400+ blowing fuses!

[TONYTHOMAS1956]

Im hoping someone can confirm a cure for my problem. My rig consists of Fender 5 string with Barts> Korg DTR2> 400+> Berhringer Autocom (FX loop)> 2 Avatar B410 Neo's. Last night we were playing a Christmas party when my 400+ started sounding fuzzy dropped volume and ended up blowing a fuse and according to an article in the owners manual it sounds like it may be a tube problem.

I replaced the fuse and fired it back up and all was fine the rest of the night. During the time all this happened I wasnt able to look in the back of the amp to see if any tubes were glowing red like the manual said it would do so I couldnt identify which one it was.
Now, The other day I called Mesa to date the amp and found out it was shipped from them in 03 and was told the STR430 tubes (green code for this amp which it still has) was standard in these amps at that time and they have not used them for the last 5 years so Im thinking its time for a retube. Now if Im right, Im wondering if the 12au7 tube swap thinking it would not drive the power tubes as hard would reduce this problem untill I can retube this beast.

Any and all thoughts needed.

 

[Owl Man]

I bought my 400+ in 2002...I've replaced a blown fuse twice. This past Sat., at a Christmas party, I had powered up about 45 minutes before we were to start playing....just before we started, I discovered that I had a blown fuse also. I had spares, replaced it and was fine the rest of the night. I haven't re-tubed yet since I've owned this amp (purchased new) in '02.
I'm thinking it's time for me to re-tube also.
When I went Mesa's Online Store, I see they offer the 6l6's in what they call "duets" for $42.00...when I set up my order -it looked like they were charging me 42.00 for EACH tube instead of a duet! Is this correct?
I'm confused, perhaps I should call them and check this out.
I would like to order and list my expense as a deduction for this year's taxes.

 

[vermillion]

They are probably 42 a pair ($252 for 12, eeeek!)

So your amp has passed the 5 year warranty, so there is no requirement to use Mesa 6L6s.

Eurotubes and Dougstubes both have gotten good feedback on this board. You can 12 get matched, late distortion, 6L6s from them. I hear Doug is especially helpful, though I haven't bought from him. (search messages on this board for feedback)

While you're at it, you might as well get 4 new preamp tubes ( about $10 each )

let us know how it works out.