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Ampeg Lee Jackson VL-1002 Guitar Head

Ampeg Lee Jackson VL-1002 Guitar Head main image

Ampeg Lee Jackson VL-1002 Guitar Head

$699.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (3)

2 Reviews

Find out who is using Ampeg Lee Jackson VL-1002

1 community setup

4 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (1)

$699.00 2 available Used

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Average Price: $699

Standard/Professional

$300

$801+

Price Tier

In the Guitar Amplifier Heads category, Ampeg Lee Jackson VL-1002 Guitar Head is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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The Ampeg Lee Jackson VL-1002 Guitar Head is a classic powerhouse designed for serious guitarists seeking a robust and versatile amplification solution. This tube-driven head is a collaboration between Ampeg and renowned amplifier designer Lee Jackson, combining vintage warmth with modern reliability. Boasting 100 watts of pure tube power, it provides a broad dynamic range that can handle anything from clean tones to aggressive distortion with ease.

Its dual-channel design allows seamless switching between clean and overdrive settings, offering flexibility for various playing styles and genres. The VL-1002 is equipped with a 3-band EQ on each channel, enabling precise tonal shaping to suit your sound. Additionally, the inclusion of a spring reverb adds a layer of depth, enhancing your sonic palette.

The amp head’s construction is road-ready, built to withstand the rigors of touring without compromising performance. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the Ampeg Lee Jackson VL-1002 delivers consistent, high-quality sound that musicians can rely on. With its custom Lee Jackson-designed circuitry, this amplifier head offers a unique tone that stands out in any setting.

Key Features:

100 watts of tube power
Dual-channel operation for clean and overdrive
3-band EQ per channel
Built-in spring reverb
Custom Lee Jackson-designed circuitry
Rugged construction ideal for touring and live performances

Product specs

Brand	Ampeg
Model	VL1002 2-Channel 100-Watt Guitar Head
Finish	Black
Year	1991 - 1995
Made In	United States
Categories	Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects	Built-In Effects
Color Family	Black
Electronics	Tube
Impedance	16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels	2 Channels
Number of Inputs	1 Input
Output Power (Watts)	100
Power Tube Type	6L6
Reverb	Digital Reverb

FAQs

What type of power tubes does the Ampeg Lee Jackson VL-1002 use?: The Ampeg Lee Jackson VL-1002 uses 6L6 power tubes, which are known for their robust tone and dynamic range, making them ideal for both clean and overdriven sounds.
How many channels does the Ampeg Lee Jackson VL-1002 have?: The Ampeg Lee Jackson VL-1002 features two channels, allowing for versatile sound options and easy switching between clean and overdriven tones during performances.
Is the Ampeg Lee Jackson VL-1002 suitable for live performances?: Yes, with its 100-watt output, the Ampeg Lee Jackson VL-1002 is powerful enough for live performances, providing ample volume and headroom for various venues.
What are the impedance options for the Ampeg Lee Jackson VL-1002?: The Ampeg Lee Jackson VL-1002 offers multiple impedance options of 16 ohms, 8 ohms, and 4 ohms, providing flexibility for different speaker cabinet configurations.
Does the Ampeg Lee Jackson VL-1002 have built-in effects?: Yes, the Ampeg Lee Jackson VL-1002 includes built-in effects, such as digital reverb, enhancing its tonal versatility and allowing for additional sound shaping.

Videos

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IplayMusic2

Ampeg VL-1002 Tube Head

IplayMusic2

The Modded Marshall You Didn't Know You Wanted! | Ampeg Lee Jackson Designed VL-1002

Kyle Bull

Ampeg VL-1002 demo

Kxszander, the pedal b(h)oarder

Ampeg VL1002 | Playthrough Demo (Lee Jackson)

ChoptonesOfficial

Ampeg VL-1002 - Hermansson Amplification

Hermansson Amplification

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional tone and amazing touch response
Cleans up well when rolling back guitar volume
Resembles a JCM 800 with enhanced sound capabilities
Built like a tank, very durable
Great value for money, especially for tube amp newbies and seasoned players
Clean channel with no bleed into the second channel
Recognized for use by artists like Tom DeLonge

CONS

Overdrive may feel too spongy for some users
Cabinets are made of MDF, potentially affecting sound quality

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ampeg Lee Jackson VL-1002 Guitar Head.

