Tone Zone

Tone Zone Music electronics/ guitar amp repair specialist based in Canberra Australia.

I returned to my old stomping ground in The Big Smoke and visited friends, returning with a Cry Baby wah wah pedal that ...
09/06/2026

I returned to my old stomping ground in The Big Smoke and visited friends, returning with a Cry Baby wah wah pedal that a mate asked me to fix.

The fault was basic and though I could have done it quickly, I took the long road and replaced a battery contact that had corroded away.

I didn’t have the heart to cut the original cable lacing and make this pedal less original.

So this is what an original Thomas Organ company model 95-910511 Cry Baby looks like.
Feast ya eyes!

It sounded pretty good too… but not as good as my favourite. 🤩

I play guitar. Sometimes I play acoustic guitar, sometimes air guitar, most times electric guitar.I’m not a valve amp sn...
29/05/2026

I play guitar. Sometimes I play acoustic guitar, sometimes air guitar, most times electric guitar.

I’m not a valve amp snob! Solid state, modellers and valve amps all have their place. I like them all.

A large difference I hear is not from the type of amp, ie solid state or valve, but is from the volume the amp delivers and is played at.

A small amp that can deliver a maximum sound pressure level of 90DBspl has a much lower dynamic range than an amp that can deliver 120DBspl played loudly.

That means that a smaller powered amp will have less touch sensitivity than one that is driven to a higher power.

If you are wanna feel some excitement- play a high powered amp at high volume. It really allows for a greater amount of expression in playing.

I know it’s not always practical which is why smaller amps and modellers have their place.

One things is for sure- playing loud is fun, but maybe not for the neighbours…

I’m not posting much here on Facebook any more… but I’m still at it… still getting solder splatter on my shirts… still t...
21/05/2026

I’m not posting much here on Facebook any more… but I’m still at it… still getting solder splatter on my shirts… still trying to do my best… still helping when I can.

16/05/2026

Learn to play the guitar the right way!

Ah WTF… a Vamplifier!
17/04/2026

Ah WTF… a Vamplifier!

Instant Toan!
17/04/2026

Instant Toan!

On a recent Guitar Safari I visited Motorcycle Music on the QLD Gold Coast. The proprietor- Gary is an old school Player...
03/04/2026

On a recent Guitar Safari I visited Motorcycle Music on the QLD Gold Coast.
The proprietor- Gary is an old school Player with a great collection of gear and memorabilia. He’s good for a chat too!

If ya nearby- now is the time to visit to catch a glimpse of some of the halcyon days of Aus gigging.

I also had a swim and the water was luscious. Blimey!

This Marshall SC20 amp took a tumble off a balcony after an encounter with a pi**ed punter.The owner was smart and broug...
23/02/2026

This Marshall SC20 amp took a tumble off a balcony after an encounter with a pi**ed punter.

The owner was smart and brought it for service. One EL34 valve was shorted and if he hadda turned on the amp before a fix, things would have not been good.

I straightened the chassis and transformer mounts, tested all the valves and fitted a new set of output valves.

Now it’s back to working well and will hopefully be reliable for years.

Let this one act as a lesson- watch out for pi**ed punters!

Here ya go- a guessing competition!How many solder joints did I touch up in this Marshall VS100R?Make as many guesses as...
18/02/2026

Here ya go- a guessing competition!

How many solder joints did I touch up in this Marshall VS100R?

Make as many guesses as you like.
I will let ya know if ya need to go higher or lower.

Winner gets BU**ER ALL except bragging rights (and lefts).

I’m amazed that Marshall Valvestate amps are still doing the rounds.This one came in for its first service since it was ...
12/02/2026

I’m amazed that Marshall Valvestate amps are still doing the rounds.

This one came in for its first service since it was purchased in 1996- that’s amazing! The reverb was internittently making a loud buzz.

It was standard work- resolder dry joints, change the filter caps and apply lashings of &DettolTM.

Now it’s all tickety-boo. Will it be good for another 30 years- who knows?

Address

Giralang, ACT

Telephone

0403776331

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Tone Zone posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category