Ampeg Jet II - ???

[eksfiles]

A while back, I posted a topic where I said that I'd consider one of these puppies as the next amp i'm going to get. Well I have a chance to snag one well below the street price of $499.

I think it may be a good buy, and it has all the features I'm looking for in a nice light package (30 pounds).

Any opinions about this particular amp?.....sound reliability, mods, overall impressions....

FWIW, it will be my second amp, which I intend to use for small jams, playing around the house and possibly at church.

Thanks for your toughts.

[sound dog]

I actually have used the JetII as my MAIN amp for about two years now. We mike it, but I really wouldn't have to most places, it's mostly for the bands benefit (for monitoring).
I rarely have to turn it up past 4. Normally we run the sound from the stage, but for larger venues we hire out someone.
Last year we worked with 3 different sound guys, each of them just RAVED about the sound of my amp. The only change I made was putting in a Reverend Altone speaker.
I've had mine for about 8 years now. A friend of mine borrowed it and was so blown away he went out and got one for himself.
Go ahead and make the plunge; I would be greatly surprised if you were disappointed. I can't believe Ampeg doesn't push these more...it's one of the most underrated small amps out there, and quite inexpensive compared to a lot of other choices in that category.

[bgwatts]

I had one a couple of years ago. I sold it because I was raising funds for "True" Fender sound ala Vintage Deluxe. I do love my DeLuxe ,but realy regret letting go of the Jet. Looks cool,sounds cool. And can get REAL raunchy ,if you let it.

[hal]

Which Ampeg is this? I've always heard the Reverborocket was good if you get one from the sixties. Is that what you're talking about? Thanks.

[bgwatts]

Ampeg does a reissue series too. Look up Ampeg's website and check it out. The "Blue Diamond "series is named after the very cool blue diamond pattern of the tolex they use.The series has everything from a 15 watt1x12(Jet) to a marshall style 4x12 cab.The one we're talking about here is the Jett II. A 50 watt1x12 with verb and trem.Very simple layout Volume ,Tone,Verb,Trem(if my memory is correct).Looks cool,sounds great. I should have kept the one I had AND added another and run them stereo. THAT would be a killer rig.I sold mine and popped for a vintage DeLuxe.Sweet,but then again,you can't swing a dead cat around here and hit a guy who ain't got a Tele and a DeLuxe.But that Ampeg..........Looks a little different,Sounds a little different,and costs a WHOLE lot less than my "real"DeLuxe.

[sound dog]

[quote="bgwatts"]The one we're talking about here is the Jett II. A 50 watt1x12 with verb and trem.quote]

Actually mine is a Jet II 15 watt model and it is part of the reissue series. It's the J12-R model with Volume, Treble, Bass and Reverb. And it's a loud 15 watts (as I said, I rarely turn it up past 4).

[hal]

Thanks for the info. I'm going to start checking them out. Are they tube rectified? And what kind of power tubes do they have? Thanks.

[eksfiles]

The amp I'm talking about is the 15watt Jet. I ended up snagging it for $300 brand new.

The one I got BTW, has vol. tone. speed and intensity, and reverb for its controls.

It should not be confused with the Superjet model, which has the same controls, but pushes out 50 watts, and runs 6L6's instead EL84's like my Jet.

I was thinking of getting the Superjet, but 50watts is just not practical for home use.

I'll post a little review shortly.

Thanks for replies boys,

eks.

[bgwatts]

Super Jet! that was it.I was confusing the JetII and the Super Jet. I had the 50 watt version. Both killer amps though. You'll LOVE it. My pro jr. is my "little amp now. Similiar ,with 15 watts from el84's ,but with a 10"speaker. Thats where that ampeg is such a good value,it 'sgot the 12". ENJOY! :D

[eksfiles]

Thanks bgwatts.

I was set on getting the SuperJet, but at this time, 50 watts may be too much. Perhaps down the road if I need more volume, I'll look into picking one up.

I'm really excited about the simple set up. I love the fact that it has the one tone control. Find the sweet spot and let 'er rip.

Thanks again!

Cheers!!

