Check this thing out! A very cool example of an early flip-top, this one comes from a time when only around 100 people worked at Ampeg; with the serial indicating a 1965 build, and Utah speaker dating to March of ‘64. The circuit is original, with old stock Sylvania 7868 power tubes - a fairly uncommon, warm, magnoval- base pentode (somewhat similar characteristically to a 6V6), a cool black base GE 5AR4 rectifier, and assorted newer stock 12ax7 preamp tubes. The cabinet has been de-tolexed and painted black, with what appears to be a repro handle, as well as replacement grill cloth. A 3 prong grounded power cord has been added for safety. The unique light-up plexi panel looks nice, with both pilot bulbs working as they should. The original latch speaker connectors are present, and function as they should.
This amp sounds as cool as it looks, and honestly took me a bit by surprise. Newer, higher wattage Ampeg cousins tend to be on the cleaner side - however this thing will break up in a similar fashion to an old Fender in an extremely lovable way. It is plenty warm and clean down the volume, however approaching the half way point adds awesome tube saturation and overdrive. Think black-panel Super Reverb breakup only at a more containable volume. This amp would be great for recording or mic’ing on stage - and is still plenty loud to play standalone at a bar or club.
It is in good overall shape, with some various scratches/marks, however overall looks very cool - especially in the dark with the tubes and panel illuminated.
PLEASE NOTE: this is an amp that I personally enjoy, and rather than having it sit waiting to sell I decided to re-cap it and replace the speaker with a Celestion Vintage 30 so that I can use it at home. This has been done lovingly with high quality F&T and Sprague capacitors. With this speaker it makes an absolutely killer guitar amp, and sounds quite nice with my Rhodes as well. If it does sell, it will include all of the original caps as well as the speaker, which I can reinstall at your request.