Jess Oliver.... Ampeg VP.....

Chris Boyd · Post by **Chris Boyd** » 5 Aug 2011 6:23 am

Jess invented the Ampeg B15 while working as VP of Ampeg in the 60's. He was a wonderful man.He died on July 30th at the age of 85.RIP Jess...you are already missed.....

http://www.premierguitar.com/Magazine/I ... _B_15.aspx

Mike Pace · Post by **Mike Pace** » 8 Aug 2011 5:43 pm

Thanks for the posting, Chris. I'm saddened to hear of Jess' passing.

I am the proud owner of an Oliver 35W head which I rescued from being thrown out (along w/ a trapezoidal 15" jensen cab). When I first scored the amp, I was put in touch with Mr. Oliver via the service sticker on the back of the chassis! Jess told me of his background first hand, and that conversation absolutely blew me away. I've been gigging with this head for years now, it is quite reliable, straight-forward, and never fails to disappoint in the tone department. Other players often come up and ask me what I'm playing thru~ not sure if it's boutique or something out of the Sears catalogue

So, yeah, I've been trying to turn everyone on to Jess' "solo" work for a while now, but his stuff is hard to come by.

RIP Jess.