Aspen Pittman’s book is what gave me the confidence to dig into my 73 Marshall Superlead after only ever building pedals before. Was only few years later I built my own amp business. Very cool that you had the chance to work on this amp!
Imagine a huge non Corporate Music Store that carried EVERYTHING and was willing to discount even the hottest items all the time. A great 'hang' run and staffed by Musicians who really knew their shit. THAT was the early Hollywood Guitar Center when Aspen was the Manager and even a few years after he left. Rest In Peace Aspen Pittman.
Thank you for this ! I worked for Aspen at his Sylmar home testing and silk screening when I was a kid it was awesome around all of them old amps and serious players that would come through. We miss you Aspen !
I love the old tube technology; the devices are designed in a way that allows for repairs. I think it’s wonderful that there are still people who are knowledgeable about tube technology and can professionally repair these old devices.
Patrick was my salesman @ GT in late 90s, GRT guy, he went to Mercury Magnetics, GREATLY saddened to hear he too had passed, both LEGENDS in my eyes, rest easy guys........
I had no idea Patrick passed as well and so sad!! He and the team, along with Aspen were Amazing and helped me so much back in the day. Very sad, yet they impacted so many lives!!
Very welcome, Autumn. I miss him. And thank you Colleen for taking the time to remember my dear friend and giving me the chance to share some memories. The world is a poorer place without him.
I met Aspen once at a talk he gave. Memorable afternoon. Fun speaker, very very knowledgeable and giving with his knowledge and stories. RIP to a real one. ❤
Thank you! I spoke to Aspen back in 1983 after a tube failed in my 1982 20th Anniversary Marshall 2204 50 watt amp. Ultimately I ended up with a GT Trio preanmp, a D75 power amp, one of the SE speaker cab emulator and 4 Soul O 45 combo amps. Aspen was a lovely warm man, such a generous person. While on the phone with him he talked me through biasing my first Marshall. I bought 1982 Fender Ultralinear Pro Reverb 212 combo back in 2004, its loaded with GT tubes.
This was an unexpected treat and thank you for honoring Aspen Pittman. I don't hear a lot about him but so many of us know the impact he had and is still having. I found GT back in the 1990's and was blown away by their gear. Calling in and speaking with Rick, Patrick or Jim, was always a learning experience, as they were all so knowledgable and kind. I've had so much GT gear over the years. In 2012 I reached out to Aspen and ended up buying a few left over GT amps from him at a ridiculously low price. He tossed in all sorts of vintage tubes and accessories and was always generous with his advice. He autographed a hard cover edition of his book and it's an incredible read. Great video!!!!
Thank you! I spoke to Aspen back in 1983 after a tube failed in my 1982 20th Anniversary Marshall 2204 50 watt amp. Ultimately I ended up with a GT Trio preanmp, a D75 power amp, one of the SE speaker cab emulator and 4 Soul O 45 combo amps. Aspen was a lovely warm man, such a generous person. While on the phone with him he talked me through biasing my first Marshall.
Oh man, that Groove Tube car!!! Also, whaaaaat!! this dude was making cab/sim stuff wwwwaaaaayyy ahead of it's time. I love my groove tubes that I have in amps today. Well done to the man, all around!!!
I sold Acoustic amps in the early '70s, and even played through one on stage for a while. That bass amp was one of the best. I have his Tube Amp Book! Have had it for decades. I also had one of those Telecaster Basses ... still have it, but someone was kind enough to change it into a Precision. Grrr. And BTW: I played for decades through amps that had the "death cap" and I am still here at age 77. Aspen knew a LOT of stuff about amplifiers! Just now hearing of his passing. Sounds like he was sort of like my older brother who started a music store and built a first class 16-track recording studio right nest door, in late 1973. And Fazio ... You are a cutie and a real sweetheart. And Jesus saves!
Great video.I’ve got a groove tube 50 watt combo from around 1988 that is inspected and signed on the chassis by Aspen.I’ve got his tube amp book,it’s like the Bible of tube amplification.
Hi Colleen, That Pro Sounds great! its cool how old amps like that all have a story to them. My Twin and Kitty Hawk do too... and memories! Peace love out
My friends dad had about a 79 new. It had the pushpull knobs. He would let me borrow it about 82. This with pedals does metal perfect has a unique tube sound unlike others
I sold Aspen a brown Vibroverb some time in the early 80's. The amp had 2 JBL speakers in it and was every bit as heavy as a Twin. I never liked the sound of the amp, which probably sounds pretty strange. I got it in a big trade. That would be a high-value amp today!
I saw a video recently saying that most generic clip leads like the the one you're using at 3:40 are made of iron wire with a copper coating making their resistance absolutely abysmal. You should check them with a magnet to see if they stick. All of the ones I had were magnetic and redoing them with some actual copper wire lowered the resistance of them by like tenfold lol.
