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Artwork for The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons

The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons

The Fretboard Journal
Vintage Tube Amps
Guitar Repair
Vintage Amps
Tube Amplifiers
Fender
Fretboard Summit
Guitar Amplifiers
Vintage Tube Amplifiers
Vintage Guitar Amplifiers
Vintage Music
Guitar Modifications
Bay Area Guitar Show
Guitars
DIY Amplifier Repair
Reverb Tanks
Guitar Shows
Typewriters
Harmonica
Soundmaster
Guitar Restoration

Twice a month, guitar amp guru Skip Simmons fields your questions on vintage tube amp repair, restoration and collecting. Often hilarious and always insightful, it's like no other guitar podcast out there.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes166Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Music HistoryMusic

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Artwork for The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons

Latest Episodes

Episode 162 of the Truth About Vintage Amps Podcast, where amp tech Skip Simmons tackles all of your questions about guitar tube amps! This week, we go deep on Canadian amps, tremolo tweaks, and tech tips. Plus: Rumors of a possible TAVA meetup at Sk... more

Episode 161 of the Truth About Vintage Amps Podcast, where amp tech Skip Simmons tackles all of your questions about guitar tube amps.

Thank our sponsors: Grez Guitars; Emerald City Guitars; and Amplified Parts / Mod Electronics. Use the discount... more

Episode 160 of the Truth About Vintage Amps Podcast, where amp tech Skip Simmons fields all of your questions about tube amps.

Thank our sponsors: Grez Guitars; Emerald City Guitars and Amplified Parts.

Some of the topics discussed this week: more

Episode 159 of the Truth About Vintage Amps: Beans, two-prong ASMR, peeling diodes (and faceplates) and more!

Thank our sponsors: Grez Guitars; Emerald City Guitars and Amplified Parts. And honarary mention to Rancho Gordo beans.

Some of the to... more

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Recent Guests

Jack Weston
Expert on the Allman Brothers Band, co-author of a memorabilia book.
Episode: Ep. 156: "A Hoop and a Stick"
Will Simmons
Former guest and academic, author of the book "Love and Degradation"
Not specified
Episode: Ep. 141: "I've Got an Alamo That I Want to Forget"
Steve Carr
Boutique amplifier builder and founder of Carr Amplifiers
Carr Amplifiers
Episode: Ep. 137: "Walk Around the Yard"
Jonathan Stout
Reformed lawyer turned jazz guitarist, plays guitar for competitive dances.
Campus Five band
Episode: Ep. 134: "A Little Debbie Swiss Roll"
Bob Armstrong
Acclaimed musician and illustrator, known for his contributions to vintage music preservation.
Episode: Ep. 131: "Sandy Soil"
Calvin McCormick
Head tech guy at Hiwatt, overseeing amp build and design
Hiwatt
Episode: Ep. 130: "America's Hat"
Mike Watson
A Canadian guitarist and contributor to the podcast
Episode: Ep. 130: "America's Hat"
Bill Krinard
Amp designer and repairman with extensive experience in the industry.
Two Rock
Episode: Ep. 127: "The Rogue Hoe"

Hosts

Skip Simmons
Host of The Truth About Vintage Amps; guitar amp expert with deep experience in repair and restoration; frequent host with a long tenure in the community.
Jason Verlinde
Co-host, recognized for insightful discussions on vintage amps, gear sourcing, and community anecdotes; frequently contributes practical repair perspectives.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 626 ratings
  • Peak amp content

    A great wealth of amp knowledge shared in an approachable and friendly way.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MetsXVX
    United States3 months ago
  • Amazing podcast

    This podcast is unbelievably awesome. Jason and Skip not only offer stellar content they also open their doors for Q&A…..If you are into vintage amps this is the #1 podcast.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Gitmoapps
    United States8 months ago
  • The best

    Greetings from sweden

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Emlon Emlonson
    Swedena year ago
  • What’s on Skip’s mind?

    This podcast started out great focused on guitar amp repair, restoration and the differences between models and makes. Now, goats, cooking and what feels like regurgitated discussions, - kind of lost its focus.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    N1ckname9
    New Zealanda year ago
  • This is great!

    So much amazing free information!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    kingdom of god is within you
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some listeners enjoy the broad topics and community storytelling, though a few feel discussions drift at times.
Overall, listeners praise the deep amp knowledge and approachable teaching style.
The banter, Q&A format, and guest features are a big draw for fans of gear and vintage tech.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#21
United States/Music/Music History
Apple Podcasts
#174
United States/Music
Apple Podcasts
#20
Canada/Music/Music History
Apple Podcasts
#46
United Kingdom/Music/Music History
Apple Podcasts
#184
Canada/Music
Apple Podcasts
#33
Italy/Music/Music History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ep. 161: "Tremolo Thursday"
Q: What would Skip do in the bias wiring question for the 1968 Super Reverb with multiple secondary options?
Skip would likely suggest a practical approach: implement a common bias supply with adjustable resistors or a selectable bias path tied to the high-voltage switch, so you can switch between high and low B+ while maintaining safe, predictable bias values and keeping the rest of the circuit stable.
Ep. 159: "TAVA, Again...Exclamation Point"
Q: Should I use WD-40 on my knee?
If it works for someone and they really feel like it, who am I to say you're a lunatic.
Ep. 159: "TAVA, Again...Exclamation Point"
Q: What do I do about the noise from my Premier B-220 Custom Bass Amp?
Replace the diodes and check back if your sound issues resolve.
Ep. 159: "TAVA, Again...Exclamation Point"
Q: What do you do with a two-pronged chord that broke on my 1965 Vibro Champ?
You could just change the plug itself, or you could buy a new two-pronged cord.
Ep. 159: "TAVA, Again...Exclamation Point"
Q: What should I do about my rusted chrome faceplate on the amp?
You could try to cut a thin plastic cover to protect it from getting worse.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on vintage tube amps, repair and restoration, with a strong emphasis on practical tech advice, gear sourcing, and community storytelling. Hosts mix deep technical discussions with humorous banter, guest features, and occasional off-topic tangents (food, travel, and personal stories) that keep the tone lively. The format tends to favor accessible, experience-based guidance for builders, repair enthusiasts, and vintage-gear collectors, while also showcasing guests from the amp community and related gear ecosystems. A standout characteristic is the hosts' long-running, collaborative dynamic and a willingness to entertain wide-ranging tangents without losing sight of amps and repair craft, which can be particularly appealing t... more

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. The Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast
2. Dipped In Tone
3. Chasing Tone - Guitar Podcast About Gear, Effects, Amps and Tone
4. The Fret Files
5. Know Your Gear Podcast

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 7 years ago and published 166 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Jack Weston
2. Will Simmons
3. Steve Carr
4. Jonathan Stout
5. Bob Armstrong
6. Calvin McCormick
7. Mike Watson
8. Bill Krinard

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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