Well...I think studying and understanding the things that the rank and file of us can never aspire too is worthwhile. Strad violins, real D'Angelico guitars, Rembrandt paintings, Purdey shotguns they all have their place and should be studied if only to be never forgotten. Dumble is in that category.
I moved to Los Angeles in '88 to work with Larry Carlton. A week before this life changing move from Chicago at 25, Larry was shot in the neck and almost killed. I still went, and as Larry recovered months later, he was ready to continue studio work. He had me reach out to Alexander to tune up Larry's Dumble head. I'll never forget seeing Alexander (I knew him as Howard for the first couple years) winding his way up to Room 335 on a (relatively) small motorcycle. I asked someone about why he didn't come in a car and they said he'd been in a car accident where he had to be removed with the 'jaws of life' and he never wanted to be in a car after that. The head needed work, so he told me to bring it to him the next day to his shop (he wasn't going to strap it on the back of his motorcycle). Amazing memory of pulling up to a Japanese Pagoda style house that he rented from Jackson Browne. He was a character - but super brilliant and an artisan of tone. Thanks for this Short History Keith!
In my single opinion, Keith's channel is probably the best "Educational Equipment" video series on all of TH-cam. I'm not a smart man but even i can understand his work. Great work
Hype, hype, hype. "Mystical" boutique amps and their so-called "guru" designers (who almost never have any formal electronics design training) have always made me laugh. Along comes "Derek" (and his Dominos) who plugs into a stock Fender Champ and lays down some of the most astoundingly unique, beautiful and coveted tones ever set to a record. The boutique amp and pedal market is absolute P.T. Barnum bullshit, an exercise in human psychology and the idiocy of a self-delusional marketplace. Auto-suggestion is a powerful thing...just look at the audiophile stereo market.
@@diogenio-A friend of mine had a reconditioned Dumble that someone out of L.A. wanted. I told sell it, even a $400,000 Les Paul’s not going to make better! He ended up selling it after holding out for a little more money! Bought a new car! ✌️😎🎸🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶
As the owner of 3 Dumble amps I really appreciate you making this video. I just double checked and it appears mine say "Peavey" rather than Dumble. Same difference
@Peterbrendanalbert well ya probably weren't looking for my opinion, but I think the Classic 50 is an absolute banger! The Classic 30 is none too shabby either. You got all the amp most folks ever need right there.
I’m one who finds the dumble hype somewhat confusing and frankly a bit bougie, given how many legendary recordings and tones were made by gear that was common and basically chosen based on the fact that “it was there” more than anything, but I sure do enjoy these videos. The “gear as a commodity” high priced market of dumbles and klons and the like always makes the teenage punker in me sad. As always, well done; an enjoyable and worthwhile watch.
@TheBlackRam666 It's all in the hands! The better you get it playing the more you'll realize. You won't need special guitar, amp or pedal. Everything will just start sounding better.
I agree, and it seems to me that getting to work with Alex Dumble on a custom amp, was an indication that you had made it in the music business. Now that he has passed, being able to _afford_ a Dumble, and consider it worth your while to spend that much on "just" an amplifier, is at least an indication that you have "made it" commercially.
Exactly. Young musicians use what they can afford. NONE of the musicians named in this video made a name for themselves playing $75k dumbles. They bought the assembly line amp of the day they could afford, fender tweeds, black/silver face Fenders, vox, Marshall, peavey, etc etc
lve played 3 Dumbles in my 50+ yr.s of playing 2+ decades of retail. lve lived a short walk from Charley's Guitar in Dallas since 76'. l also played Eric Johnsons Dumble at Music Makers in Austin Tx but l couldnt admit that for years because my friend was the amp technician there. The crazy thing is lve also played a bassman that an old friend made that had what is essentially a tube screamer circuit on just the mid frequencies and it sounded almost exactly like the classic Dumble tone we know of and you described. He did it on a dare just because he believed thats what he was hearing in them and he was pretty damn close. He also wired an mxr dist + circuit into the useless distortion pot on a Fender 180 watt rms supertwin reverb my cousin owned and was a beast but never could be tamed even with the onboard EQ the amp had. Mike Mars from lancaster Tx. Great keyboard player as well.
Well done Keith. You covered the Dumble story without oozing the blue goop hype OR bashing an eccentric guy who clearly built fabulous amps. I would love to hear that 5-watt ODS, especially since Dan Lurie helped build it.
As I guy who's done quite a bit of soldering, I am very impressed by the quality of Dumble's soldering shown in the internal shots. There's not even a hint of a cold joint or even a cold edge. Dumble's hands were obviously rock-steady. All the time he spent perfecting his craft building radios and PA amps shows in his work.
I remember the 'Trainwreck' video well. That's what made me forget about Dumbles and start turning over rocks looking for a 'Trainwreck'. All due respect to Dr Z, I may have to settle for a Z Wreck, or Jr. But, I'll likely always be turning over rocks looking for a Trainwreck. It was the best amp sound I ever heard. Thanks Keith!! I think... LOL Peace --gary
I have built exactly one amp specifically for a very good guitar player. Frank had been playing a Blackface Super Reverb that belonged to his son. Sonny wanted it back. I spent a couple hours with Frank talking about the 3 bands he played in - 2 jazz and 1 sort of classic blues - and listening to him play several guitars, both acoustic and electric. I also partially blueprinted son Craig’s Super Reverb. I have no idea how many hours I spent researching the circuit, talking to people about speakers, transformers, etc. Oh part of Frank’s spec was that he wanted Craig to be able to play harmonica through the amp too - another rabbit hole. He ended up with an amp where the Vibrato channel was very close to bone stock except for bias vary tremolo. The (ab)Normal channel, however, was something else. I started with a Brown Vibroverb (6G16) preamp including the weird 4-lug Treble pot but changed a lot of component values based on listening - including a harmonica through the same mic Craig used. The Bright switch turned into a guitar/harmonica switch. Sorry! I didn’t mean to write a novel. When I delivered the amp, Frank played his pre-WWII Gibson L5 first. He clearly liked the amp. After 20 minutes or so, he plugged a black, early 1970s Strat into the “Normal” channel. In a moment he was grinning from ear to ear. “You know I’ve owned this guitar for decades but didn’t love it until just now.” I was a happy man! Sadly Frank is gone now, but the last I heard his son, grandson and at least one other family member pass that amp back and forth. It gets played.
Randy fey of phaez amp did the same for me. Guy is an amazing amp builder. I wanted an 800/JMP type sound with actual tone controls, than just a Marshall sound. Really happy with the Pasadena he built me.
If you're lucky enough to find a GREAT guitar tech, they will do the same... Watch and listen to you play, your touch and picking force and incorporate that info into the setup on your guitar. RIP Allen Chester of Jacksonville FL.
This has me wondering what `uncle doug` would make of the circuitry in dumble amps, the repairs and restoration work he carries out on his youtube channel is beyond words. love this keith, 5 watt world is essential viewing !👍😊
I bought a SSS from Taylor at Amplified Nations and I'll tell you every bit of the process was amazing. I can tell just how personal it is to him to make the best sounding amps and carrying on Alexander Dumble's legacy.
