el34 in a Mesa Single Rec ??

[coolbreeze]

Just wondering what you guys think about el34 in a Mesa Single Rectifier. I've read that a lot of people think it sounds great. I pretty much never use a clean sound. I use the modern gain and play punk/hardcore rhythm guitar. A few lead type things here and there but no solos. Do you think el34 is better suited for this application or should I stick with 6L6 ? all thoughts and opinions welcome. Thanks.

 

[coolbreeze]

Re: el34 in a Mesa Single Rec ??

oh and hi everyone. I've been lurking here for a bit but haven't really posted anything. You guys really offer a wealth of info here. I've spent hours reading some long-ass posts and info about different amps and guitars, hoping to learn a few things.

 

[muttonchopsrule]

Re: el34 in a Mesa Single Rec ??

welcome

it's hard to say if EL34's sound "better" than 6L6, it all depends on what your ears like.

i recommend trying it out, becuase i think EL34's in a recto sound fantastic. and if you don't like it, you still have the 6L6 tubes to put back in.

some will say that you lose a little bottom end with the EL34's, but depending on the cabinet you're using it may or may not make a very significant difference. but with EL34's you will get a lot more crunch, and there will be more of a pronounced and complex midrange.

 

[CapoFirstFret]

Re: el34 in a Mesa Single Rec ??

well personally when i think punk music, I think el34...there's no other tube that's gonna do what you're looking for. You're looking for the sound of a cranked El34 so I think you couldn't possibly go wrong by putting them in.. That's just my personal opinion!

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: el34 in a Mesa Single Rec ??

I prefer the 6L6's. Bigger, punchier, thicker. The EL34's have this weird reaction to my low B on palm mutes... it's really just weird. Also, I felt the EL34's lead tone was much thinner, and yes, I changed the settings.


Now, I need to e-mail Mesa, but I tried the 6L6's on the EL34 setting... damn!

 

[Marcel]

Re: el34 in a Mesa Single Rec ??

Now, I need to e-mail Mesa, but I tried the 6L6's on the EL34 setting... damn!

Maybe you wanna just get the amp modded for a bias pot?

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: el34 in a Mesa Single Rec ??

No, I don't think that'd be worth it. I'd rather spend the cash on a 2nd amp.