Ask Amp Tech Expert Skip Simmons

Howsit Skip, i got a 1951 gibson br6(F) a couple of weeks ago and its been running great. The other day i pluged it in to a surge protector and it didnt turn on. So i pluged it in strait to the outlet and it came on, but there was a werid sound when turned on, it sounds like a high frequency squeal, whine sound that peaks then fades out. Kind of like a old tube tv when turned on. It comes on gradually then disappears, only lasts a couple of seconds then the amp works fine. Im going to take it to a amp tech when i get time. I tried it today and made the same sound. continue reading...

Hi Skip,
Can you give some feedback on the amp companies in the subject line. All 3 have lower wattage models as well as full blown hi output.
The Vintage 47 are custom built on the Valco circuitry using octal tubes. Then on the other hand Rick Davis raves about Mission. I have also heard good things about Harp Gear.
I am not overly concerned with pinching pennies. I am looking to make my initial amp purchase as I am a student of David's.

Thanks
Anthony Giarratano

Hi, Skip, my vibrolux came with a 5Y3 rectifier, is this the best tube for harp? Would a 5U4 be to hot for this amp? Thanks, Pete

Hi, Skip, I picked up a 59' vibrolux with a black frame P10Q, Would this be an organ pull? I did some online research, and can't find much info on this. It sounds wonderful. The 220xxx is there, it also has a frame speaker code that is C6942, what does that mean? Thanks for the help, Pete Grissim

Hi Skip, i'm looking at a late 70s PR. this is the model with a pull-boost volume. is there any significant difference between these and the earlier models if the boost is not employed? i've seen claims that they have some inherent fragility, but also many guitarists say they are no different to earlier models if you dont use the boost. of course, i am interested in its harp-friendly qualities, so not sure how much notice to take of anonymous guitarists' comments

i haven't had a chance to try it yet, grateful for any information,
Thanks,
Dave

Hey there,

I just got a geloso G213 http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/geloso_g213_a_g213a.html

The amp is very loud, but its sounds a bit "thin".

There are 2 12SL7GT tubes in it.
Can I swap it with a 6sl7, or maby a 12sn7?
I got 2 6sn7gtb tubes there, can I try those 2?

I read allot about 12a*7 tubes in harp amps, can i swap them? maby with a "adapter" or something.
And what brand would be the best/would you recommend

What would be the best preamp tubes to get more bass?

And it also got 2 6V6G tubes in my geloso. continue reading...

Hi
I thought I had purchased a Fender Super Champ XD following the recommendation from Dave Barret. However, when I got it home it turned out that I had been given a Super champ X2. It looks exactly the same as the XD I saw on display at the Music shop. The X2 has a USB slot. However, is it technically the same as the SCXD and will it sound the same. I would like to know before I start using it in case I decide to return it.

Thanks

hi skip, i own a hoodoo amp and play thru a red howler,not sure how to get the best tone ...amp has a gain,tone(scooped,bright,dark) ,volume and reverb.any suggestion on a starting point,thanks john turi

Just wanted your thoughts on the Hohner amp. Just doesn'r seem to be discussed on any forum. Is it that it's not suitable for the Chicago blues kind of sound that harp players seek?

Dear Mr. Simmons,

could a silverface 73 Vibrolux be a interesting amp for harmonica?
If so, what kind of modifications would it need?

Thanks.

Best regards,

Joost