Done with EL34s, which 6L6 for Mesa Rectoverb???

S

SemperRhythm

New member
Hello all,

I've been experimenting for about a year with EL34s in my Rectoverb, but I've decided to throw the 6L6s back in. The EL34s are really nice, but the EQ for the Rectoverb was designed around the 6L6 so I'm going to try them again now that I know more about EQing it.

I do know this for anyone looking to put EL34s in their Recto; the JJ E34Ls are thicker and smoother than E.H. EL34s, which were much more crunchy with a brighter edge. Shuaguags (SP?) Winged-Cs have a VERY thick low end, almost too much for the Rectoverb...

So, any suggestions for a 6L6 for the Rectoverb? I'm looking for something thick and smooth but with good clarity, as I do some weird chords sometimes. I'll order them from The Tube Store (www.thetubestore.com) and let them adjust the plate draw for a nice balance between clean and OD.

Anyway, suggestions are welcome, and much needed,

Nathan
 
Re: Done with EL34s, which 6L6 for Mesa Rectoverb???

6l6+recto...............I've read many reviews that say jj 6l6's KICK ALOAD OF UNHOLY ASS in rectos............I would say try 'em out.
 
Re: Done with EL34s, which 6L6 for Mesa Rectoverb???

I just buy mine from the mesa shop. They sell a couple different types. I forget the two types but I've tried them both... one is bassier than the other which come stock with mesas. I've stuck with the stock 6l6 mesa tubes as I like a little tighter bottom.
 
Re: Done with EL34s, which 6L6 for Mesa Rectoverb???

Yes, I need that tight low end for clarity.

I may throw in the orginal 6L6s I still have and see what happens, but suggestions are still welcome and wanted.

Nathan
 
Re: Done with EL34s, which 6L6 for Mesa Rectoverb???

I prefer JJ or EH 6L6's to any others.

Todd at http://www.revolutionguitar.com has GREAT prices and ships the tubes out so fast, they get to me 2 days after ordering.
 
Re: Done with EL34s, which 6L6 for Mesa Rectoverb???

I just emailed Revolution Guitar for their advice. Thanks for the link!

The originals (as I remember) were just a bit aggressive for my tastes. I've heard JJs were smoother which may be a good starting point for me. I haven't heard that much about the E.H. 6L6s.

Thanks guys,
Nathan
 
Re: Done with EL34s, which 6L6 for Mesa Rectoverb???

I've got a three month old quad of JJ 6l6's I pulled out of my Carvin MTS let you have them for $40!
 
Re: Done with EL34s, which 6L6 for Mesa Rectoverb???

Rid said:
KT-66's.
Makes most amps come out of the bushes.
Click to expand...

Yes, but Mesa will tell you that's a no-no. :smack:

Semper-

Shuguangs (Chinese) and Winged-C's (Russian Svetlana's) are two different tubes. Which one was it that had the bass issue? I ask, because I was thinking of trying some EL-34's in my Rectifier.
 
Re: Done with EL34s, which 6L6 for Mesa Rectoverb???

You'll get the best tubes, cheapest from Todd at Revolutionguitar.com Either the Svetlana =C= logo 6L6's or JJ's are your best bet. If you want to spend more, go for the GT 6L6 GE's. Any of those 3 will sound better and be cheaper than Mesa branded tubes. Some of theirs are Sovtek, and the better ones are JJ's....they just label them Mesa. I agree with staying with 6L6's on most Mesas. They were designed around that tube, even though they offer the EL-34 option with the switch on back.
 
Re: Done with EL34s, which 6L6 for Mesa Rectoverb???

Try some EH or GT 6CA7 tubes from Dougs tubes. It is a compromise between the 6l6 and EL34
 
Re: Done with EL34s, which 6L6 for Mesa Rectoverb???

KLINKDETROIT said:
Try some EH or GT 6CA7 tubes from Dougs tubes. It is a compromise between the 6l6 and EL34
Click to expand...

I have some EH 6CA7's laying around, but I thought 6CA7's were a no-no in Mesa's as well. Does Doug recommend them?
 
Re: Done with EL34s, which 6L6 for Mesa Rectoverb???

mrid said:
Shuguangs (Chinese) and Winged-C's (Russian Svetlana's) are two different tubes. Which one was it that had the bass issue? I ask, because I was thinking of trying some EL-34's in my Rectifier.
Click to expand...

Oops, I'm sorry. The Svetlana Winged "C" had the bass issues, if you call it an issue. They just had a more prominent bass than the others which is good if you like that, but I prefer a tighter, higher bass response.
It wasn't bad, but not my cup of tea I guess you could say. E.H. was the tightest of the tubes I tried, but a bit bright for me. JJ's rocked out the best for me.

Sorry for that mis-type.

Nathan
 
Re: Done with EL34s, which 6L6 for Mesa Rectoverb???

I put the stock Mesa tubes back in this afternoon. Overall, much better than I remembered. It's amazing how long it took to completely figure out the EQ on the Mesa equipment. It's nothing like old Marshalls or Fenders really. But, I'm impressed with the stock (Sovteks I believe) 6L6 for right now.

The EQ is definitely more responsive and smoother with 6L6s. The midrange control is definitely setup for use with 6L6. The frequency it adjusts is a bit off for EL34s.

Todd sent me an e-mail today suggesting Groove Tube's 6L6 GE, at $90 a pair... ouch. Besides those, the JJ's were #2.

Nathan
 
Last edited:
Re: Done with EL34s, which 6L6 for Mesa Rectoverb???

well while it's not a mesa, i stuck all JJ 6l6s and 12ax7s in my peavey ultra plus and man did that wake up that amp. it seemed to help all areas of the amp become a bit more defined and while a bit thicker sounding it also made it a bit more punchy sounding if that makes sence, it's hard to explain but i know it was a good choice.

-Mike
 
Re: Done with EL34s, which 6L6 for Mesa Rectoverb???

Email Bob at Eurotubes and tell him what kind of tones you're looking for. He'll tell you exactly what to go with, JJ/Tesla or not.
 
Re: Done with EL34s, which 6L6 for Mesa Rectoverb???

XSSIVE said:
i stuck all JJ 6l6s and 12ax7s in my peavey ultra plus and man did that wake up that amp. it seemed to help all areas of the amp become a bit more defined and while a bit thicker sounding it also made it a bit more punchy sounding if that makes sence, it's hard to explain but i know it was a good choice.

-Mike
Click to expand...
Yes, the JJ EL34s I tried were definitely the best of the EL34s I tried. If that speaks anything for the 6L6s then that is a good starting point.

Nathan
 
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