Podcast Summary: The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons Episode: Ep. 149: "Have Fun" (Special Guest: Jim Campilongo!) Host: The Fretboard Journal Release Date: June 18, 2025

1. Introduction and Guest Welcome

The episode begins with Skip Simmons and co-host Jason warmly welcoming their special guest, acclaimed guitarist Jim Campilongo. Skip humorously alludes to the merging of typical podcast elements with Jim's unique style, setting an engaging and relaxed tone for the conversation.

Key Moment:

• [00:36] Skip: "Yeah, I have. I have some people I should thank and some stuff I would normally say on the podcast, but if we're going to go all Jim Campo, then let it. Let it roll."

2. Jim Campilongo’s Musical Journey and Connections

Jim shares his longstanding relationship with amp repairman Keith Reniger, highlighting their four-decade friendship and mutual influence on each other’s musical paths. He recounts memories of their time together, including smoking weed and collaborating during an earthquake, illustrating the deep personal connections within the music community.

Notable Quote:

• [03:10] Jim Campilongo: "We used to smoke weed together. It was that long ago. We were in an earthquake together."

3. Vinyl Treasures and Musical Influences

Jim discusses his “Vinyl Treasures” column for an unnamed guitar magazine, where he explores diverse and often obscure musical records. He emphasizes the personal touch involved in selecting and sharing records, likening it to hosting a DJ who introduces listeners to varied musical gems.

Notable Quote:

• [08:33] Jim Campilongo: "Vinyl Treasures was kind of like if somebody came over your house and you force fed them, you know what you're excited about."

4. Amp Preferences and Maintenance Insights

A significant portion of the discussion delves into vintage Fender amps, specifically the Silver Face Princeton Reverb models equipped with Celestion G10 speakers. Jim explains his preference for these amps due to their reliability, affordability, and sound quality. He details his amp collection and the meticulous care he takes to maintain them, often collaborating with amp repair experts like Keith Reniger.

Notable Quotes:

• [25:00] Jim Campilongo: "I have about six Princetons. And I know that sounds a little piggy, but I bought them in the early 2000s..."
• [35:49] Jim Campilongo: "I just find it really appealing when things aren't ridiculously expensive...so a telly through a Princeton with a celestian G10 feels like home to me."

5. The Importance of Reliable Gear

Skip and Jim discuss the significance of dependable gear in a musician’s setup. Skip praises the durability and consistent performance of vintage Fender amps, contrasting them with more volatile modern equipment. They advocate for the value of well-maintained vintage gear over newer, less reliable alternatives.

Notable Quote:

• [26:34] Skip: "A Monster guitar player is going to be able to rock the joint, adjust his playing to accommodate some little thing like that..."

6. Speaker Selection and Sound Quality

Jim elaborates on his fascination with Celestion G10 speakers, explaining how he discovered them through recommendations and their cost-effectiveness. He contrasts them with other vintage speakers like the Jensen C10N, sharing experiences that highlight the subjective nature of speaker sound quality.

Notable Quotes:

• [35:49] Jim Campilongo: "The Celestian G10... doesn't cost a fortune. And I find that really appealing."
• [44:52] Jim Campilongo: "When I took that record on and I was like, God, this is atrocious."

7. Musicianship Beyond Gear Obsession

The conversation shifts to the ethos of focusing on musicianship rather than obsessing over gear specifications. Both hosts emphasize the importance of playing music authentically and joyfully, without being hindered by technical minutiae or equipment imperfections.

Notable Quote:

• [55:53] Jim Campilongo: "Have fun. That's the main thing."

8. Listener Q&A: Speaker Recommendations

Jim addresses a listener’s question about speaker preferences, reaffirming his love for the Celestion G10 and Jensen C10N speakers. He shares insights into their tonal characteristics and suitability for different setups, providing valuable advice for fellow guitarists seeking reliable speaker options.

Key Moment:

• [35:19] Jason: "How did you come upon that speaker? And what was the journey like till you found it? And now why do you still love it so much?"

9. Upcoming Projects and Collaborations

Jim promotes his latest collaborations and projects, including his partnership with Lumiere Guitars for a signature model inspired by the DuoSonic. He also mentions his upcoming gigs in California, New York, and Argentina, showcasing his active involvement in the global music scene.

Notable Quote:

• [30:07] Jim Campilongo: "I just, you know, collaborated with Lumiere Guitars that are located in Argentina on a Jim Campalongo model..."

10. Final Thoughts and Appreciations

As the episode wraps up, Skip and Jason express their gratitude towards Jim for his insights and participation. They reflect on the meaningful conversations about amps, speakers, and the broader aspects of being a dedicated musician. Jim reciprocates the appreciation, highlighting the enjoyable and informative nature of the discussion.

Notable Quote:

• [56:47] Skip: "They are our people. And the guy with a bunch of pedals, maybe he has every single one of your records..."

Highlighted Quotes with Timestamps:

• [00:36] Skip: "Let it roll."
• [03:10] Jim Campilongo: "We used to smoke weed together..."
• [08:33] Jim Campilongo: "Vinyl Treasures was kind of like..."
• [25:00] Jim Campilongo: "I have about six Princetons..."
• [35:49] Jim Campilongo: "I just find it really appealing..."
• [55:53] Jim Campilongo: "Have fun. That's the main thing."
• [30:07] Jim Campilongo: "I just, you know, collaborated with Lumiere Guitars..."
• [56:47] Skip: "They are our people..."

Conclusion: Episode 149 of "The Truth About Vintage Amps" offers a rich and engaging conversation with Jim Campilongo, delving deep into the nuances of vintage amp maintenance, speaker selection, and the philosophy of musicianship. Through personal anecdotes, technical insights, and mutual appreciation, Skip, Jason, and Jim provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of what makes vintage gear enduring and beloved in the guitar community. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or an amp enthusiast, this episode delivers valuable perspectives and heartfelt discussions that resonate with the true spirit of music-making.