Ask Amp Tech Expert Skip Simmons

Hi. A couple of months ago I bought a Laney Cub 10 amplifier that I found in a store as a demo model. It worked great for daily use until last Friday when I took it to band practice. When I got home it turned on fine, I let it warm up a bit and then started playing. It started ok and then the volume started to drop to nothing and the power light went out and there was no more sound. Prior to this the power light did tend to go out while playing, but the amp would stay on. The amp didn't receive any hard knocks. I opened it up and looked at the tubes. I took them out and reseated them. continue reading...

I've got a Sonic Pipe Windy City + 1x10 that is a little more distorted than I prefer. I usually have it set up with the 6L6 power tube option. Any ideas on if a speaker swap might clean it up a little. It currently has an Eminence Legend 1028k, 8 ohm, 35 watt in it. I’m Wondering about the Weber 10A125 speaker David put in the Laney Cub in the small amp reviews and if that could be a good option.  Or any other ideas on speakers or other components that I should think about.

Hello Skip

I recently acquired a 1948 Knight 93-103 model amplifier. It is a dedicated phono amp with an expansion control and has no mic input. If I restored it to the original specs would it have any practical use or would I be better off copying the circuit from a PA model?  Schematic for my amp in the link below.

Thank you

Joel

Schematic: https://share.icloud.com/photos/08FdSA6a6IuvK1rm7r2pUXzSQ

  continue reading...

Can a tube amp be stored at 40-50 degree temps?

hello I would like to know I bought a fender blues deluxe reissue amp and I would like to know if it is already good for playing the harmonica and how to put good adjustment cordialemnt to you thank you ?? !!

hello I would like to know I bought a fender blues deluxe reissue amp and I would like to know if it is already good for playing the harmonica and how to put good adjustment cordialemnt to you thank you ?? !!

Hello Skip how are things with you? I have just bought a 1960's TOA PA amp model HA355 on eBay. I found the schematic online and it looks interesting, with a solid state rectifier and 12AX7 and ECL82 tubes. I don't know if it will prove to be a good harp amp but it was really inexpensive so worth it I think just for the learning experience. Apparently the tubes light up but there is no output - I'm going to start by cleaning the tube sockets because they are filthy. continue reading...

I am getting a new Laney Cub10 amp based on the strong recommendations on this site. I have two questions:

1. The new Cub10 does not have a "speaker out" option. You have to get a super Cub10 for that feature (which I found elsewhere is not the recommended way to go for harmonica). Is this an add-on I can buy and install myself? I am handy with a soldering iron with electronics. continue reading...

Hey Skip!

I recently purchased a Bogen E-10. I was really pulled in by the light switch style On\Off toggle. 

The previous owner installed 1/4 jacks for the Speaker and Mic but I'm not sure how to go about switching the impedance or checking what it is. I do see the impedance selector on the back of the amp and the ground tie down but am unsure of what cable to use.

Here are some photos of the amp, the guts and the schematics.

Thanks for any help you can provide!

Many years ago in the quest for a decent amp I finally shelled out some clams and bought a brand new Sonny Jr. Cruncher, with one Weber 10" and two Weber 8" speakers.

What's the consensus opinion of this amp?

I like it but it's kinda big and kinda heavy. Not Bassman big and heavy but still... ooff!

Anything that needs upgrading on these amps?