You're probably wondering why we're talking about a Ampeg in a Wiki dedicated to Fender. Well, it is obvious! In the U.S.A. musicians no longer use a Princeton or Deluxe Reverb, the 80s Ampegs have definitely outmoded those beautiful machines. Taking into account however that recent Fenders have nothing to do with the historical sound we are all used to recognize, then you're done! To be honest, I must say that if we play a 80s Deluxe or Princeton of course I have nothing to complain about, but we are talking about amps that are around $ 1,300 – 1,500 ... and they must sound good!
The amp I’m talking about today is the Ampeg Jet II J12R (12T, for those who prefer the tremolo instead of reverb). It is a wonderful amplifier able to play a luxurious clean. Whether you connect a Stratocaster or a Les Paul the result is always the same: a legendary tone that only a Fender worth $ 1.500 would be able to give. I must say that you must be underwent surgery to replace the speaker (standard is mounted an undefined "Ampeg", maybe it's a cheap Celestion, I really don’t know). A Weber 12F150 or, better, a Jensen C12N replace must take in the account in order to have the classic tone we are expecting. In short, with little additional expense you’ll get a really an dream amp.
If you connect pedals like TS9 or even a trivial $30 DS1, you’ll discover that this little gem is able to give a powerful and full-bodied sound. Lightweight, compact yet powerful for most of the clubs ... and for the most important stages just put in front of a good old SM57 and you will be able to tackle any situation. Turning volume pot after 12 o’clock this amp is also able to give a pleasant typical bluesman crunch, although I seriously doubt that you will ever need. So, these are the reasons why in the US "everyone wants Ampeg". I was forgotten: the amplifier is worth about $600 ($700, if the speaker has been already upgraded) and that is just half the cost of a Fender .... does it sound good?
J-12R TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
POWER TUBES: 2 x EL84
POWER AMP PHASE SPLITTER TUBE: 1 x 12AX7A
PREAMP TUBE: 1 x 12AX7A
OUTPUT POWER RATING: 15~22 Watts RMS
SIZE: 18.75” W x 16” H x 10” D
WEIGHT: 30 lbs
