Episode 145: "I Have a Swimming Pool" – The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons
Released on March 15, 2025 by The Fretboard Journal
In this engaging episode of "The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons," host Skip Simmons dives deep into the intricacies of vintage tube amp repair, restoration, and collecting. Despite starting without a special guest, Skip and co-host Jason deliver a wealth of technical insights, listener interactions, and personal anecdotes that resonate with guitar enthusiasts and amp aficionados alike.
Technical Deep Dive: Pedal and Amp Modifications
Vintage MTI Pedal Exploration
Skip begins by discussing a rare pedal from the early '80s produced by MTI (Music Technology International), a company briefly owning Ampeg. This unique stomp box features a 12x7 tube and a 6 AQ5 power tube, driving a miniature speaker. However, Skip critiques its sound quality despite its visually appealing design.
Skip [00:32]: "It's like a little champ in there... It's just like a speaker driven line out setup on a little tiny amp inside a little pedal."
Determined to enhance its functionality, Skip initially gutted the pedal, adding a two-preamp, two-channel setup named the "Rock Dull." Later, he opted for a simpler approach by repurposing the pedal into a pure preamp, which yielded excellent sound quality after upgrading its components.
Reverb Unit Innovation
Transitioning to reverb units, Skip shares his project involving a vintage Premiere 90 reverb circuit. Despite their outdated and problematic design, he appreciates their unique sound. To make it studio-friendly, Skip incorporated balanced XLR inputs and outputs, a phantom power switch, and mounted a compact spring tank, resulting in a vibrant and functional reverb unit.
Skip [08:27]: "It's so compact and it works great. It was so fun to turn it on. It worked perfect right off the bat."
Capacitor Conundrums
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the challenges of sourcing and replacing capacitors in vintage amps. Skip emphasizes the importance of using high-quality, non-leaky capacitors to maintain the amp's integrity and sound. He advises against unnecessary part replacements, advocating for preserving original components to retain the amp's classic tone.
Skip [25:45]: "We don't want to change the sound of something old if we don't have to."
Listener Interaction: Questions and Solutions
Brian's Joyo American Sound Pedal
Listener Brian comments on the Joyo American Sound pedal, noting its affordability and effectiveness in emulating classic distortion tones.
Brian's Comment [26:45]: "It can knock down the volume of your Princeton... blast audiences with filthy distortion and beautiful feedback, all for $30."
Andy’s Multimeter Hack
Andy from Chicago proposes adding a resistor in series with a transformer primary to improve multimeter readings of low DC resistances.
Andy [28:39]: "Have you guys ever tried adding a resistor of known measured value in series with the transformer primary to bump the total resistance up into the next range of your fluke."
Skip appreciates the suggestion, acknowledging its practicality and expressing interest in trying it out.
Greg’s Tube Socket Cleaning Tips
Greg shares his method for cleaning tube sockets using a carburetor cleaning kit, which proved effective in reviving his vintage amp.
Greg [31:48]: "A carburetor cleaning kit with a small wire brush set perfect for octal sockets and a tiny little wound wire set for the nine pin sockets."
Joe’s Fuzz Tone Solution
Joe reports back on his successful fix for a ticking hum issue by using a double single TRS cable, alongside his journey in building and modifying amps.
Joe [45:25]: "I was able to get some cable from Mojo Tone... my ticking problems went away."
Eric’s Tube Swap Experience
Yearn Eric from Norway describes how swapping old preamp tubes reduced hum in his Vibrochamp from 1965, highlighting the difference between vintage and modern tubes.
Eric [55:36]: "Much less hum for real... is this a thing?"
Skip confirms that using older preamp tubes can indeed resolve noise issues, emphasizing the importance of testing tubes for noise.
Skip [57:57]: "It's a thing that some preamp tubes are noisy. And again, just make sure you mark it."
Andrew’s Falcon Amp Restoration
Andrew discusses his restoration of a Crestline Falcon amp, including modifications and challenges faced during the process.
Andrew [61:13]: "...he'd never seen one and but they had rumors that models produced after 1965 had black alligator tolex and silver grill cloth..."
Skip provides insights into the complexities of Falcon amp circuits and advises caution when modifying such intricate systems.
Skip [68:39]: "There's tons of variations. And remember, these amps sound terrible when they work perfectly."
Car Restoration: The 1961 Comet Project
Beyond amps, Skip shares his enthusiasm for restoring a vintage 1961 Comet. He details the modifications, including upgrading to a larger six-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, aiming for enhanced performance while maintaining the car's classic aesthetics.
Skip [34:12]: "It's going to cruise around at a lot more California speeds... a head turner."
His work on the Comet is a testament to his dedication to vintage restoration, blending functionality with nostalgic charm.
Recommendations: TV Shows and Books
TV Show Highlight: "Staff Lets Flats"
During light-hearted banter, Jason recommends the British comedy series "Staff Lets Flats," praising its humor and relatable characters.
Jason [75:00]: "It's called Staff. The guy's name is Stethopoulos because he's Greek... It's just so funny and hilarious."
Book Suggestion: "Cold Glitter the Untold Story of Canadian Glam"
Jason also introduces "Cold Glitter the Untold Story of Canadian Glam" by Robert Dayton, a comprehensive look into Canada's niche glam music scene of the '70s and '80s.
Jason [71:16]: "...a book recommendation. Robert Dayton... it's the nerdiest thing in the world, but it also kind of reads like an SCTV skit."
Other Discussions: Record Stores and Equipment
Delta Breeze Record Store
Skip recommends Delta Breeze, a Sacramento-based record store known for its vintage tube hi-fi gear, praising the expertise of its elderly repair guru.
Skip [78:23]: "There's this little record store in Sacramento that also has vintage tube hi Fi gear. Delta Breeze. Yes. And I can definitely recommend it."
Ampeg Amp Maintenance
The duo delves into troubleshooting common Ampeg amp issues, offering practical advice on cleaning pots, tube sockets, and reverb connectors to mitigate noise and enhance performance.
Skip [42:51]: "Clean the tube sockets, clean the pots, and then of course, clean the little reverb connectors where they plug into the tank."
Personal Anecdotes and Future Plans
Car and Amp Projects
Skip enthusiastically shares his ongoing projects, including plans to create a Harvard-like reverb unit and hints at future tutorials on transforming tube amps into fuzz tones without heavy modifications.
Skip [78:40]: "Next podcast, I might tell you how to make something in about a half an hour that would turn your little tube amp into a fuzz tone."
Appetizer Recipe Interlude
In a delightful departure from technical content, Joe shares a recipe for "Kahlua Brie with Pecans," adding a touch of camaraderie and lightness to the episode.
Joe [49:35]: "It's a Kahlua Brie with pecans... it will be gone very quickly, I promise you."
Closing Thoughts
Episode 145 of "The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons" is a treasure trove of knowledge and community interaction. Skip and Jason's blend of technical expertise, listener engagement, and personal stories create a compelling narrative that not only educates but also builds a sense of camaraderie among vintage amp enthusiasts.
Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of tube amps, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of vintage guitar equipment.
For more episodes and updates, visit The Fretboard Journal and join the conversation with fellow guitar and amp enthusiasts.