It’s the 169th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps, the call-in show where amp tech Skip Simmons fields all of your tube amp and life questions. This week, returning guest Steve Soest joins us for a chat about the vintage days of vintage guitar buying; playing alongside Chuck Berry and Dick Dale; Leo Fender’s dining habits; and more. 

Thank you to our sponsors: Grez Guitars; Emerald City Guitars; and Amplified Parts / Mod Electronics.

Some of the topics discussed this week:

:55 What’s on Skip’s Bench: A messed-up Masco MA-17

4:06 Special guest: Guitar and amp legend Steve Soest (Soest Guitars)! A meeting of the amp minds, Danelectro tales, Standel heads, David Lindley, G&L, consulting for Fender, Dick Dale tales, and so much more!

1:16:25 A possessed Ampeg, redux

1:18:26 Skip’s Disney picks

1:20:57 The Tone Quest Report

1:22:58 Woodinville in the WSJ

1:24:43 Gain knob/master volume 101, cleaning Tolex

1:34:02 Hollywood Bob’s Bandmaster

Want amp tech Skip Simmons’ advice on your DIY guitar amp projects? Want to share your top secret family recipe? Need relationship advice? Join us by sending your voice memo or written questions to podcast@fretboardjournal.com! Include a photo, too.

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Hosted by amp tech Skip Simmons and co-hosted/produced by Jason Verlinde of the Fretboard Journal.

Above: What Skip removed from his client’s Masco PA.