Podcast Summary: Ep. 146 - "Where the Spot Is" | The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons

Release Date: April 7, 2025

Hosts:

• Skip Simmons – Guitar amp guru and vintage tube amp expert
• Jason – Co-host and collaborator

Overview:
In Episode 146 of The Truth About Vintage Amps, titled "Where the Spot Is," hosts Skip Simmons and Jason delve deep into the world of vintage tube amplifiers, sharing insightful discussions, answering listener questions, and exploring unique amp-related anecdotes. This episode is a treasure trove for amp enthusiasts, DIYers, and collectors alike, blending technical expertise with engaging storytelling.

1. Vintage Amp Research and Discoveries

Skip begins the episode by sharing a fascinating discovery from the Musical Merchandise Review magazine dated February 1962. He recounts finding an Ampeg advertisement featuring an orchestral setup that appears to consist exclusively of guitarists, each with their own Ampeg Reverb Rocket amp.

Skip [01:13]:
"There's just guitars everywhere in that picture. So maybe somebody could find us a 2-62-musical merchandise review or blow up the picture. Somehow it's not quite clear enough to really see what anything is."

This intriguing find sparks Skip's curiosity about the musicians and guitars featured in the ad, highlighting the prominence and reach of Ampeg amps during that era.

2. Exploring Ampeg's Super Champ

Jason introduces a listener-submitted query about an Ampeg Super Champ amp from 1982 with a black control panel—a departure from the traditional silver face models.

Jason [03:51]:
"Someone brought me a champ they said was made from in 1982 and then it had a black control panel on the front instead of the silver. And I went, huh, what?"

Skip explains that these models were hand-wired and produced between 1967 and 1982, maintaining the classic Prefontaine layout but introducing aesthetic changes.

Skip [04:19]:
"They're hand wired essentially, that's the point. So it's basically made from about 67 to 82. That's a run in it."

This discussion underscores the durability and longevity of Ampeg's build quality, showcasing why these amps remain coveted by collectors.

3. Listener Questions and Technical Insights

The heart of the episode revolves around Skip and Jason addressing various listener-submitted questions, offering expert advice and practical solutions.

a. Steve Dawson from Nashville on the Baffler

Steve attempts to identify the musician behind a baffler recording, incorrectly attributing it to David Lindley and instead suggesting it might be Jim Gordon, the renowned drummer.

Steve [27:56]:
"...I doubt I'm ever going to know the answer to another Baffler, so I'm going to answer this one with a resounding no, that is not David Lindley, or it sure as heck does not sound like David Lindley to me."

b. Marcus from Lansing, Michigan on a Super Champ Issue

Marcus describes a Super Champ amp that emitted smoke and light upon turning it on, melting a 1K resistor and frying a 680-ohm resistor connected to the reverb driver.

Marcus [47:45]:
"...a whole bunch of light shot out of the input jack. So after he left, I got it out, I pulled it out and the, the 1K, the first node resistor, dropping resistor, 1K, 1 watt resistor was pretty much melted in half."

Skip suspects a failing power tube causing the resistor to overheat and advises checking the bias current to prevent recurrent issues.

Skip [52:48]:
"I would have thought, had I suggested the super champ guy, get in and carefully check out the current on the bias current, say, on each of those power tubes, and make sure it's not smoking hot in one and freezing cold in the other."

c. Josh from Pittsburgh on Cleaning Oil from Tubes and Mics

Josh recounts accidentally contaminating tubes and a Sweet Electro Voice Air636 microphone with motor oil and seeks advice on cleaning.

Josh [41:19]:
"...How should I clean motor oil off of these tubes and also the mic."

Skip recommends using a degreaser like 409 for the tubes and suggests dismantling the microphone to apply contact cleaner for thorough oil removal.

Skip [42:32]:
"You could pour whatever you want on a tube. Just clean all that crap off with whatever will cut that oil... For a microphone, take it apart and let it sit with contact cleaner."

d. Patrick from South Dakota on Custom Amp Builds

Patrick shares his custom-built scratch 6-watt Princeton Reverb Vibro Champ crossover named the "Retro Verb," made with mica flakes for face plates, and inquires about incorporating multiple voltage settings.

Patrick [53:29]:
"...the face plates are made from mica flakes I find while hiking around the Black Hills."

Skip affirms that integrating a switch for different voltage secondary windings is feasible and provides detailed instructions on safely implementing the modification.

Skip [54:46]:
"Absolutely... You could set it up to run either one better. Check the bias of the power tubes under both sets of conditions to make sure it's not smoking hot in one and freezing cold in the other."

