Shows
The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Coyote and Deer"It's the 157th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps, the call-in show where amp tech Skip Simmons fields your questions on all things tube amps. Thank our sponsors: Grez Guitars; Emerald City Guitars and Amplified Parts Some of the topics discussed this week: :42 Atmospheric rivers 3:52 Skip's appearance at the Bay Area Guitar Show (Jan 10-11, link) 8:46 Fretboard Journal 58 (coming soon!) 9:57 Unsung electronics hero (and possible con man) Lee De Forest (read his memoir here); power conditioners 17:44 Skip's new trail cam 20:47 One man's tra...
2025-12-181h 34The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"A Hoop and a Stick"It's the 156th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps, the call-in show where amp tech Skip Simmons fields your questions on all things tube amps. This week: Special guest Jack Weston joins us with a great Allman Brothers story. Thank our sponsors: Grez Guitars; Emerald City Guitars and Amplified Parts Some of the topics discussed this week: :43 What's on Skip's Bench: a Fender Princeton with reversed input jacks 5:41 Special Guest: Jack Weston, author of 'The Allman Brothers Band: Classic Memorabilia, 1969-1976' (Amazon link) 46:17 The Magnatone Triplex; ultralinear out...
2025-11-261h 46The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Realistic Carnival"It's the 155th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps, the call-in show where amp tech Skip Simmons fields your questions on all things tube amps. This week: Barn finds, lost dogs, an extra-grounded Jason (amp pun intended) and more! Some of the topics discussed this week: 1:05 Skip gets the new Fretboard Journal (link); do banjos belong in the Fretboard Journal? 5:16 Recommended music: Ned Boynton's 'The North Beach Sound;' The No-Mads (nomadsband.com) 7:54 Our sponsors: Grez Guitars; Emerald City Guitars and Amplified Parts (and Mr. Microphone) 18:12 What's on Ski...
2025-11-011h 45The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"A C in Chemistry"It's the 153rd episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps and Skip is having a happy day fielding your amp questions. From cleaning tweed to Magnatone varistors and all points in between, it's 90 minutes of tube amp knowledge, laughs, and some serious California trivia. Some of the topics discussed this week: 1:27: The 2025 Fretboard Summit; the importance of repair tags 6:55: Thanks for the mangos, John! And a food preservation tip 8:30: Our sponsors: Grez Guitars; Emerald City Guitars and Amplified Parts! 14:15 What's on Skip's bench? 60 amps in August; great Loma Rica deal...
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The Fretboard Journal Guitar PodcastPodcast 515: Ryan Richter, Dylan Day, and Harrison Whitford (Live from the 2025 Fretboard Summit)Ryan Richter, Dylan Day, and Harrison Whitford are wildly creative guitarists who happen to play with some of the most-streamed artists of the last few years, including Ed Sheeran (Dylan), Phoebe Bridgers (Harrison), and Lizzy McAlpine (Ryan). They are all based in Los Angeles. At the 2025 Fretboard Summit, we sit down with these three musicians to discuss their journeys as artists and collaborators. We hear about why they all landed in LA, how they work with big-name artists, the gear they are currently obsessing over, their solo recordings, and so much more. It's an introspective chat filled w...
2025-09-0558 minThe Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip SimmonsEp. 152: "Gridley Bias"It's the much-delayed 152nd episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps! Thanks, as always, for being a part of the world's finest call-in tube amp repair show. Want amp tech Skip Simmons' advice on your DIY guitar amp projects? Join us by sending your voice memo or written questions to podcast@fretboardjournal.com! Include a photo, too. Some of the topics discussed this week: 3:53 Real musicians ARE gearheads (redux) 5:47 Our sponsors: Grez Guitars; Emerald City Guitars and Amplified Parts! 6:40 Tom Gunterman gets two Grez's 8:21 Yellow Jack...
2025-09-0456 minThe Fretboard Journal Guitar PodcastGuitar Retail in 2025 (Fretboard Summit Panel)Do guitars still sell in 2025? Is there a glut of unsold instruments? How have tariffs affected the high-end musical instrument space? At this year's Fretboard Summit, we asked a handful of guitar retailers for their unfiltered thoughts on selling instruments in 2025. Included were Rebecca Jasso (Old Town School of Folk Music retail store), Joe Caruso (The Music Emporium), Matt Kappenman (Mass Street Music) and Nathan Schiller (Folkway Music). Their thoughts on guitar retail may just surprise you, and their insights into how to take care of a customer (and stay profitable during these tumultuous times...
2025-08-2958 minThe Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"It Starts Out Cool"It's the 151st episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps! Thanks, as always, for being a part of the world's finest call-in tube amp repair show. Want amp tech Skip Simmons' advice on your DIY guitar amp projects? Join us by sending your voice memo or written questions to podcast@fretboardjournal.com! Include a photo, too. Some of the topics discussed this week: 1:03:05 What's on Skip's bench: A pile of Standel amps; Vacaville's Pacific Hardware (redux); a baffler of sorts 8:28 Tom Gunterman (Instagram); Kevin from Ohio; Joe Walsh 1...
2025-07-251h 20The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Throw It In the River"It's the 150th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps! How did that happen? Thanks, as always, for being a part of the world's finest call-in tube amp repair show. Want amp tech Skip Simmons' advice on your DIY guitar amp projects? Join us by sending your voice memo or written questions to podcast@fretboardjournal.com! Include a photo, too. Some of the topics discussed this week: 1:26 The Esparto fireworks storage facility explosion (link); salvaging organ pedals 6:22 Jason's life updates: Issue 57; Fretboard Summit (link); trail running; watching the 2025 Western Stat...
2025-07-051h 40The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip SimmonsEp. 148: "Lining Up"We're back with episode 148 of the Truth About Vintage Amps: Jason survives a month in Peru; the schematics of acupuncture; speaker break-in; and more! Our sponsors: Amplified Parts; Grez Guitars; Better Help, and Emerald City Guitars Topics discussed: :00 Jason goes to Peru, Skip gets the new Fretboard Journal 11:20 What's on Skip's Bench: A roasted Tweed Harvard 13:18 Spotted on eBay: Packard Bell teaching tool / working schematic 16:13 A 1952 Champion 600 with a 1952 Telecaster 18:54 Skip doesn't hang out with Jack White 24:22: Our sponsors: Check out this groovy Showma...
2025-06-011h 35The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"I Have a Swimming Pool"Episode 145 of the Truth About Vintage Amps: Kahlua brie, replicating Nirvana's In Utero sound, hissy reverb units and more! Thanks, as always, for being a part of the world's finest call-in tube amp repair show. Want amp tech Skip Simmons' advice on your DIY guitar amp projects? Join us by sending your voice memo or written questions to podcast@fretboardjournal.com! Include a photo, too. Some of the topics discussed this week: 1:17 Skip makes even more stuff for John Vanderslice & Tiny Telephone; Skip's take on the MTI Tubes pedal 8:18 Sk...
