Episode Summary: The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons - Ep. 135: "Liquor, Candy, Model Airplane Magazines..."

Release Date: June 26, 2024

In the 135th episode of The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons, hosted by The Fretboard Journal, Skip Simmons delves into a variety of engaging topics ranging from community stories and event updates to intricate discussions on vintage amp restoration and collecting. This episode, aptly titled "Liquor, Candy, Model Airplane Magazines...", offers a blend of insightful conversations, listener interactions, and useful advice for guitar enthusiasts and amp aficionados alike.

1. Celebrating Fretboard Journal and Community Vibes

The episode kicks off with Skip and host Jason sharing their excitement about the budding popularity of the Fretboard Journal. Jason mentions a new copy opening up in Nashville, signaling the magazine's expanding reach.

Notable Quote:

[00:29] Skip: "Fretboard Journal content is different. It isn't just a bunch of advertisements stuck together and called an article. And that's one of the things that you did that I know you're never going to change. And that's why people save them. That's why they're such a good reference."

This appreciation underscores the magazine's commitment to quality content, distinguishing it from typical guitar publications cluttered with advertisements.

Skip also shares a heartwarming story about his old bandmate, Tim, who performed an impromptu rendition of "American Pie" during an evening gig in Winters, California. This spontaneous performance not only revived the spirit of the event but also fostered a sense of community and nostalgia among the attendees.

Notable Quote:

[03:20] Jason: "I thought you were going to say that person was someone famous."

[03:24] Skip: "It was just. It was just... such a break from, well, you know, the rest of the world. It's like he said it was really cool and really hopeful."

This anecdote exemplifies the unexpected moments that bring communities together, highlighting the enduring impact of music.

2. Fretboard Summit: Excitement and Announcements

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to updates about the upcoming Fretboard Summit, scheduled for August 23rd to 25th, 2024, in Chicago at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Jason enthusiastically promotes the event, detailing the array of participants and sponsors, including Eric Coleman of Stumac fame, Chris Benson, Eli from Two Rock, Emerald City, Creston Lee of Creston Guitars, and many more.

Notable Quote:

[09:40] Skip: "Well, Kevin brought my stuff, which was pretty groovy. I mean, he had the Tweed Deluxes and yeah, all that stuff, but he blew some minds with some of the PA heads."

The Summit promises an unparalleled experience with more electric gear than ever before, thanks to Eric Coleman stepping in for Kevin from Ohio. The event aims to cater not only to those looking to purchase equipment but also to attendees interested in learning, networking, and enjoying live performances.

Notable Quote:

[12:04] Jason: "It's not a $20 admission for all three days... it's a pretty exclusive event, and that's just kind of the nature of how it all pencils out. So you pay a little bit more up front, and then you get everything included and you get to have a blast. And it feels like a big family reunion."

Participants are encouraged to register early to secure their spots, with Jason emphasizing the uniqueness and exclusivity of the event, ensuring a personalized and enriching experience for all attendees.

3. Listener Contributions: Stories, Recipes, and Amp Queries

Throughout the episode, Skip and Jason interact with various listener submissions, ranging from personal anecdotes and amp repair dilemmas to cocktail recipes. These segments not only provide practical advice but also foster a sense of community among listeners.

a. Amp Restoration Tales

Listeners share their experiences with vintage amp repairs, seeking Skip's expertise on issues like ground hums and tube replacements. For instance, Drew from Winston Salem, North Carolina, discusses maintaining affordability while ensuring customer satisfaction in his amp repair business. Skip advises on tube replacement strategies, emphasizing the importance of understanding the specific needs of each amp and its user.

Notable Quote:

[44:55] Jason: "But do you try to upsell and change all of them at once or do you just explain, yeah, we'll get by with the one."

[45:01] Skip: "Most people, it's not just the amp you're fixing, it's the person. If it's a musician and it's his main thing, you know, I would probably want to send them away with... a backup set if you ever need them."

This exchange highlights the delicate balance between technical expertise and customer service in the amp repair industry.

b. Vintage Amp Discoveries and Histories

Justin, a longtime listener, shares an in-depth history of Ames Amplifiers, a boutique brand from the 70s, detailing its origins, design philosophies, and the challenges it faced. Skip responds with enthusiasm, recognizing the complexity and uniqueness of Ames amps.

Notable Quote:

[65:43] Jason: "Well, Justin, podcast listener since episode zero, writes in, he was on the design team for that amp."