4. Technical Tips and DIY Advice

Throughout the episode, Skip imparts valuable technical knowledge and DIY tips, aiding listeners in amp repair and customization.

• Measuring Plate Current: Skip explains the transformer shunt method for measuring plate current, emphasizing the use of milliamp meters and the importance of accurate readings to prevent component damage.

• Reverse Audio Taper Potentiometers: In response to Crash from Ohio, Skip elucidates the function and application of reverse audio taper potentiometers, particularly in tremolo circuits, to ensure smooth and effective control.

Skip [78:22]:
"The taper of pots is all about... Most pots are audio taper, which has something to do with the Fletcher Munson curves and audio... Reverse audio taper is exactly the opposite... There are a lot of reverse audio pots in tremolo circuits."

5. Anecdotes and Community Stories

The hosts share engaging stories from their experiences and listener interactions, fostering a sense of community among vintage amp enthusiasts.

• Encounter with Hal Blaine: Skip narrates meeting the legendary drummer Hal Blaine, recounting the whimsical scenario of Blaine purchasing an amp from a friend who also dealt in vintage gear.

Skip [29:50]:
"I had a customer bring me an AMPEG flip top... and he went to an apartment, knocked on the door, and Carol K. opened the door and she had a huge black eye. And he bought the B15 from her."

• Letterpress Printing Synergy: Jason shares a story about visiting a letterpress shop where the owner created posters featuring snippets from The Rockford Files, seamlessly blending vintage technology with pop culture.

Jason [34:54]:
"...And then he included a link to Kevin's web store. And then he included some photos which I will share on our Instagram and Facebook groups of these posters that have the Rockford Files bits."

6. Special Mentions and Promotions

While primarily focusing on content, the hosts briefly acknowledge their sponsors and promote related businesses that support the podcast and the vintage amp community.

• Amplified Parts: Offering discounts on vintage amp kits with the code TAVA20, Amplified Parts provides DIY enthusiasts with all necessary components and instructions for assembling their own amps.

Jason [18:23]:
"Amplified Parts... they now have mod vintage amp kits and you can save $20 for the month of April 2025 off of any of their vintage amp kits using the discount code TAVA20."

• Grez Guitars and Emerald City Guitars: Highlighting quality guitar manufacturers and retail stores, the hosts encourage listeners to support these businesses for new instruments and vintage gear alike.

7. Conclusion and Upcoming Events

As the episode wraps up, Skip teases future content and encourages listener engagement through questions and social media interaction. He also hints at potential guest appearances and upcoming special guests to keep the audience intrigued.

Skip [89:38]:
"So it's just a little hub of grooviness down there. And remember, you can... send us a voice memo to podcast@fretboardjournal.com if you use technology."

Notable Quotes:

• Skip [04:36]:
  "You know, that's pretty complicated. Start small, y'all, because there's a lot of parts in a Princeton reverb compared to the amps that we generally talk about."

• Skip [43:24]:
  "There we go. Need some electrolytes after too much red wine."

• Skip [66:17]:
  "All the same as a bona fide power supply for the studio that was way cleaned up and surge protected."

• Skip [78:35]:
  "I didn't have a laugh that hopefully he'll be able to build me this little thing for the customer that I can put in and get the tremolo working."

Key Takeaways:

1. Durability of Vintage Amps: Vintage tube amps like the Ampeg Super Champ demonstrate exceptional build quality, often remaining functional decades after their production.

2. DIY Amp Repair and Customization: With the right knowledge and tools, enthusiasts can repair and customize vintage amps, though caution must be exercised to prevent damage.

3. Community Engagement: The podcast fosters a strong community by encouraging listeners to share their experiences, questions, and projects, leading to rich, shared knowledge.

4. Technical Mastery: Understanding amp circuitry, such as biasing power tubes and potentiometer tapers, is crucial for maintaining and enhancing amp performance.

5. Preservation of Vintage Technology: The episode emphasizes the importance of maintaining vintage gear, supporting specialist suppliers, and appreciating the craftsmanship involved.

Final Thoughts:

Episode 146 of The Truth About Vintage Amps serves as both an educational resource and a celebration of vintage amp culture. Through technical discussions, listener interactions, and storytelling, Skip and Jason provide valuable insights that resonate with both seasoned amp collectors and newcomers eager to delve into the world of vintage tube amplifiers. Whether troubleshooting technical issues or sharing unique amp builds, the hosts exemplify passion and expertise, making this episode a must-listen for guitarists and amp enthusiasts alike.