Mesa Rectoverb comments?

Re: Mesa Rectoverb comments?

I didn't know a tube swap was considered a "mod" per se :). I'm just reading up on the amp and noticed comments about different tubes, and thought I'd see if you guys had any input.
 
Re: Mesa Rectoverb comments?

FretFire said:
Ah, that's the most detailed description I've received about the KTs. Seems like the majority of people prefer 6L6 tubes in their Mesas.

Most of what I've read about KT-88s are for those looking for a cleaner power amp sound, as the higher headroom keeps your sound from breaking up at higher volumes. Good for strait up cleans, or for pushing your preamp gain hard without distorting the power amp.

As a rhythm guitarist, I really like the way 6L6s break up in a Recto. That said, I'm thinking of experimenting with the Eurotubes "Integrated Quad" thing, just to see what it sounds like.
 
Re: Mesa Rectoverb comments?

FretFire said:
I didn't know a tube swap was considered a "mod" per se :). I'm just reading up on the amp and noticed comments about different tubes, and thought I'd see if you guys had any input.

They're not hard mods, like swapping a transformer, changing cap values, ect...

...but, any time you alter the amp from original factory specs (tubes included), you are modifying the amp and it's tone.
 
Re: Mesa Rectoverb comments?

Yeah, that does sound like a cool concept. The more I read about the Rectoverb the more it sounds like what I'm looking for, I need to keep my eyes peeled for examples to play test or snipe a hell of a deal on Ebay :).
 
Re: Mesa Rectoverb comments?

What differences are there between the Series 1 and 2 Rectoverbs? Is one "better" than the other?
 
Re: Mesa Rectoverb comments?

FretFire said:
What differences are there between the Series 1 and 2 Rectoverbs? Is one "better" than the other?
series 2 have another mode on the red channel, "raw".
 
Re: Mesa Rectoverb comments?

Oh ya, I own a rectoverb. I love the amp, but honestly, I use my eq's and processors to change the sound of it quite a bit...
 
Re: Mesa Rectoverb comments?

I knew of the additional mode, but wasn't sure if they were otherwise identical or if there were other tonal differences.
 
Re: Mesa Rectoverb comments?

FretFire said:
I knew of the additional mode, but wasn't sure if they were otherwise identical or if there were other tonal differences.
nope, not any that i can hear
 
Re: Mesa Rectoverb comments?

Sounds like a very nice amp. One other thing to keep in mind is that even if you want more distortion like a Duel or Triple rec, you can always use a pedal to push it over the top.
 
Re: Mesa Rectoverb comments?

Yeah, I definitely expect to be using pedals to give me lead sounds I want, etc., but I'd like to start with a core sound that I like a lot :).
 
Re: Mesa Rectoverb comments?

FretFire said:
What differences are there between the Series 1 and 2 Rectoverbs? Is one "better" than the other?

The Series 2's have a Bias Select Switch which allows you to use either a set of 6L6 tubes or EL34 tubes. The Series 1's you can only use 6L6 tubes. In my experience I have found that the Series 1's sound better. I've noticed that alot of people prefer the older duals and triples over the new ones as well.
 
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Re: Mesa Rectoverb comments?

I heard that the circuitry in the Series 2's was changed to make them sound more like a dual or triple rectifier.
 
Re: Mesa Rectoverb comments?

The Rectifiers in general are awesome beasts if you know how to tame it. All the tones I hear on the radio and on TV hosting Rectos is absolutely notorious!! I would never go after one if that's what I got out of it! Luckily, I was patient enough to sit with my babe and tweak her till she screamed. And now, I wouldn't take any other high gain amp to it. The cleans are also exceptional for a high gain amplifier.

My advice to you: Don't listen to anything you hear of it, go down to the store and play it for yourself. Set it to Modern, cut back on the bass, push the mids, and keep the treble tamed and prepare to get your socks rocked. :)
 
Re: Mesa Rectoverb comments?

Series 2 has an added mode on the dirty channel. Upped to Raw, Vintage, and Modern.
 
Re: Mesa Rectoverb comments?

Fret,

I could let you give my Series 1 Rect-O-Verb a listen if you wanna give me a call sometime. I run my Series 1 Rect-O-Verb Head Through a Mesa 4x12 cab loaded with Vintage 30's. Let me know if your interested. I would love to help you out dude. :)
 
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Re: Mesa Rectoverb comments?

Oh man, I have a bead on a Series I Recto head for $750 + shipping... here's a couple pics.

Recto1.jpg


Recto2.jpg


Guitarguy, that's a pretty tempting offer :).
 
Re: Mesa Rectoverb comments?

and some comments about it... "No problems at all. No missing parts or noisy pots. Tolex is perfect with exception of two barely visible indentations on the back upper side, I think from leaning the head back once at a gig. I replaced the two power tubes with Mesa tubes about a year or so ago. I haven't even used the amp for about a year since I've tried others.

I'm selling it in hopes of trying something else, maybe another EL34 amp or something. Also, I'm getting married next August and my band is basically calling it quits so I have less need for excess gear."
 
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