[70:52] Skip: "Love it. Shows your thinking. Shows your thinking."

Justin's detailed account provides valuable historical context, enriching the conversation around vintage amp brands and their legacy.

c. Cocktail Recipes and Personal Touches

Adding a unique flavor to the episode, listeners like Drew and Carl contribute cocktail recipes. Drew shares his pimento cheese spread recipe, while Carl offers a simple "Boy Hatton" cocktail, showcasing the casual and personable nature of the podcast.

Notable Quote:

[20:39] Skip: "I say a couple of ingredients where that we have to have or we couldn't do it. And I don't mean you and me. I mean the sponsors."

These lighter segments balance the technical discussions, adding warmth and relatability to the show.

4. Sponsor Highlights and Community Support

The episode features mentions of several sponsors integral to the podcast's production and outreach. Gres Guitars, Emerald City Guitars, Sumac, Humphrey Amps, Voltic Electronic Devices, Chase Bliss, JHS Pedals, and others receive recognition for their support.

Notable Quote:

[08:55] Jason: "We have more electric stuff at this year's Fretboard Summit than we've ever had... we'll have a pretty incredible guitar weekend."

Jason effectively weaves sponsor mentions into the conversation, ensuring listeners are informed about the valuable partnerships that sustain the podcast.

5. Technical Insights: Amp Maintenance and Troubleshooting

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to addressing listener-submitted technical questions about amp maintenance and troubleshooting. Skip offers detailed advice on issues like ground hums, variable input impedance, and specific amp models.

a. Addressing Ground Hum Issues

Mike from Lansing, Michigan, presents a complex scenario involving persistent hums in his vintage amp despite replacing components and rewiring grounds. Skip provides a thoughtful analysis, suggesting potential causes and areas to inspect, such as grid loads and unexpected constant open circuits in the amp's circuitry.

Notable Quote:

[53:28] Skip: "It can make it a lot easier to compare circuits and things, but unless the amp has been modified, you have the schematic and you can look at it and see... check your grid loads."

This segment underscores the intricate nature of vintage amp repairs and the necessity for meticulous troubleshooting.

b. Exploring Variable Input Resistance

Bernie from New York inquires about the practicality of implementing a variable input resistance in amps, pondering whether integrating a 1-meg pot into the input jack would be beneficial. Skip analyzes the concept, explaining the electrical implications and potential outcomes, ultimately advising on its limited practicality for typical usage scenarios.

Notable Quote:

[75:54] Jason: "That's from Bernie. I'll include photos of Bernie's Bogan GA5 on our Instagram."

[86:58] Skip: "But there are volume controls first on guitar amps... I don't think it's something that everybody would want. But it'd certainly be worth trying in your own homebrew thing."

Skip's explanation provides clarity on the technical considerations involved in modifying amp input resistances.

6. Personal Reflections and Stories

Beyond technical discussions, Skip and Jason share personal anecdotes, reflections on their experiences in the amp community, and humorous exchanges about daily life and podcasting.

Notable Quote:

[21:10] Skip: "I have a weakness. Okay. But I will... I'm still like walking around going, totally. God is whispering to you. To not drink as much at night."

This candid moment highlights the approachable and relatable nature of Skip, endearing him further to the audience.

7. Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

As the episode wraps up, Skip and Jason encourage listeners to continue sending in questions, participate in the community, and engage with upcoming events like the Fretboard Summit. They express gratitude towards sponsors, Patreon supporters, and the dedicated listeners who contribute to the podcast's vibrant ecosystem.

Notable Quote:

[95:08] Jason: "We do have some updates from prior episodes. You had a baffler on our 134th episode, and our friend Jan at Body and Soul in San Francisco wrote in that you can turn that non reverb Princeton into a model 26 or a 6G2. Is that correct?"

[96:18] Skip: "I'll be here for you."

This affirmation encapsulates the podcast's commitment to supporting its audience, fostering a collaborative and informative environment for vintage amp enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Episode 135 of The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons masterfully blends technical expertise with personal stories and community engagement. From discussing the unique content of the Fretboard Journal to detailing the intricacies of amp repairs and celebrating upcoming events like the Fretboard Summit, Skip and Jason deliver a rich and engaging episode. Not only do they provide valuable insights for vintage amp collectors and repairers, but they also cultivate a sense of camaraderie and shared passion among their listeners. Whether you're a seasoned amp guru or a curious newcomer, this episode offers something of value, wrapped in the warm and humorous banter that makes this podcast a standout in the guitar community.