[bgwatts]

Amen to the sweet spot ,brother(its Sunday,Thought that might be appropriate)Simplicity is the very reason I went for my Pro Jr. ............Volume,Tone. WOW. now I ain't confused at all! I guess I could get one of those champ "kits" or whatever they are ,I've seen some of those with a Volume only.The only problem with these simple low watt amps is that almost evrybody puts them in a little bity cab with a 10" or and 8" speaker. That where that Jet shines. sweet and simple ,but with enough "paper" to realy carry the tone.

[eksfiles]

Your Pro Junior is no slouch either. I've played one before, and it has to be one of the loudest, raw and beefy tones I've heard from a 1x10 combo.

I think I'm just tired of tweaking endlessly.... all these complicated, over-interactive eq's that amps nowadays have.

Simple tone controls down bog down the signal path from guitar to amp. Thats why so many classic amps had only one tone control.

Enjoy your PJ. I'm sure its killer!

[hal]

This clears things up a bit. I don't have need for 50 watts either, but I have a 68 Princeton(12 watts I think) for home use. I'm going to put out a post asking about the old Reverbarocket. If ya'll know anything about those, bring it on. Thanks.

[eksfiles]

I just received it today, and while I haven't had an opportunity to really put it through all the paces with all my guitars, I must say, its a sweet little amp!

I played it for about 20 minutes, and its one punchy little monster. The sound is what I anticipated; Sweet with a nice midrange honk, tight but a little thin bass, and lots of treble on tap should you need it.

The single tone control knob is very liberating; something I was looking for. The tremolo is fantastic. Really tube-like, and not sterile at all for a solid-state circuit. The reverb, for having a short pan really adds some nice ambience to the mix, and it doesn't over do it, like some other amps on the market. At around 3, its very subtle, and bring out the notes, not drowning them at all.

If there was one complaint, its that the tone knob really gets bright after about 4-5 on the knob. With a tele, I could take your head off above 5 with the bridge pickup. It actually sounds best with the tone around 1-2.

The single volume knob is graceful......

Its very clean and full at low volumes, and as you turn it up, depending on which guitar you use, it starts to break up around 5-6. After that, your in for a smooth overdrive magic carpet ride.

For 15 watts, its very loud!!

Mine also came with a lovely blue jewel light, and not the blue little light on most Jet II models I've seen. (those ones are like the light found on a Fender blues junior)

At the final thing that adds to the gorgeous appeal is that it has a really nice leather handle. Kind of like the ones you find on Boutique amps, and not the standard cheap leather handles you'd find on most ampeg jets...(those crack after some time, and look cheap).

For $320 US, I really can't complain.

The only thing I'd change is tubes of course, and maybe the tone pot to one that may not be as bright as this one can get. I'm not sure how to do that, but I may not need to after I get more used to the original.

This amp is a little gem. I'd really recommend it to anyone.

Can't talk too long, I've got a Jet to catch.....

[bgwatts]

Congradulations on the amp. I thought you'd like it. You should ask Bob at eurotubes what he recommends to bring out the best in your Jet. He had LOTS of options for my PJ.
Set it on 5 and just let it cruise at about 10,000 feet. No autopilot though,you'll want to be in complete control for this flight! 8) And be honest ,now,aren't you already imagining what a PAIR of Jets would be like?

[bgwatts]

Oh,and don't forget about that speaker either. Just as Bob at eurotubes will have some suggestions, Ted Weber will know exactly what kind of speaker to use(should you decide to do that AND tubes )

[Tremo]

Yes, if the amp is real BRIGHT, you can tame that with a Weber 12F150 or an Eminence Swamp Thang.

[eksfiles]

Well its not bright afterall. I noticed that it seemed a bit bright when the volume was below 2, but from 2 up, it got fat.

I think I may need more treble.....lol.

The speaker is brand new, so I need to break it in. I don't know why people gripe about it....its pretty decent-sounding. Tight, and punchy, with a strong husky midrange. Remember its only a 15watt amp, and the magnet weight is 17 or 19 ounces I think...? More then enough for me.

Thanks to all. You were right bgwatt, I'm having a blast.

Off to get some Jet lag....