How Do You Date Ampeg Amplifiers?
Ampeg has been a huge part of amplifier history, with amplifiers dating back to the mid 1940s that have been used by bands such as The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Television, Booker T and the MG’s, The Clash and others. Ampeg amplifiers have evolved over the decades. Being able to place specific products in their time period is a great way to assess value and impress fellow gearheads. Ampeg did utilize serial numbers when producing their amps, but these numbers can sometimes be inaccurate. The best way to date an Ampeg amp is based on its specific features and characteristics. Identify physical characteristics of the amp that could determine its era. The first generation of Ampeg amps were small bass combo amps, usually brown or blue in color. Their grill cloths were often a circular shape. Blue checkered grill cloths were ’60s designs. Later amps from the ’70s were made in more silver and blue or teal color schemes. Ampeg’s latest amps, made after 1984, are usually all black unless th
