Episode Overview

In Episode 151: "It Starts Out Cool" of The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons, hosted by The Fretboard Journal, Skip and Jason delve into a mix of vintage amp restoration projects, personal anecdotes, upcoming events, and detailed technical discussions. Released on July 25, 2025, this episode offers guitar enthusiasts a blend of humor, insightful advice, and community engagement.

Current Projects and Collaborations

Skip opens the conversation by sharing his latest endeavors in vintage amp restoration. He mentions an upcoming meeting with Bill Kernard to photograph a collection of Standell amps, highlighting the intricate details and unique features of these rare amplifiers.

[01:11] Skip: "Tomorrow, I'm going to see Bill Kernard and we're going to have a whole pile of those Standell amps and take a bunch of pictures of them."

Skip elaborates on his collaboration with Dave Britton from Nashville, describing Britton as a knowledgeable and enthusiastic expert on Standells. Their joint efforts aim to document and understand these amps better, potentially leading to a future article in The Fretboard Journal.

[02:22] Skip: "He's one of those guys that just goes whole hog on it... We're trying to get together as much information on them as we can. Maybe a future FJ article."

Anecdotes and Personal Stories

Skip shares a humorous memory about receiving an old photo from Steve SOS, depicting himself with vintage gear in 1991, which leaves him puzzled about the context.

[07:00] Skip: "He sent this picture of me... I looked at the picture and I just went, what the heck? Where is that?"

Jason recounts his recent encounter with legendary guitarist Leo Kottke, highlighting the personal impact and memorable interactions that arose from their meeting.

[19:31] Jason: "Getting to meet Leo Kottke last week was a career highlight... He was a super charming guy."

Fretboard Summit Announcement

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to promoting the upcoming Fretboard Summit in Chicago, scheduled for August 21st to 23rd. Jason outlines the event's highlights, including performances by Charlie Hunter, Ella Feingold, Dave Hill, and special appearances by the team from Two Rock.

[16:33] Jason: "We're gonna have Charlie Hunter, Ella Feingold, Dave Hill, and a very special guest on Saturday..."

Skip endorses the event enthusiastically, comparing it to summer camp and emphasizing its organized nature, thanks to the support from the Old Town School of Folk Music.

[17:53] Skip: "If nobody trusts that I personally could throw an event like this, the good news is there's an entire team helping me out."

Listener Questions and Technical Insights

The episode features an engaging segment where Skip addresses listener-submitted questions, providing in-depth technical advice on vintage amp repair and customization.

1. Question from Lux about a 1980 Vibro Champ:

   • Issue: Overwhelming hum after modifications.
   • Skip's Advice: Replace all coupling capacitors, check the hot resistor's value, and ensure proper installation of the isolation transformer.
   • Notable Quote:

     [28:33] Skip: "There are some people that just can't stand a knob that doesn't do anything."

2. Hum Issues in a Late 70s Deluxe Reverb Tremolo:

   • Issue: Shallow tremolo effect and delayed engagement.
   • Skip's Advice: Start by replacing the tube, check electrolytic capacitors, and consider replacing the optocoupler.
   • Notable Quote:

     [34:19] Skip: "There's a lot you can do... Sometimes, sometimes they nailed and looks."

3. Question from Eric in Norway about Bass Amplification:

   • Topic: The influence of bass guitar amplification on amp design.
   • Skip's Insight: Discusses the historical development of bass amps, the importance of clean sound, and the evolution from tube to solid-state amplifiers.
   • Notable Quote:

     [37:07] Skip: "If you want to think of that amp as a pedal platform type of deal, they're perfectly fine."

4. Question from Phil in the UK about Fender Reverb Channel:

   • Issue: Tremolo depth and phase issues.
   • Skip's Advice: Replace tubes, check capacitors, and avoid grounding the chassis in non-traditional amps.
   • Notable Quote:

     [36:00] Skip: "Just get a different amp. But doing that."

5. Question from Bob in Boulder County, Colorado:

   • Topics: Phase cancellation in Fender amps and Yellowjacket tube converters.
   • Skip's Advice: Explains channel jumping and advises careful experimentation with amp modifications.
   • Notable Quote:

     [62:44] Skip: "If you listen to it and it sounds good to you, fine. And if it doesn't, don't do it."

6. Question from John in Riverside about Trainer YGM3 Combo:

   • Topic: Comparing the YGM3 to Fender amps like Deluxe or Princeton Reverbs.
   • Skip's Advice: Highlights the quality and versatility of older tube trainers, noting their bright sound and robust construction.
   • Notable Quote:

     [73:02] Skip: "They sound fantastic... but they're just ridiculously bright."

Book Recommendations

Both hosts recommend insightful literature related to amp history and guitar culture.

• Listener Recommendation:
  • Book: The Bastard Instrument: A Cultural History of the Electric Bass by Brian Wright.
  • Skip's Addition: Recommends the only book about the Ampeg company, detailing its origins and impact on bass amplification.

[38:58] Skip: "The only book that was written about the Ampeg company... Read about his very beginnings."

Community and Networking

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the community through events like the Fretboard Summit and local meetups. Bob from Boulder suggests organizing a Denver-area gathering, emphasizing the value of local connections among amp enthusiasts.

[61:35] Skip: "You think about it, there probably are like-minded types in a big city, a couple at least, right?"

Final Thoughts

Throughout the episode, Skip and Jason emphasize the importance of hands-on experience, continuous learning, and community support in the realm of vintage amp restoration and guitar playing. Their blend of technical expertise and personable anecdotes makes The Truth About Vintage Amps a must-listen for guitar aficionados seeking both knowledge and camaraderie.

Notable Quotes

• Skip on Standell Amps:

  [02:22] "They're all different and they're all made crappy. And I'd throw them all in the slew except that they sound really cool."

• Jason on Leo Kottke:

  [19:24] "I got to hear him play the Fisherman just for me, and that was pretty special."

• Skip on Testing Equipment:

  [56:17] "Always check stuff that you know with your new piece of test equipment."

• Jason on Fretboard Summit Programming:

  [23:04] "I'm gonna do a little tell-all on 20 years of the Fretboard Journal."

Conclusion

Episode 151: "It Starts Out Cool" is a treasure trove of knowledge, stories, and community spirit for those passionate about vintage guitar amplifiers. Whether you're a seasoned amp technician or a guitarist looking to deepen your understanding, Skip and Jason provide valuable insights wrapped in engaging dialogue.