Ask Amp Tech Expert Skip Simmons

I've owned the delta blue for many years back when I played a lot of guitar.  Now that I"m learning to play harmonica, would it be reasonable to retube?  When I first got it I retubed with JJ ECC83-s and JJ EL-84 replacing the EH and Sovtek originals.  Would swapping the ECC83-s with 12AT7 or 12AY7?

Hi Skip

Can you explain anything about the differences or history of these two amps?

From what I can tell they look similar in layout. At least on the outside....

I haven't seen many MA-808s expect a few pictures. but other than the naming it looks like the 808 has a different logo which suggests to me it might have come along later in the lineup.

Does the ME vs MA prefix mean anything significant?

thanks for any info. 

Andrew

I am managing the musical entertainment for an outdoor festival at work. One responsibility is working with the sound guy we have hired to provide audio. In addition to hosting the show I will also be playing a few tunes. I will be bringing my Fender Super Champ X2 with a wireless Ulitmate SM57 mic. I am used to having my amp mic to the PA. However the sound guy prefers to use the line out function. I have never used it and do not know what it will sound like. Any recommendations or things to watch for.

Thanks

Brian

Hi Skip, I want to play live gigs (loud 5 piece band) with two amps linked so as to get the benefits of each different amp in the overall mix. I'm using a Sonny Jnr 4x10 and a Princeton reverb. If I use an AB-Y splitter box to get one amp or the other amp as well as getting the two combined when I want to - will there be any issues with the AB-Y such as mic signal supression or circuit hum? Is there any alternative way of linking two amps I should consider?

Hi Skip, I posted this in general discussons but it's probably better to ask an expert!

So I'm having the age old problem of not getting enough volume when playing with a loud band.  I would say the band is about as loud as an average bar-band....maybe a bit louder than most.    I prefer playing through a Bassman but even when miced through the PA I am not getting the volume I need. continue reading...

Hi. I have done some mods on my Fender pro jr:

1. speaker - Weber 10A125-O 

2. power tubes - 2pair of el84s 

3. preamp tubes -  V1 -  12au7 and  V2 -  12ay7

I can play it on volym 6 - 7 depending on the mic, and  I´m using a feedback killer.I have Non-Adjustable Fixed Bias, and the tubs are running hot.

Is it possible  to reduse the gain even more but not so much that the tone gets bad,Suggestions?

And the power tubes are a bit bright, suggestions on a good pair of power tubes?

Thanks J.A

Hey Skip,

  continue reading...

Hey Skip, continue reading...

Hello Skip, 

I was wondering why the two input jacks on my Kalamazoo 2 sound different.  Jack 1 gets a lot louder and more sensitive and jack 2 is not as loud?  what would be the difference?  

Thank you.  

David Saccucci

Hey Skip. I am entering the market for a used amp, probably a Fender Hot Rod Deville or 59 Bassman reissue. What sorts of things should I look for when buying used to protect against getting ripped off?