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Forums :: Ask Amp Tech Expert Skip Simmons

Sonny JR1...

4 replies [Last post]
Wed, 05/12/2010 - 12:47
slucey
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Joined: 12/19/2009

Skip,
I also have a Sonny Jr1....do you think this amp is more touch sensitive and more apt to give feedback...If so what can you do to combat this?
Mine is in pristine condition.
Steve

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Wed, 05/12/2010 - 20:25
#1
dhharp
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Joined: 02/19/2010
SJ1 #004

Skip did the maintenance on my SJ1 a while back and said it's a great product and should be left the way it is. The only thing I've tried is using different USA made tubes along with different mics and found the feedback varies. Right now the amp has (1) 12AT7 & (1) 12AY7, using an Astatic 30 Brown Biscuit with a hot element, I can set the amp volume to 6 and the VC on the mic about 3/4 before the feedback starts. Hope this helps.

Dave

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Wed, 05/12/2010 - 20:46
#2
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Comment

This is a great sounding amp, but it has 8" speakers, so it's not going to be a loud stage amp. Make sure to get the amp off the floor and always mic it and ask to have a little bit of monitors (when available). Sonny used to make a speaker cabinet for this amp as well... you may want to contact him.

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Thu, 05/13/2010 - 06:20
#3
Subway John
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Joined: 01/12/2010
SJ 1

The best thing to do is talk to Sonny himself who will bend over backwards and jump through hoops to help you get the best sound. I would try putting a 12AU7 in the first preamp stage which should help with feedback. I run my SJ1 with a 12AU7 in the first stage and a 5751 in the second which is a setup that Sonny Jr. recommended. Sonny also mentioned switching postions with the preamp tubes as another option. You might also try to mic it from the back. I agree that this amp is touch senstive but that's what makes it great.

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Thu, 05/13/2010 - 12:12
#4
Expert Skip Simmons
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Joined: 01/18/2010
Sonny Jr. 1

Hello Steve- It looks like you've gotten some good answers from players about your SJ 1! Let me just add (again) that you can't IMPROVE a good amp, you can only CHANGE it. If the change works for you, that is great, but people spend way too much time trying to decide what would be "best". Good amps have had a lot of thought and effort put into them, and it's unlikely that any "upgrades" other than possibly tubes, will result in any actual improvement.

Skip

Skip Simmons Amp Repair

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