Reviving a Vintage Tone Monster:

the Legendary Supro 1616T


After years of soul-stirring service, my Airline 62-9029a (also known as the Supro 1616T and Gretsch G6151) suddenly developed volume fluctuations, low output, and a non-functional tremolo.

Troubleshooting

Initial Checks

  • Tube tester gave all tubes a clean bill of health.
  • Swapped tubes with known good ones, but issues persisted.

Deep Dive

  • Visually inspected the amp’s interior for broken joints, burned resistors, or obvious faults.
  • Performed the chopstick test to detect loose solder joints.
Airline 62-9029a Internal Guts point to point wiring
It’s a wild ride inside this amp. Wires everywhere!

The Culprit?

Electrolytic Capacitors

Original electrolytic capacitors were long overdue for replacement! Before tackling that, I:

  • Safely drained DC voltages through preamp tube 1.
  • Verified zero stored voltage.

Time to replace those expired capacitors and breathe new life into this vintage gem!

Electrolytic Capacitor Replacement

Out went the original can capacitor; in came individual:

  • 10uF/450V
  • 10uF/450V
  • 22uF/450V (replacing 20uF/450V)
  • These are tucked in the corner of the amp on point to point posts.
  • I give them added stability by using Permatex RTV to hold them, so they don’t move or rattle. The amp is a studio amp so it shouldn’t be taking too much of a beating.
Airline 62-9029a New Electrolytic Capacitors tucked in corner
New electrolytic capacitors safely tucked in the corner.

Tremolo Circuit Repair

  • The voltage dropping 6.8K resistor (at 20uf/450 capacitor) was charred and broken, showing infinite resistance. Replaced with 1W metal film 6.8K resistor.
  • Visually inspected the other resistors and capacitors in the circuit, and they all look good.
Broken resistor causing tremolo of Supro 1616T to stop working.
Broken resistor causing tremolo to stop working.

Back to Life!

I prioritized only the essential repairs to maintain the amp’s original character. and tone. After the above repairs, the volume’s consistent and loud; tremolo’s working beautifully! Time to make some soul music!

Future To-Dos:

  • Replace older 35uF/50V electrolytic cathode bypass cap (12AX7)
  • The 330 ohm 2 watt cathode resistor (6v6) looks like it has taken some heat over the years. It measures 356 ohms and is working fine, but should be replaced at some point for longevity.
330 ohm 2 watt carbon comp cathode resistor looks like it has taken some heat over the years.
Future to-do: Swap heat-stressed 330ohm/2W carbon comp cathode resistor (6V6)

Patina & Soul

This vintage gem’s got character. Beautiful patina on the amp, and it smells like an old smoky bar. Full of history and expression. She’s beautiful from years of creation!

Soulful Musings

“This old amp, it’s got stories to tell.
Soulful, like Jimi’s rhythm hand.
Gritty, funky, and worn.
The slow pulsing heartbeat of the tremolo.
Deep breaths of late-night smoke,
sweat and whiskey-tinged t-shirts
untucked on the verge of distortion
Echoes of Bob, Al, Clarence, and Cody
Whispering melodic secrets
to anyone who has a spare moment to listen.”



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Mixed Prints &
A Pop of Color

Keeping warm and colorful at the water shed.

After a few frigid winters in New York, it was time to update my winter regalia. This cardigan by Ralph Lauren (Denim & Supply) is cozy with an amazing shawl collar and colorful Navajo pattern.  Perfect for intimate fireside conversations and warm enough for brisk evening walks to the market. The more I wear it, the more classic it becomes. Mixing Prints, a pop of colorRalph Lauren Denim & Supply Sweater | Slouchy Hat | Nike Air Force 1 | Warby Parker Spectacles

2-20-2014 Look Blushing Truth

*photo by CDC*
Canon 5D MK II
Vivitar Series 1 — 28mm  — F1.9

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Mark Bell Slingshot Review: Increase Strength and Improve Form

I first started using the Mark Bell Slingshot to rehab a nagging shoulder injury. It allowed me to bench press and do dips while my shoulder healed. Low weight, low reps, but with minimal to no pain. This was amazing!

I started lifting a little bit heavier after my shoulder healed, and I noticed my bench press form had gotten better. My elbows flared less and my shoulders would not turn over when the weight got heavy. Unexpected surprise that my 1 rep max increased.

Now I use the Slingshot all the time and highly recommend it to people looking for help with their bench press, dips, and push ups. I LOVE IT!

I have a long way to go on my bench press journey, but I think the Slingshot will help PUSH me to my goals. Thanks Mark Bell!

Mark Bell Slingshot

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Maui, Morimoto, Malasadas

Morimoto at the Andaz on Maui is known for its upscale Japanese cuisine. After your meal, make sure to leave room for dessert. The malasadas here are perfect. Fluffy and moist on the inside, lightly fried on the outside, and evenly coated with sugar. Three exquisite dipping sauces, apple banana cheesecake, sake caramel, and Waialua chocolate, transform the dessert to a black tie event, even though when you look down, you’re still wearing shorts and flip flops.

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Horseback Riding at Garrod Farms: A Perfect Weekend Escape

Chi Diem Chau at Garrod Stables. Saratoga, California.
Rider with Jetta.
Saratoga, California.

