Ampeg Jet J-12-D Tube Amplifier (1965)
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Ampeg Jet J-12-D Model Tube Amplifier (1965), made in Linden NJ, serial # 015462, blue checked Tolex finish.
The Ampeg Jet in its many forms is one of the New York/New Jersey firm's all-time classics, beloved of studios, students and garage bands since the early 1960s. The initial release of the Jet model in January of 1958 came shortly before the entire line received a cosmetic update with the grand unveiling of the new Reverberocket at NAMM 1961. Aside from the reverb, the Jet and the Reverberocket were very similar amplifiers, the former remaining in the line-up as the more-affordable "reverb-less" sibling even after the latter became a big seller.
Rather than the three inputs of the Reverberocket, the Jet has just two inputs, labeled high and low, as well as a single volume and tone controls, and a tremolo control for speed with preset depth. These amps used a fairly obscure set of octal 6BK11 preamp tubes into a cathode-biased dual 7591 power section putting out roughly 15-18 watts into a single 12" Jensen speaker. The 7591 tubes are more powerful than your typical 6V6 and the amp has comparatively more headroom than a dual-6V6 Jet. The amp has a unique, rich sound that gives a nice satisfying crunch when pushed, beloved by generations of players on the lookout for a different timbre.
Height is 14 in. (35.6 cm.), 19 in. (48.3 cm.) width, and 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm.) deep.
This 1965 Jet is very well-preserved overall and sounding fab as expected. The classic Ampeg "blue checked" tolex covering is in great shape, save for a very few scuffs and minor wear around the edges and corners. The control plate shows some very minor tarnishing, but most of the stenciled lettering is intact. The grille cloth is overall in good shape, although showing some stretch marks near the front logo, there's no signs of tearing or fraying. The handle appears to be original as well.
Electrically, the amp remains nicely original save for the speaker, which appears to have been replaced with a hefty 12" ceramic Eminence dating to the 39th week of 1980 (likely from an SVT or some other higher powered amp of the era). Transformers are original to the amp and visible pot codes all date to mid-1965. The amp has seen our typical maintenance and servicing, including replacement of all electrolytics, a grounded 3-prong power cord, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and biased to spec.
A traditional favorite here in the NYC area, this Ampeg Jet is a particularly dense and crunchy-sounding little amp with a real personality. With nice deep tremolo and singing overdrive, this is a great "rootsy" gigging and recording amp for low-volume situations at a real bargain price by today's standards Excellent - Condition.
The Ampeg Jet in its many forms is one of the New York/New Jersey firm's all-time classics, beloved of studios, students and garage bands since the early 1960s. The initial release of the Jet model in January of 1958 came shortly before the entire line received a cosmetic update with the grand unveiling of the new Reverberocket at NAMM 1961. Aside from the reverb, the Jet and the Reverberocket were very similar amplifiers, the former remaining in the line-up as the more-affordable "reverb-less" sibling even after the latter became a big seller.
Rather than the three inputs of the Reverberocket, the Jet has just two inputs, labeled high and low, as well as a single volume and tone controls, and a tremolo control for speed with preset depth. These amps used a fairly obscure set of octal 6BK11 preamp tubes into a cathode-biased dual 7591 power section putting out roughly 15-18 watts into a single 12" Jensen speaker. The 7591 tubes are more powerful than your typical 6V6 and the amp has comparatively more headroom than a dual-6V6 Jet. The amp has a unique, rich sound that gives a nice satisfying crunch when pushed, beloved by generations of players on the lookout for a different timbre.
Height is 14 in. (35.6 cm.), 19 in. (48.3 cm.) width, and 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm.) deep.
This 1965 Jet is very well-preserved overall and sounding fab as expected. The classic Ampeg "blue checked" tolex covering is in great shape, save for a very few scuffs and minor wear around the edges and corners. The control plate shows some very minor tarnishing, but most of the stenciled lettering is intact. The grille cloth is overall in good shape, although showing some stretch marks near the front logo, there's no signs of tearing or fraying. The handle appears to be original as well.
Electrically, the amp remains nicely original save for the speaker, which appears to have been replaced with a hefty 12" ceramic Eminence dating to the 39th week of 1980 (likely from an SVT or some other higher powered amp of the era). Transformers are original to the amp and visible pot codes all date to mid-1965. The amp has seen our typical maintenance and servicing, including replacement of all electrolytics, a grounded 3-prong power cord, cleaning of all sockets, pots and jacks and biased to spec.
A traditional favorite here in the NYC area, this Ampeg Jet is a particularly dense and crunchy-sounding little amp with a real personality. With nice deep tremolo and singing overdrive, this is a great "rootsy" gigging and recording amp for low-volume situations at a real bargain price by today's standards Excellent - Condition.