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Author Archive: Jeff Bollettino

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Ampeg BA115 Bass Combo Amplifier Repair

Ampeg BA115 Bass Combo Amplifier Repair

| May 22, 2013 | 18 Comments

In this episode of The Repair Bench we are troubleshooting an Ampeg BA115 Bass Combo amplifier. This amp is part of Ampeg’s starter series and is specified to deliver 100W of power to a 15″ speaker and a small tweeter. It features a style selector with five basic tone options, three tone controls (Treble, Mid, […]

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Computer-Guitar Effect Using Digital Signal Processing

Computer-Guitar Effect Using Digital Signal Processing

| March 5, 2012 | 0 Comments

Pierre Massat, guitarist with the French band Pierre et le loup (Peter and the Wolf) has been developing a computer-augmented guitar effect system using digital signal processing and the Pure Data (Pd) audio programming language. Pd is a real-time software system for live musical and multimedia performances. To create a program in Pd, you connect […]

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White Noise vs. Pink Noise

White Noise vs. Pink Noise

| February 28, 2012 | 0 Comments

We have some GuitarKitBuilder articles coming up that test gear using noise sources, both white noise and pink noise, so we’ve created this reference article in our Kits 101 area for the reader that wants more information on the meaning of these terms. White Noise Compared To Pink Noise The terms “white noise” and “pink […]

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From Our Mailbag: Repairing a Roland Cube 80XL

From Our Mailbag: Repairing a Roland Cube 80XL

| December 21, 2011 | 7 Comments

“Hi GKB, I know you are featuring work on the micro cube but wonder if you would have a thought regarding a problem I’m having with the COSM switch on my Roland Cube 80XL. The switch doubles as a tuner which works just fine, but after a bumpy ride to a gig, the amp model […]

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From Our Mailbag: Where to Buy Guitar Amplifier Chassis Boxes

From Our Mailbag: Where to Buy Guitar Amplifier Chassis Boxes

| November 16, 2011 | 0 Comments

A GKB reader wrote to ask the following: “Hello, I have a question for you guys, I visit GKB often. Can you please tell me where I can find blank aluminum chassis like the one you used in the guitar amplifier chassis layout build? I’ve been searching for blank chassis for too long. Thanks! D […]

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Rangemaster Treble Booster Kit from Vintage Pedal Workshop

Rangemaster Treble Booster Kit from Vintage Pedal Workshop

| October 22, 2011 | 4 Comments

Here’s a nice video demonstrating the construction and use of a Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster Kit clone sold by the Vintage Pedal Workshop (VPW) in the UK. The treble booster was originally a 1960s effect that tightened up distortion sounds by emphasizing higher frequency sounds. The VPW Rangemaster Kit by Vintage Pedal Workshop allows the […]

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From Our Mailbag: Question on the MOD 102 Amp Kit

From Our Mailbag: Question on the MOD 102 Amp Kit

| September 26, 2011 | 0 Comments

GKB reader Dave F. wrote to ask the following about our review of the MOD 102 amp kit and the modification made by Casey4S: “Wow that is really cool how you made the chassis and the fantastic building skills. My question concerns the use of the grounding jack where you stated … “I used a […]

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From The Mailbag: Marshall Valvestate VS265 Repair

From The Mailbag: Marshall Valvestate VS265 Repair

| August 25, 2011 | 4 Comments

GKB reader Lucas B. from Lima, Peru wrote us to ask for some help with his Marshall Valvestate VS265. If you’re not familiar with it, the Valvestate VS265 is a two-channel 65-watt combo amplifier with reverb and chorus. Here is Lucas’ question: Hello! I have a Marshall Valvestate VS265 and I’ve opened it to replace […]

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The Repair Bench: Kasino Natural Bass Amp

The Repair Bench: Kasino Natural Bass Amp

| August 21, 2011 | 2 Comments

In this episode of The Repair Bench we are troubleshooting a Kasino Natural bass amp from the early 1970s. The Kasino brand was made by Kustom Electronics, maker of Kustom Amplifiers. If you’re not familiar with them, the Kustom amps brand was famous for covering their amplifiers in “tuck and roll” style upholstery (Photo 1), […]

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Book Review: Ampeg – The Story Behind the Sound

Book Review: Ampeg – The Story Behind the Sound

| July 31, 2011 | 1 Comment

“Ampeg – The Story Behind the Sound” was written by Gregg Hopkins & Bill Moore to provide the complete illustrated history of the company to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The book is 288 pages, with 32 in full color, and over 200 photos, and was voted the “Book of the Year” in 1999 by Vintage […]

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