I didn't catch it because I'm not a technician like you, but when you were hooking up the new 3-prong cord, do you wire the hot to the switch or the fuse first? - thanks for doing this video! I had that exact same amp, bought it new in 1978 or 1979 I believe. One of the best sounding amps I ever owned. Should have never got rid of it.😢
Tried to join your Patreon but you have a minimum of $5. I only do $2 per creator. That way the $60 per month I budget supports 30 creators. At $5 my $60 would only support 12 creators. Sigh.... Great channel BTW. It is great to see a woman with the experience to repair tube amps. You are a role model for young people everywhere.
Aspen Pittman’s book is what gave me the confidence to dig into my 73 Marshall Superlead after only ever building pedals before. Was only few years later I built my own amp business. Very cool that you had the chance to work on this amp!
Same!!! Still have it
Imagine a huge non Corporate Music Store that carried EVERYTHING and was willing to discount even the hottest items all the time. A great 'hang' run and staffed by Musicians who really knew their shit. THAT was the early Hollywood Guitar Center when Aspen was the Manager and even a few years after he left. Rest In Peace Aspen Pittman.
Guitar Center used to be a haven for musicians.
Mr. Pittman was a great guy. I had the good fortune of talking to him on the phone one time. I got two editions of his book. May he RIP.
Thank you for this ! I worked for Aspen at his Sylmar home testing and silk screening when I was a kid it was awesome around all of them old amps and serious players that would come through. We miss you Aspen !
I love the old tube technology; the devices are designed in a way that allows for repairs. I think it’s wonderful that there are still people who are knowledgeable about tube technology and can professionally repair these old devices.
Everything can be repaired.
Patrick was my salesman @ GT in late 90s, GRT guy, he went to Mercury Magnetics, GREATLY saddened to hear he too had passed, both LEGENDS in my eyes, rest easy guys........
I had no idea Patrick passed as well and so sad!! He and the team, along with Aspen were Amazing and helped me so much back in the day. Very sad, yet they impacted so many lives!!
Patrick was the best dude ever, I miss him so much
Great video! I loved the stories Mike! Thanks so much, it means the world to me that his legacy lives on. -Autumn Pittman
Thank you so much Autumn! Your feedback means the world to me. His legacy truly lives on through so many people, musicians, tube amps.. forever.♥️
Very welcome, Autumn. I miss him. And thank you Colleen for taking the time to remember my dear friend and giving me the chance to share some memories. The world is a poorer place without him.
I bought "The Tube Amp Book" 30 years ago. I love that book.
I've bought a few as I've worn them out.
I met Aspen once at a talk he gave. Memorable afternoon. Fun speaker, very very knowledgeable and giving with his knowledge and stories. RIP to a real one. ❤
Thank you! I spoke to Aspen back in 1983 after a tube failed in my 1982 20th Anniversary Marshall 2204 50 watt amp.
Ultimately I ended up with a GT Trio preanmp, a D75 power amp, one of the SE speaker cab emulator and 4 Soul O 45 combo amps.
Aspen was a lovely warm man, such a generous person. While on the phone with him he talked me through biasing my first Marshall.
I bought 1982 Fender Ultralinear Pro Reverb 212 combo back in 2004, its loaded with GT tubes.
The term speaker emulator, which we take for granted today, was never heard before this guy!
This was an unexpected treat and thank you for honoring Aspen Pittman. I don't hear a lot about him but so many of us know the impact he had and is still having. I found GT back in the 1990's and was blown away by their gear. Calling in and speaking with Rick, Patrick or Jim, was always a learning experience, as they were all so knowledgable and kind. I've had so much GT gear over the years. In 2012 I reached out to Aspen and ended up buying a few left over GT amps from him at a ridiculously low price. He tossed in all sorts of vintage tubes and accessories and was always generous with his advice. He autographed a hard cover edition of his book and it's an incredible read. Great video!!!!
I hate to tell you but grove tunes stink.
Groove
The actual tubes.
Beautiful technique on the tremolo Mike!
Thank you
I love Aspen Pittman's handheld condenser mic, it's my silver-bullet magic tool!
Yep got my Tube Amp Book!! Groove tubes are always worth the few extra bucks.
The 70W Ultralinear ProReverb, while often a little too scooped for guitar, is a GREAT amp for Fender Rhodes!
I spent a couple of days with him. Have some great stories about him. I got on so well with him.
Thanks for such a nice , makes you smile and feel happy interview. Wish your shop was in Pa. So you could service my amps.
Thanks for sharing this Best wishes from Liverpool Uk 🇬🇧
Thank you! I spoke to Aspen back in 1983 after a tube failed in my 1982 20th Anniversary Marshall 2204 50 watt amp.
