Ask Amp Tech Expert Skip Simmons

Hi Skip,

Do tubes improve with use or do they degrade a little each time you use them?

I have recently tenderised the speakers (50+ hours) in my Bassman as well as changing the two resistors, adding an adjustable bias pot and changed the tubes and rectifier as recommended by David and Mark on the bassman chronicles, and I wondered if the tubes have a wear in period?

The amp sounds awsome, even with my limited harp skills.

Many thanks

Saul

Hello Skip

What amp mods would you typically make to a Champ style tube guitar amp to make it more harp friendly?  A couiple things I've read about are disabliing the negative feedback circuit, putting in a lower gain pre-amp tube and changing the coupling capacitors to .1uf from .022.  Would  you make those changes, other changes, or just leave it alone?  Thanks!

Hello,

A friend guitarist lend me his Orange Rocker 32 amp. Is this a good amp for the harmonica? I tried it quick and it sounds good. The dirty channel sounds very mean!

I would appreciated your thoughts on this before I decide to buy it or invest my money in another amp.

Thanks,

Gabriel

Hi please can you tell me if there is a way to play jam tracks through my amp and play through the amp at the same time I have a Harp Train 10 and a Pig Nose solid state amp. Thanks Tony 

Hi please can you tell me if there is a way to play jam tracks through my amp and play through the amp at the same time I have a Harp Train 10 and a Pig Nose solid state amp. Thanks Tony 

Hi there :)

I wanted to ask, as someone who've seen everything in the amp world.. What are some good sounding 6v6 tubes to use in a champ, that can help tighten the low end? I am talking NOS....

If it doesn't matter then that's also an acceptable answer :) 

Thanks ! 

Hi,

I have a Laney Cub 10 that sounds great, but some time ago I would lose volume after about 15 minutes of playing. The sound would come back after the amp was switched off for a few minutes. Now the amp won't produce any sound at all. I have tried playing through another amp with the same setup and I get sound. I'm pretty sure the problem is with the amp. continue reading...

I'm looking for an amplifier that meets all situations, is a "for life". My first choice would be the Fender Princeton Reverb 68 Custom, however, I found the Fender 68 Custom Deluxe Reverb at the same price.

Any suggestion?

Hey Skip,I'm looking into quilter amps. Testing out the Micropro HD with 12" speaker. 

I'm looking to maximize volume before feedback, playing with a loud rock band with 2 overdriven guitars...If you've ever been in that position you know what I'm talking about.

Amp has an XLR line out which is very helpful.Using a LW Harp Shield and carbon copy delay Also have a Harp Attack. Trying to dial in a Boss GE7 EQ but I don't really know what to do with it.Any input would be appreciated.Thanks!!Tom

Hello,

I saw there was another Laney cub10 topic but my problem seems slightly different so I have decided to spawn a new topic.

I am quite inexperienced as it comes to equipment so I would really need some professional help.

My amp started making strange static noices while I play. At first I thought I could do something playing with the knobs in order to reduce it but it seems something is wrong. Can you please help me discover the source? continue reading...