2025-03-151h 22The Fretboard Journal Guitar PodcastNew Acoustics With Old Souls (Live from the Fretboard Summit 2024)How do you make a new acoustic guitar sound slightly more "vintage?" This was the nebulous premise that Jason posed to three great builders at the 2024 Fretboard Summit: John Slobod (Circa Guitars), TJ Thompson, and Steve "Nully" Nall from Collings. In this live panel, we hear these luthiers' thoughts on the topic, including wood, the importance of aging (even with a brand new guitar), the hardest body style to make sound period correct, and so much more. It's 45 minutes of great insights from three exceptional makers. http://www.circaguitars.com/ https...
2025-03-0247 minThe Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"You've Got to Feed Those Things"Episode 144 of the Truth About Vintage Amps: Flashing Flukes, reflections on NAMM, variable plate capacitors, hot buttered rum (and popcorn!), and more! Need some help with your tube amps? Be a part of our show by sending your voice memo or written questions to podcast@fretboardjournal.com! Some of the topics discussed this week: 1:13 Jason goes to the NAMM Show, the Dumble relaunch (watch our Instagram video here); Grit Laskin's 'The Stradivari Formula' (link); Wood Wire & Volts (link) 11:49 What's on Skip's bench: A late 1940s Danelectro Vibrovox; Wandre Guitars 20:57 Our...
2025-02-241h 36The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"I've Got an Alamo That I Want to Forget"Missing your rambling relatives this holiday season? You're in luck! Tune in to Jason and Skip as they ramble through weather reports, amp fixes, book recommendations, reflective impedance, reverb-driven line-out and more on our 141st episode! Want to be a part of our show? Just email us a question or voice memo to podcast@fretboardjournal.com. Some of the topics discussed this week: :48 Weather report: Rain in the West, bomb cyclones in the PNW 4:32 A 1968 Heathkit catalog with DIY Harmony Guitar kits 6:35 Thanksgiving at the Simmons house 7:09 A...
2024-11-281h 12The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Tiny Bits of Tingle"It's the 140th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps podcast, where amp tech Skip Simmons eventually fields your questions on all-things-tube amps! As always, use all advice at your own risk. Want to be a part of our show? Just email us a question or voice memo to podcast@fretboardjournal.com. Some of the topics discussed this week: 2:35 What's on Skip's Bench: A modified ES-150 Charlie Christian amp with a non-field coil speaker 4:22 Smilin' Skip's: Stuff for Sale 5:15 Loma Rica's Aztec Recording Studio; the Ralph Shine Bl...
2024-11-051h 08The Fretboard Journal Guitar PodcastMartin CEO Thomas Ripsam at the 2024 Fretboard SummitOn this week's podcast, we're sharing our Q&A session with Martin CEO Thomas Ripsam live from the 2024 Fretboard Summit. During our chat, Thomas and FJ publisher Jason Verlinde discuss Martin's plans for the future, the changing demographics of guitar consumers, intellectual property, sales channels, and much more. Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: http://fretboardjournal.com/subscribe Our next Fretboard Summit takes place August 21-23, 2025 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. For a limited time, you can register now with discounted early-bird pricing: https://www.oldtownschool.org/concerts/2025/08-21-20...
2024-10-0547 minThe Fretboard Journal Guitar PodcastThe 2024 Fretboard Summit Repair PanelWhat makes a great luthier tick? On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we attempt to find out. Recorded live at the 2024 Fretboard Summit, guitar repair gurus Evan Gluck, Tyler Geske, Trevor Healy, Mark Stutman, TJ Thompson, and Joe Glaser talk candidly about the personality traits that drove them to working on guitars. We hear about their attention to detail, the perils of imposter syndrome, and why time management is paramount. It's an unfiltered chat with six of the most detail-oriented and thoughtful individuals in the guitar space. Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: http://fretboardjournal.com/subsc...
2024-09-2756 minThe Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Check for Ticks"It's the 138th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps podcast, where amp tech Skip Simmons fields your questions on all-things-tube amps! This week, we pay tribute to Angela Instruments founder and former guest Steve Melkisethian (1950-2024); talk resistors and transformers; catch up on the 2024 Fretboard Summit; and much more. Want to be a part of our show? Just email us a question or voice memo to podcast@fretboardjournal.com. Don't forget, we have a Patreon page. Join us to get show updates and get to the front of the question line.
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Luthier on Luthier with Michael BashkinMichael Millard (Froggy Bottom Guitars)Episode 94 of the podcast is a live interview at the 2024 Fretboard Summit with the incredible Michael Millard of Froggy Bottom Guitars. Michael has over 50 years of guitar-building experience. In 1970, he spent four years working with Gurian Guitars before launching Froggy Bottom. He shares with us lessons learned from customer interactions, guitars, martial arts and much more. https://froggybottomguitars.com Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars and StewMac. Want to support Luthier on L...
2024-09-2345 minThe Fretboard Journal Guitar PodcastJoe Henry & Blake Mills (Live from the 2024 Fretboard Summit)This week, we're sharing one of the highlights from our 2024 Fretboard Summit: Joe Henry in conversation with Blake Mills. During their chat, these two acclaimed producers and singer-songwriters discuss working with legacy artists (Blake has famously worked with Joni Mitchell; while Joe has worked with everyone from Joan Baez to Solomon Burke), the importance of a beginner's mindset in the studio, the magic of Jim Keltner, honoring the song, and so much more. It was one of many unforgettable Fretboard Summit 2024 sessions. We hope you love it. Recorded August 24, 2024. https://www...
2024-08-3052 minThe Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Put Your Hands on the Hood"It's the 125th installment of the Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons! Want to be a part of our show? Just email us a question or voice memo to podcast@fretboardjournal.com. Some of the topics discussed this week: :51 Skip works on a Jim Kelley Amp, built-in attenuators, the magnetic field caused by a Tweed Bassman speaker 3:30 Skip needs an RCA MI-12155 schematic 3:56 Making stuff for the Bay Area Guitar Show 6:51 Our sponsors: Emerald City Guitars, Amplified Parts, Stringjoy Strings, and Grez Guitars. 8:12 Our 2023 Volt...
2023-11-211h 08The Fretboard Journal Guitar PodcastJason Kostal and Mike Baranik at the 2023 Fretboard SummitThe word "handmade" is used a lot when it comes to high-end or luthier-built instruments, but what does it really mean? On this week's podcast, guitarmakers and longtime friends Jason Kostal and Mike Baranik talk about the technology (including CNC machines) they will and won't use when it comes to their creations. Recorded live at the 2023 Fretboard Summit, this is a fascinating chat about tools, being efficient, making a living as a luthier, and so much more. https://www.baranikguitars.com/ https://kostalguitars.com/ Registration is now open to attend our 2024...
2023-11-2056 minThe Fretboard Journal Guitar PodcastTJ Thompson and Mark Stutman Live from the 2023 Fretboard SummitTJ Thompson and Folkway Music's Mark Stutman are two of the most respected authorities on Earth when it comes to the repair and restoration of 1930s and '40s vintage acoustic guitars. In this unforgettable session from the 2023 Fretboard Summit, TJ and Mark share some never-before-heard revelations from their decades of working on rare and collectible Martins and Gibsons. During this conversation, you get to be a fly on the wall and hear two repair people at the top of their craft, geek out on the little details that add up. They talk about guitar rosettes, popsicle...