This video brought up a lot of memories that I had forgotten. I don’t remember exactly how, but I was brought to Howard Dumble when he was working out of The Alley, a rehearsal studio in the Valley. I had recently purchased an old tweed bassman amp from SIR rehearsal studios, which, we converted to 2X12 speaker in the original cabinet at SIR. Something didn’t sound quite right and somebody said oh you should come meet this weird guy who is a whiz with amplifiers. The wizard introduced himself as Howard and I brought him the Bassman and he had me play through it for about 20 minutes and he said all right I’ll take a look at it. When he called me back about a week and a half later, the amp sounded amazing. Howard refused to take any money for the work, saying that I should enjoy it and that he wished me good luck in my future - I was working as an “ up-and-coming recording engineer”. Shortly thereafter, I met Aspen Pittman of Groove Tubes fame, and mentioned my amplifier after seeing his collection of amps, and told him that this guy Howard Dumble had recently repaired my tweed Bassman to which he replied oh shit anybody can build an amp like Howard there’s no big thing about dumbles. He then lent me a Groove Tubes amp he had recently “designed”- meaning he hired people to design and build it. In the studio, I was stunned at the sound of the clean channel so much so that I started talking to Aspen about building mic preamp’s. My amp was loaded with 6L6s and the clean channel was special though the Mean channel was a little harsh though with the foot pedal they could be combined. As Aspen added new features over time, I sent my amp back to be updated. When it came back the 6L6s had been replaced with EL34s with the newly added Fat switch. The clean channel sounded mostly the same as before but the Mean channel was much thicker and warmer. This become my go to amp in the studio as it was very heavy due to the 75 watt Celestion keyboard speaker and the newly added 2 speed fan and dual accessory outlet rear panel. People I recorded often remarked the new version sounded more Dumble- like and all were blown away by the touch sensitivity which the “hair bands” I was working with didnt love as it revealed quite clearly the less flattering aspects of their technique. The R&B players loved it as did the blues and slide players. Aspen was always full of ideas, some his and some not. Say what you will he made things happen. Good topic for a 5WW Short History? Btw, your video reminded me that Howard had worked on my Bassman which probably explains why everyone who hears it wants to buy it from me including amp techs despite its well- worn cosmetics. My thanks to Paul Patronete (former Groove Tubes GM) for his friendship and introduction to the often brilliant engineers in Aspen’s employ. They don’t make many like Paul and the world is worse off for it.
I know I'm not saying anything new here, you are such a great historian, Keith. I'm so grateful for all the different amps and guitars you have catalogued with such painstaking research. This gives me such an appreciation of what goes into such designs and the passion behind them.
The deeper Keith goes the more my feelings get hurt. He encompasses, embraces and then thankfully mitigates the black hole of despair one has when realizing we drones will never be able to play with the good toys. Great job as usual, I think. 🎸
Many players used very accessible gear, don't go down the rabbit hole too far. I've had a Ceriatone Dumble and it was very good. Speakers make a LOT of difference as well if you want to experiment with tone.
@@naomimoore47 To be fair, I can't name a single guitar player that failed because of the amp sucked; conversely I don't know a single player that is honored because of his amp sound; after all sound is subjective, but your playing isn't. 🎸
Rumor I heard was that Ry's Dumble kept blowing up so he smashed it on Dumble's doorstep. Anyway, I don't think I've ever seen a picture of Ry using a Dumble. Tweed Fenders, Premier amps, even a Standel, but not Dumble. Anyway, those Valco (Supro, National) lap steel pickups sound great through *any* amp. The Teisco gold-foil pickups, perhaps not, and I'm told they vary a lot sonically from one to the next.
Thank you for the great video! I myself finally got a Dumble clone - a very affordable one, I might add - a Ceriatone OTS 20 Mini. Needless to say, I have never even seen a Dumble, but did own a Fuchs a couple of times, which I loved. The Ceriatone is still blowing my mind after a little more than 6 months of owning it. I can only imagine how incredible it might have been for Alexander to build me an ODS! Thanks again, for the awesome video.
I had a Ceriatone OTS 20 Mini and it was absolutely killer. I ended up selling it and bought a Ceriatone JM50 instead, and I've also had Ceriatone pedals and every piece of Ceriatone gear I've ever used has been top notch made by a great bloke in Nik. Highly, highly recommend.
Thank you for this one. I have been a lifelong fan of players like Larry Carlton, Robin Ford, and SRV who always captured my ear with interesting ideas and incredible guitar tone. Hearing that Dumble listened to their playing and shaped an amps tonal and response characteristics to bring out their individual playing style makes so much sense. It is an extension of their creative spirit and what made his amps so very personal and special. I have never played through a Dumble amp and probably never will, but appreciate the genuine art in his designs.
Fascinating stuff. I knew some of it already, but this filled in some gaps. It's wild because as interesting as it is, I know I'll never play through a Dumble. It's like watching videos about those custom made hand built "supercars" that go 220+ mph. Beautiful, and so interesting to see what goes into creating them, but I know I'll never get to drive one, much less own one. But I dig them anyway! Same with Dumble. Lowell George and David Lindley, Larry Carton and Robben Ford all made *incredible* sounds with these beasts. Love it.
My late friend, Kim Davis of the southern rock band Point Blank from Dallas Texas got a call from a friend one day. This was around 1990 and his friend told him that there was an amplifier at a pawnshop for $300 that he might be interested in now mind you this is before these amps became super famous. He went down to the pawnshop and he purchased an overdrive special combo in brown suede leather covering. At the time Kim already had quite a few killer, vintage marshals, and a 57 Strat that was unreal he collected all this from years of playing. He was also in a band with Stevie Ray back in the early days. A few weeks later after he got the amp he called me I was living in Austin, Texas and I had a gig that weekend in Dallas. I am a Pedal Steel guitar player and Kim told me to bring my 1947 National Dynamic lap steel with me. he said when you get here, let’s plug it into the amp and see if we can get that David Lindley tone so when I got to his house before the gig we hooked it up and yes it sounded just like Mercury, Blues hell yeah!!!
point blank opened for, I think is was Nuggent? in the late 70's or 80 at Cobo Hall Detroit, as a teenager who played guitar just how impressed I was with point blank guitar player, slide guitar on a black les paul, sounded incredible.
I miss Kimbo. He came to a store where I was. We became pretty good friends. He came in one day and after talking a while, Kimbo brought me out to show me a dumble that he had in a flight case. He was so proud. He was one heck of a guitar player.
About 18 years ago I had the opportunity to visit David Lindley’s home in Claremont a number of times. And on my first visit his wife Joanie said “show him your Dumble’s”. David pointed to a set of three amps against the wall on the other side of the living room. I wandered over and looked at them. They were covered with dust and even a few cobwebs. “Wow !” I said, trying to sound impressed. But the truth was that at the time, I had no idea that Dumble’s were so rare and sought after. In hindsight, I’m pretty sure that what I was looking at were some of the most sought after Dumbles in the world, including the one that he later sold to Ben Harper many years later. When I say that his amps were covered in dust I should also note that most of his electric guitars were lying in piles on the living room floor with no cases. I think that the only instruments that he treated with particular care were his acoustic instruments.
Great history of Dumble’s work! Another addition is Dumble’s work on my brother’s (Jonathan) electric banjo, tuning into Jonathan’s using a slide for it. And Dumble, who had heard Jango (my brothers band; Jonathan on banjo, David on guitar along with 5 others), was intrigued (1973). Great video put out by Emerald City Guitars “Dumble found in shed” about 5 months ago. Glimpses of Dumble’s intensity on purpose and intent and sound a particular musician wanted. Just a side note.
I lived in Santa Cruz California in the early 70s.Howard Dumble had an electronic repair shop there. He went by the name Howard back then. He would modify fender amplifiers for the local musicians. I had him do a blackface showman for me. He ran both channels in series and put in a master volume. I'm sure it was one of the first ones that he did. I wonder what that amp would be worth now if still had it with the receipt. Oh well.
