Ask Amp Tech Expert Skip Simmons

Hi, Skip.

The Kalamazoo and the MA17 you did for me are treasures. People ask me about them all the time, and I would like to sound smarter when I answer some of their questions.

I know that (tube)  amps that are designed for guitar and as PA heads are often "modded" when they are to be used for harmonica. But could you explain, generally and in terms that harp players might understand (and without giving away any trade secrets, unless you are so inclined), what the main goals of "voicing the amp for harp" are? continue reading...

Hi Skip, I was was wondering what are the symtoms of a pot going bad or is already bad.

With the line out on a Masco MA17, are there any general rules that should be used or be sure to tell the person running the PA board at a jam?? 

Hi Skip, I could get an old Hammond Organ from the 70's (which even has an aux-input on the backside). I don't know if the organ itself is technically in a playable condition. Is the amp-section suitable for playing harp? As it is quite a long way to travel to the one who gives it away I would like to know what you think about this idea. continue reading...

Hi Skip, I could get an old Hammond Organ from the 70's (which even has an aux-input on the backside). I don't know if the organ itself is technically in a playable condition. Is the amp-section suitable for playing harp? As it is quite a long way to travel to the one who gives it away I would like to know what you think about this idea. continue reading...

I wrote this originally in another Masco thread but thought it might get lost so I'm repeating my question in its own thread. Thanks! continue reading...

Hi Skip, really digging the masco chronicles. I just got a really cool Voice of Music 165 amp in the  original cabnet with two  8" speakers and tweeter.  This thing rips!  It has a extention speaker jack on the back labeled speaker 2 ,when I plugged a extention 8ohm cab with a 10" spkr in to it I noticed it was still playing threw the 8s also. isnt it supposed to play just threw the extention cab? The speakers are wired in seires and goes into the amp which looks like a a plug like a masco pa octal speaker connections , is that plug removable? continue reading...

Hey, Skip.

LOVING my MA17 that you refurbished!

What do you think about Masco MA35s for harp, in general? Unnecessarily complicated to mod for harp?

To be less specific, which Mascos (or any other "similar" models) do you consider the most prime candidates for refurb/modding, if one is looking for more power?

(Not like I need another amp, but why let that stop me?)

 Unrelated question: is a line out on the MA17 a reasonable thing to add?

Thanks,

Mark Heffington

Hi Skip

I own a Vox AC15cc1 amp. it has 12inch speaker, a pair of el84 tube and 12AX7 tube. i thin it hase very trebley ,bright and a little harsh tone, i changed stock tube with RCA and General Electric NOS tube but this job was not very effective.

is the changing the speaker can be effective??  I'm looking for round fat tone with smooth treble, and also heared good reviews about Eminence patriot series speaker specialy Cannabis Rex model. what's your suggestion?

Hello,

I have a nice Masco Ma-17 with 2 10inch speaker cabinet with sounds great, but not that loud....

Within a few months I will join a new band who already play big gigs.  The frontman (who gigs over 25 years around Europe) asked me to get a big amp so we don't have to dependent on the sound-guy's.  continue reading...