Backstage Service

10/15/2026

The tale of Two Supros (apologies to Geoffrey Chaucer).
Supro #1 (first two pics) is a Supreme, probably late 40's or early 50s. This is the original version of this model, there were a couple of slightly different permutations later on. This one had been rode hard then put away wet for 20 years. After a full rebuild and LOTS of cleanup, it's got a great Ry Cooder vibe.

Supro #2 is a model 24, AKA 1624T, same circuit sold under Valco and Gretsch badges. Obviously super clean (dig that blue fabric!) but all original inside, so it got new filter capacitors, new output tubes and a grounded AC cable with the AC supply wired to current UL spec.

These old, less well known amps have really lovely and unique personalities. Great for everyday use, or just to keep around for a little different flavor when you're recording. If you've got one lurking in the closet or the garage that needs some love, bring it in!

09/06/2026

The shop will be closed Monday, September 7 because I won't be laboring for the day.

08/07/2026

Heads up y'all--the Loud and Clear Flea Market is happening tomorrow 8/8 and Backstage Service will be there in full force--all 2 of us! We've got lots of swell stuff that could be yours, from blazing rockage to the charmingly quirky. Don't miss it!

This Saturday, 8/8, Connor and I will be at a table at the Loud and Clear Flea Market with all manner of cool stuff that could quickly and easily become yours. Also, there will be a taco truck. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to get more gear at attractive prices!

08/03/2026

This Saturday, 8/8, Connor and I will be at a table at the Loud and Clear Flea Market with all manner of cool stuff that could quickly and easily become yours. Also, there will be a taco truck. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to get more gear at attractive prices!

07/16/2026

Long ago, in a galaxy far away, Gibson built what we're now calling the Last Millenium Falcon. Once the bass-sucking portion of the preamp is removed it sounds distinctive and majestic. First and last clips are clean with reverb and that lovely tremelo, second clip demonstrates that you can turn off the dry signal and get reverb only! Clip #3 is dry, cranked--rock on! Space, the final frontier, to mix SF metaphors.

03/26/2026

Who's a good boy? This amp and our special guest model! This Fender Musicmaster Bass chassis came here in a box, partially disassembled. We put it back together with new filter capacitors and a few minor mods to make it a great sounding guitar amp. The owner did the cabinet and the spiffy new grille cloth. It'll make you sit up and take notice!

02/11/2026

What??!!?? Another brown Princeton? Yep, this one's got an Altec speaker. The guitar is a 60's Gibson 330, P-90's swapped out long ago for 60's humbuckers. Replaced the gone-concave ABR-1 bridge, now it plays like a dream! (And before you ask, no, neither the guitar or the amp is for sale!) Got an amp, keyboard, guitar or bass that's not behaving? Come on down!

02/05/2026

The Tale Of Two Princetons
Up first, this beautiful brown Princeton we rebuilt for Star Guitars in Santa Rosa. Ever-tasteful Connor Gill displays its tonal majesty. Next, Connor again, this time playing through a 1971 Princeton that we modified for more clean headroom while completely rebuilding it. This amp could be yours. Also, an Explorer with a Bigsby! Seriously, how cool is that?

01/28/2026

The always-tasteful Connor Gill playing through the rehabilitated Randall Smith modified silverface Fender Deluxe Reverb. If your amp sounds tired and listless, it's time to bring it in for a spa treatment!

01/28/2026

A real piece of North Bay history here. This silverface Fender Deluxe Reverb was modified by Randall Smith back in the pre-Boogie days. From all appearances, Randall was the last tech to open this thing up, so it was deferred maintenance time. New tubes, new filter capacitors and various other bits and bobs and it's ready for another 50 years.