Sir_Saturn
Joined: Aug 16, 2009
Posts: 12
New York
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Posted on Aug 08 2011 10:20 AM
So right now I'm facing a unique (and awesome) opportunity that I'd like to get some additional insight into from all you amp wiz's.
Long story short, a friend is going to let me keep either his Ampeg Gemini I (with the navy checkers as opposed to black tolex, which i believe is the earlier one) or his InVicta Amps '57 deluxe point-to-point boutique replica. Both are a 1x12 combo, and though the ampeg is a bit bigger they weigh about the same.
I play mostly alternative rock and surf (of course), but am also interested in rockabilly and country, so both amps are valid.
The ampeg has one of the drippiest built-in reverbs I've ever heard and has a really nice tone, while the '57 deluxe copy doesn't even have an onboard tank. However, my other amp is a loud, clean machine, the Silverface Dual Showman Reverb AND I have a Fender '63 reproduction tank, so I'm not worried about being left "high and dry" with the '57  . The smaller footprint of the '57 deluxe is a plus also, since my other amp is already a giant and I have a little car. Another annoying thing about the Ampeg- the original jensen is nowhere in sight, replaced by an eminence red coat "governor".
I also know that the InVicta could probably be re-sold for a lot more than the Ampeg, but I'm a player not an investor and it's not really about that. Both amps sound really good to my ears and I can't decide.... so, I was wondering if you guys have any thoughts on considerations I may have overlooked?
Thanks for reading
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JakeDobner
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 12159
Seattle
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Posted on Aug 08 2011 11:57 AM
If you like them both equally, keep the one that you think will be the most reliable. In this case, probably the InVicta.
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elreydlp
Joined: Sep 04, 2009
Posts: 1800
Temecula, CA
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Posted on Aug 08 2011 12:41 PM
The Ampeg will probably have more clean headroom and the Deluxe more "Rawk".
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MelWaldorf
Joined: Mar 03, 2006
Posts: 648
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Posted on Aug 08 2011 01:18 PM
The Gemini I is a great amp, and has both drippy reverb and wacky vibrato with a "square wave" setting. I put a JBL D-130 in mine (yes a 15" fits!). It's an easy swap since the baffle unscrews. It can be loud and proud but also breaks up nicely. For small gigs you can run two guitars through it no problem, and using a guitar with low output pickups - think Gretsch HiLo'tron - you can get into the overdrive territory at reasonable volumes.
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Sir_Saturn
Joined: Aug 16, 2009
Posts: 12
New York
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Posted on Aug 09 2011 10:29 AM
Hmm.. thanks for the input guys! I'm really digging the ampeg when patching channel 1 into channel 2, and keeping mostly treble on the reverb channel and mostly bass on channel 2. What a cool sound! and by mixing the volumes you can get a good blend of definition and low end and drippiness without ice pick feedback (esp. with my jazzmaster).
The ampeg will probably be better for playing with a band. Here's another thing that complicates the issue- as I was turning off the InVicta last night, the switch shocked me! It burned the tip of my index finger, and in the moment my headstock swung up and smacked me in the forehead (wish I had it on camera now, but was actually quite scary). Do any of you guys know what this might mean? It has a three prong plug... Could that be a tube problem? Or a leaky cap? improper ground? I was also using a '63 RI tank plugged into an adjacent outlet.
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jonfender
Joined: Mar 09, 2011
Posts: 273
Melbourne FL USA
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Posted on Aug 09 2011 03:36 PM
I just plug guitar into a 1967 Gemini 1 and play....the reverb & tremolo are Great ! I can pretty much get any (or most) surf sounds this way. Thru life I've had 9 "blackface" Fender amps & this could be comparable (at least close to) any of em'. Remember that you only have (about) 20 watts and a 12' spkr & the cabinet is "big" for the actual speaker size....I guess "bulky" is the correct term cos' the amp is not that heavy to carry.....but the "tone" is WOW !!!! (It also makes for a Great Blues amp).....Ampeg is the "East Coast Fender" (Enjoy It....I sure do.....).
Last edited: Aug 09, 2011 15:42:29
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mad_dog
Joined: Sep 23, 2008
Posts: 349
Montclair, NJ
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Posted on Aug 11 2011 06:19 PM
Very tough call. I've been most curious about Invicta amps, and have long been an Ampeg appreciator. Actually, you're ahead of the game with a newer speaker in the Gem I. IMO, some excellent big tone and volume speaker choices commonly available now, any of which will make the Ampeg more giggable. For versatility, it goes to the Ampeg. Bigger cab, bigger sound. More clean. Not really Fender, hard to say what it is exactly. Not quite like anything else. Plus that sweet reverb and trem. Ampeg.
MD
Last edited: Aug 11, 2011 18:20:09
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