fuse holder. Whichever type your amp
uses, check the value of the fuse currently
installed—especially if you’re not the original owner—and make sure it’s correct. If
your amp has multiple fuses, such as a
high-tension (aka “high-voltage” or “HT”)
or output fuse, make sure you have multiple replacements for each.
One point that’s crucial to keep in mind
is that you should never replace the fuse
with a substantially higher current rating
just to keep the amp running. If a fuse of
the correct value continues to fail, the amp
has a problem that needs to be addressed.
In such a scenario, possible causes for
repeated fuse failure could be:
TUBE TIP
Whether they’re preamp or output
tubes, valves of the same type
(e.g., EL84, EL34, GZ34, or 12AX7)
from different manufacturers do
sound different. Whenever possible,
make sure the tubes in your spares
kit are from the same manufacturer as those currently installed
in your amp. This is especially
true with regard to output tubes:
While preamp tubes from different
companies can result in differences
in tone and gain, output tubes from
different manufacturers tend to bias
up quite differently. So staying with
the same manufacturer—and, if the
tubes are graded, replacing with
the same grade—should avoid having to get the amp re-biased.
In a pinch, you can replace power
tubes of different brands or grades
to get through a gig, but be sure
to have the bias checked and/or
set as soon as you can for optimal
performance, tone, and lifespan.
the Straight Truth About Pickups by Jason Lollar
This was more like the dragon chasing us–over the years
it’s been one of our most requested pickup designs. Of
course, we had to add our own twists, including sizing it to
drop into a standard humbucker route. A2 magnets, custom covers, lot’s of attitude.
Starting with a ‘60s Country Gentleman as a benchmark,
we went after the classic rock-a-billy ‘bucker tone, adding
some “Lollar” along the way. The neck pickup is warm and
buttery, with a clear, present top end. The bridge pickup is
fat and honky, with a rich, defined low end. Combined, they
sparkle and spank with clarity and punch. They’ll cover everything from “OZ” rock to “Nashville Super Pickers” to “Hot
Rods and Hot Babes…” Go Man, Go!
I’ve personally design over a hundred different pickup
models, including most of the vintage classics, some obscure
works of art from steel guitars to clavinets, and even a few of
my own designs that have never existed in the past.
I invite you to visit our website for sound clips, videos and
current product information or feel free to give us a call.