2023-10-181h 32The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Salt to Taste"Today, we celebrate the millionth download of our podcast with one of our favorite conversations to date: Longtime TAVA contributor Larry Chung joins Skip and Jason to talk about the zen and art of early tube amp restoration and so much more. We also tackle a bunch of questions from our listeners about PAs, field coil speakers, guitar amp finds, and other surprises. Want to be a part of our show? Just email us a question or voice memo to podcast@fretboardjournal.com. Our sponsors are Emerald City Guitars, Amplified Parts, and Grez Guitars.
2023-10-111h 46Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin82. Richard Hoover (Santa Cruz Guitar Company)Richard Hoover is the founder of the Santa Cruz Guitar Company, which has been a leader in the world of boutique acoustic guitars since 1976. For episode 82 of the podcast, recorded live at the 2023 Fretboard Summit, Richard shares his guiding principles, thoughts on running a company, selecting materials, and much more. Links: https://santacruzguitar.com/ https://gofund.me/56ef4040 (GoFundMe for luthier Joel Wilkens) https://www.instagram.com/frettiemercury/ Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is...
2023-09-2744 minThe Fretboard Journal Guitar PodcastAndy Powers (Taylor Guitars, Powers Electric) Live from the 2023 Fretboard SummitJosh Scott (JHS) interviews Andy Powers (Taylor, Powers Electric) live from our 2023 Fretboard Summit! Drew Shirley (Switchfoot) joins in on the fun. They discuss Andy's career before Taylor, his creative process today, the new Powers Electric line of guitars, and much more. https://www.taylorguitars.com/ https://powerselectricguitars.com/ https://www.jhspedals.info/ Recorded live at the Fretboard Summit on August 26, 2023. Our next Summit takes place August 22-24, 2024 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. Love our podcast and want to support it? Join o...
2023-09-181h 01The Fretboard Journal Guitar PodcastMike Adams Recaps the 2023 Fretboard SummitEvery month, Mike Adams (@puisheen) joins Jason for a lively recap of guitar industry news. This time around, we talk all about last month's Fretboard Summit in Chicago! Mike talks about a chance enounter with Z.Vex, Star Trek sleep sounds, some of his favorite Summit discoveries, the JHS Germanium Chef competition, and more. Jason talks about the new electric tenor guitar he received, some of his favorite Summit moments, and plans for the 2024 Summit (August 22 - 24, once again at Chicago's Old Town School). We then talk about Mike's recent surprise appearance with G...
2023-09-111h 05The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"One Call"It's the 120th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps, the call-in show where amp tech Skip Simmons fields your questions on all things tube amp. This week in a nutshell: Is this the Fender Yale?; lots of Fretboard Summit love; Skip sneaks a mower across the border; magnifiers; tomato gravy; and rumblings of a possible Oregon Truth About Vintage Amps meetup! Special Note: Our friends at Amplified Parts are having a Labor Day Sale right now. Use the code LABOR10 to save 10% off your order, but act fast. https://www.amplifiedparts.com/ ...
2023-09-011h 09The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Painting Some Dots"It's the 119th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps, the call-in show where amp tech Skip Simmons fields your questions on all things tube amp. Want to be a part of the show? Keep the amp questions for Skip coming to podcast@fretboardjournal.com! Voice memos or emails are welcome. Don't forget we now have a Patreon if you'd like to support the show featuring weekly installments of what's on Skip's bench, random eBay finds, and surprise content. Some of the topics discussed in this episode: 2:32: This week's sponsors: Emerald Cit...
2023-08-071h 17The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Pirate Ale" (Special Guest: Ben Harper)This week, we're joined by the one-and-only Ben Harper, who has a couple of questions for Skip right before his Lyon, France concert. Ben regales us with tales of a rare Weissenborn spotted on a Disneyland ride, Dumbles, and pre-show skateboarding (which Skip is a little worried about). He also spills the beans on his new touring amp of choice… a Two-Rock. Before Ben joins us, we've got our usual assortment of listener-submitted questions on tremolo and speaker impendence, Larry Chung references, and a tamale suggestion. Want to be a part of the show? Keep th...
2023-07-201h 43The Fretboard Journal Guitar PodcastPodcast 421: Fretboard Summit Updates with Creston Lea and Micah Bruce!This week's double-header of an episode is all about the 2023 Fretboard Summit taking place August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. As you hopefully know, the Summit is a three-day-long guitar show and festival curated by the Fretboard Journal. All weekend long, you can meet some of your favorite players and guitarmakers, try out new products, and have some fun. Performers include Tommy Emmanuel, Jeff Parker, Jorma Kaukonen, Via Mardot and numerous others…and you're invited. Register: https://fretboardsummit.org/ We start the podcast off by talking about some new Summit additions an...
2023-07-181h 31The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Tommy, Time for Dinner"It's the 117th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps podcast, where legendary amp tech Skip Simmons fields your questions on guitar amps and their repair! Want to be a part of the show? Keep the amp questions for Skip coming to podcast@fretboardjournal.com! Voice memos or emails are welcome. And don't forget we now have a Patreon. This week's sponsors: Emerald City Guitars, Stringjoy Strings (use the code FRETBOARD to save off your first string order), Amplified Parts, and Grez Guitars. This week's topics: 1:18 Jason goes to NYC (and Montana...
2023-07-051h 23The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Or Something"It's the 116th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps podcast, where legendary amp tech Skip Simmons fields your questions on guitar amps and their repair! Want to be a part of the show? Keep the amp questions for Skip coming to podcast@fretboardjournal.com! Voice memos or emails are welcome. And don't forget we now have a Patreon. This week's sponsors: Emerald City Guitars, Stringjoy Strings (use the code FRETBOARD to save off your first string order), Amplified Parts, and Grez Guitars. This week's topics: 1:02 Making amps out of little interco...
2023-06-161h 19The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"The Group W Bench"It's the 115th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps podcast, where legendary amp tech Skip Simmons fields your questions on guitar amps and their repair! Want to be a part of the show? Keep the amp questions for Skip coming to podcast@fretboardjournal.com! Voice memos or emails are welcome. And don't forget we now have a Patreon. Some of the topics discussed this week: 2:07 This week's sponsors: Emerald City Guitars (check out the Jim Kelley prototype), Stringjoy Strings (use the code FRETBOARD to save off your first string order), Amplified Parts, and ...
2023-05-231h 28The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Mothers, Fathers, Sisters, Brothers"It's the 114th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps, where legendary amp tech Skip Simmons fields your questions on guitar amps and their repair. Want to be a part of the show? Keep the amp questions for Skip coming to podcast@fretboardjournal.com! Voice memos or emails are welcome. Some of the topics discussed this week: 3:49 Skip gets more gifts (thank you); Studio Slips (link); Dragonfly USB-stereo connection; Connie Converse (Bandcamp link) 9:41 The Truth About Vintage Amps Patreon (link) 9:54 Josh Scott (JHS) plays the El Pato Tone practice...
2023-05-081h 41The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Too Much of Something Somewhere"It's the 113th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps, where legendary amp tech Skip Simmons fields your questions on guitar amps and their repair. Want to be a part of the show? Keep the amp questions for Skip coming to podcast@fretboardjournal.com! Voice memos or emails are welcome. Some of the topics discussed this week: 4:11 Announcement: The Truth About Vintage Amps at the 2023 Fretboard Summit (www.fretboardsummit.org); Chicago's Kale My Name (link) 14:14 Should you use better or same-quality replacement parts when your amp needs a repair? ...
