FACTOIDS & TRIVIA
The B-12-XT and the B-18-X share identical circuits. The only difference
lies in the B-12-XT’s smaller cabinet that is loaded with two 12 inch
speakers. Like the B-18-X, the B-12-XT was considered by Ampeg to be a
universal amp, however, it was most favorably used by guitarists. Of particular
interest on the B-12-XT/B-18-X amps is the switchable reverb. One example
of the usefulness of this feature is that it allows a musician to play accordion
melody keys through channel one with reverb while having a dry signal in
channel two for the bass keys. The B-12-XT shown exemplifies the “wedding
cake” tiered effect of the Portaflex series, and sports a short lived cosmetic
style found only in 1967 and early 1968. The chassis is the old-style chrome
stamped type with light up logo, but the cabinet is covered with smooth black
vinyl with chrome trim around the grill. Sometime in 1968, the stamped chrome
chassis, light up logo, and chrome trim strip were dropped in favor of an
extruded aluminum chassis. The B-12-XT was discontinued that same year.
Power Amp: Tube; 2 x 7027A, 50 watts RMS @ 16 ohms
Preamp: Tube; 4 x 12AX7, 1 x 7199, 1 x 6CG7
Rectifier: Tube; 1 x 5AR4
Speakers: 2 x 12" Jensen EM1202
Channels: 2; 2 inputs per channel (Guitar, Accordion)
Effects: Vibrato, reverb
Controls: Bass, treble, volume; tremolo intensity and depth, reverb intensity, footswitch for tremolo and reverb
Dimensions: 22 H x 28 1/2 W x 12 1/2 D inches
Weight: 90 lb.
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