3 Channel Dual Rec

[backwordsman13]

Hi, I'm new to the forum, and I think this question is in the right place, so here it goes. I really like my dual rec's tone for leads, but for rhythms I find that the low end is a bit loose and almost muddy for my taste and was wondering if new tube/different tubes would tighten it up and give it more a of "searing" low end, and if so, what tubes would you recommend or should I just call Doug's tubes?

thanks and sorry if this has been answered several times before.

 

[CaughtLikeFire]

Hi, I'm new to the forum, and I think this question is in the right place, so here it goes. I really like my dual rec's tone for leads, but for rhythms I find that the low end is a bit loose and almost muddy for my taste and was wondering if new tube/different tubes would tighten it up and give it more a of "searing" low end, and if so, what tubes would you recommend or should I just call Doug's tubes?

thanks and sorry if this has been answered several times before.

for a tighter bottom end, you could switch to EL34s - that will give you a more drastic change than just switching to a different type of 6L6. EL34s have more sizzle definitely. Keep in mind that changing preamp tubes will always have a bigger effect than changing power tubes, especially with Mesa amps where the front end has a pretty complex circuit. Doug has found an affordable combination of preamp tubes that work great in Rectifiers - definitely give him a call.

As far as the EL34s go, Mesa STR 450s (which are actually New Old Stock Siemens tubes) are awesome. SED Winged C are great too.

If you do a search for KT77 you'll see that those EL34 type tubes have a little more bass but lose some of the edge and harmonics of a traditional EL34 - smoother tube. This is a good compromise for some guys but not for others.

The Groove Tubes E34L (not the regular JJ-labeled version) is a actually a 30W tube and is pretty cool. I mentioned this to someone else just yesterday but you can use Groove Tubes #5-7 (all their power tubes are rated) in just about every fixed bias Mesa. The E34Ls are not a regular EL34 so you need to drop the number to I think a 4 so they don't run too hot. Give Groove Tubes a quick call -they're cool people to deal with.

My personal recommendation would be a try a true EL34 first, then try an in-betweener like the KT77 or GT E34L if you feel that you lost too much bass. I'd also recommend trying some new preamp tubes (install the power tubes first, rock out, then start tuning your tone with preamp tubes - with the preamp tubes you only need to put the amp on standby to swap them so you can change them around before your ears "forget" what the old tube sounded like). Make sure you have the amp at a decent volume to do your testing - power tubes show their character most when the amp is cranked up.

good luck 8)

 

[Elpelotero]

put GZ34 or 5u4g (not 5u4gb) rectifier tubes and it will tighten up nicely.

 

[backwordsman13]

cool, thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[fishyfishfish]

Try using a different cab or speakers. My DRC sounds fat but flubby through my friends 40 year old Marshall 4x12, but total tractor pull through his Boogie 2x12. Changing tubes in an amp without a bias adjustment is kind of like changing your strings to change your sound. Just a thought.