2023-04-121h 23The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Adjust for Minimum Smoke"It's the 112th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps, where legendary amp tech Skip Simmons fields your questions on guitar amps and their repair. Want to be a part of the show? Keep the amp questions for Skip coming to podcast@fretboardjournal.com! Voice memos or emails are welcome. Some of the topics discussed this week: 7:42 David Lindely on Dumble: Audio interview on our Patreon (link) 8:07 Shoutout to August from Otis Amps 8:46 Rancho Gordo Beans, redux (link), Herdez Salsa Casera, Juantonio's chips 11:42 What's on Skip's workbench: A...
2023-04-041h 30The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip SimmonsEp. 111: "A Tree, the Roof of a Trailer and a Deluxe Reverb"We're back and episode 111 has it all: Deep thoughts, a tornado, fried eggs, and power tubes gone bad. Keep the questions coming to podcast@fretboardjournal.com and enjoy! Some of the topics discussed this week: 1:59 The TAVA Big Index page (link) 3:26 A pro chef hack, Rancho Gordo beans redux (link to the beans) 4:34 A '64 Princeton Reverb clone with a switch that can convert it to a stock Princeton, redux (thanks Emcee Amps of Montreal); the Tweed Vibrolux tone control 7:44 What's on Skip's bench: A Stromberg-Carlson PA head ...
2023-03-161h 03The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Need a Ride?"An episode that almost went off the rails (a missing special guest, talk of tragic balloon heroes, street tacos) but somehow gets back to amp basics. Some of the topics discussed this week: 3:56 Skip's decision to quit being a drawbridge operator, Skip visits Eminence 8:58 Austin Ribbon Mics, the Hot Holder Pro (link); book recommendation: 'How to Read Schematic Diagrams' by Donald Herrington 11:36 The Man in the Flying Lawn Chair, by George Plimpton (New Yorker link) 12:22 Roqsolid amp covers (link); Vengeance 13:52 New to our Patreon: Listener Nick rea...
2023-02-081h 17The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Put a Pot Under It"Episode 108: It's like a best-of episode, but totally new! Pre-amps, typewriters, too many kitchen hacks, transformer talk, Jason reads the tubes wrong, and we even get a little artsy! Some of the topics discussed this week: 2:53 Does Skip want to see your amps right now? See Skip at the January 14-15, 2023 Amigo Bay Area Guitar Show 4:59 A Tweed Pro with a variable inverse feedback control knob 5:45 Lee Jeffriess in the Fretboard Journal's 51st issue (link); check out Jeffriess and John Munnerlyn performing "Blues for Earl" 11:22 The December 31 TAVA Seattle...
2023-01-121h 33Luthier on Luthier with Michael BashkinMichael WattsGuitarist Michael Watts is back for episode 73 of the podcast. Michael recounts the history of Scott Chinery's famous Blue guitar collection and how it led to his new gig working for the Archtop Foundation. Michael also shares with us his views on flattop vs. archtop guitars, his experience with online gigs during Covid lockdowns, previews all his latest projects, including a new podcast he's hosting for the Fretboard Journal (Life on the Fretboard with Michael Watts), and, finally, his finest cure for jetlag. Links: https://michaelwattsguitar.com/home https://theblueguitars.com/...
2023-01-0254 minThe Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"You Started a Chainsaw" (Special guest: jdflyback)** We are doing another run of Truth About Vintage Amps t-shirts. Pre-order your shirt now by clicking here: https://silkshopstores.com/tavamerch/shop/home ** Just in time for the holidays: A bonus Truth About Vintage Amps episode! This week, no listener-submitted questions. Instead, we introduce you to Joshua Dejaen, a.k.a. jdflyback on YouTube. This young, Pacific Northwest-based electrical engineer has taken YouTube by storm with a viral video where he not only built a tube amp from scratch, he even built the tubes! Watch Joshua's video here: https://www.y...
2022-11-2236 minThe Fretboard Journal Guitar PodcastTJ Thompson at the 2022 Fretboard SummitOur Chicago Fretboard Summit was filled with highlights. Among them was TJ Thompson's return to the stage for another mind-blowing talk about following your heart, vintage guitar restoration, and so much more. During this 90-minute session, the acclaimed pre-war Martin guitar expert offered a bit of everything: Sage advice for new instrument makers; insights on how to protect the value of your acoustic guitars; life hacks that we can all learn from; and even a little beer koozie philosophy lesson. Toward the end of his session, TJ had some quick tips for fellow luthiers. A few benefited fr...
2022-10-211h 26The Fretboard Journal Guitar PodcastFretboard Summit UpdatesWith the Fretboard Summit at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music just over a week away (August 25-27, 2022), Jason shares some last-minute updates on this sprawling guitar gathering, as well as a surprise announcement or two (any Dead fans out there?). We hope to see you there! https://fretboardsummit.org The Summit will have 50 of the greatest handmade guitarmakers showcasing their creations, in addition to guitar experts and authorities, incredible musicians (Molly Tuttle, the Milk Carton Kids, Julian Lage), and lots of surprises. It's a rare opportunity to meet many former FJ Podcast guests i...
2022-08-1708 minThe Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Reserve Champion"With Skip's internet down, we recorded our 98th episode the old-fashioned way. Once you get past the distorted land line telephone, you'll hear about how you can win some truly amazing gear on our 100th episode (including a new Grez Mendocino Junior guitar!), plus what inspires Skip, screen resistors on power tubes, center taps on resistors, and one heck of a goat story. This week's episode is sponsored by Calton Cases, Jupiter Condenser Co., Amplified Parts and Grez Guitars. You can also use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase. Support us on...
2022-08-111h 36The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Do I Want the Red or the Gold?"Are we really running out of vacuum tubes? This week, special guest Thomas Cravener of Amplified Parts joins us to talk about the 2022 new tube shortage, plus a lot more. Reserve a new TAVA t-shirt here. This week's episode is sponsored by Calton Cases, Jupiter Condenser Co., Amplified Parts and Grez Guitars. You can also use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase. Support us on Patreon.com for added content and the occasional surprise. One of our patrons will win a Hello Sailor Fuzz Face this month! Som...
2022-07-171h 54The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Permissive Parents"It's the 93rd episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps! Strain relief, stubborn Champs (and Randalls!), blanched kale with sunflower seeds, and plenty more. This week's episode is sponsored by Calton Cases, Jupiter Condenser Co., Amplified Parts and Grez Guitars. You can also use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase. Support us on Patreon.com for added content and the occasional surprise. This month, we'll be giving a TAVA-themed fuzz pedal to one lucky patron! Some of the topics discussed this week: :50 Amplified Parts now carries PSVANE tub...
2022-05-091h 17The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"I'll Be There Briefly"It's the 92nd episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps! Harvesting capacitors, recommended reading, Fred Astaire and more. This week's episode is sponsored by Calton Cases, Jupiter Condenser Co., Amplified Parts and Grez Guitars. You can also use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase. Support us on Patreon.com for added content and the occasional surprise. This month, we'll be giving away a handmade pedal to one lucky patron! Some of the topics discussed this week: 2:19 The great tube shortage on the front page of the Wall...
