Ask Amp Tech Expert Skip Simmons

Hi Skip, can you tell me if the 10" Eminence Blue Frame reisue used in the early Bassman Reissues, would sound better in a open back or a closed back cabinet. Or does that speaker have to go in a open back cab. I am going to build a cabinet for one 10'' blue frame, for a VHT Special 6 and want to make sure I have the right knowledge before I start. Thanks in advance

Howsit Skip, so i got this 1956 Gibson GA-6 and the old p12r smooth cone (dated 1955) finally died. Ive been looking at the weber 12a125-0 ( supposed to be like a p12q) would this speaker be better than their 12a100. I like the tone of the old p12r will one of these speakers get me around the same tone? Or is there another speaker you would recommend? Im having hard time choosing.

Thank you so much Skip, in advance. I have JT30 microphone and I am in the market for a practice amplifier around $100. I have just started the intermediate lessons and I would like some amplification.

Is there a amp that I could have the backing tracks played through them also, or is it best to use my Ipad with some speakers.

I have a laptop computer too, but I want to be able to get out in the sunshine soon and jam.

Will

Hi Skip, I would like to find out if I have my bullet mic plugged into the hi input on my amp, can I plug a mic into the low input for vocals, at the same time, and use both together, or will this damage the amp. Thanks

One of the owners of the shop I work in brought in an old 1961 Kay 504 Tube Amp. The tremolo isn't working but besides that it sounds great. I'm not sure if it is loud enough for the bandstand but I really like the tone I'm getting out of it; at the very least I'm thinking it would be a good practice amp and replace the Line 6 Spider III amp I currently practice on at home. He's asking $125 for it, which seems pretty fair. Is there anything I need to know about this thing before I dig into the piggy bank?

Thinking of a 50w 2x10 harp amp, probably from Mission Amps.
I want the 2x10 to keep size and weight down.
What do you think of Jensen tornado Jet vs Eminence Lil Buddy for the speakers?
I will be putting two of the same kind of whatever speaker I choose

Dear Mr. Simmons,

I got a silverface princeton, but the stock speaker seems a bit worn out to me. What would be a good speaker to improve the sound for harmonica?

Thanks.

Howsit Skip, I just acquired a 1950s Bogen HE10 (the one with blue chassis, grey top ). I'm gonna have it restored to original spec, looking at the tube line up and schematic it should be ok for harp stock? Thanks Brian

Howzit Skip, i was checking out the electric components in my old pa head (1953) the other day and noticed that one of the red tiny chief capacitors looked wet, looked like when you dip a piece of cardboard in water. does this mean the cap is on the way out and going to explode? last time i took it to the tech he replaced all of the out of speck stuff, there are 2 more tiny chief caps should i just replace those too before those start sweating also?

Well, I'm going to pick up the Blackface this week. I hope that this is not to much amp for my situation. What kind of tube swap out in the preamp do you recommend to make this amp more friendly for harp. Thanks