1966 Ampeg Rocket 2

[Keith7940236]

Last week I was fortunate to acquire a 1966 Ampeg Rocket 2 in brand new condition. Apparently it had been stored for years in a closed and looks like it just came out of the box. It has NOS tubes and the original Jensen speaker. I have always played through a Polytone Minibrute and have really enjoyed the clean tones, but I am blown away at the sound of this amp. The sound is amazing clear, warm and sweet.

[DetroitBlues]

Wow, what a find! It does look new! Did you install a ground plug?

[Guest HRB853370]

Awesome! My Gemini II was in that condition when I sold it a few years ago. I regret it now. Gotta love the blue tolex. Yes, get a grounded plug installed or you will feel electricity through the strings. I love those old Jenson speakers. Now get an accordion too for that accordion input.

[Keith7940236]

The gentleman that I got it from installed a grounded plug. He has some amazing tube amplification equipment.

[kidsmoke]

I've got a '65 Jet. Great Amps. Clearly built to last. Mine DOESN"T look like yours though. That's amazing! Rockets are hard to come by. Enjoy it!

[barrymclark]

You lucky so \'n\' so! Great amp! Great find!

 

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[FredZepp]

That amp looks amazing. It's easy to imagine a big tone coming from that classic beauty... a sweet tube amp using a vintage Jensen speaker... good stuff, congrats.

[DC Ron]

Nice! I've got a 69 reverberocket 2 and it's sweet.

 

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[Spectrum13]

My oldest piece of gear is my 65 Reverb Rocket 2 with 7951 power tubes. Can't get anything better for them archtops if you like a little sag. Great score!

[Guest HRB853370]

My oldest piece of gear is my 65 Reverb Rocket 2 with 7951 power tubes. Can't get anything better for them archtops if you like a little sag. Great score!

 

Early Ampegs were designed for jazz guitar and accordian and great for clean tone and I still regret selling my Gemini II

[rjsanders]

looks like there's some early Ken Fischer in there, too

[Keith7940236]

I was wondering about how I could add some reverb and keep the clarity of tone. I read about a Van Amps Reverbamate. Does anyone have any experience with it? Perhaps another suggestion?

 

Thanks,

Keith

[bolero]

 

Early Ampegs were designed for jazz guitar and accordian and great for clean tone and I still regret selling my Gemini II

 

what Slammer said...I bet they sound killer with an archtop

 

 

the best reverb I've ever used is a Dr Z "Z-verb"

 

http://www.drzamps.com/products/zverb.html

[Gitfiddler]

I was wondering about how I could add some reverb and keep the clarity of tone. I read about a Van Amps Reverbamate. Does anyone have any experience with it? Perhaps another suggestion?

 

Thanks,

Keith

 

 

Congrats on a great, vintage amp!!

 

As for reverbs, there are a bunch of good ones out there (Boss, Hardwire, etc.). I have an Electro Harmonix Holy Grail, but it's the original big pedal that doesn't take batteries (9 volt plug only). Now they have a smaller version that has a great reputation.

 

Also, our resident HOC amp guru, KBP810 makes an old school stand alone reverb that a few folks here prefer.

 

Enjoy that 'new' Ampeg!

[Keith7940236]

Thanks Gitfiddler, I appreciate the advice!!

[hotfordcoupe]

Where I grew up (in NYC), Ampeg was the go to amp. You couldn't beat 'em. Today, I play through a reissue J-20 with the diamond blue tolex. I don't take it out anymore but I used to use my '65 Gemini I with the 12 inch speaker. None better. The reverb is so sweet, it could give you tonal diabetes. Enjoy making great sounds with that Rocket.

[kidsmoke]

I've not heard a Gemni, although any mention of them is always with the utmost reverence. I have a friend that gigs with a tele and a Jet reissue, sound fantastic. I really think it's an under appreciated mass market amp in the market. P2P.

 

Still can't over this amp!