2022-04-191h 36The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"I'm Still Frying Garlic"It's the 91st episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps! We talk about the great tube shortage of 2022, blue molded caps, boutique amps, parenting tips, kale chips and more. This week's episode is sponsored by Calton Cases, Jupiter Condenser Co., Amplified Parts and Grez Guitars. You can also use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase. Support us on Patreon.com for added content and the occasional surprise. This month, we're giving away an amp kit to one lucky patron! Some of the topics discussed this week: 1:48 O.W. A...
2022-03-292h 07The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Wake Up"Chokes, scalloped potatoes, Monoprice amps, phase inverters, and more! It's the 88th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps. This week's episode is sponsored by Jupiter Condenser Co., Amplified Parts and Grez Guitars. You can also use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase and, if you head over to BED|STÜ shoes and use the discount code FRETXBS, you'll save 20% off your BED|STÜ order and help support the FJ. Support us on Patreon.com for added content and the occasional surprise. Some of the topics discussed this week: 2:3...
2022-02-081h 41The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip SimmonsEp. 87: "Waxy... and Leaking"It's the 87th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps! Plenty of amp tips for newbies, some deep Ampeg talk, music recommendations, amp tips for steel guitar players, and more. This week's episode is sponsored by Jupiter Condenser Co., Amplified Parts and Grez Guitars. Support us on Patreon.com for added content and the occasional surprise. Some of the topics discussed this week: :54: RIP Alexander Howard Dumble 1:58 The TAVA Big Index Page (link) / Tableau Index Page (link) 2:21 Jason attempts to finish his Champ kit project 4:05 A Massie-built Ele...
2022-01-241h 39The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"You Run Hot"It's the 86th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps featuring special guest, Joe Halliday of Hello Sailor Effects (@hellosailoreffectsofficial)! This week's episode is sponsored by Jupiter Condenser Co., Amplified Parts and Grez Guitars. Support us on Patreon.com for added content and the occasional surprise. Some of the topics discussed this week: 4:37 The business of cheese, the Prudence Penny Regional Cookbook, mead 10:34 Custom can capacitors from Hayseedhamfest.com 12:00 Skip re-builds a hacked 1961 Fender reverb unit; half-wave rectifier circuit vs. bridge rectifier circuit 16:38 Special guest: Joe...
2022-01-111h 53The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Remington Starfire"It's the 85th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps featuring special guest, Calvin McCormick (Hiwatt, @ampfreek)! This week's episode is sponsored by Jupiter Condenser Co., Amplified Parts and Grez Guitars. Support us on Patreon.com for added content and the occasional surprise. Download the 2021 TAVA Cookbook here. Some of the topics discussed this week: 1:59 El Pato hot sauce in a bottle 3:13 Nothing but cans: Skip's recent meal 9:58 Update on the amp that lost the majority of its volume during shipping (ep. 84) 11:24 You think...
2021-12-201h 44The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"What's Past the Weeds?"It's the 84th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps! This week's episode is sponsored by Jupiter Condenser Co., Amplified Parts and Grez Guitars. Support us on Patreon.com for added content and the occasional surprise. Some of the topics discussed this week: 1:52: Full transcription of Ep. 83 on our Patreon (yay or nay?) 4:14 Skip's recommended gifts: Jack Darr, Joy of Cooking, the Gibson amp book, the Ampeg amp book, Fender Amps: The First 50 Years; El Pato 6:57 A new baffler: 1964 Super Reverb with a three-prong cord 10:10 A pristine 1956 Fender Pro t...
2021-12-071h 40The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"No, But I Will"It's the 83rd episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps: More capacitor talk than you can shake a SnufferStick at, push-pull circuits, Ethiopian cooking tips and more! This week's episode is sponsored by Jupiter Condenser Co., Amplified Parts and Grez Guitars. Support us on Patreon.com for added content and the occasional surprise. Some of the topics discussed this week: 1:56 The TAVA Cookbook (coming soon, email us if you want it) 5:15 Skip's real voice or a young Jerry? 7:56 Interactive controls on amps, Neil Young's Whizzer, an Epiphone Blu...
2021-11-221h 24The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"The Velvet Touch"Tune in for a new chapter of TAVA, where Skip and Jason Zoom through your tube amp and cooking questions with our highest fidelity yet (thanks to our friends at Shure for sending us that MV7...and to Mrs. Simmons for figuring it out). This week's episode is sponsored by Jupiter Condenser Co., Amplified Parts and Grez Guitars. Support us on Patreon.com for added content and the occasional surprise. Special podcast offers: Use the discount code TAVA10 to get 10% off all orders at amplifiedparts.com through November 13, 2021. Be a part of th...
2021-11-051h 08The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Eat Ice Cream"Producer and musician John Vanderslice returns to the Truth About Vintage Amps Podcast with Skip Simmons. This week's episode is sponsored by Jupiter Condenser Co., Amplified Parts and Grez Guitars. Special podcast offers: Use the discount code TAVA to get free domestic shipping through October 31, 2021 on any speaker at jupiter-speakers.com. Use the discount code TAVA10 to get 10% off all orders at amplifiedparts.com through November 13, 2021. Some of the topics discussed this week: 8:40 Special guest: Musician/producer John Vanderslice returns! dEATh bUg, CRYSTALS; running Tiny Telephone studio during COVID, getting doubl...
2021-10-222h 03The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Dairy Goats in a Minivan"It's the 80th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps Podcast: reverb, goats, pickles from Australia and special call-in guest Sam Mollica! Hosted by amp tech Skip Simmons. This week's episode is sponsored by Jupiter Condenser Co., Amplified Parts and Grez Guitars. Some of the topics discussed this week: 1:32: Skip says thanks, Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey 2:44 John Bachigaluppi of Tape Op magazine 4:37 TAVA t-shirts! Pre-order yours here. 5:33 Jupiter Condenser Co. discount: Use the discount code TAVA to get free domestic shipping on Jupiter speakers at http...
2021-10-081h 35The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"New Departure"It's the 79th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps Podcast: Red plating tubes, amp rattles, Louisiana hayrides, bad advice, coaster brakes, and Blues Juniors! This week's episode is sponsored by Jupiter Condenser Co., Amplified Parts and Grez Guitars. Some of the topics discussed this week: :59 Reverb tank bag surprises 2:09 Recommended NYC repair techs? the case of the missing Telefunken GZ34 3:52 Dickey Betts' Bassman head 6:39 Schroeder's Shoe Repair in Sacramento 8:31 Skip's old band, New Departure 14:38 The Truth About Vintage Amps Patreon page; Discord com...
2021-09-242h 05The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Business Conducted on the Internet"It's the 78th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps Podcast: Speaker installation tips, more pizza hacks (thanks Pillsbury), special Patreon guest Mike Watson (the 6L6s) and more. This week's episode is sponsored by Jupiter Condenser Co., Amplified Parts and Grez Guitars. Some of the topics discussed this week: :41: Lots of cool amps at Skip's: The 44th Fender Tweed Tremolux, a Twin Reverb with a 7355 tube chart 2:46 Putting a tremolo circuit in a Masco MA-25N PA head 6:16 A pre-amp for a pro harp player with high-and-low impedance in-and-out 6:57 Shur...