I purchased a used amp several weeks ago. Made in a one man shop. He did everything, built the cabnet, tolex etc. Started in 89' and from what i can ascertain, built to around 2017. One amp a week. The brand is Juke and the model Warbler. Triode/pentode 40/20 watts. Mine has one 12" and one 10" speakr, reverb and tremelo. Imo this amp could be compared to Dumble. I would love to hear you take on them. Not as rare as Dumble but quality and sound, who knows? Thanks for your very informative content! As of writing this, i can only find 4 or examples for sale (some are different models). The builder/designer is Gary Croteau.
10/10 You have a great presentation that has a foundation in research & preparation, you speak in a relaxed professional manner - it just doesn't get any better. Great channel and no one else could do it justice. I look forward to the next...Thank you Keith.
At 3:46 that looks to be the python-skin-covered Steel-String Singer behind Lindley, who had marked the control panel up with a Sharpie and tape to make it easy to remember where to set the highly-interactive controls. He had at least two Dumbles, one of which is now owned by Ben Harper.
I always found it kind of fascinating that the origin stories of most amp makers (Marshall, Peavey and Dumble) all start out about the same, but once those boutique makers switch to mass production, the "mystique" of the early models fizzles. Dumble never went to mass production, so his amps are still fetching massive amounts on the collectors market, while you probably couldn't even give away those early Peaveys.
My favorite early recording amp was a white Bassman. For gigs a Super Reverb, usually with a second 2 12" Fender cab to fill out the 10s. Then came Dave West with his GA-60, morphed into the 100 watt Grande. I went to work wiring for Dave and playing his new circuit ideas while he twiddled the knobs. Things got louder, wiring like Keith said, the 'color way.' But the Bassman was always there. Though the big amps are history, the Bassman is still a fave. I like the 'bass' channel, with the 'deep' switch on, then bridge to the other channel to boost highs. Wire jockeys like Mr Dumble are very unusual persons, seems I've known a lot of them. Here in southeast Michigan we had Fast Eddie down on Mack Ave in Detroit, an eccentric if ever there were one. Thanks to you for the tribute to one of the best. Holding on to electrical devices affects your brain. Stay smooth with it and you'll be a happy guy. Thanks again, Keith!
I have found a properly tweaked EQ, with a fairly pronounced MID hump bell, and a Compressor helps to build an excellent clean tone that opens up your amp. From there, run an A/B for your different drive/gain channels. The EQ/COMP is your "always on" clean. A good A/B loop/switch runs the rest. Crews Maniac Sound BUF-211 is an AMAZING and versatile A/B Buffer/Loop switcher that also has a built in boost.
The Wampler Tumnus or other good Klone (Critter Electronics makes an excellent Klon style pedal) Boss Waza Blues Driver, Hermida/Lovepedal ZenDrive or Mosferatu, AmpTweaker TightDrive are all EXCELLENT choices for a low to mid gain drive.
I know absolutely nothing about anything having to do with guitars or any instrument for that matter, can't play a damn thing, never even tried. There is not one thing you speak about I have even the slightest inkling of understanding, might as well be speaking ancient Greek... Yet, I'm always mesmerized and impressed by the depth of knowledge and level of detail in every description of whatever your reviewing. Great stuff, looking forward to the next video I watch, understanding absolutely nothing but loving every single minute of it!!! I'm 61, who knows, maybe it's never too late to learn...
What a magnificent gift on an October Sunday to have another magnificently done video from Keith! Very grateful for all this goodness you put together, because these videos are both a very special moment when you release them and very fun resources I come back to for rewatches again and again. Some of this audience may be old enough to remember getting magazine subscriptions in the mail. The excitement of an issue from your very favorite magazine, thinking of how you’d make time to really enjoy it, uninterrupted. And how some issues you saved, you’d read thru again and again. - That’s Five Watt World. Thanks Keith! ✌️😌🎸
This is the best gear, guitar, music history hands down. I played a dumble in nashville once, i didn't like it and didnt get the why. This video now makes sense to me as to why I didn't like the dumble experience. i shall stick to my princeton's and twins, thanks 5 watt world for you passion and sharing info.
I own a Welagen Overdrive Special and it's the absolute best hand wired amp I have ever owned. 100 watt with NOS parts and a vintage transformer. You wouldn't be able to tell the difference between them. He is the guy to go to for the best clone. I also have the book.
I'm sure its said all the time, but these are absolutely showcase quality videos. I learn so much, the narration is spectacular and I appreciate the humble, credible, approachable technique. I would love this on a History TV series if it wasn't all zombies and aliens. Truly great channel. Well done!
I could be wrong but I believe Vox was also influenced by the Fender Bassman. Vox AC15s and AC 30s are famous for not having a negative feedback loop slamming the power tubes and giving it that beautiful saturated tone. That's something that I believe Fender doesn't have.
This has to be one of your best (IMHO) episodes. What a challenging and intriguing subject to address... and done so succinctly and comprehensively. Your passion for your work shows. Well done - again. Thanks
I grew up in Santa Cruz, California and was a hopeful young guitar player in the 70s and 80s. I met and casually spoke to Howard (we knew him by that name at the time) a couple of times, but he had sort of an eccentric "mad scientist" vibe about him. There was a used music gear store on Ocean St called the "Musician's Trading Post" where I hung out, bought and sold gear and such. I DISTINCTLY remember seeing a stack of two or three Dumble amps sitting on the floor in an out of the way corner at one time - it seems like it was around 79 or 80. I asked the owner about them and was told that those were some amps that Howard Dumble made that he wasn't getting much interest in. They didn't look very cool to my eye, with their "computer" font on the panel and odd knob layouts as compared to the popular amps of the time. I never bothered to plug one in, which is strange because I've always been drawn to oddball gear, cars, motorcycles, and the like. I don't remember their prices, but they didn't strike me as high-priced. I have thought back to that time often and wondered why I didn't buy a Dumble or two then, and maybe a burst to go with them!
Thanks for including a little bit of the actual technicalities involved.... This video reminds me that true happiness is only achieved with being satisfied and happy with what you like and already have instead of constantly chasing a unicorn...
That’s what I’m doing, except I have a PRS Singlecut, a Decebelics Golden Horse and a Two-Rock… and I’m completely fine with that and don’t miss anything :)
Thanks Keith. Superlative applies this time. Not just great. It is absolutely 5 watt. Efficient and articulate without being flashy. You present the story and the story speaks for itself. That takes skill, commitment, and humility. Well done.
Thanks, Keith - wonderful video. Everyone interested in Alexander Dumble would do well to listen to the last 6-8 episodes of a podcast called Guitar Wank, wherein many people who had spent time in the Dumble castle talk about the experience. This was done upon Dumble's death. I have listened to the series many times now - Dumble understood tubes and their use in amplifiers at a level beyond almost everybody. By the way, evidently he preferred the first name Alexander over Howard in his later years. I would have given anything to spend time with him, listening and watching. One of the many things I MUST do as I get old (same age as Keith) is build the most appropriate Ceriatone kit and shed a silent tear at its completion to the amazing Alexander Dumble.
It's just amazing what the simplest tube circuit published by RCA has spawned through decades of history!!! Fender was the one that first realized it for guitar amplification, and every circuit thereafter, just improved or modified what these initial circuits were! 80 years after and we are still talking about it and appreciating what is irreplaceable technology!
Really love your history videos, informative and well presented! I was trained more about tubes than transistors in Air Force, late 70s. Had to keep all those radios, etc working. Hollow State! After years of acoustic I'm getting into electric more and tube amps. I've got a 67 bandmaster head in pretty rough shape that I'm rebuilding and this gives me some ideas! Too much of a tech special to be worth restoring, the SN has even been ground away, lol! I heard you mention in one you're from central NY. I grew up in the souther tier, I'm just west of Cortland now after years out west. Again, great work!
