Summary of Ep. 144: "You've Got to Feed Those Things" - The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons

In episode 144 of The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons, hosted by The Fretboard Journal and released on February 24, 2025, Skip Simmons and co-host Jason delve deep into the world of vintage tube amp repair, restoration, and collecting. This engaging episode, titled "You've Got to Feed Those Things," is filled with insightful discussions, listener interactions, and valuable recommendations tailored for guitar enthusiasts and amp aficionados.

Personal Updates and Weather Talk (00:09 – 00:48)

The episode kicks off with Skip and Jason exchanging greetings and briefly discussing the current weather. Skip shares his relief over not having to deal with another wet winter, contrasting it with Jason's snowy experience. This light-hearted conversation sets a friendly tone for the episode.

Notable Quote:

"What's the elevation there? Zero." – Skip Simmons (00:25)

NAMM Show Recap and Dumble Amplifiers Relaunch (01:14 – 06:17)

Jason recounts his experience at the NAMM Show, highlighting the relaunch of Dumble Amplifiers. He describes a private tour showcasing both vintage and newly produced Dumble amps, emphasizing the craftsmanship and uniqueness of each unit. Skip discusses the impact of reissued Dumble amps on the market, asserting that vintage models retain their value due to their historical significance and bespoke nature.

Notable Quotes:

"I think they're gauging interest. And I know because Matt told me off the record that these are not going to be cheap." – Jason (05:43)

"Just because they reissued Tweed deluxes doesn't mean old ones are, you know, worth less." – Skip Simmons (04:44)

Industry Events and Alternative Shows (07:06 – 11:18)

The conversation shifts to other industry events, particularly the "Wood, Wire, and Volts" show organized by Curtis Novak. Jason praises the event for its curated environment, smaller scale, and the presence of various sponsors and exhibitors. They compare it favorably against larger shows like NAMM, noting its intimate and well-organized setup that fosters meaningful interactions among attendees.

Notable Quote:

"It's just like this. Oh, this is how nice a guitar show could be." – Jason (08:36)

Sponsorship Highlights and Product Recommendations (21:02 – 24:28)

Several sponsors are spotlighted during the episode:

• Amplified Parts: Jason and Skip discuss the importance of sourcing quality parts directly from Amplified Parts, especially essential items like Switchcraft jacks. They caution listeners against relying on platforms like Amazon for specialized amp components.

  Notable Quote:

  "They just drop ship from wherever." – Skip Simmons (21:10)

• Grez Guitars: The hosts highlight Grez Guitars' elegant designs, emphasizing their timeless construction using old growth wood and quality components.

• Emerald City Guitars: Known for their extensive collection of vintage amps and rare guitars, Emerald City Guitars is recommended as a must-visit for enthusiasts looking to explore or purchase unique gear.

Notable Quote:

"There's a lot of cool hi-fi gear made that way." – Skip Simmons (09:36)

Technical Discussions and Listener Questions (25:34 – 87:43)

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to technical insights and addressing listener-submitted questions:

• Variable Capacitors in Guitar Amps: A listener from Oahu inquires about using variable plate capacitors from ham radios in guitar amps. Skip explains the function of variable capacitors, their typical applications, and why they are rarely used in guitar amp designs due to cost and complexity.

  Notable Quote:

  "A variable capacitor looks like a bunch of circular pieces of metal that are really close together." – Skip Simmons (48:14)

• Variable Voltage Regulators vs. Attenuators: Ike asks about the differences between using a pedal to lower the input signal versus an attenuator to reduce output signals in high-wattage amps. Skip provides a detailed comparison, elucidating how each method affects the amp's performance and tonal characteristics.

  Notable Quote:

  "An attenuator is a volume control on the output of the amp, generally speaking, between the amp and the speaker." – Skip Simmons (66:59)

• Transformer and Capacitor Testing: Discussions touch on the challenges of measuring transformer integrity with modern digital multimeters, referencing experiences shared by experts like Larry Chung.

  Notable Quote:

  "Larry Chung's been measuring check and output transformers and coils for a long time with this fluke." – Skip Simmons (25:34)

• Tube Short Circuits and Repairs: Dave from San Francisco shares his experience with accidental short circuits in tube amps. Skip advises on best practices for detecting and repairing such issues, emphasizing safety and thorough testing.

  Notable Quote:

  "If the coil is open completely, you won't get any reading." – Skip Simmons (75:34)

Book Recommendations and Musical Insights (34:41 – 37:59)

The hosts recommend several books relevant to musicians and amp enthusiasts:

• "Roots of Rhythm Remain" by Joe Boyd: Jason praises this comprehensive exploration of various music cultures and their interconnections.

• "Conquering the Electron": A listener recommends this book for its insightful history on electricity and electronics, highlighting figures like Faraday and Maxwell.

  Notable Quote:

  "Joe Boyd is something of an insider, having run a world music label as well as having been involved with musicians since the 60s." – Skip Simmons (34:54)

Food and Drink Breaks (52:45 – 77:41)

Adding a personal touch, Skip and Jason discuss food and drink:

• Popcorn Making: Skip shares his enthusiasm for a Cuisinart microwave popcorn maker, highlighting its ease of use and healthier preparation method without oil.

  Notable Quote:

  "A little butter and a little bit of oil and a little bit of seasoning can make straight up popcorn." – Skip Simmons (52:45)

• Hot Buttered Rum Recipe: A listener from San Francisco recommends a homemade hot buttered rum recipe, which Skip enthusiastically endorses as a perfect wintertime treat.

  Notable Quote:

  "It's like a little bit of olive oil and then some seasoning on that thing. Pretty good." – Jason (76:06)

Closing Remarks and Future Plans (92:55 – 96:11)

As the episode wraps up, Skip and Jason express gratitude to their listeners and sponsors. They discuss potential future events, including an amp workshop in Marin County and the possibility of international collaborations. The hosts encourage continued listener engagement through questions and guest suggestions, hinting at upcoming episodes featuring industry figures like Bill Kernard and Gene Parsons.

Notable Quote:

"We'll have to remember to put out the information that people would need to get involved with that. Hopefully there'll be a next year." – Skip Simmons (10:39)

Notable Quotes Throughout the Episode:

• "I thought of you the other day. I saw a cartoon…" – Skip Simmons (00:48)
• "If there's something you really can't live without, buy it from the bigs." – Jason (21:13)
• "It's just like, if you make the soundboard too heavy, it won't be very responsive." – Adrian Lucas (34:41)
• "It's like an amp or two a year... they're not gonna make old ones out there rubbing down." – Jason (05:26)
• "You gotta have the Eli, right. Bernard is not the Eli." – Skip Simmons (14:46)

Episode Highlights:

• Industry Insights: Comprehensive discussion on the reissuance of Dumble Amps and its implications.
• Technical Expertise: In-depth answers to listener questions about amp components, repairs, and modifications.
• Community Engagement: Encouragement for listeners to participate in events and share their own projects.
• Sponsorship Spotlights: Detailed mentions of Amplified Parts, Grez Guitars, Emerald City Guitars, and more.
• Personal Touches: Conversations about favorite books, food recipes, and drink recommendations add relatability.

Episode 144 stands out as a rich resource for those passionate about vintage amps, offering a blend of technical knowledge, industry updates, and community camaraderie. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a budding enthusiast, Skip Simmons and Jason provide valuable insights and engaging content that resonate deeply with their audience.