2021-09-091h 40The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Eliminate the Impossible"It's the 76th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps Podcast. After a long buildup, Skip is back and fielding all of your guitar amplifier questions. This week's episode is sponsored by Amplified Parts and Grez Guitars. Some of the topics discussed this week: 3:45 What's on Skip's workbench: A 1955 Tweed Tremolux with a Tartak transformer 7:12 An obituary for Tweed amps and a challenge (and a TAVA meetup idea) 13:23 Free or cheap stuff in Loma Rica: Couch Potato stuff (taken!); a Lab Series L3 amp; a Hickcok 532 tube tester; "English"
2021-08-141h 36The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"We're Staying Positive"It's the 75th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps Podcast and Skip is feeling upbeat and quoting from the classics. As always, he's also fielding all of your guitar amplifier questions. This week's episode is sponsored by Amplified Parts and Grez Guitars. Some of the topics discussed this week: 1:00: Weird California geopolitics 4:10 Recent Northern California barn finds: ES-335, a transitional Marshall, a 1955 Fender Tremolux with the original instruction page, an Epiphone Emperor Regent; Paul Chandler 14:36 A pre-war Vega amp gets fixed (almost); the humbucking coil on a f...
2021-07-301h 05The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Another Finger on Your Hand"Welcome to the 74th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps Podcast, the bi-weekly show where amp tech Skip Simmons answers all of your pressing guitar amplifier questions. No topic is too basic... or seemingly too complex! This week's episode is sponsored by Amplified Parts and Grez Guitars. Some of the topics discussed this week: 5:53 Old typewriters, again ('The Typewriter Revolution,' thanks Doug F!); a Canon amplifier from Australia; Monkey Shoulder Scotch Whisky 9:35 Bitcoin mining, explained 12:44 Recommended reading: 'The Birth of Loud' and testing amps with full volume 15:40 Recommended reading: 'The U...
2021-07-201h 15The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Also, Not My Suit Size"Welcome to the 73rd episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps Podcast, the bi-weekly show where amp tech Skip Simmons answers all of your pressing guitar amplifier questions. No topic is too basic... or seemingly too complex! (Banter hater? The actual amp talk this time around starts at 17:00.) This week's episode is sponsored by Amplified Parts and Grez Guitars. Some of the topics discussed this week: 1:01 UFOs and Art Bell 8:01 Our Patreon page: Now with new updates and articles from Acmeverb.com! 12:05 Jason gets a haircut, learns ho...
2021-07-011h 42The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"You Look Older"Episode 72 of the Truth About Vintage Amps, where amp tech Skip Simmons reminisces about cheap regional beers, smooth trailin' and Brazilian cocktails. As always, he also fields your questions on all-things-tube-amp. So keep the questions coming... This week's episode is sponsored by Amplified Parts and Grez Guitars. Some of the topics discussed this week: 2:46 Sam Plecker from Pulga 4:51 Skip's music recommendations: Jim Hall & Paul Desmond; Chuck Wayne; Kenny Burrell; Luiz Bonfa; Phil Baugh; Pat Martino 8:24 Skip's Red Foley Guitar, a Vox book giveaway 16:06 Analog Outfitters, redux
2021-06-191h 18The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"I Analyze My Spectrum"It's the 71st installment of the Truth About Vintage Amps, featuring noisy Fenders (and a Vingtor!), clip-on fans, more candy cigarette talk and other surprises. As always, tech Skip Simmons is here for you, fielding your questions on all-things-tube-amp. This week's episode is sponsored by Amplified Parts and Grez Guitars. Some of the topics discussed this week: 1:26 Jury duty 7:14 Cool tools: Using a rifle brush to clean a 1/4" input jack (thanks Acmeverb.com!); feeler gauges; Jay Knox's film roll hack; Pinnochio 14:50 Skip is an idiot; a sleeper '60s Gi...
2021-06-041h 25The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip SimmonsBonus Interview: Mini Wall of Sound Builder Anthony CosciaTAVA Discounts: Use the discount code THETRUTH10 to save 10% off your order from Amplified Parts between now and April 15, 2021. Use the discount code TRUTHV150FF to save $15 off Caddis readers between now and April 30, 2021. The Truth About Vintage Amps' Skip Simmons and Jason Verlinde talk to Anthony Coscia, who just completed one of the wildest passion projects ever: a working, 1/6 scale model of the Grateful Dead's Wall of Sound, the audiophile-grade PA system the band employed during their concerts in 1974. Coscia, a deadhead who makes speaker cabinets and guitars as Coscia Guitars (Facebook li...
2021-04-1450 minThe Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"The Doves and the Turkeys"TAVA Discount: Use the discount code THETRUTH10 to save 10% off your order from Amplified Parts between now and April 15, 2021. Skip takes a fall, but still manages to help you troubleshoot your tube amps. Plus: Our long-awaited Deluxe schematic primer, recommended short stories, obsolete bass lures and more. 1:33 Skip and the haystack 5:30 This week's sponsors: Grez Guitars, Amplified Parts (Watch Josh Yenne demo a Grez Mendocino here.) 9:57 Jason's new podcast on makers and creators: Sweep the Floor (Apple Podcasts link); plus: The Truth About Recording & Mixing podcast (Apple Podcasts link) 12:35 The new issue of...
2021-03-261h 38The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Let's Make Cookies"Amp tech Skip Simmons is once again fielding guitar tube amp questions from around the world. Submit your question to Skip here: podcast@fretboardjournal.com or, better yet, leave us a voicemail or text at 509-557-0848. 8:04: Good Goo: TR3, SiliKroil 11:53 Our new Facebook Group (link) 13:13 Vacaville, CA's hardware store (Pacific Hardware) 15:32 This week's sponsor: Grez Guitar 16:44 The Fretboard Journal's #FJFest (TAVA listeners will enjoy seeing DJLavalamp's Treble Booster operation or TJ Thompson's shop tour) 19:30 The lettered squares on an amp layout 21:05 Skip's starter kit for aspiring amp tinkerers: Sol...
2020-04-031h 26The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Half-Finished Malt Liquor"A back-to-basics episode: No special guests, no recipes. Once again, Skip Simmons is fielding guitar tube amp questions from around the world. Submit your questions to Skip here: podcast@fretboardjournal.com or by leaving us a voicemail or text at 509-557-0848. * SUPPORT TAVA & ANGELA INSTRUMENTS* Order a PDF download of Steve Melkisethian's tweed Princeton amp project here. Some of the topics discussed on this episode: 9:49: This week's sponsor: Grez Guitars (link) 10:35 The Fretboard Journal's Electric Guitar Annual, Vol. 2 (pre-order here) 11:56 The TAVA First Year anniversary celebration: Win a...
2019-11-271h 50The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"A Crouton in Every Bite"Special guest Charles Baty joins us on this week's Truth About Vintage Amps podcast! 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: podcast@fretboardjournal.com or by leaving us a voicemail or text at 509-557-0848. Some of the topics discussed on this episode: 1:37 Charles Baty (Little Charlie & The Nightcats! Little Charlie & Organ Grinder Swing!) joins in: Termites, Spanish rice and amp tips from the roa...
