Jackson JG2 Head

this is my first real amp. Befor this all I had was a peavey rage 158 and this was quite a step up. I got it and a Charvel Model 6 (a retail value of $1,200 alone) for about $550, a true steal. It has one channel with hi and low gain imputs. This is the one thing I do not like about it. If it had two channels to switch between with a footswitch then it would be perfect. It also has 2 Groove power tubes. there are sockets for pre amp tubes but im not concerned with those at the moment.

This amp is good for my style which is METAL METAL METAL! It cranks out the amount of distortion for everything from Metallica to System of a Down. However, it could be a little more on the sharp edgy side though. It can also do the clean stuff like sublime and CCR. It has a little hum to it at higher volumes but I assume that can be fixed with a noise gate or something of that sort. The clean channel rings like a bell at all volumes. Right now I am using a jackson Randy Rhoads V with EMG 60 and 81 pickups, A Charvel Model 6 with stock pickups (active, and a samick sg copy with stock pickups (passive).

When I got it there was a nut missing from one of the imputs (which held the jack in place). It went inside the amp and shorted out the amp itself. That was dumb on my part for not getting a replacement nut. Other than that it has been good and sturdy.

never delt with them.

I have only been playing it for about a month. I have a digitech rp200, but I just want a good, natural tube tone so I don't use it. Although I might get a Ibanez tube screamer, just to give it that little extra "umph". If it were lost or stolen, I would be very very upset but I would have to press on and get a Marshall or Mesa/Boogie. If you can find this all tube jackson amp, I highly recomend it.

This amp is incredible! I bought it on a whim, assuming that the amps would be as good as the guitars. I was right. This thing has all the balls of my '62 Bassman, but with the mid boost, dual gain, and presence controls. Truly fantastic! It's a 50 watt head, but has a Fender replacement output transformer, one designed to up the output to 85 watts, although I'm just calling it 50.

I've used a '79 guild S60-D with it (single coils), and a Precision Bass. It handles them both very well, amazingly, even though it's only a single channel.

I play everything from acousitc to speedmetal to hardcore to blues to funk, and this amp sounds good with everything. The mid boost really accents a lot of the bluesy riffs and rhythms I play.

I've had both gain knobs all the way up, full guitar volume, as well as a preamp in between for a tiny boost......and not a bit of noise. This thing is QUIET! But when the slightest movement is made on the string, the amp shoots it out in full sonic array. I play it through some beat up Acoustic Research 4x12 P.A. cabinet with two horns, although I disconnected them.

The amp has handled a wah pedal beautifully, and obviously has much faster circuitry than my Bassman, which was my first choice above all other amps because of its simplicity. This amp will do anything, and can attain any sound with the slightest movement of the knob. It's a real sensitive beast. It's only a single channel, and I prefer that. If I turn the gain down to clean, it stays clean. The distortion isn't overbearing, like many modern high gains amps I've heard. It's smoother, and not as mid scooped, making for some unique sounds.

I've played this thing for hours at a time at full blast, and never had a heat problem. There's plenty of room inside the head for heat expansion and convection, so heat isn't a problem, even though I'm runner Groove Tubes in it, and they're designed to run a little hotter. This amp is like new. I thought it was new when I bought it. Completely clean, nothing damaged. No servicing other than the output transformer.....which is fine with me. It's now a standard 8 ohm output, although I think I would also like the multitap transformer.

I haven't talked to Jackson about this, but since it's not in any uppraisal books that I, or anyone else has read, I would think that Jackson doesn't know much more.
I bought it used, so it only had a 30 day exchange warranty, but I didn't care....I was still convinced it was a new amp. I found out later that night that it was from the mid 80's.

I coudldn't recommend a better amp for the price. $150 is truly a steal. The dealer I bought it from had a slash sale.....and couldn't sell the amp....so I bought it. I wanted a different head. If I lost it, I would be the most assinine person in the world. If stolen, I would try to find it, but would otherwise have it replaced. I do wish it had a slight bit more power to it, but I don't play anything large, and I always have the option of micing out, so that's no biggie. I love everything except the volume, just wish it had more. Otherwise a truly unique amp. This thing can get the sounds of a Marshall, Bassman, and played through a 2x12.....twin reverb. It's not only versatile in that respect, but the fact that I can play a bass through it with no problem at all. But yeah, I chose it simply based on name, but mostly price. I'm glad I chose it. It's truly been a gem.