Ep. 169: "They Always Went to Carl's Jr."
Ep. 169: "They Always Went to Carl's Jr."  
Podcast: The Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons
Published On: Fri Aug 14 2026
Description: 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  1:39:40 A fire near Skip's!?    Want to be a part of the show? Join us by sending your voice memo or written questions to podcast@fretboardjournal.com! Include a photo, too. Hosted by amp tech Skip Simmons and co-hosted/produced by Jason Verlinde of the Fretboard Journal.