2019-10-242h 00The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Bases Loaded, Full Count"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: podcast@fretboardjournal.com or by leaving us a voicemail or text at 509-557-0848. Some of the topics discussed on this episode: 8:00 Cloning vintage knobs (video link, h/t John from Australia!) 9:34 This week's sponsors: Grez Guitars, Roberto-Venn 11:01 An open call for our first live caller 13:39 Bartell guitar history (site link) 14:49 Skip...
2019-10-101h 56The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"It's a Big Tent"Summary: Skip has never had sushi; Earl is not a fan of low-balling; and Fender Bassmans rock 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: podcast@fretboardjournal.com or by leaving us a voicemail or text at 509-557-0848. Some of the topics discussed on this episode: 1:50 John Lennon in Sacramento 3:17 A quick story about Earl Yarrow 12:20 Western Electric hi-fi collecting...
2019-09-271h 56The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"I Have Lifestyle Tips"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: podcast@fretboardjournal.com or by leaving us a voicemail or text at 509-557-0848. It's our most veer-filled episode to date, including soup and footwear tips, a trip to Harvard and, yes, even some amp repair advice! Some of the topics discussed on this episode: 3:06 Soup hacks 4:01 An affordable, American-made boot 5:41 Frampton plays B.B...
2019-09-131h 59The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Walk the Dog Backwards"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: podcast@fretboardjournal.com or by leaving us a voicemail or text at 509-557-0848. Some of the topics discussed on this episode: 2:40 Jason brings home a Marshall Mercury 13:40 Mark Lindsay of Paul Revere & the Raiders 17:47 A request for a deeper dive into the Fender Champ schematic 24:34 Skip sells his Fender Tremolux head; an Amp...
2019-08-221h 45The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"One Good Solder Joint"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 Cha...
2019-08-151h 51The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Glue on the Windshield"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: 1:50 Jason starts his Stew-Mac Tweed Champ kit, Skip offers soldering tips 9:33 Skip offers some new surplus aluminum amp chassis 11:05 An A/B box update 13:50 Skip's latest projects: A Blackface Fender Bassman and a Blackface Ban...
2019-08-021h 55The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Yuba Peach"Twice a month, guitar amp guru Skip Simmons fields your questions on 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. Want to support the show? It's last call to reserve your very own Truth About Vintage Amps t-shirt. Pick from one of three styles! Please order before July 31, 2019 to reserve yours! Some of the topics discussed on this episode: 2:40 New goats! 5:34 The search for...
2019-07-191h 34The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"I'll Do the Jokes"Twice a month, guitar amp guru Skip Simmons fields your questions on tube amp buying, restoration and repair. Co-hosted by the Fretboard Journal's Jason Verlinde. Want to support the show? We now have Truth About Vintage Amps t-shirts available for pre-order. Special thanks to our sponsors: Grez Guitars, Martin, Gibson and Carter Vintage. 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: 2:18 We have Truth About Vintage T-shirts (sup...
2019-06-281h 52The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Throw a Love Light Party!"Twice a month, guitar amp guru Skip Simmons fields your questions on tube amp buying, restoration and repair. Co-hosted by the Fretboard Journal's Jason Verlinde. Special thanks to our sponsors: Mono Cases and Grez Guitars. 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: 3:27 Skip's roll call of A/B box pre-orders 5:11 We discuss episode 12's Baffler, the 3 Channel Psychedelic Control Center 9:10 This episode's Baffler 11:44 An unlikely bac...
2019-06-121h 34The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Painting the Fence"Twice a month, guitar amp guru Skip Simmons fields your questions on tube amp buying, restoration and repair. Co-hosted by the Fretboard Journal's Jason Verlinde. Special thanks to our sponsors: Mono Cases and Grez Guitars. 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: 2:05 Skip works on a barn-find 1960 Fender Tweed Bassman 6:10 Parenting tips – get a riding lawn mower 7:50 Jason confesses to Skip that he got a Ste...
2019-05-311h 39The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Waiting For the Tater Tots"Twice a month, guitar amp guru Skip Simmons fields your questions on tube amp buying, restoration and repair. Co-hosted by the Fretboard Journal's Jason Verlinde. This is our eleventh (and possibly most philosophical) episode to date. 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: 4:00 The Fretboard Journal silverface Fender Champ mods (it's awesome, btw) 13:17 Skip's four amp switcher / mixer / pre-amp 19:48 Looking at the Fender 5F1 Champ schematic, pa...
2019-05-171h 50The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Would It Get You Out of the Army Early?"Twice a month, guitar amp guru Skip Simmons shares stories and answers your questions on 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. The more questions we get, the more episodes we record. Some of the topics discussed on this episode: :22 Skip and Jason discuss possible Truth About Vintage Amps t-shirt designs (coming soon) 2:55 Jason and Skip discuss the Fretboard Journal (modified) Fender Cha...
2019-05-011h 40The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Up on Its Feet"Twice a month, guitar amp guru Skip Simmons shares stories and answers your questions on 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. The more questions we get, the more episodes we record. Some of the topics discussed on this episode: -Skip takes care of a baby goat -Who was Ray Massie (the answer to this week's baffler) -A Clavioline needs TLC -Identifying a...
2019-04-191h 31The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip SimmonsAlcohol and What?Twice a month, guitar amp guru Skip Simmons shares stories and answers your questions on 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. The more questions we get, the more episodes we record. Some of the topics discussed on this episode: -Skip replies to a critic of his WD-40 hack -Jason's Gibson EH-150 amp needs help -An answer to last week's Champ baffler -S...
2019-04-091h 46The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"In French or English"Twice a month, guitar amp guru Skip Simmons shares stories and answers your questions on 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. The more questions we get, the more episodes we record. Some of the topics discussed on this episode: -Dick Dale and the Fender Showman amp -The differences between Fender Tweed, Brownface, Blackface and Silverface amps -Noise floor: What's acceptable, what indicates a...
2019-03-261h 36The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"A Rustic Kegger Out in the Woods"Twice a month, guitar amp guru Skip Simmons shares stories and fields your questions on 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. The more questions we get, the more episodes we record. Some of the topics discussed on this episode: -Modding a Silverface Fender Champ -Speaker wiring harnesses -Keeping seldom-used guitar amps in usable shape -Groundbreaking amplifiers throughout history -The standby s...
2019-03-111h 39The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"You're a Maintenance Man"Submit your guitar amp questions to amp repair guru Skip Simmons here: fretboardjournal@gmail.com or by leaving us a voicemail or text at 509-557-0848. The more questions we get, the more episodes we record. Twice a month, guitar amp repairman and former drawbridge operator Skip Simmons fields your questions on tube amp buying, repair and maintenance. Co-hosted by the Fretboard Journal's Jason Verlinde. Some of the topics discussed on this episode: -Spring Reverb, 101: How does it work, how to fix it -Grounding tips -Skip's recommended multimeters and soldering irons...
