Episode Summary: The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons – Ep. 147: "Kosher Sound"

Release Date: April 26, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 147, titled "Kosher Sound," of The Truth About Vintage Amps, host Jason Verlandi prepares to embark on a month-long trip to Peru as a chaperone for a group of 8th graders. Joined by guitar amp guru Skip Simmons, the episode delves deep into vintage tube amp restoration, modifications, and collecting, all while maintaining the show’s signature blend of humor and technical insight.

Jason's Upcoming Trip to Peru

At the outset (00:33), Jason shares his exciting news about chaperoning 8th graders on a trip to Peru:

Jason: "I am chaperoning a bunch of 8th graders taking a trip to Peru... It's going to be something you remember forever, I'm sure."

Skip adds humorously about the challenges of managing young students in such a setting:

Skip: "Eighth graders, they're savages. And then Peru. Wow, that's a cocktail I never would have dreamed up in a million years."

The duo discusses the logistics and implications of Jason's absence, assuring listeners that the Fretboard Journal operations will continue seamlessly with a dedicated crew (03:00).

Sponsor Shoutouts

Note: Per user instructions, detailed sponsor advertisements are omitted to focus on content. However, brief mentions include:

• Emerald City Guitars: Renowned for their extensive collection of vintage amps.
• Amplified Parts: Offering discounts on amp kits with code "Tava20."
• Grez Guitars: Highlighted for their customizable, high-quality guitars.

Technical Discussion: Hemp Cone Speakers

A significant portion of the episode (12:46) centers around the topic of hemp cone speakers. Skip shares his experience with hemp speakers in his amps:

Skip: "I fired this one up... thought the amp was broken. But the 12-inch version sounded completely normal."

Jason and Skip explore the benefits and quirks of hemp speakers, contemplating their unique sound qualities and reliability. They discuss the importance of experimenting with different speakers to truly understand an amp's potential, emphasizing:

Skip: "An amp is a speaker and a cabinet. Just for fun, once in a while, try your amp with a different cabinet or a different speaker."

Listener Questions & Answers

1. Owen from Santa Cruz Mountains (21:34)

Question: Owen inquires about modifying a Fender Twin Reverb into a stereo Deluxe Reverb, asking about legality and technical requirements.

Skip's Response:

Skip: "No, I just see that... big amps are cheap, but I don't have blackface twins laying around. And I would say a silver panel, something from the '70s... experiment away, I say."

2. Blair’s Amp Collection (25:08)

Question: Blair shares his vintage amp collection and asks about a signed tape on his 1948 Princeton amp.

Skip's Response:

Skip: "That's a very early, very rare amp. Anything you do to that thing is not going to help the value. It needs to be carefully approached."

3. Cyrus from Bloomington, Indiana (41:34)

Question: Cyrus asks about Skip's amp servicing methods—whether he conducts comprehensive checks or focuses on specific issues.

Skip's Response:

Skip: "It depends on the amp... Often resistors are just way off. Sometimes I don't check parts because I can't leave them in if they gotta go. But always check the grounds ... experiment away."

4. Jeff Shikatano from Pennsylvania (47:51)

Question: Jeff seeks advice on wiring a Webcore 4901 powered speaker chassis, specifically regarding polarized cords and preventing ground loops.

Skip's Response:

Skip: "Definitely put the neutral on or the hot on the switch... most amps are okay with three-prong cords but handle them correctly to prevent shocks."

5. Federico from Arctic Norway (93:28)

Question: Federico discusses using resistors as an alternative to Variacs for modding old amps and shares his experiences.

Skip's Response:

Skip: "Don't recommend using large resistors due to inefficiency and heat... better to use Variacs or proper voltage controllers."

6. Michael’s AO35 Reverb Unit (64:40)

Question: Michael seeks advice on adding volume and tone controls to a converted Hammond AO35 reverb unit.

Skip's Response:

Skip: "You might need to build a preamp or experiment with shielding and connections to reduce noise... careful part replacement is key."

