The answer is also yes... We have had some sun spots which make abnormally crappy bands during the blast of the spots...however after its super awesome.
Also if you don't know ham bands here is a link
http://www.arrl.org/band-plan-1There is always activity on these frequency almost 24/7
As mentioned 10m has been banging awesome lately.
And no SSB is not dead it's constant activity, ham bands and shortwave.
You might look at publications like monitoring times to get you into the hobby.
Other tips check out WWV on 2.5 5mhz or 10mhz 15 20mhz you should hear the ticks of the clock. Quick propagation and antenna test frequency they are on air 24/7
Some "tips" 14.000 MHz and "up" (up is higher frequency like 15.000mhz) are daytime use frequency .. After sunset they go dark.
Below or down from 14.0mhz is evening and night time frequency's
Winter has more lower bands (below 14) and the lower typically the better. 2mhz-8mhz is very busy with SSB-ham and AM radio.
Hope that sets you on track to fun in shortwave rx!
Most important don't get too discouraged, ask questions lots of people to help! Don't worry a lot with physics of antennas right now just get a lot of wire in the air. If you have any wire just throw weight on a string into some trees then pull up as much wire as you can. Hook that into your radio and your gonna be set for super radio RX.
If your local to south county king,wa I am happy to come assist with wire and donate some invisible wire to get you on the air with radio!
73 de Kelly K7MHI... See you on the air!
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