2019-02-201h 08The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Smoked Paprika"Submit your guitar amp questions to Skip Simmons here: fretboardjournal@gmail.com or by leaving us a voicemail at 509-557-0848. The more questions we get, the more episodes we record. Twice a month, guitar amp guru and former drawbridge operator Skip Simmons fields your questions on tube amp buying, repair and maintenance. Co-hosted by the Fretboard Journal's Jason Verlinde. Topics discussed on this episode: -Different aftermarket speaker options for a Fender Champ -The dangers of working on vintage amplifiers -What to look for when shopping for a vintage guitar amp
2019-02-081h 12The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Make Me Some Bread"Submit your questions for vintage amp repair expert Skip Simmons here: fretboardjournal@gmail.com Twice a month, guitar amp guru and former drawbridge operator Skip Simmons fields your questions on tube amp buying, repair and maintenance. Co-hosted by the Fretboard Journal's Jason Verlinde. Topics discussed on this episode: -The death of guitar shows -The Truth About Vintage Amps rant on Skip's website -Why you may not need a three-prong plug on your amp -The "death cap" and the magic behind certain capacitors -Non-MASCO P/A heads as guitar amps
2019-01-221h 24The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"Don't buy that thing" The Fretboard Journal magazine presents The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons. Submit your questions to Skip here: fretboardjournal@gmail.com Every month, guitar amp guru and former drawbridge operator Skip Simmons shares stories and fields your questions on tube amp buying, restoration and repair. Co-hosted by the Fretboard Journal's Jason Verlinde. Topics discussed on this episode: -The long-term storage of tube amps -The magic behind Standel amps -Calculating the exact wattage of an amp -Good goos (and how to fix a torn speaker) -Paul Rivera-era Fenders
2019-01-081h 39The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons"People Did Stuff"The Fretboard Journal magazine presents The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons! Submit your questions to Skip here: fretboardjournal@gmail.com Every month, guitar amp guru Skip Simmons shares stories and fields your questions on tube amp buying, restoration and repair. Co-hosted by the Fretboard Journal's Jason Verlinde. Topics discussed on this episode: -Repairing amps on a drawbridge -60hz/50hz hum -Troubleshooting amps -Yellowjacket YJR/solid-state rectifiers in a tube amp -Recommended new vacuum tubes for amps -The magic behind Alexander Dumble -Skip's influences (L...
2018-12-011h 18The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip SimmonsIntroductionOnce a month, amp repair guru Skip Simmons and Fretboard Journal publisher Jason Verlinde will field your questions about vintage guitar amps. Whether you're looking for your next purchase or just want to get your old tweed Fender Deluxe working again, this show is for you. To submit a question, just email us at fretboardjournal@gmail.com. Our first episode debuts in early December 2018.
2018-11-1200 minThe Fretboard Journal Guitar PodcastFretboard Journal Live from AustinFor our 200th episode of the Fretboard Journal Podcast, we take the show on the road and broadcast from our recent Fretboard Journal Live event from the Calton Case headquarters in Austin, Texas. You'll hear our live interview with Steve McCreary (Collings Guitars), music from Redd Volkaert, Paul Glasse and Kym Warner (Greencards) and hear our conversation with Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Dave Alvin about their new album, Downey to Lubbock. Closing things out, we hear a great tune with Anthony da Costa. This episode is sponsored by Austin's own Straight Frets Guitar Service, Exile Vancouver and...
2018-05-1852 minThe Fretboard Journal Guitar PodcastPodcast 139: Rick Turner, Jack Casady and Dan Schwartz at the Fretboard Summit 2016Another highlight from the 2016 Fretboard Summit: Rick Turner, Jack Casady (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna) and Dan Schwarz have a candid talk about the evolution of instrument amplification and tone from the 1960s to today. Casady talks about his desire for higher fidelity bass sounds, even as rock concert sound systems got bigger and bigger, and the electronic experimentation that ensued. Schwarz talks about the fateful day in 1973 when he walked into the Alembic guitar factory. Meanwhile, Rick Turner discusses the back-and-forth collaborations that happen between luthiers and their clients. It's a deep (two hours long) talk that covers a...
2017-03-161h 55The Fretboard Journal Guitar PodcastPodcast 131: Michael James Adams & the Guitar Store Panel at the 2016 Fretboard SummitThis week: A double-episode of sorts! First off, we talk to Michael James Adams (aka by his social media handle, puisheen) about interviewing Nels Cline for us for issue 37. Michael walks through the interview process, Nels' gear selections and more. Around the 20 minute mark, we share another session from the 2016 Fretboard Summit, this one on the next generation of guitar stores. On the panel: Adams (co-founder of Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar), Mark Stutman (Folkway Music), Reuben Cox (Old Style Guitar Shop), Will Lowe (Lowe Vintage) and Paul Heumiller (Dream Guitars). Topics covered: Using social media to sell guitars, finding...
2017-01-061h 05The Fretboard Journal Guitar PodcastPodcast 123: Vintage Martin Guitar Panel from the 2016 Fretboard SummitOn this week's podcast, we're sharing the vintage Martin guitar panel that took place at the 2016 Fretboard Summit. Included on this panel were guitar experts Mark Stutman (Folkway Music), TJ Thompson, Jim Baggett (Mass Street Music), David Sheppard (Lowe Vintage), Eric Schoenberg and Joe Glaser (Glaser Instruments). Also joining in is Dick Boak from Martin. This episode makes for a nice bookend with Fretboard Journal Podcast #122 with TJ Thompson. Topics include: TJ's background, the Martin "longscale" myth, proper intonation, hide glue, popsicle braces, slotted bridge pins, why you can't make a new guitar exactly like an old one and...
2016-11-1152 minThe Fretboard Journal Guitar PodcastPodcast 122: TJ Thompson at the 2016 Fretboard SummitOn this week's Fretboard Journal podcast, we're sharing the talk that acclaimed luthier TJ Thompson gave at the 2016 Fretboard Summit in San Diego. This talk was billed as "Myth Busting with TJ Thompson" and had the following description in our program: Adirondack you say? What makes you think so? Is it possible to build a new guitar just like the old guitars? How long is long scale? Is hide glue really better? Should you have that popsicle brace removed? Internet bloggers who believe they know the answers to these questions beware, this lecture may not be for...
2016-11-0449 minThe Fretboard Journal Guitar PodcastPodcast 121: Rick Turner, Dana Bourgeois and Andy Powers at the Fretboard SummitThe last official talk at the 2016 Fretboard Summit featured three giants in the world of guitarmaking: Rick Turner, Dana Bourgeois and Andy Powers. This sprawling talk covers a lot of ground: What makes a great guitar? How long are guitars supposed to last? Will artificial intelligence take over guitar making? They also fielded plenty of enlightening questions from our audience. [Note: Audio is a little variable with audience questions – not everyone spoke into a microphone – but the answers should be plenty audible.] The second Fretboard Summit took place October 14-16, 2016 in San Diego. Over the next few month...
2016-10-271h 07The Fretboard Journal Guitar PodcastPodcast 108: Creston Lea at the Fretboard SummitBurlington, Vermont's Creston Lea first appeared in the Fretboard Journal #21 when we ran a feature on him and fellow electric guitar builder Paul Languedoc. Over the years, we've continued to follow and be amazed by this created luthier. Today's podcast was recorded live at the first Fretboard Summit in November 2015. This is Lea's presentation entitled "Flame Job!" where he talks about design, collaborating with artist Sarah Ryan on custom paint jobs, customer requests he's willing to take (and not take) and a lot more. He also fields some great questions from Fretboard Summit attendees. Huge thanks to ou...
2016-06-0952 min