1965 Ampeg Rocket R-12A Blue Checker

No Sales Tax For Customers Outside Of California.

This Ampeg Rocket is in great shape, from the original handle to the original Jensen speaker.

I went through the amp to do some updating so you won't have to spend money and time with your amp tech.  The filter cap can was replaced, a not-so-fun job that takes some time.  I replaced the original power cable with a grounded one.  Two other capacitors that had strayed significantly from spec were also replaced.  A problem with the tremolo that was likely present for years was rectified - a short in a wire hidden behind the board.  As always, care was taken to keep things original that could stay original.  

The amp runs well.  These amps have a higher noise floor than some, but it runs quieter now with the cap updates.  The tremolo sounds great.  Tubes were tested to make sure they're solid.

The Ampeg Rocket amplifier, particularly the models from 1965, occupies a special place in the history of guitar amplification. Introduced as part of Ampeg's Portaflex series, the Rocket was designed with portability and versatility in mind, catering to both professional musicians and hobbyists alike. By the mid-1960s, Ampeg had established itself as a pioneer in amplifier innovation, focusing on delivering clean, rich tones that stood out in a market increasingly dominated by louder, distortion-heavy designs.

What sets the 1965 Rocket apart is its emphasis on clarity and warmth, a hallmark of Ampeg’s philosophy. It featured a 6SL7 tube preamp and a 7591 power tube configuration, offering a unique tonal character that was smoother and more refined compared to the grittier British amplifiers of the time. Its compact, lightweight design made it an ideal choice for studio sessions and small gigs, and its simple control layout offered a musician-friendly interface that didn’t sacrifice tonal flexibility.

From a design perspective, the Rocket was distinctive for its understated yet elegant aesthetic. The amplifier’s blue diamond Tolex covering and retro-inspired control panel evoked a sense of sophistication, reflecting the era’s mid-century modern design sensibilities. 

While the Rocket didn’t reach the same iconic status as amplifiers from Fender or Marshall, it found a loyal following among musicians seeking something different. Jazz guitarists, in particular, appreciated its ability to deliver warm, articulate clean tones that didn’t overpower their nuanced playing. Some session musicians in the 1960s gravitated toward the Rocket for its reliability and versatility, making it a secret weapon in professional studios. Notable artists like James Jamerson, although more associated with Ampeg's bass amps, occasionally turned to smaller models like the Rocket for their unique tonal palette.

Case/Cover?: No
Color: Original Blue Checker
Dimensions: H18" x W20-3/4" x D9"
Weight: 45 lbs
Watts: 12 Watts
Date: 1965
Where is Date Noted?: Serial#
Speaker 1 Brand: Jensen C12R8
Speaker 1 Size: 12"
Speaker Code: See Pics
Speaker 1 Cone: Original
Power Transformer Brand/Codes: See Pics
Output Transformer Brand/Codes: See Pics
Extension Speaker Out? No
Reverb or other effects?: Tremolo
Rectifier Tube: 5Y3 
Rectifier Tube Brand: Ampeg 
Power Tubes: 2 x 7591
Power Tube Brand: Sylvania, Ampeg
Preamp Tubes: 2 x 6SL7
Preamp Tube Brand: Sylvania, Ampeg
Filter Caps: Replaced
Pedal: Vox pedal hardwired in, original included
Pots/Codes: Original
Tolex/Tweed: Original
Grille: Original
Knobs: Original
Handle: Original
Power Cord: 3 prong upgrade, original included
Notes: 

Shipping policy:
When you purchase this item you are hereby agreeing to this shipping policy. We remove tubes from amps that could be damaged in shipping.  We do this because we have experienced shipping issues in the past, and this is our prevention measure.  Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions.  If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com.  Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.