The “Don’t Let Em In Your House…” series are based on events which took place. I will not use actual names and will make every attempt to remain ambiguous while still getting my point across.
I will continuously add more posts over time as each one outlines a distinct, memorable instance which I’ve had the good fortune to experience.
These are dedicated to everybody who works from their home and literally open the doors to members of the general public in order to chase a dream…Caveat Lector.
The Alpha and The Omega
This particular event took place in Fall 2025 and established the last time I would allow access/demos to take place within my home shop. From now on, any work I produce will be available exclusively online along with a generous return policy. In the meantime, I’ll continue to happily ride my motorcycles and bicycles around and work in the shop whenever I am feeling up to it.
Around 2007, the Golden Ratio amp began receiving its first of several reviews. One of them was published in Vintage Guitar Magazine. This caught the attention of a local fellow, The Ampeg Guy (TAG). He cheerfully called me up and introduced himself. IIRC, he mentioned taking his work to Dennis Kager (Ampeg) prior to our meeting. When he read about JCA Circuits being local, the excitement on TAG’s part was undeniable. And for those of you who don’t know, Dennis Kager has a very impressive reputation, so I knew I had some pretty big shoes to fill.
https://www.vintageguitar.com/30845/dennis-kager-renowned-amplifier-and-instrument-designer-passes/
Needless to say, TAG and I established a great working relationship between 2007 and 2025. TAG has a beautiful collection of clean, nicely maintained gear. He is also a very talented player and personality.
Between 2011 and 2020, I happened to be on a hiatus from JCA Circuits. I learned way back that the boutique amplifier/service business is a “Bizarro” version of Music, without the money, fame, or human female groupies. I would occasionally perform some work for a small number of clients whom I felt I knew well in those years.
However, at this time I was primarily interested in doing Photography, which is still my original and favorite hobby (see pic of my Dad and I at Barnegat Lighthouse taken by Mom). I had several pieces of work represented in several prominent galleries and regional shows around the time and found myself enjoying the interaction far more than the “amp business” at the time. I prefer being known as “Photographer” as opposed to “Amp Guru”. I love music, guitar, and electronics. However, I can’t stand the Music Industry for obvious reasons…
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jca345/
Back on topic…
Through the years, I took notice that TAG rarely mentioned his bandmates or others. He would occasionally mention a singer or two along the way but rarely if ever went into detail on any other musicians he was associated with. He almost never mentioned any other guitarists. If he did, there was never a mention of their name. Which I believe may have played into what will be revealed later…I remain unsure.
From about 2020 to 2025, we would go to lunch several times per year. We’d usually frequent Ludwig’s Inn or Limoncello, Chester Springs. Both have excellent food, atmosphere, and you can grab a drink at each. I’m a very little bit Main Line Hoity-Toity myself sometimes and am into old school, higher quality brasserie/bistro style dining. I avoid places with vegan cheesesteaks, pretzel bits, or agitated wheat gluten. HA. Give me a French Dip, Burger, Steak/Seafood, or Classic Italian.
In Fall 2025, TAG messaged me to drop off some work and we would then head to lunch. I’d usually drive since he enjoyed looking at the scenery and I was more familiar with the area. I would typically choose a scenic drive. We had a nice time, good lunch, and wound up back at the shop afterwards.
Once we got back, he expressed some serious interest in the Vibe Prototype. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with it at the time and was considering donating it to a local school, church or studio, etc. I have no need for it at this point-I feel it’s redundant since I have another Vibe plus the Silverface Vibro Champ. He got deadly serious and asked whether I’d be interested in selling it to him. He said something to the effect that he would love to own at least one of my amps. I said sure-make an offer for it. I believe he was a bit unsure so I assured him I wasn’t necessarily looking for the serious money other’s were trading at since JCA Circuits concluded. I accepted his offer and was delighted that he would finally own a JCA Circuits amp. I was really happy for him because he was always so supportive and excited about the work.
We shook hands and he left appearing very pleased, as was I. So, after a few weeks I completed the work he dropped off the day we went to lunch and texted him that it was done. TAG was always a bit eccentric to deal with and we would often have to try a couple different times/methods to solidify a schedule. Haha. That’s normal with him. However, this time, he was being very deliberate in delaying scheduling. It was obvious something wasn’t right. He seemed to be avoiding it for several days which was unusual for him. I wound up calling to ask what’s going on?
He answers and has a downtrodden demeanor. He says that he had to reneg on the offer for the amp. Oh boy. He knows me well and knows that I don’t play games. During our phone/text exchanges, I kind of suspected that might be the case. However, I also know he may have some other stuff going on. I laid into him a bit but said that it’s OK and that let’s schedule to pick up the amps.
He shows up the next day. I had to park him on the street instead of the driveway since I had a contractor performing some work inside that day. I hand-trucked his amplifiers out to his car on the street, where he waited. I noticed he had a few tears. He also has no filter. He said:
TAG: That he couldn’t go through with it…
Me: Go through with what?
TAG: Go through with buying the Vibe Prototype (cheap) and then reselling it to another guitarist he knew for more than what I was going to sell it to him for.
He actually blurted this out loud, teary-eyed, while standing on the road as I helped load his amps into the trunk.
UNREAL
He knew a lot about the struggles, setbacks, bullshit, ripoffs, attitudes, egos, stalkers, harassers, gatekeepers, etc. For years. And that he came to lunch that day with what appears to be the intent to buy an amp cheap. Knowing I am no longer JCA Circuits. And then resell it to a guitar buddy of his. And then said the audacity it out loud.
FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JCA