Incredible story! I had a book just about Dumble, photographs of different amps inside and out. Of course I gave it away and it's not published anymore. Great work!
Great video. I remember the first time I heard of them I was shocked at the gain and harmonics. Amps are important, but modelling is getting there. Not quite, but so close, but I'm biased as I am retired and used to be a software engineer and I always thought some day an amp will be copied digitally and most won't be able to tell the difference. Very cool video and great history. Thanks Keith. ❤
I ran a guitar/amp rental business in North Hollywood during the heyday. (The studio rental company mentioned in this video) Howard/Alexander was "unique". The biggest take away from playing a few of his amps was, you couldn't get away with anything. They were very revealing. That could be good or bad.
Thank you for doing this and explaining the reality of the whole “I played through a Dumble and it wasn’t all that thing. I wouldn’t buy a used tailor made suit and expect it to fit me like the person it was made for.
Outstanding, Keith!!! Before viewing this, I mentioned to my Wife Alexander voicing an amp to suit the player. The LC/RF bit drove this home,,,,laughing while wiping away a tear or two. Great offering.
Man, that lighting setup you put there, with the blue, is the best in the last videos! That's sick, you look very professional and the image now reflects all of your exquisite work, not only your informative (and very cool) words!
@@melvynobrien6193 - for me and you....YES... ...but the people that could use literally anything in the world chose to play Dumbles. Probably never a better natural overdrive amp for tone and touch sensitivity ever made.
Just picked up an amplified nation wonderland overdrive in person from Taylor’s shop. Nice guy and incredible amp. Highly recommend if you’re in the market for these types of amps.
I've had many amps over the last 60 years, and I've got to somehow own an Amplified Nation Amp...the Ultraphonix and Gain for sure. .but I'd be happy if I had any of them before I go to the big dojo in the sky . To my ears, they are the best sounding amps I've ever heard
Just a top-notch treatment of the Dumble Amplifiers story, Keith! As usual, I learned a ton - and came away with more appreciation for Alexander Dumble and his history. Cheers - Matty K.
Saw the Robben and Larry show n Nashville. Amaz how different those tones were. Both Carlton and Ford are masters of touch. And those amps brought out their ability to contour a line like a horn player.
Great video. Thanks for taking the time to make it. Seen Robben play a few times with his blonde D, always to amazingly great effect. Also, one of the best demos of a D is in the documentary “Grizzly Man” from 2005. There’s a making of portion in the extended DVD available that focused on the soundtrack, featuring Richard Thomson and a cast of some amazing classical musicians, and he/they perform to a few clips of the movie live, and he’s playing a custom T-style guitar into his Dumble, and it blew my mind the haunting tone he was achieving, even through the tv monitors. Absolutely worth checking out for his tone, playing and overall musical concept and content. Highly recommended. Thanks again.
Great video, Keith-- among your best work. Excellent selection of which amps to demo as well as choice of RJ as demo guy. I wanted to comment on what I think separates Howard Dumble and Ken Fisher from so many others--- they seemed to understand that electricity flows in fields, not in the wires. Which is why you can build the same schematic so many different ways (from the exact same parts) and it will sound different. Move the O/T right next to the PI tube and it sounds different than if at opposite ends. Tube near tone stack sounds different than tubes far away. The magic in these amps in what they did BEYOND the circuit design. It's in the hour upon hour that Ken spent experimenting with different ways of stacking output transformer steel. It's in the countless experiment with chassis layout-- what goes on the chassis, what gets moved off. These are the things Dumble and Fisher seemed to intuit that seemingly few others do. The magic isn't in the things we can measure in Ohms, Farads, or Henrys. Rather, it's in the things we can't measure-- just fiddling until our ears say "ahhh....that's it."
Thanks again Keith! Another fantastic video under your belt. Even though I’m not able to support your efforts financially, I do what ever else possible to do so. You and Jeff both have played an important role in my “better late than never” attempt at playing and learning. Thank you for the hard work in educating all of us!
Wonderful show Keith! The story, presentation, production and edit all look and sound fantasic! The tweaks you've been doing with your lighting, lensing and studio background are perfect; probably the closest to a true broadcast production level of anyone on TH-cam in the guitar community. Thanks again and keep up the all the cool work.
Nicely done Keith (as always) I have been fascinated by the ‘dumble sound’ since i first heard Robben Ford Talk To Your Daughter album and this was a great tribute to an amp building legend!
Well...I think studying and understanding the things that the rank and file of us can never aspire too is worthwhile. Strad violins, real D'Angelico guitars, Rembrandt paintings, Purdey shotguns they all have their place and should be studied if only to be never forgotten. Dumble is in that category.
I moved to Los Angeles in '88 to work with Larry Carlton. A week before this life changing move from Chicago at 25, Larry was shot in the neck and almost killed. I still went, and as Larry recovered months later, he was ready to continue studio work. He had me reach out to Alexander to tune up Larry's Dumble head. I'll never forget seeing Alexander (I knew him as Howard for the first couple years) winding his way up to Room 335 on a (relatively) small motorcycle. I asked someone about why he didn't come in a car and they said he'd been in a car accident where he had to be removed with the 'jaws of life' and he never wanted to be in a car after that. The head needed work, so he told me to bring it to him the next day to his shop (he wasn't going to strap it on the back of his motorcycle). Amazing memory of pulling up to a Japanese Pagoda style house that he rented from Jackson Browne. He was a character - but super brilliant and an artisan of tone. Thanks for this Short History Keith!
In my single opinion, Keith's channel is probably the best "Educational Equipment" video series on all of TH-cam. I'm not a smart man but even i can understand his work. Great work
him and JHS give great history lessons about gear!
I like it here too. The Guitologist is worth checking out as well.
He’s the Ken Burns of guitar gear.
Brilliant episode amps we can only dream off , I love the royal overdrive by van weeldan my favourite pedal by far it’s a Dumble style.
Me too. 🧠 🎸🎵🩵
Guitarists and their gear should be psychology course in college.
I think it gets covered in the sociopathy sections of the curriculum.
Hype, hype, hype. "Mystical" boutique amps and their so-called "guru" designers (who almost never have any formal electronics design training) have always made me laugh. Along comes "Derek" (and his Dominos) who plugs into a stock Fender Champ and lays down some of the most astoundingly unique, beautiful and coveted tones ever set to a record. The boutique amp and pedal market is absolute P.T. Barnum bullshit, an exercise in human psychology and the idiocy of a self-delusional marketplace. Auto-suggestion is a powerful thing...just look at the audiophile stereo market.
@@diogenio-A friend of mine had a reconditioned Dumble that someone out of L.A. wanted. I told sell it, even a $400,000 Les Paul’s not going to make better! He ended up selling it after holding out for a little more money! Bought a new car!
✌️😎🎸🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶
Oh my god that's so accurate 🤣🤣
Truth!…..
I’ve been in Carter Vintage Guitars a few times when they had Dumbles in stock and got to play one, once.
Your best yet! Great job Hypes!🔥🔥🔥🔥
Thanks Rick!
Collab time??? ❤❤❤
Rick do you own a Dumble?
As the owner of 3 Dumble amps I really appreciate you making this video.
I just double checked and it appears mine say "Peavey" rather than Dumble. Same difference
i too have made this mistake.
I was just about to reply where the hell did you get that kind of money!!😅
i have noticed the faceplates on my tweeds say different things depending on what i have in front of them? quite confusing some days.
Some folks call it a Mississippi Marshall, I call it a Delta Dumble.
@Peterbrendanalbert well ya probably weren't looking for my opinion, but I think the Classic 50 is an absolute banger! The Classic 30 is none too shabby either. You got all the amp most folks ever need right there.
