Gemini I 3 prong conversion?

[Oldschoolwax]

I just wanted to double check, ( yep I know how to not get zapped and will go really slowly! )

I have a Gemini I , it needs a grounded plug, still has original Ampeg molded end plug on it. This amp has no ground switch and no standby, so it should really be a case of planting the green ground eyelet under one of the tranny bolts, running the black to the fuse/switch, and completing the circuit by tying white in where it belongs correct? it's so simple I'm questioning it!

Then I need to recap it and take it in to be given a checkup and tuned.

Just wanted to check in with the experts before I begin!

Thanks!

[Oldschoolwax]

Never mind, was cake as expected! No standby is weird, never saw that before, and no ground, I guess the switch the plug around was cheaper? LOL...

Thanks,
Michael

[ryokan]

So, what do you think of the amp? I have the same model, from 1965. I think it is incredible. The most lush, beautiful amp i've ever owned. I think the secret to its great sound is in the cab design...

[Oldschoolwax]

Love it, Cleaning it up and recapping it, plus the new cord and handle! I'll have the tubes checked after, it seems nice, was missing some knobs, had aftermarkets on it, so ordered new replacement style chickens for it. I got it for 160 so I really couldn't be happier! sounds great! Similar to my B15n but more lush, I think the speaker cab size and vent do have a lot to do with it! Not quite as overpowering as my Gemini 22, but I wouldn't mind having that lush reverb in there! =) It's weird that it has no standby though... the S/N is 061794, so it seems like it would be later 60's, it has black original tolex not blue diamond weave like my old G15.

[ryokan]

$160 is incredible! I got mine for around $350. I also had to replace the handle, and the grill cloth and a few knobs. Looks like yours is a '67, found this info on the unofficial Ampeg site:

Early 1965 through 1969
The second serial number system was implemented in January 1965 and used until the end of 1969. This system overlapped with the previous serialization scheme for a period of about 6 months. These are also 6-digit numbers, which appear to have been applied sequentially, but they are not date encoded. Enough information (serial numbers, model, date codes) has been gathered to prepare the following guide for dating by serial number. Note that the year associated with a range of serial numbers is very rough and will likely change as more information is gathered for refining the estimates. The EIA date codes of original components should be used to confirm an approximate date of manufacture.

Serial Number Range Year
000001 to 020000 1965
020000 to 049000 1966
049000 to 075000 1967
075000 to 080000 1968
080000 to 092000 1969

[Oldschoolwax]

Yeah, I had found that date info too, at first I thought it had been recovered... I believe someone painted the grill cloth black, but it's in great shape... so, I'll leave it black I guess.. No sense spending money I don't need to, but will pick some up when I order the parts for my Gemini 22. I hadn't realized they used the "script" and black tolex at the same time. Ya live and learn! And jumping the accordion channel to the second channel sweetens it up just like all other 4 input Ampegs! I'm trying to chase down a head right now... got my fingers crossed on that one, I won't be able to afford to rebuild it for a year, but if I can snag it I will! fingers crossed!
Thanks for the input! I just can't figure out why a later model would have no standby. Did they get cheap for a year? Weird.

[ryokan]

Mine doesn't have a standby switch either. I don't think any of them did...not sure though.

[Oldschoolwax]

I think your right, the one I saw with was earlier blue, may have been a Gemini 2 mislabeled as a I, they seem to have the standby... no matter, my caps and new set of knobs is on the way! =) Happy boy right here!