ToneQuest Report: March 2025 – Vol. 26, No. 5

The Inside:

Celebrating Iconic Tone Through Innovation

“My preference is to play live for people…playing live is like having a rowboat on the ocean.”
—Jerry Garcia

This issue explores the pursuit of iconic tone, featuring innovators and musicians keeping Jerry Garcia’s spirit alive. Milkman Sound’s JG 40 amplifier and Alnico speaker pay homage to Garcia’s sound, blending vintage design with modern precision. Josh Olken of Terrapin Flyer balances homage and individuality, channeling Garcia’s voice while crafting his own. Gear guru Mike Wald shares secrets of custom electronics, ensuring tone authenticity. Rounding it out, the Proton Mk IV envelope filter inspires expressive, dynamic playing, celebrating passion, precision, and innovation

The Milkman Delivers Again – Milkman JG Amp and Alnico Speaker
Tim Marcus of Milkman Sound introduces the JG 40 amplifier and Milkman Alnico speaker, honoring Jerry Garcia’s tone. The amp combines vintage components with modern craftsmanship, featuring rare JBL speakers, custom transformers, and reverb tanks. The Milkman Alnico speaker, a faithful JBL K-120 recreation, offers hi-fi clarity and dynamic response. Whether on stage or at home, the JG 40 and Alnico speaker redefine Jerry-inspired gear, blending heritage and innovation for premium tone. —Scott Ulrichs

Milkman JG 40 Amp – A Hi-Fidelity Marvel

The Milkman JG 40 amplifier delivers 40 watts of hi-fidelity tone inspired by Jerry Garcia. Featuring a custom ply cabinet, JBL speaker, and Fender-style circuitry, it offers warmth, clarity, and EQ flexibility. Perfect for pristine cleans or pushed tones, it enhances articulation and responsiveness. Whether channeling Garcia, Ariel Posen, or vintage slide sounds, the JG 40 is an expertly crafted amp for tone chasers seeking sonic depth, dynamic response, and classic musical expression. —Scott Ulrichs

The Milkman Alnico Speaker – A Faithful JBL Reproduction
The Milkman Alnico speaker recreates the legendary JBL K-120 with precision engineering. It mirrors the original’s tone, sensitivity, and construction, featuring a black basket, four-inch voice coil, and aluminum dust cap. With a magnet charged at 12,000+ gauss, it offers enhanced projection. Whether paired with vintage Fender amps or modern circuits, it surpasses Oxfords and Jensens. Tim Marcus ensures it’s a gold standard for players seeking the rich, resonant sound of vintage JBLs. —Scott Ulrichs

Josh Olken of Terrapin Flyer – Channeling Jerry’s Spirit
Terrapin Flyer’s Josh Olken captures Jerry Garcia’s iconic tone while adding his own distinct style. Using a modded Carvin DC-400, Alembic-style electronics, and JBL-equipped cabinets, his rig reflects meticulous craftsmanship. With Sarno preamps and Mu-FX pedals, he balances homage with individuality, shaping tone through EQ headroom and nuanced phrasing. For Josh, Grateful Dead music is a fusion of American styles, inspiring endless creativity while staying true to Garcia’s signature sound and improvisational spirit. —Scott Ulrichs

A Visit With Mike Wald – Gear Guru Extraordinaire

Mike Wald is a leading expert on Jerry Garcia-inspired gear, known for innovations like his Spud buffer and custom circuits. Collaborating with artists like Josh Olken, he refines rigs for authenticity and tonal versatility. From enhancing Sarno preamps to reworking MacIntosh amps, his expertise ensures impeccable tone. His Tiger-inspired electronics blend vintage accuracy with modern reliability. More than a technician, Wald helps musicians merge Garcia’s influence with their own musical voice and artistry. —Scott Ulrichs

Proton Mk IV – A Sonic Journey Through Dynamics

The Proton Mk IV envelope filter responds dynamically to every nuance of your playing. Excelling in tracking subtleties, especially in the low sweep, it delivers expressive phrasing and tonal fluidity. Inspired by Jerry Garcia’s Mu-Tron III, it pairs seamlessly with overdrive, unlocking creative possibilities. The bold neon pink design reflects its sonic character, making it essential for tone seekers. Whether reinterpreting classics or forging new sounds, the Proton Mk IV expands your musical palette. —Scott Ulrichs