Ask Amp Tech Expert Skip Simmons

Hi Skip, I was looking at a friends Masco ma17 the other day and noticed that the 7c7 loctal tube socket wasn't riveted in like the octals.  how do you remove the loctal socket so a octal socket can be installed, he wants to put a 6sj7 for the preamp tube.

Hi ,

I am enjoying just learning the harp.  I do not have an amp yet.

My primary use would be for the house.  I think one of Davids videos

mentions that at least a 10 inche speaker for this type of application.

Any suggestions as to where to / what to start looking at...it is a bit overwhelming

to choose amp with the huge variety out there.

Thank you for your time

           Steven Barta

Was curious about what your opinion is about the 'Memphis Mini ' amp ?

                Thank you for your time

                                    Steven Barta

Hi Skip, so I have this Bogen ph10 amp that had been rebuilt in to a Gibson ga6 circuit 12ay7 6sl7 2 6v6 5y3. all the tubes are vintage but all test very good. So I play it and the tone is kinda thin no break up ,no bottom , just real flat and dull sounding. So I though maybe no good for harp sell it to a guitar player right. Well the other night I decided to do some tube rolling, put in a old groove tube 12ax7 and a tung so RI 6sn7 in and dam! The tone fattened up great break up no feedback great volume just a completely different amp, not for sale now. continue reading...

Hi Skip, continue reading...

Hi Skip, I have a masco me 27 and was wondering if i could swap the 5v4 with a 5y3 for alittle more sag.

Hi Skip,

I'm looking for a new replacement speaker for my MU5 that's similar to the Fender Tweed Champ I think.  Can you reccomend a good speaker for harmonica to buy?  My amp repair guy here seems to think the Jensen MOD8-20 would be a good choice but you have more experience setting up amps for harp player.  Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Taylor

Hi Skip,

I'm looking for a new replacement speaker for my MU5 that's similar to the Fender Tweed Champ I think.  Can you reccomend a good speaker for harmonica to buy?  My amp repair guy here seems to think the Jensen MOD8-20 would be a good choice but you have more experience setting up amps for harp player.  Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Taylor

Hi Skip, I picked up a really clean bogen PH-10 amp. I changed the filter caps and it runs great, but it's not loud at all. It's got 2 6v6 1 6sl7 and 5y3 , 3 different rca inputs aux,radio,phono. I read some where that it's basiclly a power amp with phase inverter and no preamp.  What was this amp designed for originally and how would it be used.  If I want to use it for harp should I use some kind of preamp pedal or would it have to have the 6sl7 wired differently?  Or maybe just use it as is for listening to music.

Skip, I have isolated a hum in my Alamo Embassy to fluorescent lights in my shop where I practice. Do you have any solution to the problem? Practicing in the dark?, thought of that one already! I guess incandescent lighting also, but I was hoping something else might work so I don't have to change or add lighting. I'm not wanting to practice somewhere else either. continue reading...