Ampeg Jet Series

debris · #1 12-15-2010, 07:46 AM

Looking up these guys I'm finding that they're actually guitar amps.
I'm seeing a J-12 for sale in my area for a modest price and I'm curious if they're good for bass too, or if there's some drawback to using a tube guitar combo with a bass.

From what I'm reading they sound great on guitar.

Anyone have experience or advice for this potential buy?

fenderhutz · #2 12-15-2010, 07:48 AM

The speakers are guitar speakers, amp is voiced for guitar as well. Not a good choice, unless you play guitar.

debris · #3 12-15-2010, 07:52 AM

Fair enough, but the V4 is a guitar head too.
Is the speaker really more what makes the tonal difference for a bass?

beans-on-toast · #4 12-15-2010, 08:08 AM

Amongst other things, the V4 has a massive output transformer which makes all the difference.

The J12 is a very basic design with a minimal tone stage, and small power and output transformers. The speaker will be pushed too hard and distort with a bass.

Everything the V4 has, the J12 doesn't.

debris · #5 12-15-2010, 08:09 AM

Good to know. I'll set my sights elsewhere in that case.

JimmyM · #6 12-15-2010, 09:54 AM

wise move. great guitar amp, just not a great bass amp.

KramerBassFan · #7 12-15-2010, 10:22 AM

+1

That said, the V4 has HUGE transformers.....