Podcast Summary: The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons – Ep. 139: "I'm Going Negative"

Release Date: October 18, 2024

Host: The Fretboard Journal (Jason) Guest: Skip Simmons

Introduction and Personal Anecdotes

The episode kicks off with Skip Simmons apologizing for a previous scheduling mishap, setting a light-hearted tone. Both Jason and Skip delve into personal stories that intertwine with their passion for vintage guitar amplifiers, establishing a relatable and engaging atmosphere for listeners.

Vintage Amp Restoration Insights

Alembic Stereo Preamp Exploration [00:42 – 03:56]

Skip shares his excitement about working on a 1974 Alembic stereo preamp, originally developed for the Grateful Dead. He describes its robust construction, including heavy-duty components like bolted pots and jacks designed for rigorous on-road use. Skip emphasizes the preamp's unique features, such as individual outputs that allow for cascading overdrive effects, highlighting its innovative design for its time.

Reverb Amps and Vintage Tweeds [03:58 – 07:55]

The conversation shifts to vintage Fender amps, particularly the super reverb models. Skip recounts an encounter with a Fender dealer from Antioch, California, who introduced him to robust, albeit bulky, solid-state amps housed in compact rack spaces. He discusses the durability and design of these amps, noting their heavy-duty construction despite heavy use, making them a testament to their quality.

Listener Questions and Technical Discussions

Bias Modulating Tremolo Problems [16:47 – 19:23]

Jason poses a listener question about bias modulating tremolo issues in vintage amps. Skip responds with detailed technical explanations, describing common problems such as faulty intensity pots that disrupt the bias voltage. He shares real-world examples, including how a broken intensity pot can cause an amp to sound terrible and emphasizes the importance of thorough troubleshooting beyond the obvious components.

Transformers and Voltage Conversion [69:10 – 68:04]

The episode addresses concerns from international listeners about converting amp voltages for use overseas. Skip advises on using step-down transformers with adequate wattage capacity to handle multiple amps simultaneously. He highlights practical solutions, including recommendations from listeners who successfully modified their setups using specific transformers or variacs.

Tube Testing and Matching [25:34 – 28:09]

Gregory's question about the use of tube testers prompts Skip to discuss best practices in tube maintenance. He clarifies that while tube testers are useful, they should not replace hands-on evaluation. Skip differentiates between preamp and power tubes, advocating for more rigorous testing of power and rectifier tubes due to their critical role in an amp's performance. He cautions against over-reliance on testers, especially with specialized tubes like Telefunken 12AX7s.

Stories and Community Interactions

Ben Harper Movie Collaboration [21:33 – 24:19]

Jason shares a personal achievement of collaborating on a short film featuring musician Ben Harper. The project, born from a conversation about Harper’s unique Dumble amps, showcases the intersection of music and visual storytelling. Both hosts express enthusiasm about the project's positive reception and future screenings, demonstrating the podcast's commitment to celebrating vintage gear through multimedia.

Vintage Amp Collector Anecdotes [40:14 – 43:58]

Skip narrates stories about vintage amp pioneers, including an insightful discussion on Nat Daniel's unique amp designs. He explains the technical intricacies of Daniel's modifications, such as using DC filaments to reduce noise, and the trade-offs involved in maintaining tonal quality. These anecdotes highlight the ingenuity within the vintage amp community and the delicate balance between innovation and preserving classic sounds.

Special Segments and Personal Updates

Personal Purchases and Reflections [43:52 – 49:50]

Skip shares his excitement about purchasing a vintage Fender Duo Sonic guitar after 35 years of using a hollow body. He reflects on the differences in tone and playability between solid-body and hollow-body guitars, appreciating the clarity and volume that a Fender brings. This personal milestone underscores the hosts' deep appreciation for vintage instruments and their enduring impact on musical expression.

Tribute to Industry Figures [71:14 – 72:57]

The hosts pay homage to notable figures in the guitar amp world, including a heartfelt tribute to David Lindley and Henry Kaiser. They discuss the influence these individuals had on their careers and the broader music community, reinforcing the podcast’s role in honoring and preserving the legacy of vintage amp enthusiasts.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Skip touches on the loss of his map-collecting father and the historical maps he preserved. This personal moment adds depth to the conversation, illustrating the interconnectedness of hobbies and passions within the vintage amp community. Both hosts express gratitude towards their listeners and sponsors, reinforcing the supportive network that sustains their podcast.

Notable Quotes

• Skip on Alembic Preamp Design [00:43]:

  "It’s made just like an amp. So it has a power transformer, filter, capacitors, power supply, all the stuff that you'd need for an amp."

• Discussion on Tube Testing [25:51]:

  "The best tube tester in the world is a Silver Face Champ, something that just uses a 12AX7 that you can stick in an amp and fire it up and go, whoa, that thing sounds good or bad or weak or noisy or whatever."

• Voltage Conversion Advice [65:06]:

  "You just get yourself your own power station. Like your own hydroelectric dam that lets you power whatever you brought at its proper voltage."

• On Matching Rectifier Tubes [54:14]:

  "There's not much point in matching tubes that are parallel. The whole point in matching tubes is when you're dealing with tubes that work together, like in power tubes."

• Personal Guitar Purchase [44:10]:

  "I decided I could justify buying it as a learning experience of having a more traditional test guitar. Because not too many people play hollow body guitars with a de arment in it."

Final Thoughts

Episode 139, "I'm Going Negative," offers a deep dive into the technical and personal facets of vintage amp restoration and collection. Through engaging conversations, real-world troubleshooting, and heartfelt stories, Skip Simmons provides invaluable insights for amp enthusiasts and collectors. The episode not only addresses complex technical issues but also fosters a sense of community and shared passion among its listeners.