Ask Amp Tech Expert Skip Simmons

Hi,

I am not shure about this, so correct me if I am wrong.

Acording to this:
http://www.musiccenters.com/vol.html

a +7db increase equal to (kind of)4x power.

So, if my Laney Cub10, 10w tube amp, has a 10" 94db speaker (Celestion Tube 10), and I change that speaker for a 12" 101 db one (Eminence Patriot red white blues), that is the same (in theory) as having a 40w amp?

I am not looking to turn a 10w amp into a 40w amp, I just want to increase my volume enough to hear my self on a jam, whit guitar player who use 25-30w amps.

I am in the right direction?

Thxs!! continue reading...

Hi, Skip.
Lately, I've noticed that when I mic. my Kalamazoo for recording, I get a hum that seems to change with positioning of the microphone (seems to get louder the closer the mic is to the power transformer of the amp, and changes some with direction). The amp itself is very quiet, but I can't record it without the hum (I tried a couple of different mics).
Also, when I try to record with my speaker-driven line out, I get a hum as well (also when I plug the speaker-driven line out into a PA). Again, the amp is quiet as a mouse (humless) all by itself.
Any suggestions?

Thanks. continue reading...

Hi Skip
I'm intrigued with my new ValveTrain 205TB amplifier. It has a lot of potential as a 5 watt harmonica recording amplifier. This little amp was inspired by the 1955 Fender 5F2A Princeton that GREW!! It has pair of Weber 8" Alnico speakers (Full size Eminence 12" speaker is available as an option).

I plan on using the 205TB on the bandstand, and prefer to "line out" (similar to my SJ1), rather than mic the amp to carry the sound through the PA. How should I attack this project?

Thanx,
Kinya

Hi, Skip.
Would you explain how a speaker driven line out (like the one you put in my Kalamazoo) differs, as far as the ultimate sound, from the more common (I think) pure preamp line out?

Hi I just bought my first amp but have been playing harmonica over a year now. I bought a VHT special 6 combo. I changed the speaker to a eminence lil buddy and changed both the Chinese tubes 6v6 and a 12ax7. I bought 2 tubes off amazon a jj6v6 and a tungsol 12ax7. I don't know much about tubes but was told a nos 6v6gt would sound a lot better than a jj 6v6 for harmonica. I just thought I would ask others before I spent 45 bucks on a nos tube. Is this true??any other suggestions

Hi Skip!

Still looking for bigger harp amp and now there is available on reasonable price Fender Silverface Bassman 1978 4x10.
What kind of amp this is for a harp? worth of buying ?

jk

Hi Skip, what to you think is a better speaker for blues harp, the eminence Lil' Buddy 10" or the eminence alinco blue frame 10" that was in the early bassman reissues. Thanks in advance... Cheers

Hi Skip,

Base on your experience with Fender amps, would you have any opinion on the Fender Pawnshop Special Excelsior 13 W Tube Amp? It has a 6v6 output tube and 12AX7 pre-amp tubes. I like the look of it and the price. Just wondering if it would be a good investment.

Here's a link:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/fender-pawn-shop-speci...

Homer.

Hi, Skip.

I recently acquired a Fanon-Masco FMA-20 PA head. It looks like it would have potential for harp.
Assuming it isn't totally trashed, would it be worth modifying for harp use? Does it have any outstanding characteristics/flaws/attributes that might help me decide whether to pursue it (as in, to send it to you?).

A couple of 12AX7s and a 7189A (and a C6A4 rectifier).

I figured that if anyone has had experience with these, it must be you!

Thanks.

Mark H.

How can I tell what kind of speakers are in my Bassman RI? They are blue & have bunches of numbers on paper tags. Would sending you a picture help?