Episode Summary: The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons – Ep. 136: "Release the Curd"

Release Date: July 27, 2024

Introduction

In the 136th episode of The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons, hosted by The Fretboard Journal, Skip delves deep into the world of vintage tube amp repair, restoration, and collecting. True to its reputation, the episode is both insightful and sprinkled with humorous anecdotes, making it a must-listen for guitar enthusiasts and amp aficionados alike.

Technical Deep Dive: Amp Restoration and Repair

Skip shares his recent projects and experiences in amp restoration, offering valuable insights for fellow technicians and hobbyists.

• Vintage Amp Enhancements

  Skip discusses his fascination with vintage amps, particularly highlighting the differences between Dan Electro and Valco amps. He reminisces about finding a Valco-made solid-body electric guitar with a robust amp setup:

  "That thing sounded fantastic. It just sounded really fantastic." ([05:00])

  He emphasizes the superior quality of Valco amps compared to their Dan Electro counterparts, noting the sturdy construction and richer sound profile of the former.

• Pricing and Market Dynamics

  Addressing the challenges of pricing vintage amp restorations, Skip explains his struggle with raising prices amidst customer expectations:

  "I've been battling with raising my prices... I just have such a hard time keeping up to speed." ([07:37])

  However, he finds encouragement in the swift sale of a rare Masco PA head for $1600 in just 40 minutes, reinforcing the value of patience and quality in the vintage amp market.

• Complex Modifications and Challenges

  Skip shares a cautionary tale about modifying PA heads:

  "Modifying them is tricky... if it doesn’t work, it will amplify a guitar and sound okay, but making it something else can introduce noise or oscillation." ([09:00])

  He advises enthusiasts to approach modifications with care, highlighting the potential pitfalls of altering original circuitry.

Listener Questions and Expert Advice

The episode features a series of listener-submitted questions, with Skip providing detailed answers and recommendations.

1. Dale Grof's Amp Enhancement and Cheese Making Tip

   Dale shares his successful restoration of a VHT Special Six amp and segues into a fascinating cheese-making recipe:

   "You can make it in no time. You can do it with your kids." ([26:05])

   Skip appreciates Dale's diverse interests and reinforces the importance of community and hands-on projects.

2. John from Afterlife Studios on Magnetone 410 Hum

   John seeks advice on eliminating a persistent hum in his Magnetone 410 amp despite replacing the can cap:

   "Is there any other troubleshooting methods you could recommend to further isolate where I might be able to stop this hum." ([35:09])

   Skip's Response:

   "Hum is one of the toughest things to figure out because there's a lot of sources of it... I suggest pulling out preamp tubes to see if the noise goes away." ([35:15])

   He emphasizes methodical troubleshooting, advising against random part replacements and encouraging systematic isolation of the issue.

3. Justin from Motander Guitars on Chicken Wire Shielding

   Justin inquires about the use of chicken wire as a Faraday cage in his Alamo 2566 Fury amp, which is causing a rattle:

   "Do you think this was done after... or added later by someone looking to improve shielding?" ([66:00])

   Skip's Response:

   "If you're going to do some sort of shielding, go Fender style and put it underneath the cabinet... That was some super hillbilly chicken wire screen right there." ([67:05])

   He advises against unconventional shielding methods, recommending proven techniques to avoid introducing unwanted noise and mechanical issues.

Community Stories and Experiences

Skip and the team share engaging stories from their community, highlighting the diverse experiences of vintage amp enthusiasts.

• Restoring a Church Hammond Organ

  Skip narrates his experience repairing a Hammond B2 organ for a dedicated church musician. Encountering unexpected challenges, he underscores the complexities of working with specialized vintage equipment:

  "I found that one of the filter caps... was dead. So I brought the amp home and put new filter caps in it." ([56:00])

  The successful restoration led to heartfelt gratitude from the musician, exemplifying the rewarding nature of vintage amp restoration.

• Transformer Projects and Market Insights

  A listener, Greg from North Carolina, discusses his collection of vintage transformers and seeks advice on potting them. Skip encourages experimentation, particularly with output transformers, while cautioning about the intricacies of power transformers:

  "The power transformers... you better be more careful." ([60:35])

  Additionally, Skip highlights the undervalued market of large vintage amps like Fender Super Reverbs, suggesting their potential as future investments:

  "You could go out and buy a Twin Reverb or two. Super Reverbs are amps of the gods." ([64:55])

Community Updates and Upcoming Events

The episode also touches upon upcoming community events and merchandise updates, fostering a sense of camaraderie among listeners.

• Fretboard Summit Announcement

  Skip enthusiastically promotes the upcoming Fretboard Summit in Chicago, detailing its unique blend of electric and acoustic content, workshops, and networking opportunities:

  "It's kind of a cool way to meet people in the industry and that you've read about without having to go to like a NAMM." ([17:00])

• Merchandise Restock

  Responding to listener demand, the team announces a new batch of Tava shirts designed by Jack from Wandering Boy Guitars, ensuring fans have access to fresh merchandise:

  "We might have some new offerings. Maybe give me two weeks... after the summit." ([11:11])

Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Skip reflects on the vibrant community and the shared passion for vintage amps, encouraging continued participation and support.

• Encouragement for Aspiring Technicians

  Skip motivates listeners to engage in amp restoration, emphasizing the educational and fulfilling aspects of hands-on work:

  "You're just don't want to get discouraged... it's a Tough question, because we have no idea what sort of condition the amp is in." ([37:53])

• Acknowledgments and Sponsor Thanks

  The hosts extend gratitude to their sponsors and listeners, highlighting the essential role of community support in sustaining the podcast:

  "Thanks, everyone. Thanks to our sponsors... we'll do it again as soon as you're ready." ([70:18])

Notable Quotes

• "Modifying them is tricky... if it doesn’t work, it will amplify a guitar and sound okay, but making it something else can introduce noise or oscillation." – Skip ([09:00])

• "Hum is one of the toughest things to figure out because there's a lot of sources of it." – Skip ([35:15])

• "If you're going to do some sort of shielding, go Fender style and put it underneath the cabinet." – Skip ([67:05])

• "Super Reverbs are amps of the gods." – Skip ([64:55])

Conclusion

Episode 136, titled "Release the Curd," offers a rich tapestry of technical expertise, community stories, and engaging discussions that resonate with vintage amp enthusiasts. Skip Simmons successfully balances professional insights with personal anecdotes, making the episode both informative and entertaining. Whether you're troubleshooting a pesky hum or reminiscing about vintage amp legends, this episode provides valuable takeaways and fosters a deeper connection within the vintage amp community.

Upcoming: Make sure to mark your calendars for the Fretboard Summit from August 23rd to 25th in Chicago. It's an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of guitars and amps, meet industry experts, and partake in hands-on workshops. Visit fretboardsummit.org for more details and to secure your spot.