Thoughts on OLD AMPEG JETS ...

[cg73cmc]

Anybody got any positive/negative thoughts on the old AMPEG Jet 15 watters?

I'm thinking about picking up one from the pre-1965 era -- seen a couple on Ebay with tremolo. Are these decent amps? I'm not worried about any electronic repairs that need to be made -- unfortunately my electronics skills far exceed my guitar skills -- so I can retube and fix anything in one of these old amps. The prices for these amps seem be fairly reasonable (under $500). I'm pretty sure they are all tube (including the rectifier?).

Anyway, reason I want to buy one is for the tone -- not to own an antique. If the new JET Reissues sound just as good as the old ones -- I'd rather go that route. However, I've been told that the early 60's JETS are about the best AMPEG ever made. True? Or False?

[Big Cookie]

Very cool amps I have an old M-12 (6V6 model)with the original Jensen that is a screamer.

[Jim L]

I think that the major difference between the new Ampegs and old would be the PC Boards in the new ones. If you are handy electronically with circuit boards, then I supposed it doesn't matter much.

I also don't know if the new Ampegs are really like the old ones. The new J12T uses el84 power tubes. I think the old Ampegs tended to use 6v6 power tubes.

My Reverberocket actually used 7591 power tubes, which used to be very hard to find and therefore pricey (but EH started making new production 7591 tubes that were true to the original tube. I sold the Reverberocket because it wasn't too practical and I can't afford to have a bunch of amps. It wasn't loud enough to gig with w/o mic'ing, and my only other amp was a 73 Pro Reverb. I ended up getting myself a 6-month old Peavey Delta Blues 1x15 combo that will make for a good gigging amp.

The Reverberocket's reverb and tremolo were AMAZING. Hello Magic Sam! Seriously great stuff. But mine was acting up, and rather than another trip to the tech, I decided to part with it for something a bit more practical for my situation.

[Oster]

Can't go wrong with an old Ampeg Jet. That 12" Speaker really puts forth some rich, classy sound. The cabinetry is certainly a cut above too - Totally solid, thick quality wood (not particle board).

Parts can be a challenge. My Jet uses 2 6BK11 as pre amps and 2 7868 as power. These are not easy to find.
Also, the type of screw used on early Ampegs needs a 'Clutch Head' driver. These, too are quite elusive (don't give up though - and don't wedge in a square head, no matter what the temptation - clutch head screws are a cool, weird design - they actually 'clutch' the driver. Using anything else will wreck their ability to do so.

First thing I did when I got my Jet was replace the speaker with a new Jensen. I like the punch and clarity of a new speaker (I kept the orig. though).

Jets are darker than, say, a Deluxe. Mellow and rich, but mean when pushed. The tremolo is really cool, too.

[cg73cmc]

If ya'll would, would you give me your opinion on these Ebay ads? I'm not thinking about bidding on these specific amps but I'm looking for information on the strengths and weaknesses of different old AMPEG amps. When I know what I'm doing, I'll probably bid on one that comes up in the future. I even threw in a Reverb Rocket in the pack below ...

1960 JET ...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...716649620&rd=1

'63 JET ...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...716581375&rd=1

'64 JET ...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...716721618&rd=1

'66 JET ...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...716149611&rd=1

And a "60's" Reverbrocket ...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...716345273&rd=1

I don't have anything to do with any of these ads above and I'm not trying to call attention to them in any way other than to educate myself on the strengths and weaknesses of the various early Ampeg amps. Any advice y'all have would be appreciated. I have not found a lot of information on the web about these things.

[Tremo]

Woah dude, you have a political statement in your sig, a quote from Bush. Politics are verboten on TDPRI.

[cg73cmc]

First of all, I believe the TDPRI policy is ... (quote) "There will be no hate, politics, religion, sex or drug discussions here" (unquote) -- and this thread about AMPEG amps -- not politics, hate, religion or sex.

Second of all -- it's not a political statement. I believe a political statement would be something like "Vote John Kerry" or something like that. Or perhaps one like "choose life" or "choose choice".

Third of all, where would TDPRI be without it's little "cops" running around all the time (like you). It seems that folks like you have so little to add to a discussion all you can do is sit and lurk and "snipe" at people when you see something you disagree with. I see them all the time here -- they only chime in when they disagree with something.

Fourth, I'm pulling my sig down -- because it's time for me to change anyway -- and what I replace it with -- you won't like -- but I'll guarantee that it won't be political!

All you need is LOVE dude.