Mark V - on the FRITZ!

J E C

J E C

New member
My Mark V head started wiggin out yesterday. I am hoping it is a power tube. I called Mesa but they aren't open on Friday.
When it is switched off of standby, the amp starts making this staticy, buzzing, arcing sound, and the V9 tube glows a flashing brighter blue.
At that point, I switch immediately back to standby.
It sees to do it the most on channel 1, and doesn't matter if it is set to the 90, 45, or 10 watt setting.
I took it apart and inspected it. Everything looks good and all the tubes are fully seated and tight.
I had noticed for some time, every once in a while when I turned it on it would do a quick little blue flash, but it always seemed to be Ok.
What do you think?

Any help is much appreciated! Thanks, John
 
Re: Mark V - on the FRITZ!

Tube's getting ready to go.

Sent from my MotoE2(4G-LTE) using Tapatalk
 
Re: Mark V - on the FRITZ!

Thanks! That is what I was thinking, and hoping.
So were is a good place to get tubes? Any suggestions as to what brand is good to run in this amp?
Mesa says to use only there tubes, otherwise it will void the warranty. But, is there an advantage to using something else, as far as tone is concerned?
 
Re: Mark V - on the FRITZ!

J E C said:
Thanks! That is what I was thinking, and hoping.
So were is a good place to get tubes? Any suggestions as to what brand is good to run in this amp?
Mesa says to use only there tubes, otherwise it will void the warranty. But, is there an advantage to using something else, as far as tone is concerned?
Click to expand...

Tube Store or Tube Depot are good sources. I've only tried one other brand of 6L6 in mine and the Mesas were better, but others might be better. I currently use Tung-Sol EL34B'S and Tung-Sol 12AX7 Gold Pin.
 
Re: Mark V - on the FRITZ!

allbutromeo said:
Tube Store or Tube Depot are good sources. I've only tried one other brand of 6L6 in mine and the Mesas were better, but others might be better. I currently use Tung-Sol EL34B'S and Tung-Sol 12AX7 Gold Pin.
Click to expand...
How do you like it with the EL34B's compared to running it with the 6L6's?
 
Re: Mark V - on the FRITZ!

I've done a bit of experimenting with my Mark V combo, but I keep coming back to the Mesa tubes. I would suggest you use the Mesa tubes, and one reason is that they have the best warranty. Mesa's testing standards are tough. Sound pretty good, too! :) I prefer the 6L6 over the EL34 in the Mark V.

If you want to experiment....

My preferred 6L6 and EL34 tubes are the Winged C/SEDs. I've been using these in my Mark IIIs and my Mark IV with excellent results. Hard to find now, and getting expensive. Make sure you buy from an experienced vendor that knows the correct specs for Mesa amps. The Mesa combos can be tough on tubes and some brands don't handle the vibrations in those small enclosures very well.

I have also had pretty good results with the Groove Tubes 6L6-GE reissue. And I will note that I love JJ EL34s in Marshall heads, but I don't like them in Mesas. I do use their EL84s in my Maverick and my DC-3.

Bill
 
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Re: Mark V - on the FRITZ!

I've done a bit of experimenting with my Mark V combo, but I keep coming back to the Mesa tubes. I would use the Mesa tubes...and they have the best warranty. Mesa's testing standards are tough.

If you want to experiment....

My preferred 6L6 and EL34 tubes are the Winged C/SEDs. I've been using these in my Mark IIIs and my Mark IV with excellent results. Hard to find now, and getting expensive. Make sure you buy from an experienced vendor that knows the correct specs for Mesa amps. The Mesa combos can be tough on tubes and some brands don't handle the vibrations in those small enclosures very well.

I have also had pretty good results with the Groove Tubes 6L6-GE reissue. And I will note that I love JJ EL34s in Marshall heads, but I don't like them in Mesas. I do use their EL84s in my Maverick and my DC-3.

Bill
 
Re: Mark V - on the FRITZ!

In my Mesa, I tried JJs and some 1940-s era Russian tubes. I even used a set of modern Electro Harmonix preamp tubes. I hated the JJs and the Russians were ok, didn't like the EHs at all. The Mesa tubes were miles better than those. So, I'd say to stick with them.
 
Re: Mark V - on the FRITZ!

Thanks guys. I was coming to the same conclusion. So far all I have heard is to stay with the Mesa tubes, so that,s what I'll do.
I've got the Mk V head with a 2x12 Recto cab, so hopefully it will be a little easier on tubes than a combo.
Once again, Thank you!

John
 
Re: Mark V - on the FRITZ!

J E C said:
How do you like it with the EL34B's compared to running it with the 6L6's?
Click to expand...

Sorry I took so long to get back. I like the EL34B'S better on channels 2&3 especially channel 2 on edge and crunch modes. I usually set the amp on 45w so I can get the power tubes to just start breaking up, mainly I like the extra upper mids and the way El34s break up better. I do find that channel 1 sounds best with the 6l6s, but since I spend most of my time on 2 I'm willing to make that sacrifice
 
Re: Mark V - on the FRITZ!

Some amps just seem to be engineered around Chinese tubes and Mesa seems to be one of those. The best tones I've gotten are from the Mesa tubes which are screened versions.
 
Re: Mark V - on the FRITZ!

I was able to get some Mesa tubes here in town at a price better than I was seeing on line, plus no shipping cost.
So now for the next question......
How often should the rectifier, preamp, and reverb tubes be replaced ?
 
Re: Mark V - on the FRITZ!

Preamp tubes will typically last several years, and there's no real reason to replace them, unless they go bad--microphonics, shorts, noise, etc. That includes the reverb driver.

Ditto for the rectifier tube. If it works, it's good. Nice feature of the Mesas'...if the rectifier does go bad, you can switch to the solid-state diodes.

Power tubes will last approximately six months, but it depends on how hard you're running your amp. Running it on ten with an attenuator will shorten tube life. Good idea to replace the phase inverter tube when you drop in a new power set.

Refer to your amp's Owner's Manual. Lots of good tube info in there.

Bill
 
Re: Mark V - on the FRITZ!

Thanks Bill. I forgot about the phase inverter tube, and I do need to spend some quality time with owner's manual.

John
 
Re: Mark V - on the FRITZ!

Even for my less-than-a-dozen knob Blue Angel, the owners manual is absolutely essential for understanding it. It seems simple, but there is a lot going on there. I'd imagine a Mark V would have lots of secrets hiding in there.
 
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