Tube Recommendations for MEsa Tremoverb
- Thread starter mwalluk
- Start date
ItsaBass
New member
Re: Tube Recommendations for MEsa Tremoverb
Yes; I suggest testing the tubes before making that decision. Old tube testers are relatively inexpensive, and they will pay for themselves quickly if you have multiple amps...and in time even if you only have one amp. I used to replace tubes based only on time. Once I got my tube tester, and started testing before replacing, I realized how many perfectly good "old" tubes I had likely thrown away over the years.
Yes; I suggest testing the tubes before making that decision. Old tube testers are relatively inexpensive, and they will pay for themselves quickly if you have multiple amps...and in time even if you only have one amp. I used to replace tubes based only on time. Once I got my tube tester, and started testing before replacing, I realized how many perfectly good "old" tubes I had likely thrown away over the years.
ratherdashing
Kablamminator
Re: Tube Recommendations for MEsa Tremoverb
Sorry if this is too obvious, but ... Mesa tubes?
Sorry if this is too obvious, but ... Mesa tubes?
TwilightOdyssey
Darkness on the edge of Tone
Re: Tube Recommendations for MEsa Tremoverb
I just tubed up my Tremo and this is what I ended up with after some tube rolling:
PREAMP
1x OS yellow-label Mullard ECC83
3x JJ ECC803S
1x Tone Grinder Red/Red in Reverb Mixer slot v5
1x Tone Grinder RX100/100 in PI slot v6
POWER AMP
2x JJ EL 34 as inner pair
2x Ruby EL 34 as outer pair
2x EHX 5U4 rectifier tubes
I just tubed up my Tremo and this is what I ended up with after some tube rolling:
PREAMP
1x OS yellow-label Mullard ECC83
3x JJ ECC803S
1x Tone Grinder Red/Red in Reverb Mixer slot v5
1x Tone Grinder RX100/100 in PI slot v6
POWER AMP
2x JJ EL 34 as inner pair
2x Ruby EL 34 as outer pair
2x EHX 5U4 rectifier tubes
Boogie Bill
New member
Re: Tube Recommendations for MEsa Tremoverb
I like three power tubes in my Mark Series Mesas. The Mesa 6L6 is a solid choice. The Groove Tubes 6L6-GE is very good sounding, but they can be inconsistent. My favorite is the Winged C/SED, and especially with their EL34s in the Simul-Class sockets. These have been very consistent, and they hold up well in these high-powered combos.
The Mesas are plug and play. If you use GTs, get them in the 4-6 range. Get the SEDs from a vendor that knows the correct milliamp rating for Mesa amps.
For preamp tubes, I like the GT12AX7-Mullard clone, but you can't get them anymore. I find using all JJs make the amps too dark sounding. I lke the EH version can sometimes sound a little...harsh, tight, etched, bright, detailed...pick one. Tungsols and the EH Mullard might be good choices. And the Mesa pres sound good and they have the best warranty. You may find that using a mix of the various brands can give you the tone you want...known as amplifier blueprinting.
Have fun!
Bill
I like three power tubes in my Mark Series Mesas. The Mesa 6L6 is a solid choice. The Groove Tubes 6L6-GE is very good sounding, but they can be inconsistent. My favorite is the Winged C/SED, and especially with their EL34s in the Simul-Class sockets. These have been very consistent, and they hold up well in these high-powered combos.
The Mesas are plug and play. If you use GTs, get them in the 4-6 range. Get the SEDs from a vendor that knows the correct milliamp rating for Mesa amps.
For preamp tubes, I like the GT12AX7-Mullard clone, but you can't get them anymore. I find using all JJs make the amps too dark sounding. I lke the EH version can sometimes sound a little...harsh, tight, etched, bright, detailed...pick one. Tungsols and the EH Mullard might be good choices. And the Mesa pres sound good and they have the best warranty. You may find that using a mix of the various brands can give you the tone you want...known as amplifier blueprinting.
Have fun!
Bill
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