Ep. 161: "Tremolo Thursday"
Ep. 161: "Tremolo Thursday"  
Podcast: The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons
Published On: Mon Mar 02 2026
Description: 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 code TAVA10MOD for a one-time, 10% discount on Mod Electronics orders at https://www.modelectronics.com. Usable on speakers, amp kits, pedal kits, reverb tanks, etc. Offer ends April 11, 2026.  Some of the topics discussed this week: :42 Phil Upchurch and 'What It's Like to Be a Musician' 3:25 On the Bench: A non-working outboard tremolo by Skip, a unique Massie trem circuit, putting trem in a Bassman 100, bias modulating tremolo 9:57 A TAVA giveaway (Thank you, Union Tube & Transistor and Exile!)  14:44 An Electro-Music Baffler, answered; a vintage Roberts electric mandolin; Tiny Moore; Bob Wills in Sacramento 25:12 Follow our Instagram page and help us get to 10,000 followers, the Garnet amp book (link), the Garnet Herzog 28:16 An amp tech for Guam 36:12 Working on a Johnson Celestion, why were some volume pots in front of the first tube? the best spare 6V6s to seek out 42:02 Talking Micro-Frets guitars on the Fretboard Journal Podcast (link) 43:13 Why is my Fender Super 60 so noisy? 49:30 A 1968 Fender Super Reverb with replaced transformers, using the extra secondaries? bias talk 56:03 Homemade salsa 59:19 Recommended reading: Proper Records' 'Hillbilly Boogie' box set (Amazon link) 1:00:33 Recommended watching: 'The Life We Have' (YouTube link, warning: it's a tear jerker) 1:01:46 The Webster-Chicago 166-1 vs. the Voice of Music 160 amp schematics; homemade chicken wings 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. Want to support the show? Join our Patreon page to get to the front of the advice line, see exclusive pics, the occasional video and more.  Hosted by amp tech Skip Simmons and co-hosted/produced by Jason Verlinde of the Fretboard Journal.