Ask Amp Tech Expert Skip Simmons

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?

hi skip,i bought a new crate 5 watt tube amp (v series) about a year ago i hardly ever used it ,it never sounded too good, either with my sure 57 or bluesblaster,(new) it sounded thin, no bark or volume,a buddy plugged his guitar into it recently,he seemed to think it was a bad tube or tubes, 27 dollars buys new tubes ,do you think i should change them for a fix,? and if so can i make it more harp freindly with diff tubes?, continue reading...

Hi !

What about that amp?
Is there something to do to get this one more harp friedly?
I just bought one but it's very bright sounding and lot of feedback.

thanks! jk