Fantastic video Keith! I learned a lot of things I had no idea about. And thanks for letting me be a part of the fun!
Your playing made it RJ.
Awesome playing!! I know you hear it all the time but you're seriously my favorite. Also, why do you pronounce your own name wrong??
I’m one who finds the dumble hype somewhat confusing and frankly a bit bougie, given how many legendary recordings and tones were made by gear that was common and basically chosen based on the fact that “it was there” more than anything, but I sure do enjoy these videos. The “gear as a commodity” high priced market of dumbles and klons and the like always makes the teenage punker in me sad. As always, well done; an enjoyable and worthwhile watch.
There's been tones just as cutting or more in the mix recorded on little Pignose amps and Peavey Decades for Michael Schenker thru Josh Homme lol
@TheBlackRam666 It's all in the hands! The better you get it playing the more you'll realize. You won't need special guitar, amp or pedal. Everything will just start sounding better.
@@TheBlackRam666Zappa used a pig nose when he played Black Napkins on the Mike Douglas Show snd it sounded beautiful (video is on youtube)
I agree, and it seems to me that getting to work with Alex Dumble on a custom amp, was an indication that you had made it in the music business. Now that he has passed, being able to _afford_ a Dumble, and consider it worth your while to spend that much on "just" an amplifier, is at least an indication that you have "made it" commercially.
Exactly. Young musicians use what they can afford. NONE of the musicians named in this video made a name for themselves playing $75k dumbles. They bought the assembly line amp of the day they could afford, fender tweeds, black/silver face Fenders, vox, Marshall, peavey, etc etc
lve played 3 Dumbles in my 50+ yr.s of playing 2+ decades of retail. lve lived a short walk from Charley's Guitar in Dallas since 76'. l also played Eric Johnsons Dumble at Music Makers in Austin Tx but l couldnt admit that for years because my friend was the amp technician there. The crazy thing is lve also played a bassman that an old friend made that had what is essentially a tube screamer circuit on just the mid frequencies and it sounded almost exactly like the classic Dumble tone we know of and you described. He did it on a dare just because he believed thats what he was hearing in them and he was pretty damn close. He also wired an mxr dist + circuit into the useless distortion pot on a Fender 180 watt rms supertwin reverb my cousin owned and was a beast but never could be tamed even with the onboard EQ the amp had. Mike Mars from lancaster Tx. Great keyboard player as well.
This should be a treat for my Sunday afternoon coffee
Exactly what I’m doing right now… well said my friend
Well done Keith. You covered the Dumble story without oozing the blue goop hype OR bashing an eccentric guy who clearly built fabulous amps.
I would love to hear that 5-watt ODS, especially since Dan Lurie helped build it.
As I guy who's done quite a bit of soldering, I am very impressed by the quality of Dumble's soldering shown in the internal shots. There's not even a hint of a cold joint or even a cold edge. Dumble's hands were obviously rock-steady. All the time he spent perfecting his craft building radios and PA amps shows in his work.
Look up Richard Goosell and the Goodsell Super 17.
Really? Soldering is easy. You have to be particularly sloppy to get a cold joint.
More like the wrong tip and not enough heat.@@rictube4716
Except for the one in the acrylic case looks like an amateur did it. Terrible lead dressing.
I remember the 'Trainwreck' video well. That's what made me forget about Dumbles and start turning over rocks looking for a 'Trainwreck'. All due respect to Dr Z, I may have to settle for a Z Wreck, or Jr. But, I'll likely always be turning over rocks looking for a Trainwreck. It was the best amp sound I ever heard. Thanks Keith!! I think... LOL Peace --gary
I love the fact that he would have prospective buyers come play for him so he could voice the amplifier perfectly to that persons playing style
I have built exactly one amp specifically for a very good guitar player. Frank had been playing a Blackface Super Reverb that belonged to his son. Sonny wanted it back. I spent a couple hours with Frank talking about the 3 bands he played in - 2 jazz and 1 sort of classic blues - and listening to him play several guitars, both acoustic and electric. I also partially blueprinted son Craig’s Super Reverb. I have no idea how many hours I spent researching the circuit, talking to people about speakers, transformers, etc. Oh part of Frank’s spec was that he wanted Craig to be able to play harmonica through the amp too - another rabbit hole. He ended up with an amp where the Vibrato channel was very close to bone stock except for bias vary tremolo. The (ab)Normal channel, however, was something else. I started with a Brown Vibroverb (6G16) preamp including the weird 4-lug Treble pot but changed a lot of component values based on listening - including a harmonica through the same mic Craig used. The Bright switch turned into a guitar/harmonica switch.
Sorry! I didn’t mean to write a novel. When I delivered the amp, Frank played his pre-WWII Gibson L5 first. He clearly liked the amp. After 20 minutes or so, he plugged a black, early 1970s Strat into the “Normal” channel. In a moment he was grinning from ear to ear. “You know I’ve owned this guitar for decades but didn’t love it until just now.” I was a happy man!
Sadly Frank is gone now, but the last I heard his son, grandson and at least one other family member pass that amp back and forth. It gets played.
Randy fey of phaez amp did the same for me. Guy is an amazing amp builder. I wanted an 800/JMP type sound with actual tone controls, than just a Marshall sound. Really happy with the Pasadena he built me.
If you're lucky enough to find a GREAT guitar tech, they will do the same... Watch and listen to you play, your touch and picking force and incorporate that info into the setup on your guitar.
RIP Allen Chester of Jacksonville FL.
This has me wondering what `uncle doug` would make of the
circuitry in dumble amps, the repairs and restoration work he
carries out on his youtube channel is beyond words. love this
keith, 5 watt world is essential viewing !👍😊
I bought a SSS from Taylor at Amplified Nations and I'll tell you every bit of the process was amazing. I can tell just how personal it is to him to make the best sounding amps and carrying on Alexander Dumble's legacy.
This video brought up a lot of memories that I had forgotten. I don’t remember exactly how, but I was brought to Howard Dumble when he was working out of The Alley, a rehearsal studio in the Valley. I had recently purchased an old tweed bassman amp from SIR rehearsal studios, which, we converted to 2X12 speaker in the original cabinet at SIR. Something didn’t sound quite right and somebody said oh you should come meet this weird guy who is a whiz with amplifiers. The wizard introduced himself as Howard and I brought him the Bassman and he had me play through it for about 20 minutes and he said all right I’ll take a look at it. When he called me back about a week and a half later, the amp sounded amazing. Howard refused to take any money for the work, saying that I should enjoy it and that he wished me good luck in my future - I was working as an “ up-and-coming recording engineer”. Shortly thereafter, I met Aspen Pittman of Groove Tubes fame, and mentioned my amplifier after seeing his collection of amps, and told him that this guy Howard Dumble had recently repaired my tweed Bassman to which he replied oh shit anybody can build an amp like Howard there’s no big thing about dumbles. He then lent me a Groove Tubes amp he had recently “designed”- meaning he hired people to design and build it. In the studio, I was stunned at the sound of the clean channel so much so that I started talking to Aspen about building mic preamp’s. My amp was loaded with 6L6s and the clean channel was special though the Mean channel was a little harsh though with the foot pedal they could be combined. As Aspen added new features over time, I sent my amp back to be updated. When it came back the 6L6s had been replaced with EL34s with the newly added Fat switch. The clean channel sounded mostly the same as before but the Mean channel was much thicker and warmer. This become my go to amp in the studio as it was very heavy due to the 75 watt Celestion keyboard speaker and the newly added 2 speed fan and dual accessory outlet rear panel. People I recorded often remarked the new version sounded more Dumble- like and all were blown away by the touch sensitivity which the “hair bands” I was working with didnt love as it revealed quite clearly the less flattering aspects of their technique. The R&B players loved it as did the blues and slide players.