7. Gary’s Footswitch Issues (69:09)

Question: Gary describes hum issues from his Fender amp's footswitch and seeks solutions.

Skip's Response:

Skip: "Shield the footswitch with aluminum tape or use quality shielded cables... consider replacing the footswitch if noisy."

8. Seven from New Jersey (77:10)

Question: Seven asks about restoring a 1950s Moss Row amplifier for guitar use, focusing on safety and component verification.

Skip's Response:

Skip: "Handle 'death caps' carefully... replace selenium rectifiers with diodes... ensure all components meet safety standards before use."

9. Greg’s Bogan Challenger CHB50 (84:50)

Question: Greg inquires about modifying a Bogan CHB50 amp by replacing 6L6 tubes with 6V6s to reduce power output.

Skip's Response:

Skip: "Don't replace power tubes to reduce power; it can damage the amp. Consider using smaller transformers or building a separate preamp for volume control instead."

Typewriter Talk

Midway through the episode, Jason and Skip shift gears to discuss typewriters, reminiscing about their mechanical charm and restoration experiences:

Skip: "Working on typewriters is very relaxing. They are all mechanical, unlike electronics, and you can see how they work."

They highlight interactions with the typewriter community, mentioning Richard Polt and Charlene at Baco Ribbons, emphasizing the hobby's artisanal appeal and the satisfaction derived from repairing and using manual typewriters.

Kosher Sound Discussion

Towards the end, the episode delves into inventive amplification methods inspired by fluidic amplification for Orthodox Jewish communities seeking non-electrical solutions for synagogue services. Listener Tad shares a visionary concept of a completely mechanical guitar amplifier utilizing fluidics, prompting Skip to explore its feasibility:

Skip: "That's some deep thoughts right there. I'm going to have to wrap my brain around that if possible."

The discussion acknowledges the challenges of amplifying audio frequencies without electronics but appreciates the creative exploration of alternative amplification technologies.

Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Jason reiterates his upcoming absence and teases future content, including a recap on the Peruvian vintage guitar store scene and announcements related to the Fretboard Journal Summit. Skip encourages listeners to continue exploring and experimenting with their amps, maintaining the show's commitment to fostering a passionate and knowledgeable vintage amp community.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Jason on Peru Trip (02:28):

   "I am chaperoning a bunch of 8th graders taking a trip to Peru... It's going to be something you remember forever, I'm sure."

2. Skip on Hemp Speakers (12:46):

   "I fired this one up... thought the amp was broken. But the 12-inch version sounded completely normal."

3. Cyrus's Question (41:34):

   "Do you go through the amp from end to end and check every component... or just focus on specific areas?"

4. Skip’s Amp Repair Philosophy (43:31):

   "Have you hooked it up to another speaker? So many times the next call is, dude, you were right."

5. Typewriter Enthusiasm (93:28):

   "Typewriters are all mechanical... you push that and you can see the bar pushes that and it's hooked to that."

6. Kosher Sound Inspiration (96:07):

   "It's a technology developed by the Department of Defense... used as a way of providing amplification without electronics."

Conclusion

Episode 147, "Kosher Sound," offers a rich blend of vintage amp expertise, listener engagement, and quirky diversions into typewriter lore and innovative amplification concepts. Jason and Skip continue to solidify their roles as beloved figures in the guitar amp community, providing valuable insights while keeping the conversation entertaining and inclusive for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Timestamps Reference

For ease of navigation, key sections are referenced with approximate timestamps based on the transcript provided:

• Introduction & Trip Announcement: [00:33]
• Hemp Cone Speakers Discussion: [12:46]
• Listener Questions Begin: [21:34]
• Typewriter Talk: [93:28]
• Kosher Sound & Fluidic Amplification: [96:07]
• Closing Remarks: [103:19]

Note: For a complete understanding and additional nuances, listening to the full episode is recommended.