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Description

Ampeg Jet Model J-12 20-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo 1966

Beautiful condition Ampeg Jet J-12D version. Check out the photos Check out the tolex and grill cloth on this one. This killer little combo amp is in immaculate condition and I doubt you will find another vintage Ampeg Jet J-12D anywhere close to being this clean. Hence, the asking price. These Ampeg J-12D models are getting scarce, are highly sought after (for many reasons), and are very collectable. Light weight and super portable. Not to mention, built like a miniature tank. The build quality is top notch. Ampeg used quality parts and paid close attention to detail with these little gems. There is a slight bit of fading of the silk screen on the faceplate, which is consistent with these amps of this vintage. This little Jet is all original and UN-molested. It sounds wonderful at any volume. You'll be surprised at the power of this little gem. Pedals really shine when used with this amp. I really hate to let it go, but it's time to clear some things out. I have owned this amp for well over 20 years and it has served me well at home and in the studio. It has never been on a live gig, at least since I have owned it. Like other Ampeg amps of this era, the Jet 12 experienced some variation both in its enclosure style as well as in its electronic configuration. In this era, the model was also designated as the J-12D Jet and used a solid-state rectifier. Years of Production: 1958 - 1970. This one is a 1966 model.

Product specs

Brand Ampeg
Model J-12-D Jet 2-Channel 20-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo
Finish Blue
Year 1966
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Direct Output No Direct Output
Electronics Tube
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 20
Power Tube Type 6V6
Reverb None
Speaker Configuration 1x12"

FAQs

What type of tubes does the Ampeg Jet J-12-D use?

The Ampeg Jet J-12-D uses 6V6 power tubes, which are known for their warm, smooth tone, making it ideal for vintage-style sounds.

How many channels does the Ampeg Jet J-12-D have?

The Ampeg Jet J-12-D features two channels, allowing for versatile sound options and easy switching between different tones during performance.

Is the Ampeg Jet J-12-D suitable for gigging?

With its 20-watt output, the Ampeg Jet J-12-D is best suited for small to medium-sized venues, rehearsals, or studio use, rather than larger gigs.

Does the Ampeg Jet J-12-D have built-in reverb?

No, the Ampeg Jet J-12-D does not include built-in reverb, so external effects pedals may be needed for reverb effects.

What is the speaker configuration of the Ampeg Jet J-12-D?

The Ampeg Jet J-12-D is equipped with a 1x12" speaker configuration, providing a balanced and full sound suitable for various music styles.

Living Room GD

Living Room GD

A well-kept secret on the Vintage market...

Video thumbnail for A well-kept secret on the Vintage market... by Living Room GD

A well-kept secret on the Vintage market...

Living Room GD

Living Room GD

Video thumbnail for Ampeg Jet J-12D demo, with Aria FA-80 archtop by Brannon Hancock

Ampeg Jet J-12D demo, with Aria FA-80 archtop

Brannon Hancock

Brannon Hancock

Video thumbnail for Ampeg Jet J-12D demo, with modded Squier '51 by Brannon Hancock

Ampeg Jet J-12D demo, with modded Squier '51

Brannon Hancock

Brannon Hancock

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ampeg Jet J-12-D.

Mods and upgrades

  • Weber 12A125 and Blue Dog speakers are recommended for more period-correct tones in the Ampeg Jet J-12-D, with the Blue Dog offering a brighter, British/Vox tone.

    Source
  • Installing an 8-ohm 1960s Rola alnico speaker can significantly quiet the amp at idle and enhance its growl when paired with P90 pickups.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Eminence 1258 speakers are noted to closely replicate the CTS/Eminence speakers found in 60s and 70s Ampegs, offering more reliability than the originals.

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  • Owners note the Ampeg Jet J-12-D's full octal preamp sounds, comparing favorably to later models with different tonal characteristics.

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Features and functionality

  • Ampeg Jet J-12-D models from the early 60s used dark and smokey tones, aligning with jazz preferences of the era, differing from later "rock" Ampegs.

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  • The tremolo is notably weak, and the original 6BK11 tubes are costly, but alternatives like 6C10 and 6AC10 function acceptably.

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  • Some owners discuss the erratic tremolo on early models, suggesting potential tweaks for more stability and slower speed.

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Setup and maintenance

  • It's essential to replace electrolytic capacitors to prevent potential shorts that can damage the power transformer.

    Source

User experience

  • After extensive cleaning, the amp was described as having a darker tone compared to Fender and Vox amps, with a barn find smell initially due to poor condition.

    Source
  • A comparison to Fender Champs highlights the Ampeg Jet J-12-D's ability to stay clean and loud up to 20 watts before breaking up.

    Source

Build quality

  • The early models feature a distinctive flat stamped logo, appreciated for its vintage aesthetic appeal.

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Use cases and applications

  • Pairing the amp with a Gretsch strung with flatwound strings evokes classic 50s and 60s tones.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Grant Green uses Ampeg Jet J-12-D

Grant Green

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

During his recording sessions (as a sideman and leader), Grant used two different amps that Rudy Van Gelder has in his studio. These amps were a tweed Fender Deluxe, as well as various Ampeg Models. Here, during the recording of Idle Moments, it looks like he is using an Ampeg Jet.

See how Ian Farmer uses Ampeg Jet J-12-D

Ian Farmer

Bassist, Music Producer

Modern Baseball

...
Verified via ianfarmer

Ian Farmer sites the Ampeg Jet in his list of equipment on his official website.

See how Eirik Stordrange uses Ampeg Jet J-12-D

Eirik Stordrange

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

"In this video I want to show you some sounds from my new old Ampeg Jet J-12 D. It is an amazing vintage 20 watts combo and I'm digging the tones I'm getting from it."

Album Usage

The Ampeg Jet J-12-D has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ampeg Jet J-12-D, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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