1958 Ampeg Rocket

I recently purchased this 1958 Ampeg Rocket.  Since these appear to be somewhat rare, I thought I would document this one online.

The amp appears to be 100% original, or very, very close.

The amp is currently off to the tech I use, Bird Dog Bobby, to have a 3-prong cord installed, the electrolytics checked, and a male/female 1/4" RCA jack installed on the end of the speaker lead so I can plug this bad boy into my Hot Plate and Raezer's Edge Twin-8 cab.

It has a very creamy overdrive. I didn't try it long, for fear of damaging the original speaker, but man did it sing. Plans are to put in an appropriate Weber shortly, and set the original speaker aside for safekeeping.

The tubes are all old Sylvanias, and show every sign of being original, so far as I can tell. They will shortly be replaced with NOS tubes, and the originals set aside.

I haven't spent much time with it yet, but so far I really, really like this amp. It has just whetted my appetite, and now I'm on the lookout for other old Ampegs, and in fact any 50's or earlier amp I can afford. :)

Update, July 5, 03 - Back from NGW

As reported here, I attended the National Guitar Workshop Blues Intensive class in Sarasota, Florida. The Ampeg was taken along as my practice amp, and also for the student concert that wraps up the week. As it turned out, we didn't really use our amps for practice much at all. But, at the concert, I will immodestly say that the Les Paul through the Ampeg SMOKED! Best-sounding rig in the house. Killer low-down funky grind. Makes you think you're on Hastings Street. :)  I was very, very pleased with its performance.  I think our instructor, a serious tone-junkie, is now on the lookout for one. :)

Update, June 9, 03 - Back from Bird Dog's

Got the amp back from Bird Dog Bobby today.

It now has a nice 3-prong cord, the pots are clean, the trem works, and it doesn't try and shock me anymore. :) Bird Dog did a nice job of installing the 1/4" speaker jack I asked him to. No alterations to the amp except a small wood screw into the side of the cab in an inconspicuous place.

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Here's the Rocket with my '59 Les Paul RI.

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Detail pics of the Rocket.

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Look how clean the bottom is. This amp was obviously a house mouse.
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Note how little wear there is on the cabinet leg.

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Inside of back panel, exposed to show detail in shield.
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Inside of back panel, exposed for wood and covering.
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What's left of the tube chart.  Serial number indicates October 1958 production.

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Back of input jacks.

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Ya gotta love an amp with an accordion input.

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No markings on pots. :(
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Apparently Astron was running a special the month this amp was built.

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Genuine vintage 1958 dust!
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Shown for details of cabinet construction, and wood, not the dust. :)
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