Ep. 148: "Lining Up"

The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons

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 Showman at Emerald City Guitars!

31:33 Barry & The Remains; what should I do with this Bell 2122C integrated mono tube amp? slow-cooker chicken breasts with salsa; Radio Shack Minimus 7 speakers

41:40 Congrats to listener Marcus, Master of Public Health from Harvard!

42:44 Non-polarized electrolytics

45:58 Alternatives to 6V6s

47:50 Acupuncture point charts vs tube amp schematics

51:01 Deciding on a good speaker; mir a poux

1:03:05 Modding a Harmony 420

1:08:00 DIY cooling fan tips Mouser part numbers: Mouser #490-CFM-4010-13-22, FAN AXIAL 40X10.6MM 12VDC; Mouser #576-01500322H, Fuse Holder ACS INLINE FUSE HOLDER; Mouser #709-APV8-12, Meanwell 8W, 12V, 0.67A power supply

1:11:32 What should I plug a Fender Bass VI into?

1:14:22 Getting a good tone out of a master volume Silverface Fenders? Hal’s Grub Steak BBQ sauce?

1:20:16 Pedal steel through JBL D130Fs, breaking-in speakers

1:25:46 Replacing the red module in a 1969 Standel solid state amp; vinegar, syrup and seltzer shooters

1:31:19 Movie recommendation: Steven Spielberg's 1971 film ‘Duel’

Recorded May 30, 2025. Want amp tech Skip Simmons' advice on your DIY guitar amp projects? Join us by sending your voice memo or written questions to [email protected]! Include a photo, too.

Hosted by amp tech Skip Simmons and co-hosted/produced by Jason Verlinde of the Fretboard Journal.

Don't forget, we have a Patreon page. Support the show, get behind-the-scenes updates and get to the front of the line with your questions.