Features and functionality

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The built-in attenuator allows for great tone at any volume, while the 5-position mid-frequency knob drastically alters the amp's character and tone.
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The amp includes a unique lock feature that prevents unauthorized use by disabling the power, useful for shared spaces or preventing unauthorized use.
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The presence knob should be used sparingly; excessive high frequency content can negatively affect pedal integration.
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The VL-1002 is praised for its exceptional attenuator, making it suitable for smaller practice spaces and venues with strict volume policies.
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Setup and maintenance

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Common issue with MOLEX connector melting; recommended fix is to remove the plastic connector and solder wires directly.
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Expect to clean scratchy pots and use contact cleaner after storage; common maintenance for optimal functionality.
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For the cleanest sound, set channel one preamp to 0, EQ to noon, and presence to noon; use the preamp volume as your main control.
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It’s safe to test the amp without connecting the reverb tank, but remove the 12ax7 driver to protect the reverb transformer.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners recommend replacing the stock EL34 tubes with 6550s for improved performance and sound quality.
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Changing R20 and R29 attenuators can significantly increase gain without altering the amp's voicing, providing a more focused tone.
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Replacing R23 with a 10k-39k resistor increases gain, reversing the previous recommendation of a 63k resistor which reduces it.
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Installing a cathode bypass cap of .68uF or 1uF across R30 of V4a can boost gain and distortion, but may affect dynamics.
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Altering R18 to 220k and adding a .001u/630v cap in parallel can emulate the gain structure of an EVH 5150, offering increased gain.
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Comparisons

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Users compare it favorably to high-cost amps like Wizards, noting its capability to deliver comparable high-gain tones.
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Though it has similarities to Marshall circuits, users note that it sounds better than a Lee Jackson-modded 50 watt JCM 800.
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Use cases and applications

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The clean channel excels with overdrive pedals like the Bluesdriver, providing a warmer sound ideal for dreampop, shoegaze, and post-rock genres.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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stratguy01

167

over 7 years ago

The best JCM 800 alternative out there

This amp is essentially a JCM 800 on steroids in terms of sound and is built like a tank. Most people would know this amp being used by Tom DeLonge in the early days of blink-182, but works for any hard hitting musical situation. The clean channel does not disappoint either and is very separate from channel two, no bleed whatsoever. Being very inexpensive (I got mine for $400), this is a great, underrated amp for anyone who is buying their first tube amp or seasoned players.

From Gear Setup

tuckerofthorraxe

202

over 8 years ago

Decent enough.

I was in a weird spot when I owned this one. The overdrive was a bit too spongy for my needs, but nonetheless I used it live for a few shows. Mostly destroyed the front end with an HM-2.

Artist usage

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Thomas DeLonge

Singer, Guitarist

Blink-182

Verified via Imgur

Tom had two Ampegs, a VL-502 and a VL-1002. They're the same amp just one is 50 watts (502) and the other 100 watts (1002). This is the 1002 with the Ampeg logo removed and replaced with a custom blink logo. He would later revert back to the Ampeg logo. Starting in 1996, Tom would have both in his live rack rig.

The VL-502 was used to record "Cheshire Cat". The VL-1002 was used to record "They Came To Conquer Uranus", and "Lemmings". Dude Ranch was not recorded with this amp as previously thought. Dude Ranch was recorded with a Marshall JCM 900 Dual Reverb.

Photo of the amp in Doubletime Studios recording sessions for Cheshire Cat: https://i.imgur.com/RPT87OG.png

Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein

Guitarist

Misfits

Verified via YouTube

This is the guitar amp head that Doyle says he used during the time in the Misfits with Michael Graves.

Chris Wollard

Guitarist

Hot Water Music

Verified via YouTube

Chris Wollard used an Ampeg Lee Jackson VL-1002 Guitar Head during Hot Water Music's performance in Immenhausen in 1998, as seen in a YouTube video by unARTigNYC.