Aspen was always full of ideas, some his and some not. Say what you will he made things happen. Good topic for a 5WW Short History?
Btw, your video reminded me that Howard had worked on my Bassman which probably explains why everyone who hears it wants to buy it from me including amp techs despite its well- worn cosmetics.
My thanks to Paul Patronete (former Groove Tubes GM) for his friendship and introduction to the often brilliant engineers in Aspen’s employ. They don’t make many like Paul and the world is worse off for it.
Thanks for uncovering the mystery, Keith!
I know I'm not saying anything new here, you are such a great historian, Keith. I'm so grateful for all the different amps and guitars you have catalogued with such painstaking research. This gives me such an appreciation of what goes into such designs and the passion behind them.
This channel never fails to amaze. Wonderful playing by RJ, too.
The deeper Keith goes the more my feelings get hurt. He encompasses, embraces and then thankfully mitigates the black hole of despair one has when realizing we drones will never be able to play with the good toys. Great job as usual, I think. 🎸
Many players used very accessible gear, don't go down the rabbit hole too far. I've had a Ceriatone Dumble and it was very good. Speakers make a LOT of difference as well if you want to experiment with tone.
@@naomimoore47 To be fair, I can't name a single guitar player that failed because of the amp sucked; conversely I don't know a single player that is honored because of his amp sound; after all sound is subjective, but your playing isn't. 🎸
Ry Cooder is the player through whom I was first made aware of Dumble amps. Can't get much better tone than that...
Apparently, the secret to tone is: most expensive amp plus least expensive pickup.😆
@dustinpowell6297 ha yeah well those pickups aren't so cheap anymore
Rumor I heard was that Ry's Dumble kept blowing up so he smashed it on Dumble's doorstep. Anyway, I don't think I've ever seen a picture of Ry using a Dumble. Tweed Fenders, Premier amps, even a Standel, but not Dumble. Anyway, those Valco (Supro, National) lap steel pickups sound great through *any* amp. The Teisco gold-foil pickups, perhaps not, and I'm told they vary a lot sonically from one to the next.
Ry Cooder. My favorite guitar player... ever.
Did he use a Dumble for Crossroads?
Thank you for the great video! I myself finally got a Dumble clone - a very affordable one, I might add - a Ceriatone OTS 20 Mini. Needless to say, I have never even seen a Dumble, but did own a Fuchs a couple of times, which I loved. The Ceriatone is still blowing my mind after a little more than 6 months of owning it. I can only imagine how incredible it might have been for Alexander to build me an ODS! Thanks again, for the awesome video.
I had a Ceriatone OTS 20 Mini and it was absolutely killer. I ended up selling it and bought a Ceriatone JM50 instead, and I've also had Ceriatone pedals and every piece of Ceriatone gear I've ever used has been top notch made by a great bloke in Nik. Highly, highly recommend.
@@npcompletenate The Ceriatone hype is not hype, that's for sure! And I can't say enough great things about Nik.
Thank you for this one. I have been a lifelong fan of players like Larry Carlton, Robin Ford, and SRV who always captured my ear with interesting ideas and incredible guitar tone. Hearing that Dumble listened to their playing and shaped an amps tonal and response characteristics to bring out their individual playing style makes so much sense. It is an extension of their creative spirit and what made his amps so very personal and special.
I have never played through a Dumble amp and probably never will, but appreciate the genuine art in his designs.
Fascinating stuff. I knew some of it already, but this filled in some gaps. It's wild because as interesting as it is, I know I'll never play through a Dumble. It's like watching videos about those custom made hand built "supercars" that go 220+ mph. Beautiful, and so interesting to see what goes into creating them, but I know I'll never get to drive one, much less own one. But I dig them anyway! Same with Dumble. Lowell George and David Lindley, Larry Carton and Robben Ford all made *incredible* sounds with these beasts. Love it.
My late friend, Kim Davis of the southern rock band Point Blank from Dallas Texas got a call from a friend one day. This was around 1990 and his friend told him that there was an amplifier at a pawnshop for $300 that he might be interested in now mind you this is before these amps became super famous. He went down to the pawnshop and he purchased an overdrive special combo in brown suede leather covering. At the time Kim already had quite a few killer, vintage marshals, and a 57 Strat that was unreal he collected all this from years of playing. He was also in a band with Stevie Ray back in the early days. A few weeks later after he got the amp he called me I was living in Austin, Texas and I had a gig that weekend in Dallas. I am a Pedal Steel guitar player and Kim told me to bring my 1947 National Dynamic lap steel with me. he said when you get here, let’s plug it into the amp and see if we can get that David Lindley tone so when I got to his house before the gig we hooked it up and yes it sounded just like Mercury, Blues hell yeah!!!
I didn't know Kim but I was friends with Rusty, sure miss him
I was just listening to "Nicole" the other day! Great memories.
point blank opened for, I think is was Nuggent? in the late 70's or 80 at Cobo Hall Detroit, as a teenager who played guitar just how impressed I was with point blank guitar player, slide guitar on a black les paul, sounded incredible.
wow this IS very cool!
I miss Kimbo. He came to a store where I was. We became pretty good friends. He came in one day and after talking a while, Kimbo brought me out to show me a dumble that he had in a flight case. He was so proud. He was one heck of a guitar player.
I got the Amplified Nation Wonderland Overdrive with 2x12 cab two weeks ago and it’s glorious…
Destined to be the go-to reference for this amp and its history.
"Five Watt World" + "Dumble", instant like...
About 18 years ago I had the opportunity to visit David Lindley’s home in Claremont a number of times. And on my first visit his wife Joanie said “show him your Dumble’s”. David pointed to a set of three amps against the wall on the other side of the living room. I wandered over and looked at them. They were covered with dust and even a few cobwebs. “Wow !” I said, trying to sound impressed. But the truth was that at the time, I had no idea that Dumble’s were so rare and sought after. In hindsight, I’m pretty sure that what I was looking at were some of the most sought after Dumbles in the world, including the one that he later sold to Ben Harper many years later. When I say that his amps were covered in dust I should also note that most of his electric guitars were lying in piles on the living room floor with no cases. I think that the only instruments that he treated with particular care were his acoustic instruments.
Great history of Dumble’s work! Another addition is Dumble’s work on my brother’s (Jonathan) electric banjo, tuning into Jonathan’s using a slide for it. And Dumble, who had heard Jango (my brothers band; Jonathan on banjo, David on guitar along with 5 others), was intrigued (1973). Great video put out by Emerald City Guitars “Dumble found in shed” about 5 months ago. Glimpses of Dumble’s intensity on purpose and intent and sound a particular musician wanted. Just a side note.
I lived in Santa Cruz California in the early 70s.Howard Dumble had an electronic repair shop there. He went by the name Howard back then. He would modify fender amplifiers for the local musicians. I had him do a blackface showman for me. He ran both channels in series and put in a master volume. I'm sure it was one of the first ones that he did. I wonder what that amp would be worth now if still had it with the receipt. Oh well.
Do you remember Jango at the Catalyst?
@@DavidSchneiderIP It's been a long time but yes, I think I do. are we talking about the original catalyst? The one by the Saint George hotel.
I purchased a used amp several weeks ago. Made in a one man shop. He did everything, built the cabnet, tolex etc. Started in 89' and from what i can ascertain, built to around 2017. One amp a week. The brand is Juke and the model Warbler. Triode/pentode 40/20 watts. Mine has one 12" and one 10" speakr, reverb and tremelo. Imo this amp could be compared to Dumble. I would love to hear you take on them. Not as rare as Dumble but quality and sound, who knows? Thanks for your very informative content! As of writing this, i can only find 4 or examples for sale (some are different models). The builder/designer is Gary Croteau.
