jet models in the early 90s.
UTILIZATION
Probably the easiest amp in the world to use with just 3 knobs. It's as simple as an effects pedal!
Put the amount of volume you want, set the tone and turn on the tremolo on via the knob if you want to kick it in. There are 2 inputs, as there always usually is with Ampeg combos, one for guitar and one for 'accordian' I really don't know what the difference is, cause I definitely can't hear it.
The only thing is the plug is the older 2 prong style, mine was replaced with a standard 3 prong to eliminate shock hazards etc.
But this is as simple as an amp can get!!
SOUNDS
Great sound! This is a single channel clean amp of course so don't expect massive distortion sounds or high gain sounds. It's a 60s, 70s clean sound. Not too bright like fender, still thick but still jangly. Think the Beatles-esque cleans. Very smooth and lots of headroom!
Just for kicks I seldom max out the volume and get this disgusting crunch. It sounds like complete crap, it's hilarious! I never use it live, though I've also put some distortion and overdrive pedals through this to get some interesting voices.
Definitely not a gain amp however, if you crank the gain and boost it you will get a noisy and probably horrible sounding distortion.
Though it takes pedals well, generally! So if you've got some cool effects or a good distortion pedal you'd probably have a nice Ampeg version of a blues jr but with a more retro style and warmer cleans.
OVERALL OPINION
I really like this amp for what it is. It's so darn simple and sounds so great. With the right pedals you can get nearly any tone and it's all going to sound in the vintage ballpark, smooth and warm yet clear and full of life.
The cleans are the best point, they are the warmer alternative to a fender and are generally more jangly than twangy. I unfortunately didn't keep this amp and wish that I did. How many times have you heard that?
Anyway, good amp, good price. if you can find one used it's a good clean tube amp and practice amp or even gigging amp, 15 watts it more than enough for a jazz/blues or rock band.