[Harp-L] Sonny Jr. SJ1A

["Bill Hines" <billhines4@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I took delivery yesterday of a new (used but new to me!) Sonny Jr. SJ1A
amp. This is one the first series of Sonny Jr. amps, actually #80 I
believe out of production. I wanted a quality amp, something built for
harp because my too-little available time is best spent learning to play
rather than becoming an amp tech to try to learn how to run some
complicated electronic gizmo or do the mods to a 'guitar' amp.
Ability-wise, I tend to feel I'm not deserving of something like this,
but then I want to learn on something good, to grow into something,
rather than to have to keep upgrading my stuff as my abilities progress,
buying and selling, what a hassle. I don't want to be constantly saying
"do I really suck this bad or is it the crappy or too-complex
equipment?". I don't need the thunder of something like the Sonny Jr.
410. This is about 18 watts, but it's 18 *usable* watts, unlike some
amps that you can't turn up past 2-3 due to feedback. This is 18 highly
tuned for harp watts of pure harp-tuned power and thick Chess sound. So
when I saw one of these on ebay recently, I got interested since it was
sitting at $800 for some time. Then, when it shot up to and sold for
over $1500 before the auction ended, I was disappointed. 

Then, I heard about another guy selling one so he could get the 410. Now
I was nervous because this wasn't on ebay so I didn't have the
protection. It was also 3,000 miles away so I couldn't see it or play
through it. I'm too skittish to go for a deal like that. But then Gary
(aka Sonny Jr) stepped in. He vouched personally for the guy who owned
the amp, which made me feel better. Then he did much more. He offered to
have the amp shipped to him, where he had his tech go over it stem to
stern and verify to me that it was in working order. They also did some
mods to bring it up to date on a few things. And threw in a one-year
warranty. Seemed like the deal was done, but then a serious last-minute
miscommunication between the buyer and I on shipping caused a
mini-disaster and some hard feelings. Gary stepped in again and resolved
the issue between us like a true diplomat. Over this month or two
process, he was there through dozens of emails to me, explaining the
nuances of the amp, how to use different tubes, how to line-out, etc. I
won't say what he charged me here for all of his work, but I was pretty
shocked. It was a steal, and I like a bargain and I'm as cheap as the
next guy, but I'm actually paying him *more* than he asked for his
services and efforts to make this happen even though this is a bit of a
rough patch for me lately. My conscience just won't allow me not to. 

So back to the amp. I unpacked it this morning (was exhausted last night
from cross-country travel for work and it was 1am, didn't want to risk
messing something up by playing with it then!). It is truly a thing of
beauty and packed with loving care by Gary and his team. I can't say how
much this amp is a work of art, it's just amazing to look at every
detail, hand soldering with precision, and DEAD MINT. Signed by Sonny Jr
and also the late Sam Hutton, who made the cabinet (and also built the
original Fenders in the 50's and 60's). I was given a huge array of
tubes, spares and optional tubes, and a great cover. This is not just a
musical appliance - it is truly a work of art. Now, I have to finish
this note and my other stupid "real" work before I have to leave for the
day. I hope to get the tubes in and have it all set up to spend some
time playing tomorrow, and maybe bring it out tomorrow night and have
our local harp gunslinger and maestro Mike Easton give it a run. I'll
post later on my opinions after playing it a bit.

So what I'm saying, is that there's always that choice between all of
the options we have, that are talked about out here on harp-l. Some guys
are electronics nuts, gadget freaks, and promote those devices, etc.
What I'm saying is that if you want a true work of art built from top to
bottom with loving care, to have the best made and best damn sounding
amp for chicago blues, and a real HUMAN you can ask questions or get
support from, then consider the boutique route. Of course I recommend
Sonny Jr., in the course of my life I always seem to seek out people who
work on my cars, my house, etc that are *craftsmen* and I pay more but
always get excellent results, I look hard for these people, for example
the guy who will come over and not only give me an estimate on my new
deck or new transmission but exude *passion* when he is talking to me,
then I know I have the guy I want. And through almost 50 years of that
and dealing with some master craftsmen, *NOBODY* comes even close to the
passion and time that Gary put in with me through this process. He drove
the amp back and forth to his tech, an hour each way. Told UPS to go
screw off when they tried to gouge him like they do so many people with
their packing materials and shipping. Yeah, he's cantankerous and
tempermental as you can tell from his posts (a lot more sedate now
though, than he used to be!). Most geniuses are. He doesn't suffer fools
or put up with any bull - he will call you right out if you go there
with him. He is truly a legendary master living in our time. Why should
Gary have cared in my transaction? This was a transaction between
someone buying and selling a used amp, no profit motivation for him. He
cared because it involved one of his "kids", one of his works of art and
he wanted it taken care of. 

Which brings me to my last point - Gary goes under the knife tomorrow
(so what's he doing today? Running around trying to make sure his
customers like me have their stuff instead of resting!). You've all seen
his posts, obviously he's in a lot of pain and concerned about his
health. Take a little time today to ask whatever all-powerful being it
is you believe in for a little extra help for the guy. 

Bill Hines