About this episode
Twice a month, guitar amp guru Skip Simmons fields your questions on vintage tube amp buying, restoration and repair. Co-hosted by the Fretboard Journal 's Jason Verlinde. Submit your guitar amp questions to Skip here: fretboardjournal@gmail.com or by leaving us a voicemail or text at 509-557-0848. Some of the topics discussed on this episode: 1:57 Skip's A/B box update 2:50 Skip's music picks: Curtis Mayfield!, Larry Norman!, Stryper! 10:11 Johnny Cash and Joe Strummer, "Redemption Song" 12:00 TAVA shirt updates 12:22 Skip's amp packing recommendations 14:05 Jason asks all the dumb Champ build questions you're scared to ask 32:33 A higher-powered single-ended amp recommendation (a contemporary Supro Comet) 39:36 The 18-watt WEM Dominator V and a plug for David Minter's Marshall and UK Made Pre Owned Amplifiers Facebook group 45:22 The amps built inside Fender Rhodes 48:12 "Blackfacing" a 1975 Fender Bassman 51:03 A unique 5F1 build and a question about speakers with whizzer cones 58:59 A Model 21 National-Dobro-made amp-in-case 1:02:54 Cloning the DeArmond R5 amp 1:08:52 Oddball European tube amps 1:11:34 The pros and cons of FX loops 1:17:38 The sonic differences between octal and 9-pin pre-amp tubes 1:25:03 Does a 2x12 speaker need a baffle 1:29:48 Uncle Doug videos 1:31:17 Harmonic tremolo 1:34:48 The rare Fender Vibroverb 1:46:20 A terminal board rattle Special thanks to the presenting sponsors of the Fretboard Journal: Gibson , Martin and Carter Vintage Guitars .