10/10 You have a great presentation that has a foundation in research & preparation, you speak in a relaxed professional manner - it just doesn't get any better. Great channel and no one else could do it justice. I look forward to the next...Thank you Keith.
Agreed! Thanks Keith, I enjoyed it so much I watched it twice! 👏🏻🎸💙
At 3:46 that looks to be the python-skin-covered Steel-String Singer behind Lindley, who had marked the control panel up with a Sharpie and tape to make it easy to remember where to set the highly-interactive controls. He had at least two Dumbles, one of which is now owned by Ben Harper.
I always found it kind of fascinating that the origin stories of most amp makers (Marshall, Peavey and Dumble) all start out about the same, but once those boutique makers switch to mass production, the "mystique" of the early models fizzles. Dumble never went to mass production, so his amps are still fetching massive amounts on the collectors market, while you probably couldn't even give away those early Peaveys.
My favorite early recording amp was a white Bassman. For gigs a Super Reverb, usually with a second 2 12" Fender cab to fill out the 10s. Then came Dave West with his GA-60, morphed into the 100 watt Grande. I went to work wiring for Dave and playing his new circuit ideas while he twiddled the knobs. Things got louder, wiring like Keith said, the 'color way.' But the Bassman was always there. Though the big amps are history, the Bassman is still a fave. I like the 'bass' channel, with the 'deep' switch on, then bridge to the other channel to boost highs. Wire jockeys like Mr Dumble are very unusual persons, seems I've known a lot of them. Here in southeast Michigan we had Fast Eddie down on Mack Ave in Detroit, an eccentric if ever there were one. Thanks to you for the tribute to one of the best.
Holding on to electrical devices affects your brain. Stay smooth with it and you'll be a happy guy. Thanks again, Keith!
Beautiful storytelling about arguably the most mythical piece of gear. Fantastic episode.
I have found a properly tweaked EQ, with a fairly pronounced MID hump bell, and a Compressor helps to build an excellent clean tone that opens up your amp. From there, run an A/B for your different drive/gain channels.
The EQ/COMP is your "always on" clean.
A good A/B loop/switch runs the rest. Crews Maniac Sound BUF-211 is an AMAZING and versatile A/B Buffer/Loop switcher that also has a built in boost.
The Wampler Tumnus or other good Klone (Critter Electronics makes an excellent Klon style pedal) Boss Waza Blues Driver, Hermida/Lovepedal ZenDrive or Mosferatu, AmpTweaker TightDrive are all EXCELLENT choices for a low to mid gain drive.
I know absolutely nothing about anything having to do with guitars or any instrument for that matter, can't play a damn thing, never even tried. There is not one thing you speak about I have even the slightest inkling of understanding, might as well be speaking ancient Greek... Yet, I'm always mesmerized and impressed by the depth of knowledge and level of detail in every description of whatever your reviewing.
Great stuff, looking forward to the next video I watch, understanding absolutely nothing but loving every single minute of it!!!
I'm 61, who knows, maybe it's never too late to learn...
It is never too late to learn. Maybe that should be my channel tagline. It’s what I’m always hoping to do.
What a magnificent gift on an October Sunday to have another magnificently done video from Keith! Very grateful for all this goodness you put together, because these videos are both a very special moment when you release them and very fun resources I come back to for rewatches again and again.
Some of this audience may be old enough to remember getting magazine subscriptions in the mail. The excitement of an issue from your very favorite magazine, thinking of how you’d make time to really enjoy it, uninterrupted. And how some issues you saved, you’d read thru again and again. - That’s Five Watt World.
Thanks Keith! ✌️😌🎸
Hadn’t heard of these before, but I went out and bought one after watching the video. It’s pretty good.
Always love hearing the lore and history to these legendary amps. Amazing job as always.
This is the best gear, guitar, music history hands down. I played a dumble in nashville once, i didn't like it and didnt get the why. This video now makes sense to me as to why I didn't like the dumble experience.
i shall stick to my princeton's and twins, thanks 5 watt world for you passion and sharing info.
I own a Welagen Overdrive Special and it's the absolute best hand wired amp I have ever owned. 100 watt with NOS parts and a vintage transformer. You wouldn't be able to tell the difference between them. He is the guy to go to for the best clone. I also have the book.
I'm sure its said all the time, but these are absolutely showcase quality videos. I learn so much, the narration is spectacular and I appreciate the humble, credible, approachable technique. I would love this on a History TV series if it wasn't all zombies and aliens. Truly great channel. Well done!
Not that I think this would gain any traction but I’d love to see a “The Guitars of Joe Walsh” video, especially the parts about him and Jimmy Page.
And Pete Townsend!
I'm amazed at how influential the fender bassman was - Marshall, Dumble, all significantly changed to be sure , but still...
And Mesa Boogie
But Fender still won't make a Tone Master one...
The 59 and 6G6 both had such an impact. Why Fender ignores the 6G6 is beyond me.
If you trace the family tree of any tube guitar amp back to its orgins, you're gonna get to a fender bassman.
I could be wrong but I believe Vox was also influenced by the Fender Bassman. Vox AC15s and AC 30s are famous for not having a negative feedback loop slamming the power tubes and giving it that beautiful saturated tone. That's something that I believe Fender doesn't have.
This has to be one of your best (IMHO) episodes. What a challenging and intriguing subject to address... and done so succinctly and comprehensively. Your passion for your work shows. Well done - again. Thanks
I grew up in Santa Cruz, California and was a hopeful young guitar player in the 70s and 80s. I met and casually spoke to Howard (we knew him by that name at the time) a couple of times, but he had sort of an eccentric "mad scientist" vibe about him. There was a used music gear store on Ocean St called the "Musician's Trading Post" where I hung out, bought and sold gear and such. I DISTINCTLY remember seeing a stack of two or three Dumble amps sitting on the floor in an out of the way corner at one time - it seems like it was around 79 or 80. I asked the owner about them and was told that those were some amps that Howard Dumble made that he wasn't getting much interest in. They didn't look very cool to my eye, with their "computer" font on the panel and odd knob layouts as compared to the popular amps of the time. I never bothered to plug one in, which is strange because I've always been drawn to oddball gear, cars, motorcycles, and the like. I don't remember their prices, but they didn't strike me as high-priced. I have thought back to that time often and wondered why I didn't buy a Dumble or two then, and maybe a burst to go with them!
Thanks for including a little bit of the actual technicalities involved.... This video reminds me that true happiness is only achieved with being satisfied and happy with what you like and already have instead of constantly chasing a unicorn...
Thanx Keith for going into depth with these super amps that most of us cant afford, but would die to play
The holy grail of sound does exist ! The Dumble sound is the encompassment of of the holiest guitar tone..thanks for a great documentary...
I built a Trinity Amps ODS kit, and it is awesome! Highly recommended!
I wanna play a ‘59 Les Paul through a Klon Centaur into a Dumble Overdrive Special so I can look down upon all the peasants. Hey… a guy can dream. 😂
That’s what I’m doing, except I have a PRS Singlecut, a Decebelics Golden Horse and a Two-Rock… and I’m completely fine with that and don’t miss anything :)
Ah, yes, I agree
Million dollar rig
Love the Series Keith ! Great history and fun toys !
Probably the best 5WW video to date. And I've watched them all. THANKS.
I can’t play a lick , but I love 5 watt world❤.. Hats off too everyone who makes these videos possible
"fascinated by the mind that created it" so well said; so universally applicable
Thanks Keith. Superlative applies this time. Not just great. It is absolutely 5 watt. Efficient and articulate without being flashy. You present the story and the story speaks for itself. That takes skill, commitment, and humility. Well done.
