Summary of The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons - Episode 140: "Tiny Bits of Tingle"

Release Date: November 5, 2024
Host: Skip Simmons
Podcast: The Fretboard Journal

In Episode 140 of The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons, titled "Tiny Bits of Tingle," Skip and host Jason delve into a myriad of topics ranging from local elections to detailed discussions on vintage guitar amplifiers. The episode, characterized by its blend of humor and technical insight, offers valuable information for guitar enthusiasts interested in amp restoration, repair, and collecting.

Opening Remarks and Lighthearted Politics

The episode begins with Skip addressing the listeners' concerns about upcoming local elections and propositions, assuring them that "in a couple weeks, everything's going to be just fine no matter what" (00:15). Jason and Skip exchange lighthearted banter about the impact of politics, setting a relaxed tone for the discussion ahead.

Skip: "Ny politics only nudges things, you know, a little of this way, little to that way... you're gonna have to get up and go to work." (00:45)

Current Projects and Amp Inventory

Skip discusses his current projects, highlighting a Charlie Christian EH150 amp he has for sale. He explains the modifications made, such as replacing the field coil with a regular speaker and adding a choke inside the amp, making it more accessible for collectors who prefer not to deal with field coils.

Skip: "This would be something to consider because you can just put any old speaker in there and that's the right way to do it." (02:36)

Jason inquires about the selling price, and Skip mentions these amps typically go for "a couple of grand," though modifications might reduce their value slightly. He emphasizes the availability of numerous amps in his inventory, catering to diverse collector interests.

Aztec Recording Studio and Networking in the Amp Community

Skip shares an anecdote about connecting with Dane Olson through Aztec Recording Studio in Loma Rica, California. This story underscores the collaborative spirit within the vintage amp community and the nostalgic connections that often emerge through shared interests.

Skip: "We'll see if he can remember... it's a really cool idea." (07:29)

Jason adds value by mentioning Sylvia Massey from Ashland, Oregon, highlighting her website (shopSylviaMassey.com) as a treasure trove for recording and guitar gear enthusiasts.

New Guitar Acquisitions and Modifications

The conversation shifts to Skip's latest guitar acquisition—a refinished red 66 Duosonic with a longer scale and upgraded components. He details the guitar's features, including a slab rosewood board and high-output single-coil pickups, expressing his satisfaction with its performance and reliability.

Skip: "I can leave it out on a stand and I've been using it. I love it and it stays in tune." (10:36)

Jason connects this discussion to Terry Foster from Emerald City Guitars, noting his extensive collection of vintage instruments and their contributions to the community.

Podcast and Fretboard Journal Updates

Jason provides updates on The Fretboard Journal, mentioning the upcoming 55th issue featuring Jim D'Addario and the planning of the 2025 Fretboard Summit in Chicago. Skip commends Jason's organizational skills, encouraging him to continue delivering quality content under tight deadlines.

Sponsorship Spotlights

The episode features segments dedicated to sponsors:

1. Emerald City Guitars: Jason highlights their expertise in high-end guitars and collaborative efforts with other musicians.

2. Amplified Parts: Skip praises their wide range of amp parts, including filter capacitors and light bulbs, essential for amp maintenance (21:20).

3. Grez Guitars: Jason introduces Barry from Grez Guitars, showcasing their new Grand Tour Carved Arch Top guitars and their participation in the Wood Wire and Volts showcase alongside other notable exhibitors.

Listener Questions and Technical Troubleshooting

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to addressing listener-submitted questions, providing detailed technical advice:

1. Vintage Amp Valuation and Restoration (Andy from Florida): Andy seeks advice on restoring a 1966 Princeton Reverb. Skip recommends testing original tubes and the power transformer, emphasizing safety and proper troubleshooting techniques.

   Skip: "Don't leave it with me. You have to test the tubes first rather than just... hoping." (39:29)

2. Reverb Driver Tubes and Bright Caps (Nate from Vermont and Marcelo from Italy): Nate inquires about reliable tubes for a 1975 Fender Princeton Reverb, while Marcelo discusses experimenting with bright caps and speaker-driven line-outs. Skip provides insights into tube selection and innovative amp modifications, encouraging experimentation within safe parameters.

   Skip: "I would generally prefer a regular old used American tube right there." (45:14)

3. Ampeg Speaker Replacement (Joe's Question): Joe asks about replacing a 15-inch speaker in an Ampeg Rocket 2 with a JBL D130 or K130 speaker. Skip advises on impedance considerations and physical fit to prevent damage.

   Skip: "I would say yes, in that situation, you'd be fine. So Ampeg, you can find eight ohm D130s." (67:13)

4. Rectifier Tube in Plush 3000G Amp (James from St. Louis): James seeks assistance with a Plush 3000G amp experiencing tremolo issues. Skip analyzes the description, suggesting probable causes related to the rectifier tube and offering troubleshooting steps.

   Skip: "First we got to figure out what the hell he's talking about with that rectifier tube." (61:03)

Safety Tips and Maintenance Advice

Throughout the Q&A segments, Skip emphasizes the importance of safety when working with vintage amps. He warns against DIY fixes without proper knowledge and encourages listeners to seek professional help when necessary.

Skip: "You do it at your own risk... have some skills and knowledge to really proceed forward in a good way." (41:28)

Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

In wrapping up, Skip reassures listeners about the continuity of the podcast post-election, promising more engaging content. He encourages ongoing participation through email queries and Patreon support, fostering a sense of community among vintage amp enthusiasts.

Skip: "I'm here for you. Bye." (68:35)

Key Takeaways

• Vintage Amp Restoration: Importance of authentic modifications and proper restoration techniques to maintain amp integrity and value.

• Community Connections: Building relationships within the amp community enhances knowledge sharing and collaborative projects.

• Technical Expertise: Detailed troubleshooting advice empowers listeners to maintain and modify their equipment safely.

• Sponsor Support: Highlighting sponsors underscores the interconnectedness of the vintage amp ecosystem, providing listeners with trusted resources.

Notable Quotes

• Skip on Politics: "You're gonna have to get up and go to work." (00:45)

• Skip on Amp Restorations: "You can just put any old speaker in there and that's the right way to do it." (02:36)

• Skip on Tube Selection: "I would generally prefer a regular old used American tube right there." (45:14)

• Skip on Safety: "You have to have some skills and knowledge to really proceed forward in a good way." (41:28)

Conclusion

Episode 140, "Tiny Bits of Tingle," offers a comprehensive exploration of vintage amplifiers, blending technical discussions with personal anecdotes and community stories. Skip Simmons and Jason provide a platform for guitar enthusiasts to deepen their understanding of amp maintenance and restoration, fostering a knowledgeable and engaged listener base.

For more insights and to participate in future episodes, listeners are encouraged to submit questions via podcast@fretboardjournal.com and support the show through Patreon.