Apr 11, 2026
Acclaimed guitarist Roy Rogers joins us this week to talk about his unique gear choices, working with John Lee Hooker, vintage amps and so much more!
Thank our sponsors: Grez Guitars; Emerald City Guitars; and Amplified Parts / Mod Electronics.
Some of the topics discussed this week:
:56 Eric Barbour's the Tube Dumpster in Vacuum Tube Valley: 6K6,
6F6, 6Y6 tubes
2:39 A flea market Tweed Bassman
8:51 A Garnet book giveaway!
13:42 What's on Skip's bench: A distribution pre-amp
17:12 Special guest: Roy Rogers: 'The Sky's the Limit' (his new
album, out now!); Mesa Boogie Mark IIB and Epiphone Electar Zephyr
amps; DeArmonds in flattop acoustics; Martin New Yorkers; his
custom Chappell Guitars double-neck; Johnny Shines; working with
John Lee Hooker; the Hot Spot soundtrack (with Roy Rogers, Miles
Davis, John Lee Hooker, and Taj Mahal!!)
Get Roy's new album here: https://royrogers.hearnow.com/
Order 'Gaynell’s Kitchen - Down Home Cooking from A Wayward
Southern Belle': https://amzn.to/41mcZBn
1:27:45 How can a Traynor Bassmaster Mk. II be rated at 90 watts,
while the same power-tubed YBA-1 is only 40?
1:32:14 Is Skip related to Chris Shiflett?
1:33:01 Never trust, always double-check; output
transformers
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.