Podcast Summary: "Ep. 141: 'I've Got an Alamo That I Want to Forget'"

Title: The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons
Host/Author: The Fretboard Journal
Episode: Ep. 141: "I've Got an Alamo That I Want to Forget"
Release Date: November 28, 2024

1. Introduction and Casual Banter

The episode kicks off with Skip Simmons and Jason engaging in light-hearted conversation, reminiscing about past episodes and sharing personal anecdotes. Skip humorously references forgetting the 100th episode and expresses confidence that Chase won't forget the 200th, highlighting the show's personable and relatable nature.

Notable Quote:

[00:28] Skip Simmons: "I'm fine. Remember when I forgot the hundredth episode?"

2. Navigating Recent Weather Events

Skip and Jason delve into recent extreme weather conditions affecting their regions. Skip shares his relief that his roof repairs held up during heavy rain, contrasting it with Paradise's severe 10-inch rainfall. They discuss the impact of the "bomb cyclone" on the Pacific Northwest, including power outages and widespread damage.

Notable Quote:

[02:47] Skip Simmons: "It gave me a faith in humanity. There was a definite unifying thing about disaster like that."

3. Technical Segment: The "Alamo" Amp Troubles

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Skip's personal amp, affectionately nicknamed "Alamo." Skip describes the Alamo's complex configuration, featuring a tube output stage and a solid-state preamp with vintage transistors. He expresses frustration over its noisiness and admits his limited expertise in troubleshooting solid-state components. This candid discussion sets the stage for the episode's core technical explorations.

Notable Quote:

[05:11] Skip Simmons: "I have an Alamo down there that I want to forget. Just going to have a cymbal crash."

4. Announcements and Sponsorships

Jason and Skip take time to acknowledge their sponsors, providing updates on products and promotions. Highlights include:

• Grez Guitars: Featuring the new Grand Tour model, a 15-inch carved archtop under six pounds.
• Amplified Parts: Promoting a Black Friday sale with discounts on select items like Jensens.
• Emerald City Guitar: Showcasing their 1963 Fender Stratocaster and encouraging listeners to follow their growing YouTube presence.
• Deluxe Amplification: Introducing the El Pado amp in a can, a miniature practice amp priced at $58 US with free shipping.
• Will Simmons's Book: Announcing the pre-order availability of "Love and Degradation: Excessive Desires in Queer Feminist Art."

Notable Quote:

[09:32] Jason: "We're all used to your personality by now. Emerald City Guitar is sponsoring the show again."

5. Listener Questions and Technical Advice

The duo addresses numerous listener-submitted questions, offering expert advice on vintage amp repair and modifications:

• Half Power Switch for Twin Reverb Amps:

  • Question: Is modifying a Twin Reverb to half power by removing power tubes advisable?
  • Skip's Answer: Strongly advises against it due to increased voltage and potential overheating of remaining tubes. Recommends using custom transformers or attenuators instead.

  Notable Quote:

  [23:15] Skip Simmons: "First, don't do it at all."

• Optimal Speaker Impedance and Power Tube Bias:

  • Skip explains the technical implications of modifying speaker impedance and the effects on power tube bias, emphasizing the importance of maintaining original specifications for optimal performance.

• Using Reverb Drivers as Practice Amps:

  • A listener shares an experiment turning a Twin Reverb preamp into a low-wattage amp, receiving encouragement and further technical insights from Skip.

6. Deep Dive: Mullard 10Ms and Tube Quality

Skip provides an in-depth discussion on Mullard 10M tubes, renowned for their quality. He explores their historical significance, manufacturing processes, and why they are prized among amp enthusiasts. This segment underscores Skip's extensive knowledge and passion for vintage tube technology.

Notable Quote:

[34:10] Skip Simmons: "The Mullard 10Ms were tubes that had passed the first test and probably passed a bunch of more tests. They were a super careful selection."

7. Community Engagement: Listener Emails and Voice Memos

The episode features various listener contributions, ranging from technical queries to personal stories:

• Joe from Denver: Asks about replacing filter capacitors in a 1948 Gibson GA25 amp. Skip confirms it's acceptable to use a single capacitor in place of multiple smaller ones, advising to maintain originality.

  Notable Quote:

  [40:24] Skip Simmons: "If there's a piece of wire between the 10 and the 10, then yeah, you can use a 20."

• Steve Beckingham from Venice, California: Congratulates Skip on his new guitar with a slab board and draws parallels to Joe Bonamassa's purchases, fostering a sense of shared enthusiasm among musicians.

• R. Carson from Rhythm Restoration Rocks: Shares his experiences restoring amps and praises the show's informative nature, encouraging community collaboration.

• Marty from Italy: Discusses his acquisition of a Geloso amp, seeks confirmation on schematic interpretations, and shares a nostalgic recipe for Denver Chocolate Pudding Cake.

Notable Quotes:

[41:23] Steve Beckingham: "You have something in common with Joe Bonamassa. Who knew?"

[65:28] Jason: "I have an Ultra cool Marantz integrated amplifier on my bench."

8. Additional Tips and Fun Segments

Beyond technical discussions, Skip and Jason infuse the episode with humor and practical advice:

• Cooking Tips: Marty shares a vintage recipe, sparking a brief but delightful exchange about resourcefulness during hard times.

• Theremin Talk: Skip muses about creating a theremin pedal, blending technical exploration with whimsical creativity.

• Radio Recommendations: Skip highlights KVMR 89.5 from Nevada City, California, recommending classic jazz and bluegrass shows, emphasizing the beauty of curated radio programming.

Notable Quote:

[67:21] Skip Simmons: "It's the beauty of radio and we're lucky. And I'm sure there's others around the country."

9. Closing Remarks and Thanksgiving Greetings

As the episode wraps up, Skip and Jason extend heartfelt Thanksgiving wishes to their listeners. They express gratitude for the community they've built, encouraging further engagement through emails and social media. Sponsors are thanked once more, and the hosts tease future episodes, maintaining the show's inviting and inclusive atmosphere.

Notable Quote:

[72:25] Skip Simmons: "I'm thankful for Jason and the Fretboard Journal crew that made this thing. It would have just been me mumbling to a few friends if it wasn't for you."

Key Takeaways:

• Technical Expertise: Skip demonstrates deep knowledge of vintage tube amps, offering invaluable advice on repair and modification while cautioning against common pitfalls.

• Community Focus: The episode underscores the importance of listener engagement, fostering a collaborative environment where enthusiasts can share experiences and solutions.

• Personal Touch: Through candid conversations and shared stories, Skip and Jason create a warm, relatable atmosphere that resonates with both seasoned amp collectors and newcomers.

• Resource Sharing: Discussions on tube quality, amplifier schematics, and practical tips provide listeners with actionable insights for their own amp maintenance and projects.

This episode of "The Truth About Vintage Amps" blends technical prowess with genuine community spirit, making it a standout installment for guitar amp enthusiasts seeking both knowledge and connection.