Ultimately I ended up with a GT Trio preanmp, a D75 power amp, one of the SE speaker cab emulator and 4 Soul O 45 combo amps.
Aspen was a lovely warm man, such a generous person. While on the phone with him he talked me through biasing my first Marshall.
Oh man, that Groove Tube car!!! Also, whaaaaat!! this dude was making cab/sim stuff wwwwaaaaayyy ahead of it's time. I love my groove tubes that I have in amps today. Well done to the man, all around!!!
Such a beautiful story, and an AMAZING sounding amp! I greatly enjoyed it! Thank you for posting.
I sold Acoustic amps in the early '70s, and even played through one on stage for a while. That bass amp was one of the best. I have his Tube Amp Book! Have had it for decades. I also had one of those Telecaster Basses ... still have it, but someone was kind enough to change it into a Precision. Grrr. And BTW: I played for decades through amps that had the "death cap" and I am still here at age 77. Aspen knew a LOT of stuff about amplifiers! Just now hearing of his passing. Sounds like he was sort of like my older brother who started a music store and built a first class 16-track recording studio right nest door, in late 1973. And Fazio ... You are a cutie and a real sweetheart. And Jesus saves!
Such a great share !!!
Nice work on that amp, always appreciating your detailed explanations. Uncle Doug has taught you well! Nice stories too.
Thanks for this ! I knew Aspen back in the day, a super cool guy ! I wish He was still around.!
Great video - thanks Colleen! Love the Pontiac Bonneville! It makes my 67 Lemans look tiny - it's more than a foot wider and 2 feet longer!
Sounds great.
Great video.I’ve got a groove tube 50 watt combo from around 1988 that is inspected and signed on the chassis by Aspen.I’ve got his tube amp book,it’s like the Bible of tube amplification.
Another superb quality show Colleen !
As always, the sound of a stratocaster thru a fender reverb amp. Sweet.
I had Pittman's "Tube Amp Book" and used Groove Tubes for years.
Love all of your videos! What a great interview!
Hey I have a 79 pro reverb also! Very loud and heavy. Almost no breakup. It's a pedal lovers dream amp.
Great video.
That was nice.
Hi Colleen, That Pro Sounds great! its cool how old amps like that all have a story to them. My Twin and Kitty Hawk do too... and memories! Peace love out
Love your channel!!!
My friends dad had about a 79 new. It had the pushpull knobs.
He would let me borrow it about 82.
This with pedals does metal perfect has a unique tube sound unlike others
Awww love him
I sold Aspen a brown Vibroverb some time in the early 80's. The amp had 2 JBL speakers in it and was every bit as heavy as a Twin. I never liked the sound of the amp, which probably sounds pretty strange. I got it in a big trade. That would be a high-value amp today!
Excellent video Colleen!!! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving next week.🦃🎸
I have a groove tubes solo75.
It’s awesome
Thx, Colleen. I recently purchased Aspen Pittman's Tube Amp Book, and I've really enjoyed it so far.
I saw a video recently saying that most generic clip leads like the the one you're using at 3:40 are made of iron wire with a copper coating making their resistance absolutely abysmal. You should check them with a magnet to see if they stick. All of the ones I had were magnetic and redoing them with some actual copper wire lowered the resistance of them by like tenfold lol.
I didn't catch it because I'm not a technician like you, but when you were hooking up the new 3-prong cord, do you wire the hot to the switch or the fuse first? - thanks for doing this video! I had that exact same amp, bought it new in 1978 or 1979 I believe. One of the best sounding amps I ever owned. Should have never got rid of it.😢
I will typically wire the hot to the fuse first , and then to the switch. And the neutral wire is tied to transformer primary!
@FazioElectric - thank you so much for this. If I ever have to replace a cord in my amps, now I will know how to do it.
The father of the guy who techs my amps was Aspen Pittman's east-coast counterpart in sales-repping for the Acoustic Amp Co.
Small world...
I have the Tube Amp book.
was that a peavey VT Classic behind your chair?
What does Aspen Pittman mean by mismatch tubes create an artificial decay problem?
Until I saw that historical footage, I had no idea that Aspen Pittman was... strangely foxy?
He wanted to keep the original electrolytics? Thats when I say "No Thanks" to the repair.
He was thinking of selling it, and wanted to just address the main issues for now. If he decides to keep it he’ll get the re-cap
Unless you absolutely need to it will affect the sound
Tried to join your Patreon but you have a minimum of $5. I only do $2 per creator. That way the $60 per month I budget supports 30 creators. At $5 my $60 would only support 12 creators. Sigh....
Great channel BTW. It is great to see a woman with the experience to repair tube amps. You are a role model for young people everywhere.
Hey collen,looking good
Thirsty… 😂