The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons – Episode 138: "Check for Ticks"

Release Date: September 24, 2024

In Episode 138 of The Truth About Vintage Amps, hosts Skip Simmons and Jason delve deep into a blend of heartfelt tributes, event recaps, and insightful technical discussions. Balancing the somber with the celebratory, this episode offers a comprehensive look into the vintage amp community, honoring those who've passed while addressing listener queries with expertise and personality.

1. Tributes and Sad News

The episode opens with Skip and Jason paying homage to several influential figures within the vintage amp and broader music community.

• Nick Gravanites: Skip reflects on Nick's legacy, sharing personal anecdotes about performing with him. At [01:52], Skip reminisces, “He was a groundbreaking guy. Great singer. Played with Bloom Peel, Electric Flag, all that.” The hosts remember Nick’s vibrant presence during performances and highlight his humorous advice, “If you don’t know how to party, don’t come to my party.”

• Steve Melkian: A significant portion of the episode honors Steve Melkian, a beloved member of their community. Skip reads a poignant tribute [10:37], sharing excerpts from Steve’s catalogs that showcase his wit and expertise. The tribute underscores Steve’s impact, stating, “He was always ahead of the curve” and “His personality and his style and his knowledge...came through.”

• Stephen Fitzsimmons: Jason acknowledges the passing of Stephen Fitzsimmons from their Facebook group, noting his contributions through both questions and community engagement [18:57].

2. Event Recap: Chicago Fretboard Summit

Skip and Jason provide an enthusiastic overview of the recent Chicago Fretboard Summit, highlighting its success and the positive feedback received.

At [05:36], Jason shares, “It was the best one. A lot of fun. The group of people was amazing.” The Summit featured a diverse crowd, including the younger pedal crowd that brought a vibrant energy to the event. Notable attendees included:

• Maynard Madsen and Madsen Amplifications
• Voltic Pedals
• Chris Benson, a former podcast guest who provided unique backline coverings.

The hosts emphasize the community spirit, mentioning collaborations like the screening of Jason’s movie with Ben Harper and the engaging presence of Harper himself [08:31].

Skip praises the organization’s financial success, noting that unlike many events, the Summit was profitable without requiring them to “mortgage your property to pay for it” [07:47].

3. Listener Q&A

The heart of the episode centers around addressing listener-submitted questions and voice memos related to vintage tube amp repair, restoration, and collecting.

a. Resistors Installation ([24:55])

Listener Question: Bob from Bismarck inquires about using higher wattage resistors in places where lower wattage is specified.

Skip’s Response: Resistors are rated by their resistance and power handling. Skip advises, “[...], you could use a 5 watt 100-ohm resistor and the circuit would work basically the same” but cautions against using excessively high wattage resistors in delicate applications.

b. Rusty Transformers ([27:56])

Listener Question: Dave from San Mateo asks about removing surface rust from transformers.

Skip’s Response: Skip recommends practical cleaning methods over chemical treatments. He suggests using solvents like WD-40 to mechanically remove rust, emphasizing patience and minimal interference with the amp’s function. "Find an inconspicuous spot and start experimenting with it a little bit" [28:11].

c. Pop Sound in Vintage Amp ([30:43])

Listener Scenario: A listener experiences a persistent ticking sound from a 1964 Reverb Rocket amp when turning it off.

Skip’s Insight: After discussing potential causes, Skip deduces that the issue stemmed from an electric fence interference, humorously echoing the episode's title with “check for ticks” [35:18].

d. Flattening Warped Fender Grill Frame ([40:26])

Listener Question: Rob seeks advice on flattening a warped 1970s Fender grill cloth frame made of particle board.

Skip’s Solution: Skip explains the challenges with particle board and suggests alternatives like applying thin epoxy hardeners or replacing the frame with plywood. He advises against using brute force methods, stating, “You’re never going to get that straightened out” [42:24].

e. Norwegian Wingtour Practice Amp ([45:02])

Listener: Eric from Bergen, Norway, discusses cosmetic issues with his 1965 Wingtour Practice amp, particularly missing knobs.

Skip’s Recommendation: Replace the missing knobs using available parts or get creative with materials. For the amp’s unique RCA inputs, Skip suggests experimenting with adapters to ensure compatibility [46:02].

f. Isle of Wight 1963 Fender Vibro Verb ([48:19])

Listener: Stu from the Isle of Wight inquires about the authenticity and factory fittings of his rare 1963 Fender Vibro Verb amp.

Skip’s Expertise: Recognizing the amp’s rarity, Skip speculates it might be an export model with special transformers. He highlights the scarcity of such amps and encourages sending detailed photos for further evaluation [50:56].

g. Output Transformer Selection ([55:48])

Listener Question: Mike from Lansing, Michigan, seeks advice on selecting a replacement output transformer without specific specifications.

Skip’s Guidance: Skip provides a thorough analysis, explaining the importance of matching transformer characteristics to the amp’s requirements. He recommends sourcing transformers from old organ amps or similar equipment and emphasizes testing with known good transformers before settling on a replacement [55:50].

h. Dan Electro Amp Tube Issues ([60:55])

Listener Scenario: A listener encounters ticking sounds in a Dan Electro amp due to incorrect tube labeling.

Skip’s Diagnosis: Identifies the issue as a mislabeling error where the amp requires a 12AU6 instead of a 12AV6 tube. He underscores the prevalence of such factory mistakes and advises checking schematic references to avoid similar issues [63:43].

4. Personal Anecdotes and Recommendations

a. Music Influences ([19:18] – [22:04])

Skip shares his musical journey, detailing the albums that shaped his early years. Starting with classics like Surrealistic Pillow by Jefferson Airplane and progressing through artists like Neil Diamond and Paul Butterfield, Skip emphasizes the eclectic mix that fueled his passion for music and amp craftsmanship.

b. Movie and Book Recommendations

• "As It Is in Heaven": A Swedish film recommended by a listener, focusing on a church choir and the transformative power of music [45:06].

• "The Feather Thief": Skip enthusiastically endorses this new book about a young thief stealing rare bird feathers for fly fishing art, highlighting its gripping narrative and conservation themes [68:03].

5. Community and Sponsor Acknowledgements

While Skip and Jason primarily focus on content-rich discussions, they occasionally acknowledge their sponsors and community members:

• Amplified Parts: Provides essential components for amp repairs. Skip shares his recent purchases, such as potentiometers and solder supplies, emphasizing their reliability [03:18].

• Grez Guitars and Emerald City Guitars: Celebrated for their craftsmanship and contributions to the Summit [05:32].

• Listener Contributions: From wine donations to graphic art support, the community’s diverse contributions are warmly received and appreciated by the hosts [73:20].

6. Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Skip and Jason encourage listeners to continue submitting their questions and engaging with the community through various platforms. They express anticipation for future events and the ongoing support from sponsors and listeners alike.

Skip concludes with practical advice on amp maintenance and restoration, reinforcing the episode’s blend of technical expertise and community camaraderie. The hosts leave listeners with a sense of connection and appreciation for the vintage amp landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Skip Simmons [01:52]: “He was a groundbreaking guy. Great singer. Played with Bloom Peel, Electric Flag, all that.”

• Skip Simmons [35:18]: “Don't come to my party” – Nick Gravanites' humorous advice.

• Jason [45:02]: “The Feather Thief is all about.”

• Skip Simmons [55:50]: “There's a lot to unpack there.”

This episode of The Truth About Vintage Amps masterfully intertwines personal stories, technical advice, and community engagement, making it an invaluable resource for vintage amp enthusiasts and newcomers alike.