Ask Amp Tech Expert Skip Simmons

Many amps have two mic inputs that are described as "Input #1 is your high gain or normal input and #2 is the low gain input" I know that there are XLR to 1/4" cables and there are impedance matching transformers for connecting low impedance mics to high impedance inputs.

What is the purpose of the 2 inputs - each being 1/4" types yet describing them as high gain and low gain? Could you connect a low impedance mic to the low gain input using an XLR to 1/4" cable or do you still need to use a impedance transformer? continue reading...

Hi Skip.
What do you think about this beauty?

I am looking for amp easily available at my city, and I can by this one just turning the corner.

Skip,

Can you give us a list of suggestions for packing and shipping amps safely? Particularly the larger/heavier amps @60+lbs?

Thanks in Advance.

Question:
When I was playing with the Bassman Reissue LTD, for about two and a half hours. At the end of the session I notice the chrome top plate (volume & inputs) and the top 3 screws were so hot I could only touch them for no more then about 3 or 4 seconds, is this normal for the top plate & screws to be this hot.

Its just had the lower-gain tubes inserted this week (12AU7 12AX7 12AY7) in replace of the 3 higher-gain tubes (12AX7).

The amp has come from Hong Kong and set up for 230volts, and change only this week to 240volts for Australia. continue reading...

Hi Skip. What are the advantages/disadvantages of using an amp head (I think thats the name) plus speakers vs a one piece unit that has both in one cabinet?

Hi,

I hear alot about the 65 princeston, Are the 66 's and 67's less desirable and do they sound different?

Thanks
538hemi

Hi Skip,

I bought a Fender Deluxe a couple of years ago and I have it paired with a Green Bullet 520Dx. I can't get the volume up to 2 in the "More Drive" setting before it feeds back. I feel that I just can't get the best out of the amp at that level.

I have read that a tube exchange would do the trick. Would you recommend that I go that route or just sell the amp and get something a little smaller and more appropriate for the harmonica. I have seen David praise the Super Champ XD, perhaps the Blues Junior.

Your insight would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Mike

Hi, Skip.

I'm looking at a "passive direct box" that is on sale at Musician's Friend. The description says that it can take a speaker-level input signal, to be sent on to an amp. I'm wondering if it would be a good alternative to micing a small tube amp into a PA or larger amp, or would the tone be adversely affected? I assume the little black box is just tranformers and electronic doodads, and that probably it depends on exactly what stuff they use in there?
Thanks.
By the way, I'm loving my Kalamazoo that you fixed. Thanks!

Mark H.

Hello Skip,

I've got an old Fender Twin Reverb (supposedly 1970). The tubes are dead and probably the speakers too. Which tubes and speakers should I buy?

Thanks,

Patrice

Hi Skip,

OK. I have a '59 reissue Bassman with overdriven tubes. I've heard it can be good for the tone to have one with speakers that are broken in. Any ideas on how to do this or do I just need to loan it to a guitar buddy for a few months and let him put some miles on it?

-Taylor