'66 Ampeg Gemini II Final

[@markscola4806]

Yea! It's won and done! Thanks Lyle, you are THE MAN!

[@innocentoctave]

That's the 'Rocks Off' sound, all right.

[@chrisquinn9104]

I think Geminis are overlooked and with be worth a lot more money some day. They have mids that I don’t find in a Deluxe Reverb, mine break up a bit easier and sound less harsh. I actually think it takes pedals great. It can really wrap itself around a King of Tone type pedal is a way that really suits me. The cabinet design is also outstanding. I think it genes the amp a punch that as a primary 4x12 guy, I totally dig I heard there was one of these at Muscle Shoals. Possibly with a JBL

[@GIBKEL]

I love my 65’ Reverberocket. I love the cleans, love it loud also. One problem ...it just doesn’t like overdrive pedals. I found a Analogman Modded fuzz face with a buffer that seems to agree. Is the Rocket and Gemini comparable...that is, do the Gemini 2’s take overdrives better? Just wondering if I should try it’s bigger brother. I know that sound is subjective so I ask as a practical matter. This amp sounds very similar in character to my 65’. I put in a 12” maganavox P-232 and man did it open up the sound and enabled the treble and bass EQ to make it flexible. The 70’s Fender Oxford it came with was ear cringing, loud ...yes but painful. Put in re-coned Rola 12”but it felt akin to putting a bit in a horse. Is there something to the the solid state rectifier in the rocket that could make it incompatible, at least unfavorable with overdrives? I ask as an innocent. Apologies. I got into guitar through stumbling onto a old 30’s LOO so I’m late into electric but long on playing. Building a tele to help nail those Keith riffs. Hard to find folks that know much about these amps, at least out west, on the side of a mountain, in the middle of nowhere. Cheers-thanks for the demos and comparisons.

[@PsionicAudio]

Sorry, didn't see this until now. As many changes as Ampeg made to the various models, I cannot say. I would think the issue you're having is boosting the output of the OD/fuzz. The PI in these amps can't handle much more swing than the stock circuit gives. They shine at clean/semi dirty but fall apart when pushed. Of all the companies making amps in the '60s, there are reasons Fender "won."

[@GIBKEL]

@@PsionicAudio OUCH!-I kid. I do love it as it is but it just doesn’t get along with dirt pedals. Speaker made a huge difference. I’ve heard Gemini 2’s better handle OD/Fuzz better so that may be a road to go. My 65’ has the 7591 -2 x 12ax7 and 6u10 with solid state rectifier. Is there a way you can change the phase inverter to better handle the signal? Had to ask? I have really enjoyed your videos. I’ve got many an old amp-Gibson GA45-like a GA-40 but designed for harp/accordion (I think?) A 65’ Falcon and a Valco Harmony 430. You have me curious about getting into an AC30- Radiohead is my favorite band and love what they do through those amps.

[@chrisquinn9104]

I have a couple Gemini 1s. They both have old Jensen C12Qs. I can’t imagine a better speaker for that amp. Mine both do well with a King of Tone/Prince of Tone type pedal. Sounds glorious and of course cleans are amazing.

[@janohnisko4316]

Thanks for doing these great videos! I wanted to ask you what do you think about Tube Amp Doctor amp kits. I know since you are in the US you probably don't come across them so frequently but did you ever had one to check/repair/upgrade and what do you think about the quality?

[@PsionicAudio]

Sorry, didn't see this until now. I would expect them to be good. TAD as a company has some great products, many very good ones, and I haven't encountered any bad ones. But I have no personal experience with their kits.