Only saw Robin F once in the 90"s but was front and center. He was not too loud and the sound was truly inspiring.. Thank you Robin
Thanks, Keith - wonderful video. Everyone interested in Alexander Dumble would do well to listen to the last 6-8 episodes of a podcast called Guitar Wank, wherein many people who had spent time in the Dumble castle talk about the experience. This was done upon Dumble's death. I have listened to the series many times now - Dumble understood tubes and their use in amplifiers at a level beyond almost everybody. By the way, evidently he preferred the first name Alexander over Howard in his later years. I would have given anything to spend time with him, listening and watching. One of the many things I MUST do as I get old (same age as Keith) is build the most appropriate Ceriatone kit and shed a silent tear at its completion to the amazing Alexander Dumble.
It's just amazing what the simplest tube circuit published by RCA has spawned through decades of history!!!
Fender was the one that first realized it for guitar amplification, and every circuit thereafter, just improved or modified what these initial circuits were!
80 years after and we are still talking about it and appreciating what is irreplaceable technology!
My father is 1200 miles from me and we await your video drops and talk about them. Great job as always Keith. ❤
What an exceptional video! Thank you everyone….great work…and great watch!!
OMG! What a great short history. I love the sound of Robben Ford and having the Dumble history is a great addition to my understanding. 🙂
Really love your history videos, informative and well presented! I was trained more about tubes than transistors in Air Force, late 70s. Had to keep all those radios, etc working. Hollow State! After years of acoustic I'm getting into electric more and tube amps. I've got a 67 bandmaster head in pretty rough shape that I'm rebuilding and this gives me some ideas! Too much of a tech special to be worth restoring, the SN has even been ground away, lol! I heard you mention in one you're from central NY. I grew up in the souther tier, I'm just west of Cortland now after years out west. Again, great work!
Incredible story! I had a book just about Dumble, photographs of different amps inside and out. Of course I gave it away and it's not published anymore. Great work!
Blown away …again!
What a story, and told so well.
Thanks as always.
Great video. I remember the first time I heard of them I was shocked at the gain and harmonics. Amps are important, but modelling is getting there. Not quite, but so close, but I'm biased as I am retired and used to be a software engineer and I always thought some day an amp will be copied digitally and most won't be able to tell the difference. Very cool video and great history. Thanks Keith. ❤
You do such an awesome job with your research, presentation and overall ability to provide insightful knowledge. Thank you very much for your videos.
I ran a guitar/amp rental business in North Hollywood during the heyday. (The studio rental company mentioned in this video) Howard/Alexander was "unique". The biggest take away from playing a few of his amps was, you couldn't get away with anything. They were very revealing. That could be good or bad.
This is now my favorite five watt world video. So much fantastic information
I _always_ learn something new in this Short Histories, Keith. Thank you so very much. 🥰
Thanks!
Thank you for doing this and explaining the reality of the whole “I played through a Dumble and it wasn’t all that thing. I wouldn’t buy a used tailor made suit and expect it to fit me like the person it was made for.
Dumbles we’re NOT made individually for each player. This is a common misconception that I read everywhere. This simply was not true.
Thank you so much. Your videos never ever disappointed.
Outstanding, Keith!!!
Before viewing this, I mentioned to my Wife Alexander voicing an amp to suit the player.
The LC/RF bit drove this home,,,,laughing while wiping away a tear or two.
Great offering.
Hey @ Keith! Been waiting on this one patiently with the other minions 😄. Again thank you for the work you put into the craft for us all to enjoy!
Keith, this was a great learning experience. Much appreciation!
Outstanding! Love your channel! Both you and Rick are my go to's every week. Thanks for the excellent work.
Man, that lighting setup you put there, with the blue, is the best in the last videos! That's sick, you look very professional and the image now reflects all of your exquisite work, not only your informative (and very cool) words!
The big kahuna. An amp that costs more than my house. Been waiting for this one.
Thanks Keith.
@@melvynobrien6193 - for me and you....YES...
...but the people that could use literally anything in the world chose to play Dumbles.
Probably never a better natural overdrive amp for tone and touch sensitivity ever made.
Thanks!
Just picked up an amplified nation wonderland overdrive in person from Taylor’s shop. Nice guy and incredible amp. Highly recommend if you’re in the market for these types of amps.
I'd love one . Incredible amps .
I've had many amps over the last 60 years, and I've got to somehow own an Amplified Nation Amp...the Ultraphonix and Gain for sure. .but I'd be happy if I had any of them before I go to the big dojo in the sky . To my ears, they are the best sounding amps I've ever heard
Just a top-notch treatment of the Dumble Amplifiers story, Keith! As usual, I learned a ton - and came away with more appreciation for Alexander Dumble and his history. Cheers - Matty K.
Absolutely fascinating a great overview of the subject matter.
Your videos are really great, mate. Thanks for all the effort and passion. Great!
Saw the Robben and Larry show n Nashville. Amaz how different those tones were. Both Carlton and Ford are masters of touch. And those amps brought out their ability to contour a line like a horn player.
Great video. Thanks for taking the time to make it. Seen Robben play a few times with his blonde D, always to amazingly great effect. Also, one of the best demos of a D is in the documentary “Grizzly Man” from 2005. There’s a making of portion in the extended DVD available that focused on the soundtrack, featuring Richard Thomson and a cast of some amazing classical musicians, and he/they perform to a few clips of the movie live, and he’s playing a custom T-style guitar into his Dumble, and it blew my mind the haunting tone he was achieving, even through the tv monitors. Absolutely worth checking out for his tone, playing and overall musical concept and content. Highly recommended. Thanks again.
Great video, Keith-- among your best work. Excellent selection of which amps to demo as well as choice of RJ as demo guy. I wanted to comment on what I think separates Howard Dumble and Ken Fisher from so many others--- they seemed to understand that electricity flows in fields, not in the wires. Which is why you can build the same schematic so many different ways (from the exact same parts) and it will sound different. Move the O/T right next to the PI tube and it sounds different than if at opposite ends. Tube near tone stack sounds different than tubes far away.
The magic in these amps in what they did BEYOND the circuit design. It's in the hour upon hour that Ken spent experimenting with different ways of stacking output transformer steel. It's in the countless experiment with chassis layout-- what goes on the chassis, what gets moved off. These are the things Dumble and Fisher seemed to intuit that seemingly few others do. The magic isn't in the things we can measure in Ohms, Farads, or Henrys. Rather, it's in the things we can't measure-- just fiddling until our ears say "ahhh....that's it."
Keith, thanks for completing my weekend. Loved your sophisticated take on this unique amplifier. A delight!
Thanks David!
Thanks again Keith! Another fantastic video under your belt. Even though I’m not able to support your efforts financially, I do what ever else possible to do so. You and Jeff both have played an important role in my “better late than never” attempt at playing and learning. Thank you for the hard work in educating all of us!
Wow! This is 20 years old! Great Video!
Wonderful show Keith! The story, presentation, production and edit all look and sound fantasic! The tweaks you've been doing with your lighting, lensing and studio background are perfect; probably the closest to a true broadcast production level of anyone on TH-cam in the guitar community. Thanks again and keep up the all the cool work.
That was great, Keith. Thanks to all.
I really enjoyed that, thanks, Rob Livesey
Nicely done Keith (as always) I have been fascinated by the ‘dumble sound’ since i first heard Robben Ford Talk To Your Daughter album and this was a great tribute to an amp building legend!
Great run down, and great information. Robben Ford is one of my fave players....
Thanks!