On a perfect Sunday afternoon, our travels brought us to the Garrod Farms Stables for horseback riding through the Saratoga Foothills. For an hour, our horses (affectionately named Jetta and Lakota) walked and trotted their way through the Fremont Older Open Space Preserve, giving us breathtaking views of the Santa Clara Valley and San Francisco Bay. Soaring hawks, the silence of the wind against clapping hooves, and history lessons on the ways of the Ohlone Indians had us feeling in ancient times. Truly magical!

Connected to the Garrod Farms Stables is the Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards. The vineyard is certified organic and expertly uses sustainable winegrowing practices to create a truly world class wine. In the tasting room, all of our senses were schooled on the luscious differences of the various wines. These are some of the best wines in the world. Try some of our favorites here! Hurry they sell out fast!

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a Gentle Winter

In Berkeley, a gentle winter encourages fertile soil all year long.
A lone winter camellia innocently blushes pink, hoping for us to notice her.
wintercamelia
Not to be outdone, broccoli rabe from our simple little garden gets the invitation to dinner. Yum!
broccolirabe

Setting up the Classic Canon 5D MK II as a Movie Camera

Setting up the Canon 5D MK II as a movie camera.
Setting up the Canon 5D MK II as a movie camera.

The Canon 5D MK II was released over 7 years ago and is still a BEAST in picture quality and functionality. Today, it can be found on the second hand market at rock bottom prices. We picked one up and started using it for video. To get the best filmic look on the camera, try the following settings, and then do post processing in your favorite editor.

How to set up the Canon 5D MK II for Video
1) Set to Manual Mode
2) Shutter Speed set to 50 (if shooting at 25 fps) The shutter speed should be double your fps – to reduce motion blur or high speed shutter. You might have to use an ND to stop down the light if too bright.
3) Set ISO – the key ISO’s to use are 160, 320, 640, 1250. The lowest numbers are the most noise free, but also require the most light.
4) Set a picture profile settings:
Sharpness – 0
Contrast – 0
Saturation – minus 2
Color Tone – 0
This setting makes it harder to focus and looks flatter, but you get 2 stops of latitude for post processing.

You now have your Canon 5D MK II set up as a movie camera.
Now go shoot your masterpiece!

**Settings courtesy of Philip Bloom.

the Find

We’re currently in the middle of a home remodel so I’ve been looking for off-the-cuff items to spruce up our space. Luckily, I’ve found a hidden gem where I could find vintage one-of-a-kind items on the cheap – the local thrift store. So far, I’ve picked up a vintage army cot (for an upcoming DIY project), a leather trunk, and other cool decor items.

the Find - episode 1 - Vintage Full Grain Leather Camera Bag
Vintage Full Grain Leather Camera Bag – on DIY refinished  barn wood floors.

On my latest trip I came across this vintage structured tobacco leather bag. It’s over 30 years old, but the full grain leather still looks brand new. I love the boxy silhouette and the classic buckle detailing. I’ll use it as a camera bag when I’m out and about and as a decor piece when it’s not in use. It cost me $25, more than I usually spend at this place, but totally worth it.

Craft Cocktails With a Twist — And One Amazing Tip That Will Change the Way You Garnish Forever

Domaine-Chandon-Summer-Cocktails
With alfresco entertaining in full swing, it’s time to up the ante with a few delicious signature cocktails. We came across two refreshing recipes during an amazing experience at Domaine Chandon in Napa Valley.

Ian Winget (mixologist, sommelier, and Domaine Chandon alum), personally taught us how to whip up two cocktails that literally took two minutes to make. The first drink was called a Summer Sweet and Savory — Summer savory is actually an herb that resembles rosemary. Made with sweet fruit and and Ian’s famous strawberry rhubarb bitters, this crisp concoction is perfect for brunch outdoors or early evening cocktails.

If you really want to show off your hipster cocktail cred, the Blackberry Crush was made for you. Devised of muddled mint, blackberry, and served in a cool mini mason jar, this drink is sure to impress your friends. The secret to getting all of that great flavor and smell from cocktail herbs? SLAP IT. Yes, it sounded a little strange when Ian told us to slap our herbs (in this case, mint), but once we “slapped” it, the herbal essence was much stronger and flavorful. Here are the recipes below. Thank you Ian and Domaine Chandon for the wonderful evening!

Domaine-Chandon-Strawberry-Cocktail

Summer Sweet and Savory Recipe:
Makes one cocktail

3 oz strawberry lemonade
3 dashes of strawberry rhubarb bitters
2 to 3 oz Chandon Blanc de Noirs
Spring of fresh Summer Savory
2 large strawberries, quartered

Pour strawberry lemonade into a shaker. Add the bitters and ice. Shake. Strain into a coupe or other decorative glass. Add the Summer Savory and strawberries. Top with Blanc de Noirs and serve.

Domaine-Chandon-Blackberry-Crush-Recipe

Blackberry Crush Recipe:
Makes one cocktail

7 ripe blackberries
5 mint leaves
1/2 oz agave syrup (or simple syrup)
2-3 oz Chandon Brut Classic
1 lemon slice

Put the blackberries, mint, and agave syrup in the bottom of a rocks glass. Muddle until crushed (be careful not to overdo it!) Add the Brut Classic and then stir. Garnish with lemon slice and serve.