Mesa recto help

[mwalluk]

So I'm the proud new owner of a series II Mesa wreck-my-back (rectoverb). I have a few questions, which may or may not relate to other rectos which is why I'm opening it up. First is there always a dramatic volume boost from each gain channel ( in my case raw to vintage to modern?). Modern feels 3 db louder than vintage and so fourth. Also is the reverb even noticeable? I could barely hear it cranked? Maybe a bad tube? Speaking of, since it's used I want to retube it. Any recoimendations? Nad to follow

 

[sixstringsamurai333]

Re: Mesa recto help

If I remember correctly, Vintage to Modern kicks in an extra gain stage, which is why you're hearing the big volume jump. This is why they're modes rather than footswitchable channels. You'll just need to adjust your channel master accordingly. I can't comment on the reverb, I've never owned a Rectoverb.

 

[Gone_Shootin]

Re: Mesa recto help

Congrats!

Here's what I have in my Triple Rec:

- Tung Sol 12AX7s in V1, V2 & V3. They are me favorite for input and gain stages because they are more lively and vibrant than the others I've tried, and seem to have the right ballance of lows mids and highs for me.

- JJ ECC83S (12AX7) tubes in V4 & V5. I mainly use one in buffer positions because of their reputation for durability. Plus in this position it really doesn't color the sound. But In V5 (phase inverter) I absolutely love JJs. Of the tubes I've tried, they seem to make the amp have a little more grunt and growl when used in this position. But beyond that, I really don't care for JJ preamp tubes, they just sound too dull and dark in the input and gain stages for my tastes.

- New Sensor Svetlana EL34s in the poweramp. I researched this tube choice for months before I finally pulled the trigger, and I'm very happy woth them so far. Before it had JJ 6L6s in it and it was flubby and boomy with them. But the EL-34s really tighteded up that bottom end, knocked off some of the top end fizz (there was way too much), and brought up the mids closer to where I like them.

- Sovtek 5AR4 (GZ-34) tubes for rectifiers. I went with the Sovteks because from what I've read, they seem to be one of the more durable new production 5AR4/GZ34 tubes, plus reviews stated that they had tye tightest response. I've never messed with other tubes if this type, so I can't say for certain if those things are true, but so far the reviews Ive read seem to be right so far. They seem to be just as tight as the diode rectifier, but give that extra vibrancy that only tubes have. They are definetly an improvement over tye stock Mesa 5U4s that were in there.

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Mesa recto help

Yep, there will be a volume change between modes.

The reverb on my SeriesI can definitely be heard. Better on clean than ultra gain but it is quite easy to notice and I never had to crank it.

I went with JJs for the power amp and tung sols for the pre.

Congrats on a great and very underrated amp!

 

[Rory61]

Re: Mesa recto help

I have a Rectoverb, and I had the same issue crop up with the reverb. Carbon had built up on the connections, so clean them really well and the verb should come back. The Modern is quite a bit louder, so I always use Vintage mode- plenty of gain for metal tones there. I use Mesa replacement tubes in mine since the bias will be set properly. I swap out the 6l6's for 34's depending on my mood. The 34's will really make it sound hot rodded Marshall when that's what you're after.

 

[chadd]

Re: Mesa recto help

I prefer EL34s in Rectos, but that really comes down to the type of music that you play as much as anything else. Of all the preamp tubes that I have had in mine, I like the EH the most. The Tung Sols aren't bad either and seem to have a lot more top end.

 

[Gone_Shootin]

Re: Mesa recto help

I have a Rectoverb, and I had the same issue crop up with the reverb. Carbon had built up on the connections, so clean them really well and the verb should come back. The Modern is quite a bit louder, so I always use Vintage mode- plenty of gain for metal tones there. I use Mesa replacement tubes in mine since the bias will be set properly. I swap out the 6l6's for 34's depending on my mood. The 34's will really make it sound hot rodded Marshall when that's what you're after.

If you buy power tubes from a place that knows their stuff & has the equipment to select tubes, such as The Tube Store (where I bought mine), Doug's tubes, ect, ect, they will give you power tubes in the proper bias range. All you have to do is tell them what tubes you want and what amp they're going into. And that goes for any fixed bias amp.

And I've gotta disagree about EL34s making a Recto sound like a Hot Rodded Marshall. Along with my Recto I also own a Splawn Pro Mod and a Marshall JVM that I have modded myself. The Mesa still sounds different, even though the Svetlana EL34s are supposed to have the most prononunced midrange of all the new production EL34s. Don't get me wrong, it does have more of a buzzsaw midrange grind with the '34s, but it's still alot more scooped out with more top end fizz than the Splawn and the Marshall.

ETA: And the Mesa doesn't have that throaty roar that Marshalls are known for.

 

[mwalluk]

Re: Mesa recto help

Good to know. I think I might stick with the 6L6s for a while. What's some good brands to get? I heard SED Winged C's are great but also pricey.

 

[Gone_Shootin]

Re: Mesa recto help

I'm not too up on 6L6s, but I read and re-read The Tube Store's tube reviews on EL-34s when I was doing my research. They also have reviews for 6L6s: http://www.thetubestore.com/6L6-Tube-Review

If you do get curious about EL34s, the reviews are here: http://www.thetubestore.com/EL34-Tube-Review

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Mesa recto help

Tubestore rocks... And it's canadian!
Just tell them the tubes are going in a rectoverb and they'll send you some that'll work perfectly with the fixed bias.

I really like the JJs in mine but ai wish I hadn't sold the wingedC set I had before...